A rice cooking method and a rice cooking appliance

Abstract

This application discloses an easy-to-clean cooking appliance and a method for cooking rice. The cooking appliance includes a pot body with a accommodating cavity and an inner pot. The pot body is equipped with a cooling device, and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity has air vents. The accommodating cavity has a first cooling side and a second cooling side, which are arranged opposite to each other. The cooling device has a first working state of sending airflow from the first cooling side to the second cooling side, and a second working state of sending airflow from the second cooling side to the first cooling side. The two working states alternate to allow cold air to circulate and cool the inner pot, causing condensation to form on the inner wall of the inner pot. The cold airflow in the accommodating cavity changes direction at regular intervals, alternately cooling the inner pot on the first and second cooling sides. This reduces the temperature difference between the two sides of the inner pot, improves the uniformity of cooling, ensures the non-stick effect of the inner pot in all areas, and enhances the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of kitchen utensil technology, specifically relating to an easy-to-clean cooking utensil and a method for cooking rice. Background Technology

[0002] Cooking appliances typically use a heating plate to heat the food inside the inner pot. During the cooking process, the inner pot needs to be in contact with the heating plate, meaning the heating plate heats the inner pot through contact heat transfer.

[0003] Currently, some rice cookers achieve non-stick properties by cooling the inner pot, without the need for a coating. Before cooking is finished, cold air is blown onto the outer wall of the inner pot to cool it down, forming a water film between the inner pot and the food, thus reducing food sticking.

[0004] This cooling method uses a fan to blow air onto the outer surface of the inner liner to cool it. When the air first contacts the inner liner, the cooling effect is good due to the low temperature. However, as the contact time between the airflow and the inner liner increases, the air is continuously heated as it flows over the outer surface, gradually increasing in temperature. By the time the airflow reaches the other side of the inner liner, its temperature is already high, reducing its cooling effect on that side. Therefore, in the entire cooling duct, cooling is faster upstream and slower downstream, and the temperature difference between the two sides of the inner liner increases as the cooling process continues. This results in uneven cooling on both sides of the inner liner, with one side having a better non-stick effect and the other side having a poorer non-stick effect, thus affecting the overall non-stick performance of the inner liner and leading to a poor user experience.

[0005] Therefore, for cooking appliances with uncoated inner pots, how to improve the uniformity of cooling of the inner pot by cold air and make all areas of the inner pot have good non-stick properties has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides an easy-to-clean cooking appliance and a method for cooking rice, in order to solve the problem of uneven cooling effect in different areas of the inner pot of cooking appliances without a coating.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0008] An easy-to-clean cooking appliance includes a pot body with a accommodating cavity and an inner pot placed within the accommodating cavity. A heating device is provided at the bottom of the accommodating cavity, and a wind-cooling device is provided on the pot body. An air vent is formed on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity. The accommodating cavity has a first cooling side and a second cooling side, which are arranged radially opposite to each other along the inner pot. The wind-cooling device has a first operating state that sends airflow from the first cooling side to the second cooling side, and a second operating state that sends airflow from the second cooling side to the first cooling side. The first operating state and the second operating state are operated alternately to allow cold air to surround and cool the inner pot, and condensation forms on the inner wall of the inner pot.

[0009] The air-cooling device includes a first fan, which is disposed on the first cooling side. In the first working state, the first fan rotates forward to blow airflow, and in the second working state, the first fan rotates in reverse to draw airflow; or, the first fan is disposed on the second cooling side, and in the first working state, the first fan rotates in reverse to draw airflow, and in the second working state, the first fan rotates forward to blow airflow.

[0010] The air-cooling device includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan is disposed on the first cooling side, and the second fan is disposed on the second cooling side. In the first working state, the first fan rotates to blow airflow, and in the second working state, the second fan rotates to blow airflow.

[0011] Both the first fan and the second fan are equipped with cooling components, which are activated synchronously with the first fan and the second fan to reduce the temperature of the airflow blown out by the first fan and the second fan.

[0012] The cooking appliance also includes an air guide disposed at the air vent, the air guide having an air outlet, at least a portion of the air outlet being inclined toward the bottom of the accommodating cavity.

[0013] The air outlet is provided with a partition rib to divide the air outlet into a first air outlet channel and a second air outlet channel. The first air outlet channel faces the bottom of the receiving cavity, and the second air outlet channel faces the side wall of the inner liner.

[0014] The inner liner includes a bottom wall and a side wall. The heating device has a first flow gap with the bottom wall, and the side wall has a second flow gap with the inner wall of the accommodating cavity.

[0015] The inner liner also includes a transition section located between the bottom wall and the side wall, and a third flow gap is provided between the transition section and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity. The volume of the third flow gap is greater than the volumes of the first flow gap and the second flow gap.

[0016] The pot body has a support rib along its opening edge, the inner liner has an outward flange, the outward flange rests against the support rib, and there is a heat dissipation gap between the support rib and the outward flange; and / or, both the first cooling side and the second cooling side have heat dissipation vents.

[0017] This application also discloses a rice cooking method using the aforementioned easy-to-clean cooking appliance. The rice cooking method includes: a cooking stage in which the heating device heats the inner pot; a first cooling stage in which the air-cooling device operates in the first working state for a duration of T1; a second cooling stage in which the air-cooling device alternately operates in the first working state and the second working state, wherein the first working state and the second working state each operate for a duration of T2; and a third cooling stage in which the air-cooling device operates in the second working state for a duration of T3; wherein T1 < T2, and T3 < T2.

[0018] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows:

[0019] 1. The air-cooling device of the cooking appliance described in this application has a first working state and a second working state. When the air-cooling device operates in the first working state, it blows cold air from the first cooling side to the second cooling side. In this state, the first cooling side is upstream of the cold airflow, and the second cooling side is downstream of the cold airflow. The airflow temperature on the first cooling side is lower, and the inner pot is cooled better on this side. However, as the airflow flows, it exchanges heat with the inner pot, and the airflow temperature gradually increases. Therefore, the airflow temperature on the second cooling side is higher, and the inner pot is cooled worse on this side. When the air-cooling device operates in the second working state, the direction of the cold airflow changes to flow from the second cooling side to the first cooling side. In this state, the second cooling side is upstream of the cold airflow, and the first cooling side is downstream of the cold airflow. Therefore, the inner pot is cooled better on the second cooling side and less effectively on the first cooling side. The first and second working states operate alternately, causing the cold airflow in the accommodating cavity to change direction at regular intervals. This alternately cools the inner liner on the first and second cooling sides, allowing the two cold airflows to surround the inner liner. This significantly reduces the temperature difference between the two sides of the inner liner, enabling them to cool and lower each other at a relatively low temperature. At the end of the cooling process, the temperatures on both sides of the inner liner are closer together, improving the uniformity of cooling and ensuring the non-stick effect of the inner liner in all areas, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0020] 2. In a preferred embodiment of this application, the air-cooling device includes a first fan disposed on the first cooling side. In the first operating state, the first fan rotates forward to blow airflow, and in the second operating state, the first fan rotates in reverse to draw airflow. In this embodiment, the air-cooling device uses a single first fan, utilizing its forward and reverse rotation to switch between the two operating states, thereby reducing the number of components in the air-cooling device, simplifying the structure, and saving costs. When the air-cooling device is in the first operating state, the first fan rotates forward to blow airflow from the first cooling side to the second cooling side. When the air-cooling device is in the second operating state, the first fan rotates in reverse to draw airflow, drawing airflow from the second cooling side to the first cooling side.

[0021] 3. In a preferred embodiment of this application, the air-cooling device includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan is disposed on the first cooling side, and the second fan is disposed on the second cooling side. In the first operating state, the first fan rotates to blow airflow, and in the second operating state, the second fan rotates to blow airflow. In this embodiment, one fan is disposed on each of the first and second cooling sides. By controlling the alternating start of the first and second fans, the airflow direction is switched, ensuring the airflow efficiency in both states. Furthermore, it allows the two fans a brief rest cooling period during the cooling process, preventing the first or second fan from operating for extended periods, which could lead to a temperature rise and consequently increase the airflow temperature, affecting the cooling effect.

[0022] 4. In a preferred embodiment of this application, a partition rib is provided at the air outlet to divide the air outlet into a first air outlet channel and a second air outlet channel. The first air outlet channel faces the bottom of the receiving cavity, and the second air outlet channel faces the side wall of the inner liner. A portion of the airflow from the air guide flows out through the first air outlet channel toward the bottom of the receiving cavity. This portion of the airflow contacts and surrounds the bottom wall of the inner liner, specifically cooling the bottom wall of the inner liner and preventing food inside the inner liner from sticking to the bottom wall. Another portion of the airflow flows out through the second air outlet channel toward the side wall of the inner liner. This portion of the airflow contacts and cools the side wall of the inner liner, and is guided by the side wall of the inner liner to flow to the other side of the inner liner to surround the side wall of the inner liner. Thus, through the above two airflows, the bottom wall and side wall of the inner liner have a good cooling effect, further improving the uniformity of cooling of the inner liner and ensuring the non-stick effect at all parts of the inner liner.

[0023] 5. This application also discloses a rice cooking method using the aforementioned easy-to-clean cooking appliance. The rice cooking method includes: a cooking stage in which the heating device heats the inner pot; a first cooling stage in which the air-cooling device operates in the first working state for a duration of T1; a second cooling stage in which the air-cooling device alternately operates in the first working state and the second working state, wherein the first working state and the second working state each operate for a duration of T2; and a third cooling stage in which the air-cooling device operates in the second working state for a duration of T3; wherein T1 < T2, and T3 < T2. In the initial stage of the cooling phase, the air-cooling device operates in the first working state for a short period to "pre-cool" the inner pot. During this stage, the temperature of the inner pot drops rapidly on the first cooling side, while the temperature drops more slowly on the second cooling side. To avoid a large temperature difference between the two sides of the inner pot, this stage is short in duration. After precooling, the second cooling stage begins. The air-cooling device alternates between the first and second operating states during this stage. In this stage, the temperature on both sides of the inner liner decreases alternately, maintaining a low temperature difference to ensure uniform cooling of the inner liner. In the third cooling stage, the air-cooling device operates in the second operating state for a shorter period to further reduce the temperature difference on both sides of the inner liner until the temperatures on both sides become uniform. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the easy-to-clean cooking appliance according to one embodiment of this application, wherein the solid arrow indicates the flow direction of the airflow in the accommodating cavity of the air-cooling device in the first working state, and the dashed arrow indicates the flow direction of the airflow in the accommodating cavity of the air-cooling device in the second working state.

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of area A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of area B in the middle;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the easy-to-clean cooking appliance according to another embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5This is a graph showing the temperature versus time relationship of the inner pot of the cooking appliance described in one embodiment of this application during the cooling phase on the first cooling side and the second cooling side.

[0030] in:

[0031] 1. Pot body; 11. Receiving cavity; 111. First cooling side; 112. Second cooling side; 113. Heat dissipation vent; 12. Support rib;

[0032] 2. Inner liner; 21. Outward flange; 22. Heat dissipation gap; 23. First flow gap; 24. Second flow gap; 25. Third flow gap;

[0033] 3. Heating device;

[0034] 4. First fan;

[0035] 5. Air guide; 51. First air outlet duct; 52. Second air outlet duct;

[0036] 6. Second fan. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0039] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0040] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "implementation," "example," "a particular embodiment," "example," or "specific example," etc., indicate that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an easy-to-clean cooking appliance includes a pot body 1 with a accommodating cavity 11 and an inner pot 2 placed within the accommodating cavity 11. A heating device 3 is provided at the bottom of the accommodating cavity 11, and a wind-cooling device is provided in the pot body 1. An air vent is formed on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 11. The accommodating cavity 11 has a first cooling side 111 and a second cooling side 112, which are arranged radially opposite to each other along the inner pot 2. The wind-cooling device has a first working state that sends airflow from the first cooling side 111 to the second cooling side 112, and a second working state that sends airflow from the second cooling side 112 to the first cooling side 111. The first working state and the second working state are operated alternately to allow cold air to surround and cool the inner pot 2, and condensation forms on the inner wall of the inner pot 2.

[0043] The cooking appliance described in this application achieves non-stick properties by using air cooling to lower the temperature of the inner pot 2 at the end of the cooking stage. Specifically, at the end of the cooking stage, when the food is completely gelatinized, the air cooling device blows cold air into the accommodating cavity 11, causing the cold air to come into contact with the outer wall of the inner pot 2, thereby removing the heat from the inner pot 2 and rapidly cooling the outer wall of the inner pot 2. Therefore, when the high-temperature steam inside the inner pot 2 encounters the cooler inner pot wall, it will quickly liquefy, forming a water film between the food and the inner wall of the inner pot 2, preventing the food from directly contacting the inner wall of the inner pot 2 and thus preventing it from sticking to the inner wall of the inner pot 2.

[0044] The air-cooling device of the cooking appliance described in this application has a first working state and a second working state. When the air-cooling device is operating in the first working state, the air-cooling device blows cold air from the first cooling side 111 to the second cooling side 112. In this state, the first cooling side 111 is upstream of the cold air and the second cooling side 112 is downstream of the cold air. The air temperature on the first cooling side 111 is lower, and the inner pot 2 has a better cooling effect on this side. However, as the air flows, it exchanges heat with the inner pot 2, and the temperature of the air gradually increases. Therefore, the temperature of the air on the second cooling side 112 is higher, and the cooling effect on the inner pot 2 on this side is worse.

[0045] When the air-cooling device is operating in the second working state, the direction of the cold airflow changes to flow from the second cooling side 112 to the first cooling side 111. In this state, the second cooling side 112 is upstream of the cold airflow, and the first cooling side 111 is downstream of the cold airflow. Therefore, the inner liner 2 has a better cooling effect on the second cooling side 112 and a poorer cooling effect on the first cooling side 111.

[0046] The first and second working states operate alternately, causing the cold airflow in the accommodating cavity 11 to change direction at regular intervals. This alternately cools the inner liner 2 on the first cooling side 111 and the second cooling side 112, causing the two cold airflows to surround the inner liner 2. This significantly reduces the temperature difference between the two sides of the inner liner 2, allowing the two sides of the inner liner 2 to cool and lower alternately with a smaller temperature difference. At the end of the cooling process, the temperatures on both sides of the inner liner 2 are closer together, improving the uniformity of cooling and ensuring the non-stick effect of the inner liner 2 in all areas, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0047] Furthermore, in this application, the accommodating cavity 11 is arranged radially oppositely as the first cooling side 111 and the second cooling side 112, so that the cold airflow has a first flow direction from the first cooling side 111 to the second cooling side 112, and a second flow direction from the second cooling side 112 to the first cooling side 111. Of course, more sets of cooling sides can also be arranged along the circumference of the accommodating cavity 11, and in conjunction with the air-cooling device, the cold airflow can have more flow directions, so that the cold airflow has a better circumferential effect on the inner liner 2, and further improves the uniformity of cooling the inner liner 2. No specific limitation is made here.

[0048] It should be noted that this application does not specifically limit the structure of the air-cooling device, which can be one of the following embodiments:

[0049] Implementation Method 1: In this implementation method, as follows Figure 1As shown, the air-cooling device includes a first fan 4, which can rotate forward and reverse to blow and suck air, thereby adjusting the airflow direction in the accommodating cavity 11.

[0050] For example, in one specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first fan 4 is disposed on the first cooling side 111. In the first working state, the first fan 4 rotates forward to blow airflow, and in the second working state, the first fan 4 rotates in reverse to draw airflow.

[0051] In this embodiment, the air-cooling device employs a single first fan 4, which switches between two operating states by rotating in both directions. This reduces the number of components in the air-cooling device, simplifies the structure, and saves costs. When the air-cooling device is in the first operating state, the first fan 4 rotates forward to blow airflow from the first cooling side 111 to the second cooling side 112. When the air-cooling device is in the second operating state, the first fan 4 rotates in reverse to draw airflow from the second cooling side 112 to the first cooling side 111.

[0052] In another specific embodiment, the first fan 4 is disposed on the second cooling side 112. In the first working state, the first fan 4 reverses to draw airflow, and in the second working state, the first fan 4 rotates forward to blow airflow.

[0053] Implementation Method Two: In this implementation method, as follows Figure 4 As shown, the air-cooling device includes a first fan 4 and a second fan 6. The first fan 4 is disposed on the first cooling side 111, and the second fan 6 is disposed on the second cooling side 112. In the first working state, the first fan 4 rotates to blow airflow, and in the second working state, the second fan 6 rotates to blow airflow.

[0054] In this embodiment, a fan is provided on the first cooling side 111 and the second cooling side 112. By controlling the first fan 4 and the second fan 6 to start alternately, the airflow direction is switched, ensuring the airflow efficiency in both states. It also allows the two fans to have a short rest time during the cooling process, preventing the first fan 4 or the second fan 6 from working for a long time and causing the temperature to rise, which would then affect the cooling effect.

[0055] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the state of the other fan when one of the fans is running. In one embodiment, when one of the fans is rotating, the other fan stops working. Taking the first working state as an example, in this working state, the first fan 4 rotates to blow the cold air from the first cooling side 111 to the second cooling side 112, and the second fan 6 stops working, so that there is no interference with the airflow in the accommodating cavity 11, thereby ensuring the flow efficiency of the airflow and preventing turbulence.

[0056] In another embodiment, when one of the fans is running, the other fan runs in reverse to create a suction force on the airflow. Again, taking the first operating state as an example, in this state, the first fan 4 runs, pushing the cold airflow within the accommodating cavity 11, sending the cold airflow from the first cooling side 111 to the second cooling side 112. Simultaneously, the second fan 6 runs in reverse to create a suction force on the airflow, thereby accelerating the airflow and causing the cold airflow to quickly flow from the first cooling side 111 to the second cooling side 112, and then being discharged under the suction of the second fan 6.

[0057] Of course, in this embodiment, both the first fan 4 and the second fan 6 can be configured as suction structures. That is, in the first working state, the second fan 6 operates to draw cold air from the first cooling side 111 to the second cooling side 112, and in the second working state, the first fan 4 operates to draw cold air from the second cooling side 112 to the first cooling side 111.

[0058] Preferably, both the first fan 4 and the second fan 6 are provided with cooling components, which are started synchronously with the first fan 4 and the second fan 6 to reduce the temperature of the airflow blown out by the first fan 4 and the second fan 6.

[0059] When one of the fans blows air, the airflow carries away the heat from the inner liner 2 and flows past the fan on the other side. This causes the temperature of the fan on that side to rise, resulting in the airflow carrying some heat during operation and affecting the cooling effect. Furthermore, prolonged operation of one of the fans also generates heat, causing the airflow temperature to rise and impacting the cooling effect. The cooling components cool the first fan 4 and the second fan 6, ensuring that the airflow from both fans maintains a low temperature and improving the cooling effect.

[0060] As a preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the cooking appliance also includes an air guide 5 disposed at the air vent, the air guide 5 having an air outlet, at least a portion of the air outlet being inclined toward the bottom of the receiving cavity 11.

[0061] The air outlet is tilted downwards, causing the cold airflow to blow towards the bottom of the inner pot 2 at a certain angle. This allows the cold airflow to cool the lower part of the inner pot 2 first, and then circulates around the inner pot 2 from bottom to top, cooling the lower part of the inner pot 2. Since the temperature at the bottom of the inner pot 2 is relatively high and food tends to accumulate there, it is more likely to stick to the pot. The cold airflow first concentrates on cooling the bottom of the inner pot 2, and then flows upwards along the inner pot 2 to cool the sides of the inner pot, improving the anti-stick effect and the uniformity of cooling.

[0062] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, a partition rib is provided at the air outlet to divide the air outlet into a first air outlet channel 51 and a second air outlet channel 52. The first air outlet channel 51 faces the bottom of the receiving cavity 11, and the second air outlet channel 52 faces the side wall of the inner liner 2.

[0063] The airflow from the air guide 5, part of which flows out towards the bottom of the accommodating cavity 11 via the first air outlet channel 51, contacts and surrounds the bottom wall of the inner liner 2, specifically cooling the bottom wall of the inner liner 2 to prevent food from sticking to it. Another part of the airflow flows towards the side wall of the inner liner 2 via the second air outlet channel 52, contacting and cooling the side wall of the inner liner 2, and then, guided by the side wall, flows to the other side of the inner liner 2, surrounding it. Thus, both airflows provide good cooling to the bottom and side walls of the inner liner 2, further improving the uniformity of cooling and ensuring a non-stick effect at all points within the inner liner 2.

[0064] Preferred, such as Figure 4 As shown, the inner liner 2 includes a bottom wall and a side wall. The heating device 3 has a first flow gap 23 between itself and the bottom wall, and a second flow gap 24 between the side wall and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 11.

[0065] The bottom and side walls of the inner liner 2 have gaps with the accommodating cavity 11 to reduce wind resistance, allow airflow on both sides of the inner liner 2, ensure unobstructed airflow, and improve flow efficiency and cooling efficiency.

[0066] It should be noted that this application does not specifically limit the formation method of the first flow gap 23, which can be one of the following embodiments:

[0067] Example 1: In this example, the heating device 3 is an electromagnetic coil, which heats the inner liner 2 via electromagnetic heating. Therefore, the inner liner 2 does not need to contact the heating device 3 to achieve heating, thus forming the first flow gap 23 between the bottom wall of the inner liner 2 and the heating device 3. This example, through electromagnetic heating, not only improves heating efficiency but also ensures that the first flow gap 23 always exists between the inner liner 2 and the heating device 3, thereby facilitating heat flow during heating and cold air flow during cooling.

[0068] Example 2: In this example, the heating device 3 is a heating plate that contacts the inner pot 2 to achieve heating. The heating plate has a liftable structure. During cooking, the heating plate rises to contact and heat the bottom wall of the inner pot 2. During cooling, the heating plate descends and separates from the bottom wall of the inner pot 2 to form the first flow gap 23 between them.

[0069] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the inner liner 2 also includes a transition section located between the bottom wall and the side wall, and a third flow gap 25 is provided between the transition section and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity 11. The volume of the third flow gap 25 is greater than the volume of the first flow gap 23 and the second flow gap 24.

[0070] The outer wall of the inner liner 2 typically uses a rounded transition at the junction of the bottom wall and the side wall. This smooth transition results in a shorter dwell time for airflow, leading to poor cooling in this area. This application addresses this by increasing the volume of the third flow gap 25 between the transition section and the accommodating cavity 11. This reduces the flow velocity of the cold airflow through this gap, causing it to briefly accumulate within the gap. This prolongs the contact time between the cold airflow and the transition section, allowing for more thorough contact and heat removal, thus improving the cooling effect and preventing food sticking.

[0071] This application does not specifically limit the outflow location of the airflow within the accommodating cavity 11. In one embodiment, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the pot body 1 has a support rib 12 along the opening edge, the inner liner 2 has an outward flange 21, the outward flange 21 rests against the support rib 12, and there is a heat dissipation gap 22 between the support rib 12 and the outward flange 21.

[0072] When the air-cooling device is running in the first working state, the cold airflow flows from the first cooling side 111 to the second cooling side 112, contacts the inner liner 2 to cool the inner liner 2, and then the temperature of the airflow rises and flows upward along the inner liner 2, finally flowing out from the pot opening. The airflow fully contacts the bottom wall and side wall of the inner liner 2, improving the cooling effect on the inner liner 2.

[0073] In another implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, both the first cooling side 111 and the second cooling side 112 are provided with heat dissipation vents 113.

[0074] The air-cooling device not only promotes airflow but also assists in the outflow of hot air. Under the action of the air-cooling device, the airflow in the accommodating cavity 11 can flow out quickly through the air-cooling device, thereby improving the heat dissipation speed.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the pot body 1 has a support rib 12 along its opening edge, the inner liner 2 has an outward flange 21, the outward flange 21 rests against the support rib 12, and there is a heat dissipation gap 22 between the support rib 12 and the outward flange 21; at the same time, both the first cooling side 111 and the second cooling side 112 have heat dissipation vents 113.

[0076] By providing heat dissipation channels at both the edge of the pot and the air-cooling device, the ways in which heat can flow out are increased. For example, when the air-cooling device is running in the first working state, part of the airflow flowing to the second cooling side 112 can flow out through the heat dissipation port 113 under the action of the air-cooling device, and part of the airflow surges up along the side wall of the inner liner 2, cools the side wall of the inner liner 2, and then flows out from the heat dissipation gap 22.

[0077] This application also discloses a rice cooking method using the aforementioned easy-to-clean cooking appliance. The rice cooking method includes: a cooking stage in which the heating device 3 heats the inner pot 2; a first cooling stage in which the air-cooling device operates in the first working state for a duration of T1; a second cooling stage in which the air-cooling device alternately operates in the first working state and the second working state, wherein the first working state and the second working state each operate for a duration of T2; and a third cooling stage in which the air-cooling device operates in the second working state for a duration of T3; wherein T1 < T2, and T3 < T2.

[0078] In the initial stage of the cooling phase, the air-cooling device operates in the first working state for a short period to "pre-cool" the inner liner. During this stage, the temperature of the inner liner 2 drops rapidly on the first cooling side 111, while the temperature drops more slowly on the second cooling side 112. To avoid a large temperature difference between the two sides of the inner liner 2, this stage is short in duration. After pre-cooling, the second cooling phase begins, where the air-cooling device alternates between the first and second working states. In this stage, the temperature on both sides of the inner liner 2 drops alternately, and a low temperature difference is maintained between the two sides to ensure uniform cooling of the inner liner 2. In the third cooling phase, the air-cooling device operates in the second working state for a short period to further reduce the temperature difference between the two sides of the inner liner 2 until the temperatures on both sides of the inner liner 2 become uniform.

[0079] Specifically, in one embodiment, the complete cooling phase of the cooking appliance is 6 minutes, and the temperature versus time curves of the inner pot 2 on the first cooling side 111 and the second cooling side 112 are shown in the figure below. Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 The solid line represents the temperature-time change curve of the inner liner 2 on the first cooling side 111, and the dashed line represents the temperature-time change curve of the inner liner 2 on the second cooling side 112.

[0080] The cooking appliance operates in the first cooling phase for 1 minute, T1. At the beginning of this phase, the inner pot 2 has similar temperatures on both the first cooling side 111 and the second cooling side 112, approximately 105°C. The air-cooling device operates in the first working state for 1 minute. Figure 5 As shown, the temperature of the inner liner 2 drops rapidly on the first cooling side 111, while the temperature of the second cooling side 112 drops more slowly. At the end of this stage, the temperature of the inner liner 2 on the first cooling side 111 is lower than the temperature on the second cooling side 112.

[0081] The cooking appliance operates in the second cooling phase for 4 minutes (T2), during which the air-cooling device operates in both the second and first operating states for 2 minutes each. It is understood that because the air-cooling device operates in the first operating state during the first cooling phase, a temperature difference has already formed between the first and second cooling sides of the inner pot 2 by the end of the first cooling phase. Therefore, during the second cooling phase, the air-cooling device first operates in the second operating state to reduce the temperature difference between the two sides of the inner pot 2. Conversely, if the air-cooling device operates in the second operating state during the first cooling phase, it first operates in the first operating state at the beginning of the second cooling phase.

[0082] pass Figure 5 It can be seen that at the beginning of the second cooling stage, the temperature of the inner liner 2 is higher on the second cooling side 112 and lower on the first cooling side 111. The air-cooling device first runs in the second working state for 2 minutes. During this time, the temperature of the inner liner 2 on the second cooling side 112 drops rapidly, while the temperature on the first cooling side 111 drops more slowly. Figure 5 The two curves intersect during this time period. That is, at a certain point in these 2 minutes, the inner liner 2 has the same temperature on the first cooling side 111 and the second cooling side 112. However, since the second cooling side 112 cools faster, its temperature gradually becomes lower than that of the first cooling side 111 as the cooling process progresses.

[0083] During the last two minutes of the second cooling phase, the air-cooling device switches from the second operating state to the first operating state, at which time the direction of the cold airflow in the accommodating cavity 11 changes. Figure 5 The two curves intersect again, and the temperature of the inner liner 2 on both the first cooling side 111 and the second cooling side 112 has been reduced to between 92°C and 94°C.

[0084] The duration T3 of the third cooling phase of the cooking appliance is 1 minute, such as Figure 5 As shown, at the beginning of this stage, the inner pot 2 has a higher temperature on the second cooling side 112 and a lower temperature on the first cooling side 111. The air-cooling device operates in the second working state for 1 minute, causing the inner pot 2 to cool faster on the second cooling side 112 and slower on the first cooling side 111. Eventually, the temperatures of the inner pot 2 on the first cooling side 111 and the second cooling side 112 tend to be the same, both decreasing to between 90℃ and 92℃. This concludes the entire cooling stage of the cooking appliance.

[0085] By setting the duration of each cooling stage and the duration of the air-cooling device in a certain operating state, the temperatures on both sides of the inner liner 2 are made approximately equal. Figure 5 The curves shown in the figure decrease alternately and intersect multiple times, thereby avoiding excessive temperature difference between the two sides of the inner liner 2 and ensuring uniform cooling on both sides of the inner liner 2.

[0086] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0087] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0088] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An easy-to-clean cooking utensil, comprising a pot body having a accommodating cavity, and an inner pot placed within the accommodating cavity, wherein a heating device is provided at the bottom of the accommodating cavity, characterized in that, The pot body is equipped with an air-cooling device, and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity has an air vent. The accommodating cavity has a first cooling side and a second cooling side, which are arranged radially opposite to each other along the inner liner. The air-cooling device has a first working state that sends airflow from the first cooling side to the second cooling side, and a second working state that sends airflow from the second cooling side to the first cooling side. The first working state and the second working state are operated alternately to make cold air surround and cool the inner liner, and condensation forms on the inner wall of the inner liner.

2. The easy-to-clean cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air-cooling device includes a first fan, which is disposed on the first cooling side. In the first working state, the first fan rotates forward to blow airflow, and in the second working state, the first fan rotates in reverse to draw airflow. or, The first fan is located on the second cooling side. In the first working state, the first fan reverses to draw in airflow, and in the second working state, the first fan rotates forward to blow airflow.

3. The easy-to-clean cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air-cooling device includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan is disposed on the first cooling side, and the second fan is disposed on the second cooling side. In the first working state, the first fan rotates to blow airflow, and in the second working state, the second fan rotates to blow airflow.

4. The easy-to-clean cooking utensil according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first fan and the second fan are equipped with cooling components, which are activated synchronously with the first fan and the second fan to reduce the temperature of the airflow blown out by the first fan and the second fan.

5. The easy-to-clean cooking utensil according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The cooking appliance also includes an air guide disposed at the air vent, the air guide having an air outlet, at least a portion of the air outlet being inclined toward the bottom of the accommodating cavity.

6. The easy-to-clean cooking utensil according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air outlet is provided with a partition rib to divide the air outlet into a first air outlet channel and a second air outlet channel. The first air outlet channel faces the bottom of the receiving cavity, and the second air outlet channel faces the side wall of the inner liner.

7. The easy-to-clean cooking utensil according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner liner includes a bottom wall and a side wall. The heating device has a first flow gap with the bottom wall, and the side wall has a second flow gap with the inner wall of the accommodating cavity.

8. The easy-to-clean cooking utensil according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner liner also includes a transition section located between the bottom wall and the side wall, and a third flow gap is provided between the transition section and the inner wall of the accommodating cavity. The volume of the third flow gap is greater than the volumes of the first flow gap and the second flow gap.

9. The easy-to-clean cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pot body has a supporting rib along its opening edge, the inner liner has an outward-flared edge that rests against the supporting rib, and a heat dissipation gap exists between the supporting rib and the outward-flared edge; and / or Both the first cooling side and the second cooling side are provided with heat dissipation vents.

10. A method for cooking rice, characterized in that, The rice cooking method using the easy-to-clean cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1-9 includes: During the cooking stage, the heating device heats the inner pot; During the first cooling stage, the air-cooling device operates in the first working state for a duration of T1. In the second cooling stage, the air-cooling device alternately operates the first working state and the second working state, wherein the first working state and the second working state each operate for a duration of T2. In the third cooling stage, the air-cooling device operates in the second working state for a duration of T3. Where T1 < T2, T3 < T2.

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