Air fryer and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and particularly relates to an air fryer which comprises a machine body and a reflecting cover arranged in the machine body, a cooking cavity is formed below the reflecting cover, a fan is arranged in the reflecting cover and is a centrifugal fan, and a motor can drive the fan to rotate in the forward direction and the reverse direction. The reflecting cover comprises a cover top wall and a cover side wall extending downwards from the edge of the cover top wall, the cover side wall is provided with a steam exhaust port communicated with the outside, the steam exhaust port is provided with a first end and a second end which are sequentially arranged in the forward rotation direction of the motor, the first end of the steam exhaust port is the nearest position from the fan to the cover side wall, and a high-pressure area is formed at the first end. The steam exhaust amount when the motor drives the fan to rotate reversely is larger than the steam exhaust amount when the motor drives the fan to rotate forwards. Two cooking modes of crisp roasting and tender roasting are realized, and the cooking taste is diversified.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Traditional air fryers generally include a reflective cover arranged in the body, and a cooking chamber is formed under the reflective cover. A fan and a heating tube are arranged in the reflective cover. The reflective cover is a round or square reflective cover. The rotation of the fan drives the air flow in the cooking chamber to be discharged from the exhaust port on the side wall of the reflective cover. This is also a necessary measure to prevent the dangerous situation caused by excessive pressure in the cooking chamber.

[0003] As the fan rotates to discharge gas from the cooking chamber, the heat in the cooking chamber is discharged along with the gas, causing heat loss in the cooking chamber. This is detrimental to maintaining the temperature of the cooking chamber. To address this issue, many technical solutions have been proposed in the prior art to reduce the amount of gas discharged.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent CN201720376613.4 proposes an air fryer that reduces heat loss, in which a connected inner air intake and inner air outlet are provided on the side wall of the air guide cover (i.e., the reflector cover), and the accommodating cavity of the air guide cover is respectively provided with a first baffle and a second baffle at the inner air intake and the inner air outlet, and the first baffle, the second baffle and the inner air intake and the inner air outlet together form an air exchange channel, the distance between the end of the first baffle close to the fan and the center of the fan is A, and the distance between the end of the second baffle close to the fan and the center of the fan is B, where A<B, thereby achieving the effect of ensuring the pressure safety in the cooking cavity and reducing heat loss (i.e., reducing airflow discharge).

[0005] A similar prior art includes Chinese patent CN202120870826.9, in which the heat insulation cover (reflection cover) is set into a volute shape, and the hot air outlet (steam exhaust port) is set at the outlet of the volute. This design can further enhance the flow effect of the airflow and achieve the purpose of reducing noise.

[0006] There are also some existing technologies for air fryers, and their improvements related to fans are mainly to solve the problem of cooking uniformity. For example, in Chinese patent CN202122505431.1, the fan in its reflective cover is not used to exhaust the cooking cavity, but its function is to make the hot air in the pot body (cooking cavity) more evenly distributed, so that the ingredients obtain a more uniform heating effect. Its specific solution is that the projection of the side wall of the air inlet on the horizontal plane is an involute based on the center of rotation of the fan, so as to maintain uniform airflow distribution, ensure that the hot air is evenly input into the ingredient processing cavity, and maintain uniform heating of the ingredients. The side wall of the heating part and the side wall of the air inlet form a volute tongue at the starting point of the involute, and the fan is arranged closer to the volute tongue, so that the wind from the air inlet can smoothly enter the heating part, continuously generate hot air, avoid wind blockage, and make noise.

[0007] In summary, in the related art, by improving the structure of the reflector and reasonably arranging the position of the fan, the exhaust volume is reduced and the temperature in the cooking cavity is maintained and the temperature field is uniform when the fan rotates only in one direction.

[0008] For another example: Chinese patent CN202111273876.X discloses an air fryer with forward and reverse rotation functions, whose driving motor can generate airflows in two different directions in the cooking cavity by driving the axial flow fan blades in forward and reverse rotation, thereby constantly changing the direction of air circulation in the food cooking cavity, making the heating of the various surfaces of the food more even. However, the patent also mentions that since axial flow fans usually cannot take into account the efficiency of forward and reverse rotation, the axial flow fan blades are relatively close to the reflector cover above, and it is difficult for the top of the fan to absorb air when the motor reverses. The airflow generated when the motor reverses is very small, and it is impossible to run in a single direction to achieve full cooking. Therefore, by making the forward rotation time of the hot air fan longer than the reverse rotation time, the more efficient forward rotation accounts for a higher proportion of the time during the cooking process, thereby increasing the air flow intensity in the air fryer.

[0009] It is understandable that current consumers are no longer satisfied with the requirements for the uniformity of the air fryer. There is an increasing demand for a variety of cooking tastes in the air fryer, and even for different tastes for the same ingredients. For example, the applicant's Chinese patent CN202320431954.2 sets a first baking mode and a second baking mode for the air fryer. In the first baking mode, the cooking cavity is directly connected to the atmosphere, so that a larger amount of water vapor is discharged from the cooking cavity, and the ingredients are crispy and crispy. In the second baking mode, the cooking cavity is indirectly connected to the atmosphere through an exhaust suppression device, and the exhaust suppression device is used to limit the discharge of water vapor in the cooking cavity, so as to maintain the moisture of the ingredients and achieve a tender baking effect. However, due to the need to additionally set up an exhaust suppression device and control the way the cooking cavity is connected to the atmosphere, the overall structure is relatively complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention provides an air fryer and a control method for the air fryer, so as to solve the problem in the prior art that the cooking ingredients of the air fryer have a single taste and cannot achieve two cooking modes of crispy baking and tender baking on the basis of simplifying the structure of the air fryer.

[0011] The technical solution adopted in the present invention is:

[0012] The present invention provides an air fryer, comprising a body and a reflective cover arranged in the body, a cooking cavity being formed below the reflective cover, a fan being arranged in the reflective cover, the fan being a centrifugal fan, the motor being able to drive the fan to rotate forward and reverse, the reflective cover comprising a cover top wall and a cover side wall extending downward from the edge of the cover top wall, a steam exhaust port communicating with the outside being provided on the cover side wall, the steam exhaust port having a first end and a second end being sequentially arranged along the forward rotation direction of the motor, and the first end of the steam exhaust port being the closest point from the fan to the side wall of the cover body, so as to form a high-pressure area at the first end, so that the steam exhaust amount when the motor drives the fan to rotate reversely is greater than the steam exhaust amount when the motor drives the fan to rotate forward.

[0013] In the air fryer provided by the present invention, a motor capable of forward and reverse rotation is adopted, and along the forward rotation direction of the motor, the exhaust port opened on the reflective cover has a first end and a second end arranged in sequence, and the first end of the exhaust port is the closest point from the fan to the side wall of the cover body. No matter which direction the fan rotates, the fan is closest to the first end. Since an air flow channel is formed between the fan and the side wall of the reflective cover when the fan rotates, no matter which direction the fan rotates, the place with the highest air pressure in the air flow channel in the reflective cover is the closest point from the fan to the side wall of the reflective cover, that is, the first end. Therefore, a relatively high-pressure area relative to other areas in the reflective cover is formed at the first end.

[0014] Based on the characteristic of airflow flowing from high pressure to low pressure, when the fan rotates in the forward direction, due to the formation of a relatively high-pressure area at the first end, the airflow can quickly pass through the exhaust port due to inertia, while continuing to rotate within the reflector, thereby achieving the effect of reducing exhaust. If the fan is not located at the first end of the exhaust port at its closest position to the side wall of the cover, then when the fan rotates in the forward direction, the airflow in the airflow channel will experience a decrease in wind pressure and wind speed during the process of reaching the first end of the exhaust port from the closest position. Therefore, when the airflow reaches the first end of the exhaust port, the wind pressure and wind speed are relatively low, and it is not easy for the airflow to pass through the exhaust port and continue to remain in the reflector. Instead, it will be relatively easy for the airflow to be discharged from the exhaust port, and the effect of reducing exhaust will not be achieved. Therefore, when the motor rotates in the forward direction, under the positive driving action of the fan and the existence of the pressure difference on the left and right sides of the first end, the air flow passing through the exhaust port will circulate more along the air flow channel. Since the cooking cavity is a closed cavity, the air flow thrown out by the fan will flow along the side wall of the cooking cavity into the cooking cavity under the guidance of the centrifugal blades from bottom to top and the side wall of the reflective cover. Only a small amount is discharged from the exhaust port, and a large amount of water vapor is retained in the cooking cavity, thereby maintaining the moisture of the food, achieving a tender roasting effect, and preparing food with high water demand, such as chicken wings.

[0015] When the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the fan drives the airflow in the opposite direction. When the airflow passes through the exhaust port, it is difficult for the second end with relatively low pressure to directly pass through the exhaust port to the first end with relatively high pressure, which makes the airflow easily discharged from the exhaust port. Therefore, when the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the amount of water vapor discharged is increased compared to when the motor rotates forward, so that the food becomes crispy and a crispy roasting effect is achieved. It is suitable for food with low water demand, such as French fries.

[0016] Therefore, when the motor rotates forward and reverse, there is a big difference in the amount of steam exhausted from the exhaust port, thereby realizing the two modes of tender baking and crispy baking and ensuring the difference in cooking taste in different modes. Compared with the traditional method of adding a micro-pressure valve, the overall structure of the air fryer is simplified, and users can choose the working mode that matches it according to the type of ingredients to improve the cooking taste and diversify the cooking taste.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the reflector is in the shape of a volute, and the first end of the steam exhaust port forms a volute tongue.

[0018] By adopting a volute-shaped reflector cover, when the corresponding motor rotates forward, the hot air can flow more smoothly along the air flow channel. Under the action of the centrifugal fan, the air flow passing through the exhaust port will circulate more along the air flow channel. The air flow thrown out by the fan will flow into the cooking cavity along the side wall of the cooking cavity, further increasing the water vapor stored in the cooking cavity. At the same time, it can increase the difference in water vapor in the cooking cavity when the motor rotates forward and reverse, thereby achieving a variety of cooking tastes.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, a deflector is provided on the outside of the exhaust port, an exhaust channel is formed inside the deflector, and an air dividing plate is provided in the exhaust channel near the exhaust port. The air dividing plate divides the exhaust channel into multiple sub-channels. The angle between the tangent of the hood side wall at the first end and the windward surface of the air dividing plate when the motor rotates forward is greater than or equal to 90°, and the angle between the tangent of the hood side wall at the second end and the windward surface of the air dividing plate when the motor rotates reversely is less than 90°.

[0020] By setting up a steam exhaust channel and an air distribution plate in the air deflector, and adjusting the angle of the air distribution plate to match the forward and reverse rotation of the motor, the difference in exhaust volume can be achieved, thereby ensuring the cooking effects of the two cooking modes. Specifically, when the motor rotates forward, the airflow reaches the first end first in the process of passing through the exhaust port, and the angle between the tangent of the hood side wall at the first end and the windward surface of the air distributor plate when the motor rotates forward is greater than or equal to 90 degrees. That is, the airflow hits the windward surface of the air distributor plate and then turns around, circulates along the air distributor plate into the air flow channel, and is difficult to flow out of the exhaust channel along the air distributor plate. Therefore, the airflow circulates in the air flow channel and then flows into the cooking cavity along the side wall of the hood, and the airflow flowing out of the exhaust port is less; when the motor rotates reversely, the airflow flows from the second end to the first end in the process of passing through the exhaust port. Since the airflow reaches the second end first, the angle between the tangent of the hood side wall at the second end and the windward surface of the air distributor plate when the motor rotates reversely is less than 90 degrees. Therefore, after the airflow hits the windward surface of the air distributor plate, it directly flows out of the exhaust channel along the windward surface of the air distributor plate under the guidance of the air distributor plate, and flows out through the exhaust port, increasing the exhaust volume. In summary, through the setting of the air distribution plate, corresponding to the different states of forward rotation and reverse rotation of the motor, the air distribution plate plays the different roles of guiding the airflow to circulate into the air flow channel to avoid being discharged from the exhaust port and guiding the airflow to be discharged from the exhaust port, thereby increasing the differences between different cooking modes and realizing the diversification of cooking taste.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the air distribution plate extends from the inlet of the air guide cover to the outlet of the air guide cover.

[0022] Since the air distributor plate extends from the inlet to the outlet of the air guide cover, based on the wall effect of the air flow, when the motor rotates in the forward direction, the air flow circulates smoothly along the windward side of the air distributor plate into the air flow channel, reducing water vapor loss. When the motor rotates in the reverse direction, the air flow is discharged to the exhaust channel along the air distributor plate, thereby increasing the dehydration rate of the food. By extending the air distributor plate, its diversion and guiding effects are improved, the difference in exhaust volume between the two modes is increased, and the taste of the food in each mode is improved.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the side wall of the cover includes a curved wall, the steam exhaust ports are formed at both ends of the curved wall, and the pipe wall of the deflector cover is tangent to the curved wall at the first end.

[0024] By setting the side wall of the cover as an arc wall and forming the exhaust port between the two ends of the arc wall, the guide cover and the arc wall cooperate to form a volute shape. According to the wall effect of the air flow, the energy loss of the air flow when flowing on the inner side of the arc wall is reduced, so that a uniformly changing low-pressure area (on the side close to the second end) and a high-pressure area (on the side close to the first end) are formed in the air flow channel between the fan and the arc wall. The air flow flows smoothly with low loss. The pipe wall of the guide cover is tangent to the arc wall at the first end. When the motor rotates forward, the air flow passing through the exhaust port will circulate more along the air flow channel. , a small amount is discharged from the exhaust port, thereby maintaining the moisture of the ingredients and achieving a tender roasting effect; when the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the fan drives the airflow in the opposite direction. When the airflow passes through the exhaust port, it is difficult for the low-pressure second end to directly reach the high-pressure first end along the airflow channel. The airflow will be discharged outward from the exhaust port along the pipe wall of the deflector. Since the pipe wall of the deflector is tangent to the first end, the difficulty of air discharge is further reduced, thereby increasing the exhaust volume when the motor rotates in the opposite direction, achieving a crispy roasting effect, increasing the difference in exhaust volume caused by the forward and reverse rotation of the motor, and achieving diversified cooking taste.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the side wall of the cover includes an arcuate wall and a surrounding wall connected to both ends of the arcuate wall, the surrounding wall includes a tangent wall tangent to the arcuate wall at a first end and a bent wall connecting the tangent wall to the other end of the arcuate wall, and the exhaust port is located on the tangent wall.

[0026] Since some air fryers are set to be square rather than cylindrical, the side wall of the cover includes an arcuate wall and a surrounding wall connected to the two ends of the arcuate wall, which can be suitable for square or other shaped air fryers, so that the reflective cover is adapted to the shape of the pot body, thereby improving the sealing effect of the cooking cavity. On this basis, the exhaust port is set on the tangent wall, so that when the motor is reversed, it is difficult for the low-pressure second end to directly reach the high-pressure first end along the air flow channel. At the same time, under the auxiliary drainage effect of the tangent wall, the airflow will be more easily discharged from the exhaust port along the tangent wall, further reducing the difficulty of airflow discharge, thereby increasing the exhaust volume when the motor rotates in the opposite direction, achieving a crispy baking effect, increasing the difference in exhaust volume caused by the forward and reverse rotation of the motor, and achieving diversified cooking taste.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the distance difference between the fan and the first end and the second end is X, which satisfies 5mm≤X≤30mm, or the angle formed by the center of the fan and the line connecting the first end and the second end is A, which satisfies 10°≤A≤45°.

[0028] If the exhaust vent's opening area is too large, while some airflow can circulate within the reflector due to inertia during forward motor rotation, the large size of the vent may result in some water vapor loss. Furthermore, during reverse motor rotation, while some airflow exits the vent along the first end, the centrifugal fan's large size causes airflow within the cooking chamber to be drawn in from the second end. This results in a lack of noticeable difference in exhaust volume between forward and reverse motor rotation, resulting in poor cooking quality in both modes. Furthermore, if the vent's opening area is too large, the constant pressure effect will cause the airflow to be drawn back in, further contributing to the problem of poor exhaust. Therefore, setting X ≤ 30 mm or A ≤ 45° is intended to avoid these issues caused by an excessively large vent opening.

[0029] When the exhaust vent's opening area is too small, the exhaust's airflow is limited during motor reverse rotation. Even if a pressure differential between the first and second ends facilitates airflow, the exhaust volume is still limited, resulting in a small amount of steam. This results in an unclear difference in exhaust volume at the exhaust vent between forward and reverse rotation, resulting in a poor cooking experience in both modes and loud exhaust noise. Therefore, a setting of 5mm ≤ X or 10° ≤ A is recommended to avoid these issues caused by an excessively small exhaust vent opening.

[0030] In summary, when 5mm≤X≤30mm, or 10°≤A≤45° is met, the opening size of the exhaust port is more reasonable, achieving obvious exhaust difference between forward and reverse rotation of the motor, so that the taste of different processed ingredients can be improved in any mode.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the machine body includes a machine head and a machine base. The machine head can be flipped and installed above the machine base. The machine head includes a machine head body, a glass cover and a hollow connector connected between the machine head body and the glass cover. The reflective cover protrudes upward in the connector, and an exhaust port corresponding to the steam exhaust port is opened on the wall of the connector.

[0032] By installing the machine head in a flippable manner above the machine base, operation is convenient. The machine head body, glass cover and hollow connector connected between the machine head body and the glass cover make the structure compact and the installation reliable. The reflector cover protrudes upward within the connector, and the internal space of the connector is reasonably utilized. An exhaust port corresponding to the steam exhaust port is opened on the wall of the connector to achieve smooth communication between the cooking chamber and the outside world.

[0033] The present invention also provides a control method for an air fryer, including the above-mentioned air fryer, the air fryer having a crispy baking mode and a tender baking mode, the cooking process of the air fryer including a temperature rising stage in which the heating tube continuously works and a constant temperature stage in which the heating tube intermittently works, in the crispy baking mode, during the constant temperature stage, the time length of the motor's reverse rotation is greater than the time length of the motor's forward rotation, and in the tender baking mode, during the constant temperature stage, the time length of the motor's forward rotation is greater than the time length of the motor's reverse rotation.

[0034] The control method of the air fryer provided by the present invention ensures that the temperature in the cooking cavity quickly reaches the preparation requirements during the heating stage when the heating tube is continuously working, improves the cooking efficiency, ensures that the food can be cooked and the cooking speed, and improves the heating uniformity of the food by controlling the intermittent operation of the heating tube to enter the constant temperature stage, prevents the food from being burnt, and improves the coloring effect and taste of the food. In the crispy baking mode, the time length of the motor's reverse rotation in the constant temperature stage is longer than the time length of the motor's forward rotation. Since the exhaust volume of the motor during forward rotation is less than the exhaust volume of the motor during reverse rotation, the water vapor of the food in the crispy baking mode is effectively discharged, thereby improving the dehydration rate of the food, preventing the food from being soggy, and making the prepared French fries more delicious. In the tender baking mode, the time length of the motor's forward rotation in the constant temperature stage is longer than the time length of the motor's reverse rotation, thereby avoiding excessive water loss of the food, ensuring the water content of the food, and preventing the food from being dry and tough, and making the prepared chicken wings more tender.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, in the crispy roasting mode and the tender roasting mode, the motor rotates in the forward direction during the heating stage.

[0036] By controlling the motor to rotate forward during the heating stage, the airflow discharged from the exhaust port during the heating stage is reduced, heat loss of the airflow is prevented, and the cooking cavity is quickly heated to the temperature required for preparing food, further improving cooking efficiency.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, in the crispy baking mode and the tender baking mode, after the heating tube stops working, the motor is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction for a preset time period.

[0038] Since users may not be able to remove ingredients immediately after cooking, the air fryer controls the motor to rotate in the opposite direction for a preset time after the heating element stops working. This allows any remaining moisture in the cooking chamber to be expelled through the exhaust port, preventing the surface of the cooked ingredients from getting wet again and improving the taste. Furthermore, this release of residual high-temperature vapor prevents users from being burned by the vapor if they open the cooking chamber directly, ensuring safer use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the air fryer in Examples 1, 2, and 7 of the present application;

[0041] Figure 2 A top view of the fan structure in Examples 1 and 7 of the present application;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a structural perspective diagram of the fan in Examples 1 and 7 of the present application;

[0043] Figure 4 This is an inverted schematic diagram of the fan structure in Examples 1 and 7 of the present application;

[0044] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the airflow direction in the cooking cavity when the motor rotates forward in Example 1 of the present application;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow direction in the cooking cavity when the motor rotates in the reverse direction in Example 1 of the present application;

[0046] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the assembly position of the reflector and the fan in Examples 2 and 3 of the present application;

[0047] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the airflow direction in the reflector when the motor rotates forward in Examples 2 and 3 of the present application;

[0048] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the airflow direction in the reflector when the motor rotates in the reverse direction in Examples 2 and 3 of the present application;

[0049] Figure 10a This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the assembly position of the reflector cover and the fan in Example 4 of the present application;

[0050] Figure 10b This is a schematic plan view of the assembly position of the reflector and the fan in Example 4 of the present application;

[0051] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow direction in the reflector when the motor rotates forward in Example 4 of the present application;

[0052] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow direction in the reflector when the motor rotates in the reverse direction in Example 4 of the present application;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the air fryer in Example 5 of the present application;

[0054] Figure 14 This is a top view of the structure of the air fryer in Example 5 of the present application;

[0055] Figure 15Schematic diagram of the airflow direction in the reflector when the motor rotates forward in Example 5 of the present application;

[0056] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow direction in the reflector when the motor rotates in the reverse direction in Example 5 of the present application.

[0057] Explanation of the accompanying reference numerals: 10, machine body; 11, machine head; 12, machine base; 13, main body; 14, glass cover; 15, connector; 20, reflector; 21, mounting cavity; 22, cooking cavity; 201, main body; 202, first rib; 203, second rib; 30, motor; 40, fan; 41, centrifugal blade; 42, axial flow blade; 43, baffle; 44, base plate; 45, air outlet; 46, air flow channel; 50, heating tube; 60, exhaust port; 61, first end; 62, second end; 70, air guide cover; 71, exhaust channel; 72, air distributor; 81, curved wall; 82, tangent wall; 83, bending wall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In order to more clearly illustrate the overall concept of the present application, a detailed description is given below in an illustrative manner in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0059] The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application may also be implemented in other ways than those described herein, and therefore, the scope of protection of the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application and the features of each embodiment may be combined with each other unless there is a conflict.

[0060] In addition, in the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0061] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, a first feature "above" or "below" a second feature may be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0062] Example 1

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an air fryer, comprising a body 10 and a reflector 20 disposed in the body 10. The reflector 20 divides the internal space of the body 10 into an installation cavity 21 and a cooking cavity 22 located below the installation cavity 21. A motor 30 is disposed in the installation cavity 21, and a heating tube 50 and a fan 40 driven by the motor 30 are disposed in the cooking cavity 22. Figure 2 、 3 As shown in FIG4 , the fan 40 includes a centrifugal blade 41 and an axial flow blade 42 arranged radially outward of the centrifugal blade 41. The centrifugal blade 41 drives the air flow to circulate upward from the center of the cooking cavity. The radial outer end of the axial flow blade 42 is the air outlet end. The reflector 20 is provided with an exhaust port 60 connected to the outside. Figure 5 As shown, the motor 30 rotates in the forward direction to drive the axial flow blades 42 to guide the flow downward, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the reverse rotation of the motor 30 drives the axial flow blades 42 to guide the flow upward, the lower end of the exhaust port 60 is higher than the lower end of the axial flow blades 42, and the upper end of the exhaust port 60 is higher than the upper end of the axial flow blades 42, so that the exhaust volume when the motor 30 rotates forward is less than the exhaust volume when the motor 30 rotates reversely.

[0064] The air fryer provided in this embodiment uses a composite fan 40 having centrifugal blades 41 and axial flow blades 42. Compared with the centrifugal blades 41 alone, the fan 40 increases radial wind pressure, improves the overall air output of the fan 40, and increases wind pressure, allowing a large amount of hot air to circulate in the cooking chamber 22, thereby improving cooking efficiency. By using a motor 30 that can rotate forward and reverse, when the motor 30 rotates forward, the axial flow blades 42 are driven to guide the air downward, and when the motor 30 rotates reversely, the axial flow blades 42 are driven to guide the air upward. The reflector 20 is provided with an exhaust port 60 that is connected to the outside world. The exhaust port 60 is associated with the position of the axial flow blades 42. When the motor 30 is in the first forward rotation state, the axial flow blades 42 guide the air downward, allowing a sufficient amount of hot air to be transferred to the cooking chamber 22, thereby improving cooking efficiency. The water vapor in the food floats up and is discharged from the exhaust port 60 due to the pressure difference between the upper and lower air pressures. Moreover, the water vapor is reduced in discharge speed by the downward pressure of the axial flow blades 42, thereby achieving a cooking chamber 22. The internal and external air pressures are balanced, making it safe to use, while preventing excessive loss of water vapor in the cooking cavity 22, thereby maintaining the moisture of the food, achieving a tender roasting effect, and preparing food that requires a lot of water, such as chicken wings; when the motor 30 is in the second reverse state, the axial flow blades 42 drive the axial flow blades 42 to guide the flow upward. Therefore, the water vapor in the cooking cavity 22 not only floats up under the action of the upper and lower air pressure difference, but is also assisted by the axial flow blades 42, so that a part of the thrown air flow can be discharged upward from the exhaust port 60, which increases the water vapor discharge compared to when the motor 30 is rotating forward, making the food crispy and achieving a crisp roasting effect. It is suitable for food that requires little water, such as French fries. Moreover, since the lower end of the steam exhaust port 60 is higher than the lower end of the axial flow blade 42, and the upper end of the steam exhaust port 60 is higher than the upper end of the axial flow blade 42, the position of the steam exhaust port 60 and the position of the axial flow blade 42 are arranged in association with the above-mentioned position. When the motor 30 reverses, the axial flow blade 42 can assist more water vapor to be discharged from the steam exhaust port 60, thereby not only achieving diversified cooking of the taste of the ingredients, but also helping to ensure a more obvious difference in the exhaust volume when the motor 30 rotates forward and reverse, thereby ensuring that the ingredients have obvious taste differences under different cooking modes, and improving the taste of crispy roasting and tender roasting.

[0065] It can be understood that the forward rotation of the motor drives the axial blades to guide the air downward, which means that the rotation of the centrifugal fan creates a negative pressure in its central area, causing the air inside the cooking chamber to flow from bottom to top, which is heated by the heating tube to form a hot air flow, and is radially thrown out by the centrifugal fan. The hot air flow is then guided into the cooking chamber by the air guide cover to heat the food.

[0066] Of course, since the fan 40 uses centrifugal blades 41 and axial flow blades 42, the rotation of the centrifugal blades 41 creates a negative pressure at the center, causing the air in the cooking chamber 22 to flow from bottom to top. Due to the hot air flow ejected by the centrifugal blades 41 and axial flow blades 42, most of the hot air will circulate primarily along the reflector 20 within the cooking chamber 22 due to its own wall-flow characteristics, thereby toasting the ingredients and achieving rapid cooking of the ingredients. While smoothly exhausting steam, it also ensures that the ingredients in different modes are quickly cooked by air frying with sufficient hot air. Therefore, the fan 40 that uses a combination of centrifugal blades 41 and axial flow blades 42, in conjunction with the forward and reverse motor 30, and by associating the position of the steam exhaust port 60 with the position of the axial flow blades 42, can achieve air frying in both crispy and tender modes. Moreover, compared to the traditional method of adding a micro-pressure valve, the overall structure of the air fryer is simplified, and users can select a working mode that matches the type of ingredients to improve the cooking taste and diversify the cooking experience.

[0067] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 、 5 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the reflector 20 includes a top wall and side walls extending downward from the edge of the top wall. A steam exhaust port 60 is provided on the side wall. The steam exhaust port 60 is located to the side of the axial flow blades 42, and the lower end of the steam exhaust port 60 is lower than the upper end of the axial flow blades 42. More specifically, the side wall is inclined relative to the vertical plane, and the difference between the inclination angle β between the axial flow blades 42 and the vertical plane and the inclination angle α between the side wall of the reflector 20 and the vertical plane is no more than 10°.

[0068] By adopting a reflective cover 20 structure with a cover top wall and a cover side wall, it is beneficial to guide the hot air flow driven by the fan 40 to flow into the cooking cavity 22, reduce the wind pressure and heat loss of the fan 40, and improve the air frying efficiency. At the same time, the upper end of the steam exhaust port 60 is higher than the upper end of the axial flow blade 42, and the steam exhaust port 60 is opened on the cover side wall and the lower end of the steam exhaust port 60 is lower than the upper end of the axial flow blade 42, that is, the lower end of the steam exhaust port 60 is between the lower end and the upper end of the axial flow blade 42. Compared with the method in which the lower end of the steam exhaust port 60 is located above the upper end of the axial flow blade 42, it can ensure that the steam exhaust port 60 and the axial flow blade 42 have a certain overlapping height, thereby ensuring the exhaust volume when the motor 30 is reversed, increasing the difference in exhaust volume between the forward and reverse states of the motor 30, and improving the cooking taste in the two modes of crispy baking and tender baking. By ensuring that the difference between the inclination angle of the axial flow blades 42 relative to the vertical plane and the inclination angle of the reflective cover 20 is no more than 10°, when the motor 30 rotates forward, the axial flow blades 42 assist the airflow to smoothly reach the side wall of the cover and then flow along the side wall of the cover to the cooking cavity 22, reducing the loss of heat and wind pressure and ensuring cooking efficiency; when the motor 30 is reversed, due to the small difference in the inclination angle with the reflective cover 20, when the axial flow blades 42 pass through the exhaust port 60, they can assist more water vapor to be discharged from the exhaust port 60, thereby improving the exhaust effect when the motor 30 is reversed, so that the exhaust volume of the motor 30 when rotating forward and reverse is significantly different, thereby ensuring the cooking effect in both modes.

[0069] Of course, in other embodiments, the exhaust port 60 may be optionally provided on the top wall of the reflector 20. It is understandable that when the exhaust port 60 is located on the top wall of the reflector 20, the lower end and the upper end of the exhaust port 60 are located at the same height, both higher than the top of the axial flow blade 42.

[0070] It should be noted that the radial outer end of the axial flow blade 42 is the air outlet end, that is, the radial air outlet can be unblocked. For example, the radial outer end of the axial flow blade 42 is formed into a free end to constitute the air outlet end. Of course, in order to strengthen the overall structure of the fan 40, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 2-4 As shown, the fan 40 also includes a baffle 43 arranged on the radial outside of the axial flow blade 42 and extending downward. The lower end of the axial flow blade 42 is lower than the lower end of the baffle 43 to form an air outlet end at the radial outer end. Preferably, the height of the baffle 43 is less than 1 / 2 of the height of the axial flow blade 42.

[0071] By providing a downwardly extending baffle 43 radially outward from the axial blades 42, the overall strength of the fan 40 is enhanced, and the service life of the fan 40 is extended. Furthermore, because the lower end of the axial blades 42 is lower than the lower end of the baffle 43, an air outlet is formed at the radially outer end of the axial blades 42, preventing the baffle 43 from obstructing the air output of the axial blades 42. By setting the height of the baffle 43 to less than 1 / 2 of the height of the axial blades 42, the overall structural strength of the fan 40 is enhanced while preventing pressure loss in the air output of the fan 40 due to an excessive height of the baffle 43. Furthermore, when the motor 30 is reversed, the air output of the axial blades 42 is ensured, preventing the radially outer ends of the axial blades 42 from being unable to discharge air, thereby achieving effective steam exhaust and achieving different cooking textures.

[0072] In this embodiment, the radial length of the centrifugal blades 41 is preferably greater than that of the axial flow blades 42. This improves cooking efficiency and temperature uniformity within the cooking chamber 22, while ensuring smooth steam exhaust and sufficient hot air for rapid air-frying and cooking of ingredients in different air-frying modes. In this embodiment, the axial flow blades 42 are optionally integrally or separately disposed at the radially outer ends of the centrifugal blades 41.

[0073] In other embodiments of the present invention, the radial lengths of the axial flow blades 42 and the centrifugal blades may be equal, so that the exhaust volume of the motor 30 in forward and reverse rotation has a significant difference, thereby ensuring the cooking effect in both modes.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an air fryer, including a body 10 and a reflective cover 20 arranged in the body 10, the reflective cover 20 divides the internal space of the body 10 into an installation cavity 21 and a cooking cavity 22 located below the installation cavity 21, a motor 30 is provided in the installation cavity 21, a fan 40 and a heating tube 50 are provided in the reflective cover 20, the motor 30 can drive the fan to rotate forward and reverse, the reflective cover 20 includes a cover top wall and a cover side wall extending downward from the edge of the cover top wall, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 As shown, a steam exhaust port 60 communicating with the outside is provided on the side wall of the cover. Along the forward rotation direction of the motor 30, the steam exhaust port 60 has a first end 61 and a second end 62 arranged in sequence. The first end of the steam exhaust port is the closest point from the fan to the side wall of the cover to form a high-pressure area at the first end. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 、 9As shown, the reflector is volute-shaped, and the first end of the exhaust port is a volute tongue. The distance S1 between the fan 40 and the first end 61 is minimal and is smaller than the distance between the fan 40 and other parts of the sidewall of the reflector. Preferably, the distance S1 between the fan 40 and the first end 61 is smaller than the distance S2 between the fan 40 and the second end 62, so that the air pressure at the first end 61 is greater than the air pressure in other areas of the reflector, thereby ensuring that the exhaust volume during reverse rotation of the motor 30 is greater than the exhaust volume during forward rotation of the motor 30. It should be noted that the distance S1 between the fan 40 and the first end 61 refers to the distance from the fan center to the first end minus the fan radius.

[0076] It should also be noted that the air fryer provided by the present invention can optionally be a head-flipping air fryer, and an air inlet is also provided on the head; or, the air fryer is a drawer-type air fryer, and the external air flow can achieve gas exchange through the matching gap between the pot body and the body, or by opening an air inlet on the upper part of the body.

[0077] Preferably, in this embodiment, the exhaust vent's length is greater than its height. The exhaust vent's length is the minimum distance it extends along the fan's rotational direction, while its height is the minimum distance it extends vertically. By making the exhaust vent's length greater than its height, more airflow is drawn out of the vent during motor reverse rotation, further increasing the difference in exhaust volume between different modes and resulting in different cooking textures. If multiple exhaust vents are provided, the exhaust vent's length and height are the combined length and height of the multiple vents.

[0078] In addition, in other implementations, the length of the exhaust port is equal to the height of the exhaust port, and in the process of drilling holes in the reflector, it is convenient to use regular tools for processing, which facilitates processing and mass production.

[0079] In the air fryer provided in the present application, a motor 30 capable of forward and reverse rotation is adopted, and along the forward rotation direction of the motor 30, the exhaust port 60 opened in the reflector 20 has a first end 61 and a second end 62 arranged in sequence. The first end 61 of the exhaust port 60 is the closest point from the fan 40 to the side wall of the cover body. No matter which direction the fan 40 rotates, the fan 40 is closest to the first end 61. Since an air flow channel 46 is formed between the fan 40 and the side wall of the reflector 20 when the fan 40 rotates, no matter which direction the fan 40 rotates, the place with the highest air pressure in the air flow channel 46 in the reflector 20 is the closest point from the fan 40 to the side wall of the reflector 20, that is, the first end 61. Therefore, a relatively high-pressure area relative to other areas in the reflector 20 is formed at the first end 61.

[0080] Due to the characteristic of airflow flowing from high pressure to low pressure, when the fan 40 rotates in the forward direction, a relatively high-pressure area is formed at the first end 61, and the airflow can quickly pass through the exhaust port 60 due to inertia while continuing to rotate within the reflector 20, thereby achieving the effect of reducing exhaust. If the fan 40 is not closest to the side wall of the hood at the first end 61 of the exhaust port 60, then when the fan 40 rotates in the forward direction, the airflow in the airflow channel 46 will have a reduced pressure and velocity during the process of reaching the first end 61 of the exhaust port 60 from the closest position. Therefore, when the airflow reaches the first end 61 of the exhaust port 60, the pressure and velocity are relatively low, and the airflow is unlikely to pass through the exhaust port 60 and remain within the reflector 20. Instead, the airflow will be relatively easily discharged from the exhaust port 60, failing to achieve the effect of reducing exhaust. Therefore, when the motor 30 rotates in the forward direction, under the positive driving action of the fan 40 and the existence of the pressure difference on the left and right sides of the first end 61, the air flow passing through the exhaust port 60 will circulate more along the air flow channel 46. Since the cooking cavity 22 is a closed cavity, the air flow from the fan 40 will flow along the side wall of the cooking cavity 22 to the cooking cavity 22 under the guidance of the side wall of the reflective cover 20 by the centrifugal blades 41 from bottom to top, and only a small amount will be discharged from the exhaust port 60. A large amount of water vapor is retained in the cooking cavity 22, thereby maintaining the moisture of the food, achieving a tender roasting effect, and preparing food with high water demand, such as chicken wings.

[0081] When the motor 30 rotates in the reverse direction, the fan 40 drives the airflow in the reverse direction. When the airflow passes through the exhaust port 60, it is difficult for the relatively low-pressure second end 62 to directly pass through the exhaust port 60 to reach the relatively high-pressure first end 61, causing the airflow to be easily discharged from the exhaust port 60. Therefore, when the motor 30 rotates in the reverse direction, the amount of water vapor discharged is increased compared to when the motor 30 rotates forward, thereby achieving the crispness of the food and a crispy roasting effect. It is suitable for food with low water demand, such as French fries.

[0082] Therefore, when the motor 30 rotates forward and reverse, there is a large difference in the amount of steam exhausted from the exhaust port 60, thereby realizing the two modes of tender baking and crispy baking and ensuring the difference in cooking taste in different modes. Compared with the traditional method of adding a micro-pressure valve, the overall structure of the air fryer is simplified, and users can choose a working mode that matches the type of ingredients to improve the cooking taste and diversify the cooking taste.

[0083] When the opening area of the steam exhaust port 60 is too large, on the one hand, when the motor 30 rotates forward, although a part of the airflow can circulate in the reflector 20 due to inertia, the exhaust port 60 is too large, which may cause some water vapor discharge loss. On the other hand, when the motor 30 reverses, although a part of the airflow is discharged from the steam exhaust port 60 along the first end 61, the exhaust port 60 is too large. Under the action of the centrifugal fan 40, the airflow in the cooking cavity 22 will be sucked in from the position near the second end 62, which makes the difference in the exhaust volume at the steam exhaust port 60 when the motor 30 rotates forward and reversely not obvious enough, and the cooking taste of both modes is not good. Moreover, the area of the steam exhaust port 60 is too large. Due to the constant pressure effect, the airflow blown out from the steam exhaust port 60 will be sucked back, which still causes the problem of poor exhaust.

[0084] If the opening area of the steam exhaust vent 60 is too small, the airflow through the steam exhaust vent 60 is limited when the motor 30 rotates in reverse. Even if a pressure differential is created between the first end 61 and the second end 62 to assist in airflow, the exhaust volume is still limited, resulting in a small exhaust volume. This results in an unclear difference in the exhaust volume at the steam exhaust vent 60 between forward and reverse rotation of the motor 30, resulting in a poor cooking taste in both modes and loud exhaust noise at the steam exhaust vent 60. Therefore, 5mm≤X or 10°≤A are used to avoid the above-mentioned problems caused by an excessively small opening of the steam exhaust vent 60.

[0085] Therefore, in this embodiment, preferably, the distance difference between the fan 40 and the first end 61 and the second end 62 is X, which satisfies 5mm≤X≤30mm. Preferably, the angle formed by the center of the fan 40 and the line connecting the first end 61 and the second end 62 is A, which satisfies 10°≤A≤45°. When 5mm≤X≤30mm is satisfied, such as X=5mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm or 25mm, or 10°≤A≤45°, such as A=20°, 30°, 40° or 45°, the opening size of the exhaust port 60 is more reasonable, achieving a significant difference in exhaust between forward and reverse rotation of the motor 30, so that in any mode, the taste of different processed ingredients can be improved.

[0086] It should be noted that, combined with Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, since the exhaust port 60 has a certain vertical height, the exhaust port 60 is an edge at the first end forming the relatively high-pressure area, which refers to the inner end edge of the volute tongue of the volute; in this embodiment, the inner wall surface of the volute includes a main body 201 surrounding the fan and forming the first and second ends, as well as a first rib 202 extending outward from the first end 61 and a second rib 203 extending outward from the second end 62, wherein the projection of the main body coincides with the involute based on the center of the fan. In this embodiment, the second rib 203 is tangent to the main body 201, and the vertical line at the tangent point forms the second end 61. Preferably, the first rib is parallel to the second rib, forming an exhaust channel between the first rib and the second rib.

[0087] Since the first end and the second end are not a point, the distance between the fan 40 and the first end 61 and the second end 62 refers to the distance from any point on the first end edge to the fan and the distance from any point on the second end line to the fan.

[0088] In this embodiment, the overall structure of the air fryer and the arrangement of the heating tube 50 are not limited. For example, in this embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the machine body 10 includes a head 11 and a base 12. The head 11 is reversibly mounted above the base 12. The head 11 includes a body 13, a glass cover 14, and a hollow connector 15 connected between the body 13 and the glass cover 14. The reflector 20 is upwardly projected within the connector 15. An exhaust port corresponding to the steam exhaust port 60 is formed on the wall of the connector 15. The exhaust port is located at the rear end of the connector 15. The heating pipe 50 is coaxially arranged with the fan 40. The heating pipe 50 surrounds the fan 40 to form an annular shape with an opening, and the opening is located near the steam exhaust port 60.

[0089] By coaxially arranging the heating tube 50 and the fan 40, the suction in the negative pressure zone at the center of the fan 40 is more uniform, and the hot air ejected is uniform, thereby improving thermal uniformity within the cooking chamber 22 and ensuring cooking efficiency. The opening of the heating tube 50 is located near the steam exhaust port 60, and the opening avoids the airflow passing through the steam exhaust port 60, ensuring smooth airflow discharge. This ensures stable air pressure inside and outside the cooking chamber 22 when the motor 30 rotates forward, and allows for smooth exhaust of moisture when the motor 30 rotates reversely. The reversible mounting of the handpiece 11 above the base 12 facilitates user operation. The handpiece 11 body 13, glass cover 14, and hollow connector 15 connected between the handpiece 11 body 13 and glass cover 14 result in a compact structure and reliable installation. The reflector 20 protrudes upwardly within the connector 15, effectively utilizing the internal space of the connector 15. Exhaust ports corresponding to the steam exhaust port 60 are provided on the wall of the connector 15, ensuring smooth communication between the cooking chamber 22 and the outside world. The exhaust vent is located at the rear end of the connector 15, away from the user, to prevent steam from scalding the user and improve safety. Furthermore, the rear location of the exhaust vent makes the front of the air fryer smooth and aesthetically pleasing, and prevents ingredients from falling into the vent or powdered seasonings from flying into the vent when the user is trying to pick it up.

[0090] It should be noted that the fan 40 in this embodiment can be a centrifugal fan 40, that is, it includes centrifugal blades 41; or, the fan 40 is a composite fan 40, the fan 40 includes centrifugal blades 41 and axial flow blades 42 located at the radial outer end of the centrifugal blades 41, and the axial flow blades 42 can be optionally connected to the centrifugal blades 41 as a whole or set separately.

[0091] Example 3

[0092] like Figure 7 、 8 As shown in Figure 9, this embodiment provides an air fryer. On the basis of Example 2, a deflector is provided on the outer side of the exhaust port, an exhaust channel is formed in the deflector, and an air dividing plate is provided in the exhaust channel near the exhaust port. The air dividing plate divides the exhaust channel into multiple sub-channels. The angle between the tangent of the cover side wall at the first end and the windward surface of the air dividing plate is greater than or equal to 90°, and the angle between the tangent of the cover side wall at the second end and the windward surface of the air dividing plate is less than 90°.

[0093] The sidewalls of the reflector 20 include curved walls. In this embodiment, the curved wall 81 can be a curved wall whose projection coincides with an involute based on the fan center; alternatively, the curved wall can be a circular wall, with the corresponding circle coinciding with or not coinciding with the fan center. Exhaust ports 60 are formed at both ends of the curved wall, and the pipe wall of the shroud 70 is tangent to the curved wall at the first end 61.

[0094] By setting the side wall of the cover as an arc-shaped wall and forming the exhaust port 60 between the two ends of the arc-shaped wall, the air guide cover 70 cooperates with the arc-shaped wall to form a volute shape. According to the wall-adjacent effect of the airflow, the energy loss of the airflow when flowing on the inner side of the arc-shaped wall is reduced, so that a uniformly changing low-pressure area P2 (on the side close to the second end 62) and a high-pressure area P1 (on the side close to the first end 61) are formed in the airflow channel between the fan 40 and the arc-shaped wall. The airflow flows smoothly with low loss. The tube wall of the air guide cover 70 is tangent to the arc-shaped wall at the first end 61. When the motor 30 rotates forward, the airflow passing through the exhaust port 60 will circulate more along the airflow channel. A small amount is discharged from the exhaust port 60, thereby maintaining the moisture of the food and achieving a tender roasting effect; and when the motor 30 rotates in the reverse direction, the fan 40 drives the airflow in the reverse direction. When the airflow passes through the exhaust port 60, it is difficult for the low-pressure second end 62 to directly reach the high-pressure first end 61 along the airflow channel. The airflow will be discharged outward from the exhaust port 60 along the tube wall of the deflector 70. Since the tube wall of the deflector 70 is tangent to the first end 61, the difficulty of air discharge is further reduced, so that when the motor 30 rotates in the reverse direction, the exhaust volume is increased, the crispy roasting effect is achieved, the difference in exhaust volume caused by the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 30 is increased, and the cooking taste is diversified.

[0095] Example 4

[0096] This embodiment provides an air fryer, which differs from the second embodiment in the shape of the reflector 20 and the arrangement position of the steam exhaust port 60.

[0097] like Figure 10a 、 10b 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer contour of the hood side wall is square, and the hood side wall includes an arcuate wall 81 and a surrounding wall connected to both ends of the arcuate wall 81. The surrounding wall includes a tangent wall 82 tangent to the arcuate wall at the first end 61 and a bent wall 83 connecting the tangent wall and the other end of the arcuate wall. The exhaust port 60 is located on the tangent wall 82.

[0098] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first end refers to the first end edge where the tangent point between the inner wall surface of the arc wall and the tangent wall is located, and the second end is the second end edge of the exhaust port opposite to the first end edge.

[0099] More preferably, the reflector includes an exhaust channel connected to the outside of the steam exhaust port, and the intersection of the exhaust channel and the steam exhaust port forms a first end edge and a second end edge.

[0100] Since some air fryers are set to be not cylindrical but square, the side wall of the cover includes an arcuate wall and a surrounding wall connected to the two ends of the arcuate wall, which can be suitable for air fryers of square or other shapes, so that the reflective cover 20 is adapted to the shape of the pot body, thereby improving the sealing effect of the cooking cavity 22. On this basis, the exhaust port 60 is set on the tangent wall, so that when the motor 30 is reversed, it is difficult for the low-pressure second end 62 to directly reach the high-pressure first end 61 along the air flow channel. At the same time, under the auxiliary drainage effect of the tangential wall, the airflow will be more easily discharged from the exhaust port 60 along the tangent wall, further reducing the difficulty of airflow discharge, thereby increasing the exhaust volume when the motor 30 rotates in the opposite direction, achieving a crispy baking effect, increasing the difference in exhaust volume caused by the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 30, and achieving diversified cooking taste.

[0101] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the arc wall 81 can be selected as an arc wall whose projection coincides with the involute based on the center of the fan; or the arc wall is an arc wall, optionally, the circle corresponding to the arc wall coincides or does not coincide with the center of the fan; or the arc wall is formed by multiple non-concentric arc segments.

[0102] Example 5

[0103] This embodiment provides an air fryer. Figure 13 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 15 、 16 As shown, a deflector 70 is provided on the outside of the exhaust port 60, and an exhaust passage 71 is formed within the deflector 70. An air distributor 72 is provided within the exhaust passage 71 near the exhaust port 60. The air distributor 72 divides the exhaust passage 71 into multiple sub-passages. The angle b between the tangent line N of the hood side wall at the first end 61 and the windward surface M of the air distributor 72 when the motor rotates in the forward direction is greater than or equal to 90°, and the angle c between the tangent line P of the hood side wall at the second end 62 and the windward surface Q of the air distributor 72 when the motor rotates in the reverse direction is less than 90°. Of course, most preferably, the angle c between the tangent line P of the hood side wall at the second end 62 and the windward surface Q of the air distributor 72 is 0, that is, the air distributor extends in a direction tangent to the second end 62.

[0104] It can be understood that, in this embodiment, the first end of the steam exhaust port extends toward the fan to form a protrusion, so that the distance between the first end of the steam exhaust port and the fan is minimized.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the air distribution plate 72 extends from the inlet of the air guide cover 70 to the outlet of the air guide cover 70. Figure 15 、 16 As shown, since the air deflector has a bend portion, an extension plate that follows the shape of the air deflector is provided at the outlet end of the air deflector 70 and the air deflector plate 72 , and the extension plate is bent relative to the air deflector plate.

[0106] By setting up the exhaust channel 71 and the air distributor 72 in the deflector 70, the difference in exhaust volume is achieved by adjusting the angle of the air distributor 72 to match the forward and reverse rotation of the motor 30, thereby ensuring the cooking effects of the two cooking modes. Specifically, when the motor 30 rotates in the forward direction, the airflow first reaches the first end 61 in the process of passing through the exhaust port 60. The angle between the tangent of the hood side wall at the first end 61 and the windward surface M of the air distributor 72 is greater than or equal to 90 degrees. That is, the airflow hits the windward surface M of the air distributor 72 and then turns around, circulates along the air distributor 72 into the airflow channel, and is difficult to flow out of the exhaust channel 71 along the air distributor 72. Therefore, the airflow circulates in the airflow channel and then flows along the hood side wall to the cooking cavity 22, and flows out from the exhaust port 60. The airflow is small; when the motor 30 rotates in the reverse direction, the airflow flows from the second end 62 to the first end 61 in the process of passing through the exhaust port 60. Since the airflow reaches the second end 62 first, the angle between the tangent of the cover side wall at the second end 62 and the windward surface Q of the air dividing plate 72 is less than 90 degrees. Therefore, after the airflow hits the windward surface Q of the air dividing plate 72, it directly flows out of the exhaust channel 71 along the windward surface Q of the air dividing plate 72 under the guidance of the air dividing plate 72, and flows out through the airflow of the exhaust port 60, thereby increasing the exhaust volume. In summary, through the setting of the air dividing plate 72, when the motor 30 rotates forward and reverse, the air dividing plate 72 plays the different roles of guiding the airflow to circulate into the airflow channel to avoid being discharged from the exhaust port 60 and guiding the airflow to be discharged from the exhaust port 60, thereby increasing the difference between different cooking modes and achieving a diversified cooking taste.

[0107] In this embodiment, since the air distributor plate 72 extends from the inlet of the air guide cover 70 to the outlet of the air guide cover 70, based on the wall effect of the air flow, when the motor 30 rotates forward, the air flow circulates smoothly along the windward surface M of the air distributor plate 72 into the air flow channel, reducing water vapor loss. When the motor 30 rotates reversely, the air flow is discharged to the exhaust channel 71 along the air distributor plate 72, thereby improving the dehydration rate of the food. By extending the air distributor plate 72, its diversion and guiding effects are improved, the difference in exhaust volume between the two modes is increased, and the taste of the food in each mode is improved.

[0108] Example 6

[0109] This embodiment provides a control method for an air fryer. Taking the air fryer provided in Example 1 as an example, the air fryer has a crispy roasting mode and a tender roasting mode. The cooking process of the air fryer includes a temperature rise phase in which the heating tube 50 operates continuously and a constant temperature phase in which the heating tube 50 operates intermittently. During the temperature rise phase, the motor 30 is controlled to rotate in the forward direction. In the crispy roasting mode, during the constant temperature phase, the duration of the motor 30's reverse rotation is greater than the duration of the motor 30's forward rotation. In the tender roasting mode, during the constant temperature phase, the duration of the motor 30's forward rotation is greater than the duration of the motor 30's reverse rotation. Preferably, after the heating tube 50 stops operating, the motor 30 is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction for a preset duration.

[0110] The control method of the air fryer provided in the present application ensures that the temperature in the cooking cavity 22 quickly reaches the preparation requirements during the temperature rise stage when the heating tube 50 is continuously working, thereby improving the efficiency of cooking, ensuring that the food can be cooked and the cooking speed, and by controlling the intermittent operation of the heating tube 50 to enter the constant temperature stage, the uniformity of heating of the food is improved, the food is prevented from being burnt, and the coloring effect and taste of the food are improved. In the crispy baking mode, the time length of the reverse rotation of the motor 30 in the constant temperature stage is greater than the time length of the forward rotation of the motor 30. Since the exhaust volume of the motor 30 when the motor 30 rotates forward is less than the exhaust volume of the motor 30 when the motor 30 rotates reversely, the water vapor of the food in the crispy baking mode is effectively discharged, the dehydration rate of the food is improved, the food is prevented from being soggy, and the prepared French fries are more delicious. In the tender baking mode, the time length of the forward rotation of the motor 30 in the constant temperature stage is greater than the time length of the reverse rotation of the motor 30, thereby avoiding excessive water loss of the food, ensuring the water content of the food, and preventing the food from being dry and tough, and the prepared chicken wings are more tender. By controlling the motor 30 to rotate forward during the heating phase, the airflow discharged from the exhaust port 60 during the heating phase is reduced, preventing heat loss from the airflow, achieving rapid temperature increase within the cooking chamber 22, and reaching the temperature required for food preparation, further improving cooking efficiency. Since the user may not be able to remove the ingredients from the air fryer in time after cooking, the motor 30 is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction for a preset period of time after the heating tube 50 stops working, thereby discharging residual moisture in the cooking chamber 22 from the exhaust port 60, preventing the surface of the cooked ingredients from being wetted again by the moisture, thereby improving the taste of the ingredients. Furthermore, discharging the remaining high-temperature moisture in the cooking chamber 22 prevents users from being burned by the moisture by directly opening the cooking chamber 22, making it safer to use.

[0111] Of course, it should be noted that, in another embodiment, during the heating stage, the motor 30 may be optionally controlled to stop working and only the heating tube 50 may be working, or the motor 30 may rotate in the reverse direction.

[0112] Example 7

[0113] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides an air fryer, and the fan 40 of the air fryer is optimized. The air fryer includes a body 10 and a reflector 20 arranged in the body 10, the reflector 20 divides the internal space of the body 10 into an installation cavity 21 and a cooking cavity 22, a motor 30 is provided in the installation cavity 21, a heating tube 50 and a fan 40 driven by the motor 30 are provided in the cooking cavity 22, the fan 40 includes a base plate 44 connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 30 and extending horizontally, and blades extending from the base plate toward the cooking cavity 22, the blades include centrifugal blades 41 perpendicularly arranged on the base plate and extending outward, and axial flow blades 42 arranged on the base plate and inclined relative to the vertical plane, the axial flow blades 42 are connected to the radial outer ends of the centrifugal blades 41 and extend outward.

[0114] The present application provides an air fryer, wherein the fan 40 of the air fryer includes a base plate, centrifugal blades 41 and axial flow blades 42 to form a composite fan 40. Since the base plate extends horizontally and the centrifugal blades 41 are perpendicular to the base plate, during the rotation process, the centrifugal blades 41 throw hot air radially outward, and the axial flow blades 42 are arranged on the base plate and connected to the radial outer ends of the centrifugal blades 41. Therefore, the air volume loss caused by the ventilation gap between the centrifugal blades 41 and the axial flow blades 42 and between the axial flow blades 42 and the base plate is prevented. The centrifugal blades 41 form a negative pressure in the center, so that the air flow flows from bottom to top and then is thrown out radially and then flows downward to the cooking cavity 22, providing a hot air circulation in the closed cooking cavity 22. The hot air thrown out radially by the centrifugal blades 41 will change the direction of the hot air under the guidance of the base plate and the guidance of the axial flow blades 42, and realize axial flow with a larger wind pressure, thereby preventing the hot air thrown out by the centrifugal blades 41 from directly hitting the reflector 20 and causing loss of wind pressure and heat. Therefore, the cooperation of the axial flow blades 42, the centrifugal blades 41 and the base plate not only increases the radial wind pressure compared to the single centrifugal blade 41, but also increases the amount of air thrown from the centrifugal blades 41 to the axial flow blades 42, reduces the loss of wind speed and temperature caused by the loss of air volume, increases the overall air output of the fan 40, increases the wind pressure, and enables a large amount of hot air to circulate in the cooking cavity 22, thereby improving the cooking efficiency.

[0115] In this embodiment, the roots of the centrifugal blades 41 and the roots of the axial flow blades 42 are both connected to the base plate and are located on the same straight line. Of course, it should be noted that the straight line where the roots of the centrifugal blades 41 and the axial flow blades 42 are located preferably passes through the center of the fan 40. Of course, it can actually be a straight line that deviates from the center of the fan 40.

[0116] During the rotation of the fan 40, the centrifugal blades 41 rotate to form a negative pressure at the center, and the air in the cooking cavity 22 flows from bottom to top and is thrown out in a straight line through the centrifugal blades 41. Therefore, the roots of the centrifugal blades 41 and the axial flow blades 42 are located on the same straight line, so that the air thrown out by the centrifugal blades 41 can reach the axial flow blades 42 more smoothly according to its original direction due to its inertia and flow along the axial flow blades 42. Therefore, the air volume thrown onto the axial flow blades 42 by the centrifugal blades 41 is ensured, and the air volume loss caused by the change in the flow direction of the hot air is prevented, thereby further improving the air output of the fan 40.

[0117] More preferably, if Figure 2-4 As shown, the motor 30 can rotate forward and reverse. When the motor 30 rotates forward, the blade has a first air outlet surface. When the motor 30 rotates reverse, the blade has a second air outlet surface. The substrate 44 includes a plurality of sub-substrates arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fan 40 and extending horizontally. An air outlet 45 is formed between adjacent sub-substrates. The sub-substrates are adjacent to the first air outlet surface, and the air outlet 45 is adjacent to the second air outlet surface.

[0118] The base plate includes multiple sub-base plates spaced apart and extending horizontally along the circumference of the fan 40. Air outlets are formed between adjacent sub-base plates. During the fan 40 manufacturing process, the base plates can be directly stamped and formed from the raw material, simplifying the fan 40 manufacturing process and reducing costs. Because the sub-base plates are adjacent to the first air outlet surface and the air outlet is adjacent to the second air outlet surface, when the motor 30 rotates in the forward direction, the first air outlet surface and the base plate interact to draw air upward and then radially eject it along the base plate, thereby circulating hot air within the cooking chamber 22, improving heating efficiency and preventing heat loss. When the motor 30 rotates in the reverse direction, the air outlet is adjacent to the second air outlet surface, avoiding the airflow driven by the axial flow blades 42. The axial flow blades 42 assist the airflow in exiting the exhaust port 60, thereby removing moisture from the cooking chamber 22. This further enhances the exhaust volume during the reverse rotation of the motor 30, resulting in a smaller exhaust volume during forward rotation than during reverse rotation. This provides a variety of textures for cooked ingredients and enables both crispy and tender cooking modes.

[0119] Preferably, if Figure 2 As shown, the radial distance L1 between the radial outer end of the centrifugal blade 41 and the center of the fan 40 is the same as the radial distance L2 between the radial outer end of the axial flow blade 42 and the center of the fan 40, satisfying the following: 0.4 ≤ L1 / L2 ≤ 0.75. The angle α between the axial flow blade 42 and the vertical plane satisfies 15° ≤ α ≤ 45°.

[0120] Setting the radial lengths of the centrifugal blades 41 and axial flow blades 42 within the aforementioned ratio avoids the problem of insufficient centrifugal force due to the outer diameter of the centrifugal blades 41 being too small, resulting in low central negative pressure and inefficient hot air circulation within the cooking cavity 22. The overall installation space of the fan 40 primarily limits its radial dimensions. If the outer diameter of the centrifugal blades 41 is too large, the outer diameter of the axial flow blades 42 will be too small, resulting in insufficient downward axial force and poor downward pressure and flow diversion into the cooking cavity 22. Therefore, satisfying the requirement of 0.4 ≤ L1 / L2 ≤ 0.75 ensures that, under installation conditions where the fan 40 installation space is effectively utilized, the fan 40 provides sufficient power for air circulation within the cooking cavity 22. Furthermore, the downward pressure provided by the axial flow blades 42 of the fan 40 assists airflow, reducing wind pressure and heat loss caused by air impact with the reflector 20, thereby improving overall hot air circulation efficiency.

[0121] By setting the inclination angle between the axial flow blades 42 and the vertical plane at 15°-45°, the problem of the inclination angle of the axial flow blades 42 being too small (less than 15°) or too large (greater than 45°) causing the overall centrifugal force of the fan 40 to be too large, the downward force to be too small, and the effect of the fan 40 on guiding the airflow downward not being significantly improved is avoided. When the inclination angle between the axial flow blades 42 and the vertical plane meets the requirement of 15°-45°, the axial flow blades 42 can effectively guide the hot air thrown out by the centrifugal blades 41 downward into the cooking cavity 22, thereby reducing the loss caused by the hot air being directly thrown out radially and hitting the reflector 20, increasing the air volume and air pressure blown to the cooking cavity 22 by the fan 40, and improving cooking efficiency.

[0122] In one embodiment, the heating tube 50 is arranged in multiple coils around the center of the reflector 20, and the horizontal projection of the heating tube 50 overlaps with the projections of both the centrifugal blades 41 and the axial flow blades 42. Arranging the heating tube 50 in multiple coils around the center of the reflector 20 increases the heat dissipation area. The horizontal projection of the heating tube 50 overlaps with the projections of both the centrifugal blades 41 and the axial flow blades 42, allowing the cold air drawn up by the centrifugal blades 41 to be fully heated from multiple directions, increasing the volume and pressure of the hot air ejected. Furthermore, the horizontal overlap of the heating tube 50 and the axial flow blades 42 heats the axial airflow driven by the axial flow blades 42, thereby increasing the temperature rise rate within the cooking chamber 22 and improving cooking efficiency.

[0123] In combination with the air fryer and the control method of the air fryer provided in this application, when using the air fryer, the user can choose the tender baking mode according to the type of ingredients. For example, for ingredients such as chicken wings and popcorn chicken, the user can lock in the moisture of the ingredients to achieve a fresh and tender taste of the ingredients; for ingredients that need to be dehydrated, such as French fries, the user can choose the crisp baking mode to drain out excess water from the ingredients to achieve a crisp taste of the ingredients, greatly improving the user experience.

[0124] Anything not described in this application can be achieved by adopting or drawing on existing technologies.

[0125] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0126] The foregoing is merely an embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should all be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An air fryer, comprising a body, a reflector, and a motor disposed in the body, wherein a cooking cavity is formed below the reflector, and a fan is disposed in the reflector, wherein the fan is a centrifugal fan, characterized in that: The motor can drive the fan to rotate forward and reverse. The reflective cover includes a cover top wall and a cover side wall extending downward from the edge of the cover top wall. The cover side wall is provided with an exhaust port connected to the outside world. Along the forward rotation direction of the motor, the exhaust port has a first end and a second end arranged in sequence, and the first end of the exhaust port is the closest point from the fan to the side wall of the cover body, so as to form a high-pressure area at the first end, so that the exhaust volume when the motor drives the fan to rotate reversely is greater than the exhaust volume when the motor drives the fan to rotate forward.

2. An air fryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflector is in a volute shape, and the first end of the steam exhaust port forms a volute tongue.

3. The air fryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A deflector is provided on the outside of the exhaust port, and an exhaust channel is formed inside the deflector. An air dividing plate is provided in the exhaust channel near the exhaust port, and the air dividing plate divides the exhaust channel into multiple sub-channels. The angle between the tangent of the hood side wall at the first end and the windward surface of the air dividing plate is greater than or equal to 90°, and the angle between the tangent of the hood side wall at the second end and the windward surface of the air dividing plate is less than 90°.

4. An air fryer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air distribution plate extends from the inlet of the air deflector to the outlet of the air deflector.

5. An air fryer according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The side wall of the cover includes a curved wall, the exhaust ports are formed at both ends of the curved wall, and the pipe wall of the deflector cover is tangent to the curved wall at the first end.

6. The air fryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the cover includes an arc-shaped wall and a surrounding wall connected to both ends of the arc-shaped wall. The surrounding wall includes a tangent wall tangent to the arc-shaped wall at the first end and a bent wall connecting the tangent wall to the other end of the arc-shaped wall. The exhaust port is located on the tangent wall.

7. The air fryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance difference between the fan and the first end and the second end is X, which satisfies 5mm≤X≤30mm, or the angle formed by the center of the fan and the line connecting the first end and the second end is A, which satisfies 10°≤A≤45°.

8. The air fryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The machine body includes a machine head and a machine base. The machine head can be flipped and installed above the machine base. The machine head includes a machine head body, a glass cover and a hollow connector connected between the machine head body and the glass cover. The reflective cover is protruded upward in the connector. An exhaust port corresponding to the exhaust port is provided on the wall of the connector.

9. A method for controlling an air fryer, comprising the air fryer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The air fryer has a crispy baking mode and a tender baking mode. The cooking process of the air fryer includes a temperature rising stage in which the heating tube works continuously and a constant temperature stage in which the heating tube works intermittently. In the crispy baking mode, during the constant temperature stage, the time duration of the motor's reverse rotation is greater than the time duration of the motor's forward rotation. In the tender baking mode, during the constant temperature stage, the time duration of the motor's forward rotation is greater than the time duration of the motor's reverse rotation.

10. The control method of an air fryer according to claim 9, characterized in that: In the crispy baking mode and the tender baking mode, the motor rotates in the forward direction during the heating stage; Alternatively, in the crispy baking mode and the tender baking mode, after the heating tube stops working, the motor is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction for a preset time period.

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