Air fryer and how to clean it

Abstract

The present invention provides an air fryer and a cleaning method for the air fryer. The air fryer comprises a shell (20), a pot body (10) and a water box (24). A hot air component (22) is provided in the shell (20). The hot air component (22) comprises a motor (223) and a downwind blade (221) driven by the motor (223). The downwind blade (221) is located on a side of the shell (20) facing the pot body (10). The water box (24) is detachably arranged around the periphery of the downwind blade (221). When the water box (24) is arranged around the periphery of the downwind blade (221), the water box (24) and the shell (20) jointly form a cleaning chamber (240). The shell (20) is provided with a water injection channel (25) that penetrates the shell (20) and is connected to the cleaning chamber (240). The air fryer of the present invention can clean the blade, thereby improving user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to an air fryer and a cleaning method for the air fryer. Background Art

[0002] An air fryer is a cooking appliance that uses rapidly circulating hot air to heat food, so that the cooked food can achieve the effect and taste of fried food.

[0003] An air fryer consists of an outer shell and a pot for holding food. A heating element and fan blades are located on the side of the outer shell facing the pot. The heating element heats the air around it to generate hot air. The fan blades, driven by a driving element, rotate and blow the hot air around the heating element downward into the pot cavity to heat the food inside. When the food inside the pot cavity is heated, oil and other splatter will adhere to the fan blades, making them necessary to clean.

[0004] However, the fan blades of existing air fryers are usually not cleanable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an air fryer and a cleaning method for the air fryer. The air fryer can clean fan blades, thereby improving user experience.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an air fryer, comprising an outer shell, a pot body and a water box, wherein a hot air component is provided in the outer shell, and the hot air component includes a downwind blade, and the downwind blade is located on the side of the outer shell facing the pot body; the water box is detachably arranged around the outer periphery of the downwind blade, and when the water box is arranged around the outer periphery of the downwind blade, the water box and the outer shell jointly form a cleaning cavity; the outer shell is provided with a water injection channel that passes through the outer shell and is connected to the cleaning cavity.

[0007] The air fryer of the present invention includes a shell, a pot body, and a water container. The shell is provided with a hot air assembly, which includes a downwind blade. The downwind blade is located on the side of the shell facing the pot body. The downwind blade can blow hot air downward into the pot body cavity to heat the food in the pot body cavity. By detachably surrounding the water container around the downwind blade, when the water container is surrounded by the downwind blade, the water container and the shell together form a cleaning cavity, so that the downwind blade is located in the cleaning cavity. At the same time, by providing a water injection channel on the shell that passes through the shell and is connected to the cleaning cavity, cleaning liquid can be injected into the cleaning cavity through the water injection channel. At this time, the downwind blade can stir the cleaning liquid in the cleaning cavity or soak and clean the downwind blade, so that the cleaning liquid can fully clean the downwind blade. After cleaning is completed, the water container containing the cleaning liquid only needs to be removed to use the air fryer normally for cooking. The cleaning process is simple to operate, which is conducive to improving user experience.

[0008] In an optional implementation, a switch valve for controlling the on / off state of the water injection channel is provided on the water injection channel, so that the user can flexibly control the amount of cleaning liquid injected into the cleaning chamber and the cleaning time by controlling the switch valve, thereby avoiding the cleaning liquid from entering the inner cavity during the non-cleaning stage, thereby improving the user experience.

[0009] In one optional implementation, the on-off valve includes an adjustment member for adjusting the size of the water injection channel. The adjustment member can adjust the size of the water injection channel, thereby adjusting the flow rate of liquid flowing through the water injection channel. For example, when a user needs to increase the humidity in the pot cavity through the water injection channel, the diameter of the water injection channel can be adjusted to allow water to flow into the pot cavity in a thin stream or droplet. This allows the liquid to evaporate and form steam before contacting the food, thereby increasing the humidity in the pot cavity. This allows the air fryer to wet-cook the food in the pot, which is beneficial for improving the taste of the food.

[0010] In an optional implementation, the air fryer further includes a water injection chamber, which is connected to the water injection channel to facilitate injection of liquid into the water injection channel through the water injection chamber. This not only facilitates liquid injection but also facilitates determining the amount of liquid injected. The on-off valve is configured as a movable cover plate disposed on the bottom surface of the water injection chamber, and the movable cover plate is movably engaged with the bottom surface of the water injection chamber. This not only facilitates regulating the flow of liquid into the water injection channel but also facilitates closing the top opening of the water injection channel when the water injection channel is idle to prevent impurities from falling into the water injection channel.

[0011] In one optional implementation, the movable cover includes a closing portion and a toggle portion, allowing the user to toggle the toggle portion to close or open the top opening of the water injection channel. A chute is provided on the bottom surface of the water injection chamber, allowing the closing portion to be positioned within and slide along the chute to adjust the opening of the top opening of the water injection channel. The chute acts as a limiter and guide for the closing portion, thereby improving the reliability of the movable cover's movement.

[0012] In an optional implementation, a first stop portion is provided on the bottom surface of the water injection chamber, so that one end of the slide away from the water injection channel is formed into a second stop portion, and the movable cover plate can move between the first stop portion and the second stop portion to limit the movement range of the movable cover plate. On the one hand, it can prevent the movable cover plate from slipping out of the slide slot, and on the other hand, it is conducive to limiting the maximum opening and minimum opening of the top opening of the water injection channel.

[0013] In an optional implementation, when the toggle portion abuts against the first stop portion, the opening of the water injection channel is the first opening; when the toggle portion abuts against the second stop portion, the opening of the water injection channel is the second opening, and the second opening is smaller than the first opening. On the one hand, when the user needs to inject cleaning liquid through the water injection channel, the water injection channel can be opened to the first opening so that the cleaning liquid can be quickly injected into the cleaning cavity through the first opening, which is conducive to quickly completing the cleaning work; on the other hand, when the user needs to increase the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body through the water injection channel, the water injection channel can be opened to the second opening so that the liquid can slowly drip in through the second opening, so that the liquid evaporates to form steam before contacting the food to increase the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body, thereby enabling the air fryer to wet-bake the food in the pot body, which is conducive to improving the taste of the food.

[0014] In an optional implementation, by setting the height of the upper surface of the downwind blade to be no higher than the height of the open end of the water box, the downwind blade can be completely immersed in the cleaning liquid in the water box, so as to facilitate a more thorough cleaning of the downwind blade.

[0015] In an optional implementation, the bottom opening of the water injection channel is located above the downwind blades. On the one hand, in the process of injecting cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber through the water injection channel, the cleaning liquid can flush the downwind blades to better clean the downwind blades; on the other hand, when water is dripping through the water injection channel to increase the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body, the dripping water droplets can be broken up by the downwind blades and quickly evaporated, which can not only quickly increase the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body, but also prevent water droplets from falling directly on the food and affecting the taste of the food.

[0016] In an optional implementation, the hot air component is also provided to include a heating element, which is located below or on the periphery of the downwind blade, and the heating element is located in the cleaning chamber. At this time, the heating element can heat the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber, and the downwind blade can stir the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber so that the cleaning liquid can fully clean the downwind blade and the heating element in the cleaning chamber, thereby improving the user experience.

[0017] In an optional implementation, the air fryer also includes a protective mesh cover, which is arranged on the periphery of the hot air component to protect the hot air component and prevent the hot air component from being damaged by collision; by detachably surrounding the water box on the periphery of the protective mesh cover, it not only facilitates the detachable setting of the water box, but also enables the cleaning of the protective mesh cover.

[0018] In an optional implementation, the bottom opening of the water injection channel is located on the inner side of the protective mesh cover. When the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body is increased through the water injection channel, the liquid can drip into the inner side of the protective mesh cover through the water injection channel and evaporate to form steam under the action of the hot air component. The steam can pass through the protective mesh cover into the pot body, thereby not only increasing the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body, but also preventing water droplets from dripping directly onto the food and affecting the taste of the food.

[0019] In an optional implementation, a first snap-fitting portion is provided on the inner wall of the water box, a second snap-fitting portion is provided on the outer wall of the protective mesh cover, and the first snap-fitting portion is matched and engaged with the second snap-fitting portion, thereby facilitating the water box to be detachably arranged around the periphery of the protective mesh cover.

[0020] In an optional implementation, one of the first and second engaging parts can be set as a protrusion and the other as a groove, so that the structure of the first and second engaging parts is relatively simple, thereby facilitating the processing and manufacturing of the water box and the protective mesh cover.

[0021] In an optional implementation, a handle is provided on the outer wall of the water container at a position corresponding to the first engaging portion, and strip grooves are provided on opposite sides of the handle. When the handle is pulled, the side wall of the water container located between the strip grooves is more easily deformed and protrudes outward, thereby facilitating the engagement or disengagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. The provision of an elastic sealing member within the strip groove prevents cleaning fluid entering the cleaning chamber from leaking out of the strip groove. Furthermore, the elastic sealing member does not prevent the side wall of the water container located between the strip grooves from deforming and protruding outward due to the handle.

[0022] In an optional implementation, two first engaging portions are provided, one located on opposite sides of the water box; and two second engaging portions are provided, one corresponding to each of the two first engaging portions. Thus, the water box can be detachably connected to the protective mesh cover via the first engaging portions on opposite sides. This not only simplifies the structure of the water box and the protective mesh cover, but also helps ensure the stability of the water box when it is placed around the protective mesh cover. Furthermore, the user can use both hands to pull the handles toward opposite sides to facilitate installation and removal of the water box.

[0023] In an optional implementation, by setting the first engaging portion as a protrusion and the second engaging portion as a groove, it is helpful to ensure the integrity of the side wall of the water box, and further helps to ensure the sealing of the cleaning cavity formed by the water box and the cover.

[0024] In an optional implementation, a sealing rubber ring is provided at the open end of the water box and is abutted against the outer shell, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid from leaking from the gap between the water box and the outer shell, thereby facilitating the sealing of the cleaning cavity formed by the water box and the outer shell.

[0025] In an optional implementation, a sealing rubber ring is provided at the open end of the water box, and the sealing rubber ring is interference fit with the outer wall of the protective mesh cover, so that the water box can be installed on the outer wall of the protective mesh cover through the sealing rubber ring, which not only facilitates the installation and disassembly of the water box, but also helps to ensure the sealing of the cleaning chamber.

[0026] In an optional implementation, by providing the water injection chamber with a chamber cover, and making the chamber cover openable and covering the water injection chamber, on the one hand, impurities can be prevented from falling into the water injection chamber; on the other hand, the integrity and aesthetics of the appearance of the air fryer can be ensured.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for cleaning an air fryer, which is applied to any of the air fryers described above, and the cleaning method includes: injecting cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber of the air fryer through the water injection channel of the air fryer; stirring the cleaning liquid at a constant speed or a variable speed through the downwind blades of the air fryer to clean the components in the cleaning chamber; and removing the water box of the air fryer.

[0028] In the air fryer cleaning method of the present invention, cleaning liquid is injected into the cleaning chamber of the air fryer through the air fryer's water injection channel. The cleaning liquid is then stirred at a constant or variable speed by the air fryer's downwind blades, allowing the cleaning liquid to fully contact the components in the cleaning chamber, including the downwind blades, and to flush away dirt on the surfaces of the components in the cleaning chamber, thereby achieving a relatively thorough cleaning of the components in the cleaning chamber. Finally, the cleaning process can be completed by simply removing the air fryer's water container. This not only simplifies the air fryer cleaning process but also improves the cleaning effect.

[0029] In an optional implementation, the cleaning method of the air fryer also includes: heating the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber by the heating element of the air fryer, thereby improving the cleaning ability of the cleaning liquid; stirring the cleaning liquid by the downwind blade during or after heating, so that the cleaning liquid can fully contact the components in the cleaning chamber, including the downwind blade, and flush away the stains on the surface of the components in the cleaning chamber, so that the components in the cleaning chamber can be cleaned more thoroughly, thereby further improving the cleaning effect.

[0030] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present invention described above, the technical features that constitute the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions, other technical problems that can be solved by the air fryer provided by the present invention, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an air fryer provided in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the air fryer provided in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the air fryer provided in the first embodiment of the present invention when the cleaning function is implemented;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the air fryer provided in the first embodiment of the present invention when the wet baking function is realized;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a partial exploded view of the air fryer provided in Example 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a protective mesh cover of an air fryer provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the water box of the air fryer provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the water box of the air fryer provided in Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the water box of the air fryer provided in Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a partial exploded view of the air fryer provided in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 111 is a schematic structural diagram of a protective mesh cover of an air fryer provided in a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of the water box of the air fryer provided in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Description of reference numerals:

[0045] 10-pot body; 20-shell;

[0046] 21-cover; 22-hot air assembly;

[0047] 221-downwind blade; 222-heating element;

[0048] 223-motor; 224-upper wind blade;

[0049] 23-protective mesh cover; 231-second engaging portion;

[0050] 24-water box; 240-cleaning chamber;

[0051] 241-first engaging portion; 242-handle portion;

[0052] 243-strip groove; 244-elastic sealing element;

[0053] 245-sealing rubber ring; 25-water injection channel;

[0054] 251-top opening; 252-bottom opening;

[0055] 26-upper shell; 261-water injection chamber;

[0056] 2611-first stopper; 2612-second stopper;

[0057] 2613-chute; 262-cavity cover;

[0058] 27- movable cover; 271- covering portion;

[0059] 272-toggle part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In the prior art, an air fryer comprises an outer shell and a pot body for holding food. A hot air assembly is housed within the outer shell. The hot air assembly comprises a motor, an upper fan blade, a lower fan blade, and a heating element. The upper fan blade and the lower fan blade are both mounted on the output shaft of the motor, with the lower fan blade and the heating element located on the side of the outer shell facing the pot body. The heating element heats the air surrounding it, and the lower fan blade rotates under the drive of the motor, blowing the hot air around the heating element downward into the pot body to heat the food inside. The upper fan blade rotates under the drive of the motor to dissipate heat from the motor.

[0061] When heated, oil, water, or food residue splashes onto the air fryer's downwind blades and other components. Cleaning these components is necessary to ensure the safety and health of the food being cooked. However, the downwind blades of conventional air fryers are often difficult to clean, resulting in the accumulation of oil and other stains, which in turn affects the safety and health of the food being cooked in the air fryer and reduces the user experience.

[0062] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an air fryer, which includes a shell, a pot body, and a water container. The shell is provided with a hot air assembly, which includes a downwind blade. The downwind blade is located on the side of the shell facing the pot body. The downwind blade can blow hot air downward into the pot body cavity to heat the food in the pot body cavity. By detachably surrounding the water container around the downwind blade, when the water container is located around the downwind blade, the water container and the shell together form a cleaning chamber, so that the downwind blade is located in the cleaning chamber. At the same time, by providing a water injection channel on the shell that passes through the shell and is connected to the cleaning chamber, cleaning liquid can be injected into the cleaning chamber through the water injection channel. In this case, the downwind blade can stir the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber or soak and clean the downwind blade, so that the cleaning liquid can fully clean the downwind blade. After cleaning is completed, the air fryer can be used normally for cooking by simply removing the water container containing the cleaning liquid. The cleaning process is simple to operate, which is conducive to improving the user experience.

[0063] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0064] Example 1

[0065] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an air fryer provided in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the air fryer provided in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the air fryer provided in the first embodiment of the present invention when the cleaning function is implemented; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the air fryer provided in the first embodiment of the present invention when the wet baking function is realized; Figure 5 This is a partial exploded view of the air fryer provided in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 6 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a protective mesh cover of an air fryer provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 7This is an exploded view of the water box of the air fryer provided in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the water box of the air fryer provided in Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the water box of the air fryer provided in Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0066] Reference Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this embodiment provides an air fryer, which includes a housing 20, a pot body 10, and a water container 24. The pot body 10 is used to hold food; a hot air assembly 22 is disposed within the housing 20. For example, the air fryer can be a top-opening air fryer, i.e., the housing 20 can include an upper shell 26 and a lid 21, with the hot air assembly 22 disposed within the upper shell 26; or, the air fryer can be a side-opening air fryer, i.e., the housing has a heating chamber with an opening located on a side of the housing, the pot body can be received within the heating chamber through the opening, and the hot air assembly 22 is disposed above the heating chamber.

[0067] The hot air assembly 22 includes a motor 223 and a downwind blade 221 driven by the motor 223. The downwind blade 221 is located on the side of the housing 20 facing the pot body 10. A water container 24 is detachably mounted around the downwind blade 221. Specifically, when the water container 24 is mounted around the downwind blade 221, the water container 24 and the housing 20 together form a cleaning chamber 240. Furthermore, the housing 20 is provided with a water injection channel 25 that passes through the housing 20 and communicates with the cleaning chamber 240. This facilitates the injection of cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber 240 to clean the downwind blade 221 within the cleaning chamber 240. When the water container 24 is not mounted around the downwind blade 221, the air fryer can continue cooking normally. Alternatively, the water container 24 may be made of plastic, such as polypropylene.

[0068] In practice, when cleaning the downwind blades 221 inside the cover 21 is desired, the water container 24 is first positioned around the downwind blades 221, so that the water container 24 and the outer shell 20 together form a cleaning chamber 240. At this point, the downwind blades 221 are located within the cleaning chamber 240. Cleaning liquid, such as water or a mixture of water and detergent, is then injected into the cleaning chamber 240 through the water inlet channel 25. The cleaning function of the air fryer is then activated, i.e., the cleaning liquid within the cleaning chamber 240 is stirred by the downwind blades 221, allowing the cleaning liquid to clean the downwind blades 221 within the cleaning chamber 240. After cleaning is complete, the water container 24 is removed and the remaining wastewater is discarded. With the water container 24 removed, the air fryer can resume normal cooking operations.

[0069] It is understandable that the above cleaning process can be repeated multiple times according to actual needs, so as to clean the downwind blades 221 in the cleaning chamber 240 more thoroughly.

[0070] The air fryer of this embodiment includes an outer shell 20, a pot body 10 and a water box 24. A hot air component 22 is provided in the outer shell 20. The hot air component 22 includes a downwind blade 221. The downwind blade 221 is located on the side of the outer shell 20 facing the pot body 10. The downwind blade 221 can blow hot air downward into the inner cavity of the pot body 10 to heat the food in the inner cavity of the pot body 10. By detachably surrounding the downwind blades 221, the water box 24 and the housing 20 together form a cleaning chamber 240, positioning the downwind blades 221 within the cleaning chamber 240. Furthermore, by providing a water injection channel 25 on the housing 20 that penetrates the housing 20 and communicates with the cleaning chamber 240, cleaning liquid can be injected into the cleaning chamber 240 through the water injection channel 25. At this point, the downwind blades 221 can stir the cleaning liquid within the cleaning chamber 240 or soak and clean the downwind blades 221, ensuring that the cleaning liquid thoroughly cleans the downwind blades 221. After cleaning, the air fryer can be used normally by simply removing the water box 24 containing the cleaning liquid. This makes the cleaning process simple and improves the user experience.

[0071] In an optional implementation, an on-off valve for controlling the on / off state of the water injection channel 25 can be provided on the water injection channel 25. This allows the user to flexibly control the amount of cleaning liquid injected into the cleaning chamber 240 and the cleaning time by controlling the on-off valve, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid from entering the inner cavity of the pot body 10 during the non-cleaning phase, thereby improving the user experience. The structure, installation method, and installation position of the on-off valve on the water injection channel 25 can be configured according to actual needs, as long as it can achieve the purpose of controlling the on / off state of the water injection channel 25. These details will not be elaborated here.

[0072] Furthermore, the on-off valve can include an adjustment member for adjusting the size of the water injection channel 25. The adjustment member can adjust the size of the water injection channel, thereby adjusting the flow rate of liquid flowing through the water injection channel 25. For example, when a user needs to increase the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body 10 through the water injection channel 25, the size of the water injection channel 25 can be adjusted so that water flows into the inner cavity of the pot body 10 in a thin stream or droplet shape. This allows the liquid to evaporate and form steam before contacting the food, thereby increasing the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body 10. This allows the air fryer to wet-cook the food in the pot body 10, which is beneficial for improving the taste of the food. The structure and configuration of the adjustment member can be configured according to actual needs, as long as it can meet the purpose of adjusting the size of the water injection channel 25. These details will not be elaborated here.

[0073] Reference Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the air fryer may further include a water injection chamber 261, which is in communication with the water injection channel 25, so as to facilitate the injection of liquid into the water injection channel 25 through the water injection chamber 261. For example, the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261 may be in communication with the top opening 251 of the water injection channel 25, so that water in the water injection chamber 261 can flow smoothly into the water injection channel 25. This not only facilitates the injection of liquid into the water injection channel 25 for cleaning, but also facilitates the determination of the amount of liquid entering the water injection channel 25 based on the amount of water added to the water injection chamber 261. For example, a water level scale may be provided on the inner sidewall of the water injection chamber 261.

[0074] In an optional implementation, the housing 20 may include an upper shell 26 and a lid 21. The lid 21 is positioned over the pot body 10 to enclose the pot body 10 and form a heating chamber for heating food. The upper shell 26 is located on the side of the lid 21 facing away from the pot body 10. Typically, the hot air assembly also includes a motor 223 and upper blades 224. Both the motor 223 and the upper blades 224 are located on the side of the lid 21 facing away from the pot body 10, with the upper blades 224 positioned between the motor 223 and the lid 21. Specifically, the lid 21 has a through hole, and the output shaft of the motor 223 passes through the through hole, allowing the upper blades 224 and the lower blades 221 to be positioned on the output shaft of the motor 223. The upper shell 26 is configured to cover the motor 223 and the upper blades 224. This not only provides protection for the motor 223 and the upper blades 224, but also helps maintain the integrity and aesthetics of the air fryer.

[0075] The water injection chamber 261 can be set at the top of the upper shell 26 to facilitate the user to add liquid into the water injection chamber 261; or the water injection chamber 261 can also be set at other positions of the upper shell 26, as long as it can meet the requirements of this embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0076] In other optional implementations, the water injection chamber 261 can also be located at other locations on the housing 20 as needed. The water injection chamber 261 can be integral with the housing 20 or a component mounted on the housing 20. The specific structure and arrangement of the water injection chamber 261 can be determined based on actual needs and will not be further described here.

[0077] The switch valve can be a movable cover plate 27 arranged on the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261. The movable cover plate 27 is movably matched with the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261 to facilitate the adjustment of the opening of the top opening 251 of the water injection channel 25. On the one hand, it is convenient to adjust the liquid flow rate flowing into the water injection channel 25. On the other hand, it is convenient to close the top opening 251 of the water injection channel 25 when the water injection channel 25 is idle to prevent impurities from falling into the water injection channel 25.

[0078] Furthermore, the water injection chamber 261 may also include a chamber cover 262, which can be opened and closed on the water injection chamber 261. On the one hand, it can prevent impurities from falling into the water injection chamber 261; on the other hand, it can ensure the integrity and aesthetics of the appearance of the air fryer.

[0079] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in an optional implementation, a movable cover 27 can be provided including a covering portion 271 and a toggle portion 272. For example, the covering portion 271 can be attached to the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261 and can slide along the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261 to cover or open the top opening 251 of the water injection channel 25; one end of the toggle portion 272 can be connected to the covering portion 271, and the other end extends in a direction away from the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261, so that the user can toggle the toggle portion 272 to make the covering portion 271 cover or open the top opening 251 of the water injection channel 25.

[0080] The bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261 can be provided with a slide groove 2613. The cover portion 271 is located in the slide groove 2613 and can slide along the slide groove 2613 to adjust the opening of the top opening 251 of the water injection channel 25. The slide groove 2613 can limit and guide the cover portion 271, thereby improving the reliability of the movement of the movable cover plate 27. For example, there can be two slide grooves 2613, each located on either side of the cover portion 271 along the sliding direction.

[0081] A first stop 2611 can also be provided on the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261. A second stop 2612 is formed at the end of the chute 2613 away from the water injection channel 25. The movable cover 27 can move between the first stop 2611 and the second stop 2612, thereby limiting the range of movement of the movable cover 27. This prevents the movable cover 27 from slipping out of the chute 2613 and helps to limit the maximum and minimum openings of the top opening 251, thereby meeting the different requirements of the top opening 251 of the air fryer.

[0082] For example, when the toggle portion 272 abuts the first stopper 2611, the opening of the water injection channel 25 is the first opening. When the toggle portion 272 abuts the second stopper 2612, the opening of the water injection channel 25 is the second opening, and the second opening is smaller than the first opening. That is, the first opening is the maximum opening of the water injection channel 25, and the second opening is the minimum opening of the water injection channel 25. On the one hand, when the user needs to inject cleaning liquid through the water injection channel 25, the water injection channel 25 can be opened to the first opening to facilitate rapid injection of cleaning liquid into the cleaning cavity 240 through the first opening, thereby facilitating rapid cleaning. On the other hand, when the user needs to increase the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body 10 through the water injection channel 25, the water injection channel 25 can be opened to the second opening to facilitate slow dripping of liquid through the second opening. This allows the liquid to evaporate and form steam before contacting the food, thereby increasing the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body 10. This allows the air fryer to wet-cook the food in the pot body 10, thereby improving the taste of the food. Moreover, the second opening is relatively small to prevent the liquid from dripping in too quickly and not having time to evaporate and dripping directly onto the food, affecting the taste of the food.

[0083] In other optional implementations, the movable cover plate 27 can be rotatably connected to the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261. Rotating the movable cover plate 27 can change the relative position between the movable cover plate 27 and the top opening 251 of the water injection channel 25, thereby adjusting the opening of the top opening 251 of the water injection channel 25. For example, the rotation axis can be perpendicular to the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261 or parallel to the bottom surface of the water injection chamber 261. The specific structure and configuration of the movable cover plate 27 and the rotation axis can be determined according to actual needs and will not be further described here.

[0084] Optionally, the height of the upper surface of the downwind blade 221 can be set to be no higher than the height of the opening end of the water box 24, that is, the height of the upper surface of the downwind blade 221 can be lower than the height of the opening end of the water box 24 or flush with the height of the opening end of the water box 24, so that when the cleaning liquid contained in the water box 24 is sufficient, the downwind blade 221 can be completely immersed in the cleaning liquid in the water box 24, so as to facilitate a more thorough cleaning of the downwind blade 221.

[0085] In an optional implementation, the bottom opening 252 of the water injection channel 25 can be set above the downwind blade 221. On the one hand, in the process of injecting cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber 240 through the water injection channel 25, the cleaning liquid can directly flush the downwind blade 221 to better clean the downwind blade 221; on the other hand, when water is dripped through the water injection channel 25 to increase the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body 10, the dripping water droplets can be broken up by the downwind blade 221 and quickly evaporated, thereby not only quickly increasing the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body 10, but also preventing water droplets from falling directly on the food and affecting the taste of the food.

[0086] In other optional implementations, the bottom opening 252 of the water injection channel 25 can also be arranged to be located above the heating element 222. On the one hand, in the process of injecting cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber 240 through the water injection channel 25, the cleaning liquid can directly flush the heating element 222 to better clean the heating element 222; on the other hand, when water is dripped through the water injection channel 25 to increase the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body 10, the dripping water droplets can be directly heated and evaporated by the heating element 222, thereby not only quickly increasing the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body 10, but also preventing water droplets from falling directly on the food and affecting the taste of the food.

[0087] Reference Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the hot air assembly 22 may further include a heating element 222. For example, the heating element 222 may be a heating tube. The heating element 222 is located below or on the periphery of the downwind blade 221 and is located within the cleaning chamber 240. In a specific implementation, the heating element 222 may heat the cleaning liquid within the cleaning chamber 240, and the downwind blade 221 may stir the cleaning liquid within the cleaning chamber 240 so that the cleaning liquid can fully clean the downwind blade 221 and the heating element 222 within the cleaning chamber 240, thereby improving the user experience.

[0088] Reference Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the air fryer may further include a protective mesh cover 23, which is arranged on the periphery of the hot air component 22 so that the protective mesh cover 23 can protect the hot air component 22 and prevent the hot air component 22 from being damaged by collision. Exemplarily, the protective mesh cover 23 may be a metal protective mesh cover. On the one hand, the strength of the metal protective mesh cover is relatively large, which is conducive to forming more reliable protection for the hot air component 22. On the other hand, the metal protective mesh cover has better high temperature resistance.

[0089] The water box 24 is detachably arranged around the periphery of the protective mesh cover 23. On the one hand, it is convenient to detachably arrange the water box 24 on the protective mesh cover 23, and on the other hand, it is possible to clean the protective mesh cover 23. Of course, the water box 24 can also be directly detachably connected to the housing 20.

[0090] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, optionally, the bottom opening of the water injection channel can be arranged on the inner side of the protective mesh cover. When the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body is increased through the water injection channel, the liquid can drip into the inner side of the protective mesh cover through the water injection channel and evaporate to form steam under the action of the hot air component. The steam can pass through the protective mesh cover and enter the pot body, thereby not only increasing the humidity in the inner cavity of the pot body, but also preventing water droplets from dripping directly onto the food and affecting the taste of the food.

[0091] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 9 As shown, a first snap-fitting portion 241 can be provided on the inner wall of the water box 24, and a second snap-fitting portion 231 can be provided on the outer wall of the protective mesh cover 23. By matching and engaging the first snap-fitting portion 241 with the second snap-fitting portion 231, the water box 24 can be detachably arranged around the periphery of the protective mesh cover 23.

[0092] In an optional implementation, one of the first engaging portion 241 and the second engaging portion 231 can be set as a protrusion and the other as a groove, so that the structure of the first engaging portion 241 and the second engaging portion 231 is relatively simple, thereby facilitating the processing and manufacturing of the water box 24 and the protective mesh cover 23.

[0093] For example, the first engaging portion 241 can be configured as a protrusion and the second engaging portion 231 as a groove, thereby eliminating the need for a groove on the water storage box 24. This helps ensure the integrity of the sidewall of the water storage box 24, and further helps ensure the sealing of the cleaning chamber 240 formed by the water storage box 24 and the cover 21. Of course, the first engaging portion 241 can also be configured as a groove and the second engaging portion 231 as a protrusion.

[0094] Optionally, a handle portion 242 is provided on the outer wall of the water box 24 at a position corresponding to the first engaging portion 241, and strip grooves 243 are provided on opposite sides of the handle portion 242, so that when the handle portion 242 is pulled, the side walls of the water box 24 located between the strip grooves 243 are more likely to deform and protrude outward, thereby facilitating the engagement or disengagement of the first engaging portion 241 and the second engaging portion 231 with each other.

[0095] Exemplarily, the strip groove 243 can be located on the left and right sides of the handle portion 242, or on the upper and lower sides of the handle portion 242; the strip groove 243 can be a straight strip groove, an arc strip groove, or a broken strip groove. It should be noted that the specific structure and specific position of the strip groove 243 can be set according to actual needs, as long as the purpose of this embodiment can be achieved, and no further details will be given here.

[0096] An elastic seal 244 is provided in the strip groove 243. On the one hand, the elastic seal 244 can prevent the cleaning liquid entering the cleaning chamber 240 from leaking out from the strip groove 243; on the other hand, the elastic seal 244 will not prevent the side wall of the water box 24 located between the strip grooves 243 from being deformed under the drive of the handle part 242.

[0097] In one implementation, two first engaging portions 241 may be provided, one located on opposite sides of the water tray 24. Furthermore, two second engaging portions 231 may be provided, one corresponding to each of the two first engaging portions 241. This allows the water tray 24 to be detachably connected to the protective mesh 23 via the first engaging portions 241 on opposite sides. This not only simplifies the structure of the water tray 24 and the protective mesh 23, but also helps ensure the stability of the water tray 24 when placed around the protective mesh 23. Furthermore, a user can use both hands to pull the handles 242 toward opposite sides to facilitate installation and removal of the water tray 24.

[0098] In other implementations, there may be one first engaging portion 241 and one corresponding second engaging portion 231, with the first engaging portion 241 and the second engaging portion 231 being detachably connected, so that the water box 24 can be detachably mounted around the periphery of the protective mesh cover 23. Alternatively, there may be multiple first engaging portions 241, for example, three or four, with the multiple first engaging portions 241 spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the outer wall of the water box 24. Accordingly, there may be multiple second engaging portions 231, with the multiple second engaging portions 231 corresponding to the multiple first engaging portions 241, respectively. The multiple first engaging portions 241 and the multiple second engaging portions 231 are detachably connected, so that the water box 24 can be detachably mounted around the periphery of the protective mesh cover 23.

[0099] In other optional implementations, the first engaging portion 241 can be an internal thread, and the second engaging portion 231 can be an external thread that matches the internal thread; or the first engaging portion 241 can be a hook, and the second engaging portion 231 can be a ring that matches the hook. The first engaging portion 241 and the second engaging portion 231 can also be configured in other implementation forms according to actual needs, as long as they meet the requirements of this embodiment, and will not be further described here.

[0100] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a sealing rubber ring 245 can be provided at the open end of the water box 24. When the water box 24 is arranged around the periphery of the protective mesh cover 23, the sealing rubber ring 245 abuts against the outer shell 20, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid from leaking from the gap between the water box 24 and the outer shell 20, which is beneficial to ensure the sealing of the cleaning cavity 240 formed by the water box 24 and the outer shell 20.

[0101] Furthermore, a sealing rubber ring 245 may be provided to have an interference fit with the outer wall of the protective mesh cover 23 , so that the water box 24 can be more reliably arranged around the periphery of the protective mesh cover 23 , thereby facilitating the sealing of the cleaning chamber 240 .

[0102] The air fryer of this embodiment includes an outer shell 20, a pot body 10 and a water box 24. A hot air component 22 is provided in the outer shell 20. The hot air component 22 includes a downwind blade 221. The downwind blade 221 is located on the side of the outer shell 20 facing the pot body 10. The downwind blade 221 can blow hot air downward into the inner cavity of the pot body 10 to heat the food in the inner cavity of the pot body 10. By detachably surrounding the downwind blades 221, the water box 24 and the housing 20 together form a cleaning chamber 240, positioning the downwind blades 221 within the cleaning chamber 240. Furthermore, by providing a water injection channel 25 on the housing 20 that penetrates the housing 20 and communicates with the cleaning chamber 240, cleaning liquid can be injected into the cleaning chamber 240 through the water injection channel 25. At this point, the downwind blades 221 can stir the cleaning liquid within the cleaning chamber 240 or soak and clean the downwind blades 221, ensuring that the cleaning liquid thoroughly cleans the downwind blades 221. After cleaning, the air fryer can be used normally by simply removing the water box 24 containing the cleaning liquid. This makes the cleaning process simple and improves the user experience.

[0103] Example 2

[0104] Figure 10 This is a partial exploded view of the air fryer provided in the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a protective mesh cover of an air fryer provided in a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of the water box of the air fryer provided in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Reference Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the present embodiment provides an air fryer. The difference between the air fryer of the present embodiment and the air fryer of the first embodiment is that: a sealing rubber ring 245 is provided at the open end of the water box 24, and the sealing rubber ring 245 is interference fit with the outer wall of the protective mesh cover 23, so that the water box 24 can be directly installed on the outer wall of the protective mesh cover 23 through the sealing rubber ring 245, and there is no need to provide a first clamping part 241 and a second clamping part 231 that cooperate with each other between the water box 24 and the protective mesh cover 23. On the first hand, it is convenient for installing and disassembling the water box 24. On the second hand, it is conducive to simplifying the structure of the water box 24 and the protective mesh cover 23. On the third hand, it is conducive to ensuring the integrity and sealing of the water box 24.

[0106] Other technical features are the same as those in Example 1 and can achieve the same or similar technical effects, which will not be described here one by one. Please refer to the description of Example 1 for details.

[0107] Example 3

[0108] This embodiment provides a method for cleaning an air fryer. This method can be applied to any of the air fryers provided in the above embodiments. The method comprises: injecting cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber 240 of the air fryer through the water inlet channel 25 of the air fryer. Agitating the cleaning liquid at a constant or variable speed using the downwind blades 221 of the air fryer to clean the components within the cleaning chamber 240. Removing the water container from the air fryer.

[0109] In the air fryer cleaning method of this embodiment, cleaning liquid is injected into the cleaning chamber 240 of the air fryer through the air fryer's water inlet channel 25. The cleaning liquid is then stirred at a constant or variable speed by the air fryer's downwind blades 221. This allows the cleaning liquid to fully contact the components within the cleaning chamber 240, including the downwind blades 221, and flush away dirt on the surfaces of the components within the cleaning chamber 240, thereby providing a relatively thorough cleaning of the components within the cleaning chamber 240. Finally, the cleaning process is completed by simply removing the air fryer's water container 24. This not only simplifies the air fryer cleaning process but also improves the cleaning effect.

[0110] Furthermore, the air fryer cleaning method may further include: heating the cleaning liquid within the cleaning chamber 240 via the air fryer's heating element 222, and stirring the cleaning liquid via the downwind blades 221 simultaneously or after heating. Heating the cleaning liquid improves the cleaning ability of the cleaning liquid, and the stirring of the downwind blades 221 allows the cleaning liquid to fully contact the components within the cleaning chamber 240, flushing away dirt on the surfaces of the components within the cleaning chamber 240. This allows for a relatively thorough cleaning of the components within the cleaning chamber, further improving the cleaning effect. The components within the cleaning chamber 240 include the downwind blades 221, the heating element 222, and the protective mesh cover 23.

[0111] It should be noted that the descriptions of “upper” and “lower” in this application are based on the orientation of the air fryer when it is placed flat on a horizontal surface and maintained in a normal use state.

[0112] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air fryer, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shell (20), a pot body (10) and a water box (24); a hot air assembly (22) is provided in the shell (20); the hot air assembly (22) comprises a motor (223), a downwind blade (221) driven by the motor (223), and a heating element (222); the downwind blade (221) is located on a side of the shell (20) facing the pot body (10); and the heating element (222) is located below the downwind blade (221); The water box (24) is detachably arranged around the periphery of the downwind blade (221), and the height of the upper surface of the downwind blade (221) is not higher than the height of the opening end of the water box (24); when the water box (24) is arranged around the periphery of the downwind blade (221), the water box (24) and the housing (20) jointly form a cleaning cavity (240), and the downwind blade (221) and the heating element (222) are both located in the cleaning cavity (240); the housing (20) is provided with a water injection channel (25) that passes through the housing (20) and is in communication with the cleaning cavity (240), and the bottom end opening (252) of the water injection channel (25) is located above the downwind blade (221).

2. The air fryer according to claim 1, characterized in that The water injection channel (25) is provided with an on-off valve for controlling the on-off of the water injection channel (25).

3. The air fryer according to claim 2, characterized in that The switch valve comprises an adjusting member for adjusting the caliber of the water injection channel (25).

4. The air fryer according to claim 2, characterized in that It also includes a water injection chamber (261), the water injection chamber (261) is communicated with the water injection channel (25), the switch valve is a movable cover plate (27) arranged on the bottom surface of the water injection chamber (261), and the movable cover plate (27) is movably matched with the bottom surface of the water injection chamber (261).

5. The air fryer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The movable cover plate (27) comprises a covering portion (271) and a toggling portion (272); a sliding groove (2613) is provided on the bottom surface of the water injection cavity (261); the covering portion (271) is located in the sliding groove (2613) and can slide along the sliding groove (2613).

6. The air fryer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the water injection chamber (261) is provided with a first stop portion (2611), and an end of the slide groove (2613) away from the water injection channel (25) is formed as a second stop portion (2612), and the movable cover plate (27) is movable between the first stop portion (2611) and the second stop portion (2612).

7. The air fryer according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the toggle portion (272) abuts against the first stop portion (2611), the opening of the water injection channel (25) is a first opening; when the toggle portion (272) abuts against the second stop portion (2612), the opening of the water injection channel (25) is a second opening, and the second opening is smaller than the first opening.

8. The air fryer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: It also includes a protective mesh cover (23), which is arranged on the periphery of the hot air component (22), and the water box (24) is detachably arranged around the periphery of the protective mesh cover (23).

9. The air fryer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The bottom opening (252) of the water injection channel (25) is located inside the protective mesh cover (23).

10. The air fryer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inner side wall of the water box (24) is provided with a first engaging portion (241), and the outer side wall of the protective net cover (23) is provided with a second engaging portion (231), and the first engaging portion (241) and the second engaging portion (231) are matched and engaged.

11. The air fryer according to claim 10, characterized in that: A handle portion (242) is provided on the outer side wall of the water container (24) at a position corresponding to the first engaging portion (241), strip grooves (243) are provided on opposite sides of the handle portion (242), and elastic sealing members (244) are provided in the strip grooves (243); and / or, There are two first engaging parts (241), and the two first engaging parts (241) are respectively located on opposite sides of the water container (24); there are two second engaging parts (231), and the two second engaging parts (231) correspond to the two first engaging parts (241); and / or, The first engaging portion (241) is a locking protrusion, and the second engaging portion (231) is a locking groove.

12. The air fryer according to claim 10, characterized in that The open end of the water box (24) is provided with a sealing rubber ring (245), and the sealing rubber ring (245) abuts against the housing (20); and / or, The sealing rubber ring (245) is interference-fitted with the outer side wall of the protective mesh cover (23).

13. A method for cleaning an air fryer, characterized in that: The cleaning method is applied to the air fryer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the cleaning method comprises: Injecting cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber (240) of the air fryer through the water injection channel (25) of the air fryer; stirring the cleaning liquid at a constant speed or a variable speed through the downwind blades (221) of the air fryer to clean the components in the cleaning chamber (240); The water container (24) of the air fryer is removed.

14. The method for cleaning an air fryer according to claim 13, wherein: Also includes: The cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber (240) is heated by the heating element (222) of the air fryer, and stirred by the downwind blade (221) during or after heating.

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