Air flow generating device and cooking appliance

Abstract

The application discloses an air flow generating device and a cooking appliance. The air flow generating device comprises a housing assembly, an impeller and a motor. The housing assembly comprises an air inlet channel, an air outlet channel and a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity being communicated with the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel; the impeller is arranged in the mounting cavity; and the motor is used for driving the impeller to rotate. The housing assembly comprises a first side and a second side arranged oppositely along the axial direction of the impeller, the air outlet of the air outlet channel and the air inlet of the air inlet channel are arranged on the first side, and the housing assembly is further provided with a baffle plate on the first side, the baffle plate being arranged between the air outlet and the air inlet. According to the application, the air inlet and the air outlet of the air flow generating device are located on the same side, so that the air flow generating device can be easily mounted to the outer circumferential side of the heat preservation ring of the side of the cooking appliance, and the impeller is protected, for example, from the cooking water and the impact of the pot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cooking appliance technology, and more specifically to an airflow generating device for a cooking appliance, a heating component including the airflow generating device, and a cooking appliance including the heating component. Background Technology

[0002] Some existing rice cookers are equipped with side heating devices to heat the sides of the inner pot. To ensure even heating, the side heating uses hot air convection. However, the side hot air convection heating device has a complex structure, and its impeller is easily contaminated with cooking water or impacted by the inner pot, affecting the lifespan of the heating device. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model description section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This utility model description section is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0004] To at least partially solve the above problems, a first aspect of this application provides an airflow generating device, comprising:

[0005] A housing assembly, the housing assembly including an air inlet channel, an air outlet channel and a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity communicating with the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel;

[0006] Impeller, disposed in the mounting cavity; and

[0007] An electric motor is used to drive the impeller to rotate.

[0008] The housing assembly includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction of the impeller. The air outlet of the air outlet channel and the air inlet of the air inlet channel are arranged on the first side. The housing assembly is provided with a baffle plate on the first side, and the baffle plate is placed between the air outlet and the air inlet.

[0009] According to this application, the airflow generating device can create a circulating airflow inside the cooking appliance, enabling the side heating component to be heated by hot air convection, or adding the function of hot air convection heating, which is beneficial for even heating of the side of the pot. The airflow inlet and outlet of the airflow generating device are both located on the first side of the housing assembly, allowing the airflow generating device to be directly installed on the outside of the side heating component of the cooking appliance. The impeller is located on the outer periphery of the side heating component, preventing direct contact with cooking water or steam and avoiding impact from the pot, thus protecting the impeller. Furthermore, the baffle plate obstructs the airflow between the airflow inlet and outlet, promoting unidirectional airflow around the pot.

[0010] Optionally, the air outlet duct has an arc-shaped duct wall that is curved toward the axis of the impeller.

[0011] According to this application, the channel wall of the air outlet guides the airflow to the air outlet, so that the air outlet and the air inlet are located on the same side of the airflow generating device, while changing the direction of the airflow and reducing the energy loss of the airflow.

[0012] Optionally, the housing assembly includes:

[0013] The first housing is provided with the air outlet channel and the air inlet channel; and

[0014] A second housing is connected to the first housing. The second housing is positioned on the side of the first housing opposite to the airflow outlet and the airflow inlet, and together with the first housing, encloses the mounting cavity. The second housing is provided with a through hole.

[0015] The motor is located on the side of the second housing facing away from the mounting cavity, and the output shaft of the motor extends through the through hole.

[0016] According to this application, the motor is located outside the hot airflow channel to prevent the motor from malfunctioning at high temperatures.

[0017] Optionally, the first housing is provided with an opening that connects the mounting cavity and the air inlet channel, and the opening is spaced apart from the impeller along the axis of the impeller.

[0018] According to this application, the impeller is completely located in the mounting cavity, which provides excellent protection and prevents damage.

[0019] Optionally, the airflow inlet and the airflow outlet are spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

[0020] According to this application, the airflow inlet and airflow outlet are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the pot, which helps the airflow to flow unidirectionally along the circumference of the pot, thereby making the air temperature on the side of the pot uniform.

[0021] Optionally, the housing assembly has a mounting groove on the first side for accommodating a temperature sensor or a temperature control switch.

[0022] According to this application, a temperature sensor or temperature control switch is beneficial for precise control of the side temperature.

[0023] Optionally, the housing assembly further includes a mounting section for mounting a thermal fuse.

[0024] According to this application, the thermal fuse can ensure the safety of side heating.

[0025] Optionally, the housing assembly has a heat insulation element on the outer surface of the first side.

[0026] According to this application, the heat insulation component allows the heating element of the side heating assembly to extend circumferentially without having to avoid the airflow generating device, which is beneficial for achieving balanced side heating.

[0027] Optionally, the outer surface of the first side of the housing assembly includes a limiting surface facing the second side away from the airflow outlet and / or the airflow inlet.

[0028] According to this application, the limiting surface is recessed relative to the edge of the first side, thereby forming a receiving space between the surface where the limiting surface is located and the surface where the edge of the first side is located. This space can be used, for example, to accommodate a component of the side heating assembly for realizing the heating function.

[0029] Optionally, the airflow generating device further includes a heating element that can generate heat when powered on, the heating element being disposed in the air outlet channel or the air inlet channel.

[0030] According to this application, the airflow generating device may have its own heating function.

[0031] A second aspect of this application provides a cooking appliance, comprising:

[0032] The pot body includes an airflow generating device according to the first aspect and an annular body, the airflow generating device being disposed on the outer periphery of the annular body; and

[0033] The inner pot is removably installed within the pot body, and its interior forms a cooking cavity for holding food. The inner pot includes a bottom and a side portion located above the bottom.

[0034] The annular body surrounds the outer periphery of the side of the pot and forms an airflow channel with the pot. The airflow generating device is used to generate airflow in the airflow channel. The airflow inlet and the airflow outlet are both connected to the airflow channel.

[0035] According to this application, the cooking appliance can be heated by hot air convection on the side of the inner pot.

[0036] Optionally, the cooking appliance further includes a partition mechanism located at the bottom of the airflow channel. The partition mechanism is in contact with the pot body and the inner pot, and the partition mechanism, the pot body, and the side of the inner pot form the airflow channel.

[0037] According to this application, the partition mechanism can prevent hot air leakage from the side and help to achieve even heating of the side.

[0038] Optionally, the pot body further includes a bottom heating assembly for heating the bottom of the inner pot, the bottom heating assembly including a bottom heating component for achieving the heating function, and the partition mechanism is located between the annular body and the bottom heating component.

[0039] According to this application, the temperature of the side and bottom of the pot can be controlled by their respective heating components, thereby making the heating control more precise.

[0040] Optionally, the annular body includes a heat-insulating ring, and a side heating component for heating the side of the pot is installed on the outer periphery of the heat-insulating ring. The heat-insulating ring is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being corresponding to the airflow inlet and the air outlet being corresponding to the airflow outlet.

[0041] According to this application, the annular body and the airflow generating device together form a side hot air convection heating device, which has a simple structure.

[0042] Optionally, the airflow generating device is provided with the housing assembly, the outer surface of the first side of the housing assembly includes a limiting surface, a receiving space is formed between the heat insulation ring and the limiting surface, and at least a portion of the side heating component is placed in the receiving space.

[0043] Furthermore, the limiting surface faces away from the airflow outlet and / or the airflow inlet towards the second side.

[0044] According to this application, the side hot air convection heating device has a compact structure.

[0045] Optionally, the cooking appliance is equipped with a thermal fuse that contacts the insulation ring; and / or

[0046] The dimension occupied by the side heating component along the axial direction of the annular body is greater than or equal to 30 mm.

[0047] According to this application, the thermal fuse can improve the safety of side heating in cooking appliances. The side heating element occupies a dimension greater than or equal to 30 mm along the axial direction of the annular body, thereby allowing the side heating element to cover more of the pot's sidewall, which is beneficial for even side heating.

[0048] Optionally, the insulation ring is provided with a through groove between the air inlet and the air outlet to accommodate the baffle plate.

[0049] Furthermore, the baffle plate passes through the through groove, and when the inner pot is placed in the pot body, the baffle plate contacts the inner pot.

[0050] According to this application, the baffle can extend from the through groove of the annular body and contact the outer surface of the pot, preventing the gas flowing out of the airflow device from being immediately drawn back, thereby facilitating the formation of a unidirectional circulation on the side of the pot.

[0051] Optionally, the cooking appliance further includes a temperature sensor that contacts the side heating element; and / or

[0052] The cooking appliance also includes a temperature control switch, which is connected in series with the side heating element.

[0053] According to this application, the temperature sensor and temperature control switch facilitate precise control of the side temperature.

[0054] Optionally, in the vertical projection of the cooking appliance, the outer shell of the pot body is substantially rectangular or rounded rectangular, and the airflow generating device is located at the corner of the rectangular or rounded rectangular shape.

[0055] According to this application, the airflow generating device is located at the corner of the pot body, making full use of the internal space of the pot body, and the cooking appliance has a compact structure.

[0056] Optionally, the annular body is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being provided corresponding to the airflow inlet, the air outlet being provided corresponding to the airflow outlet, and the air outlet being provided at the top of the annular body.

[0057] According to this application, the air outlet is positioned at the top, which helps the airflow to blow the hot air that rises and accumulates at the top due to the decrease in density caused by the increase in temperature to other low-temperature areas. This helps to improve the temperature uniformity of the side heating.

[0058] Optionally, the airflow outlet is connected to the annular body, and in the horizontal cross-section of the cooking appliance through the air outlet channel, the acute angle formed by the channel wall of the air outlet channel on the side near the airflow outlet and the tangent of the annular body at the connection point is less than or equal to 45 degrees.

[0059] According to this application, the channel wall of the air outlet channel guides the airflow along the circumferential direction of the airflow channel, which helps the airflow to flow unidirectionally in the annular path in the airflow channel, thereby making the air temperature uniform in the airflow.

[0060] Optionally, the axis of the impeller intersects the axis of the annular body.

[0061] According to this application, the axis of the impeller coincides with the radial direction of the annular body, which can reduce the volume and save installation space. Attached Figure Description

[0062] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this application, are provided for understanding the application. The drawings illustrate representative embodiments of the application and are used to explain the principles of the application, not to limit it.

[0063] In the attached image:

[0064] Figure 1 This is a side cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first example of the inner pot and side heating assembly;

[0066] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A top view of the side heating assembly shown;

[0067] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the side support component;

[0068] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the airflow generating device in the diagram;

[0069] Figure 6 and Figure 7 for Figure 5 The diagram shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the airflow generating device.

[0070] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the additional temperature sensor in the circuit;

[0071] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a second example of the inner pot and the side heating assembly;

[0072] Figure 10 This is a side cross-sectional view of the pot body and inner pot of a cooking appliance according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the pot body and inner pot of a cooking appliance according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 12 This is a top view schematic diagram of the internal structure of the pot body of a cooking appliance according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 13 and Figure 14 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a third example of a side heating assembly;

[0076] Figure 15 and Figure 16 for Figure 13 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the airflow generating device in the diagram;

[0077] Figure 17 for Figure 13 An exploded three-dimensional diagram of the airflow generating device in the diagram;

[0078] Figure 18 and Figure 19 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a fourth example of a side heating assembly;

[0079] Figure 20 for Figure 1 A top view of a portion of the structure of a cooking appliance, showing the side heating assembly and bottom heating assembly of the fifth example;

[0080] Figure 21 for Figure 1 A top view of a portion of the structure of a cooking appliance, showing the side heating assembly and bottom heating assembly of the sixth example;

[0081] Figure 22 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the sealing ring in the middle;

[0082] Figure 23 for Figure 1 A side sectional view of a partial structure of the cooking appliance shown, illustrating a first example of a partition mechanism;

[0083] Figure 24 This is a side cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 25 for Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the side support component of the side heating assembly;

[0085] Figure 26 This is a side cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance according to the third embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 27 for Figure 26 A side sectional view of the bottom heating assembly;

[0087] Figure 28 This is a side cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance according to the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 29 for Figure 28 A side sectional view of the bottom heating assembly;

[0089] Figure 30This is a side cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance according to the fifth embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 31 for Figure 30 A side view of the first example of the inner pot in the pot;

[0091] Figure 32 for Figure 30 A side view of the second example of the inner pot;

[0092] Figures 33 to 35 This is a side view of the inner pot of a cooking appliance according to a specific embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0093] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with this application.

[0094] To fully understand this application, a detailed description will be provided in the following description. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this application may have other embodiments.

[0095] The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term “first component” does not imply the existence of a “second component,” and the term “second component” does not imply the existence of a “first component.” The use of words such as “first,” “second,” and “third” does not indicate any order and can be interpreted as names.

[0096] It should be noted that the terms “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0097] In this document, terms such as “equal” and “same” are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use.

[0098] Unless otherwise stated, the numerical ranges in this document include not only the entire range within its two endpoints, but also the subranges contained therein.

[0099] This application discloses an airflow generating device for a cooking appliance, a heating component using the airflow generating device, and a cooking appliance using the heating component.

[0100] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 according to this application may include a pot body 12 and a lid 11. Typically, the pot body 12 includes a pot inner 20, which is a cooking container for holding food. The internal space of the pot inner 20 is a cooking cavity. The pot body 12 may have a cylindrical (or other shaped) receiving cavity 14, from which the pot inner 20 can be freely placed or removed for easy cleaning. The pot inner 20 is made of metal and constructed as a rotating body with an opening and an inner cavity formed by the pot wall; that is, the pot inner 20 is constructed as a rotating body shape with an axis PA extending in the vertical direction as its axis (the pot inner wall is formed by rotating a fixed-shape generatrix around the axis PA by 360 degrees). The inner surface of the pot inner 20 has no coating, such as a non-stick coating. The capacity of the pot inner 20 is typically less than 6L; for example, the capacity of the pot inner 20 may be 2L or 4L, etc. The lid 11 is pivotally connected to the pot body 12 via a pivot shaft for closing the pot body 12.

[0102] The pot body 12 has a heating element 40 for performing cooking heating. The heating element 40 is disposed around the periphery of the inner pot 20 for heating the inner pot 20. The heating element 40 is electrically connected to a control device (not shown) for heating the inner pot 20 under the control of the control device, thereby realizing the cooking function. The control device is configured, for example, as a MCU chip. The control device has built-in control program software.

[0103] The cooking appliance 100 also includes a temperature sensing device for sensing the cooking temperature. The temperature sensing device is electrically connected to a control device, allowing the control device to obtain cooking temperature information and control the heating element 40 to operate based on that information. The temperature sensing device may include, for example, at least a top temperature sensor 18 and a bottom temperature sensor 19. The top temperature sensor 18, for example, is disposed in the lid 11 and senses the cooking temperature at the top of the cooking cavity. The bottom temperature sensor 19, for example, is disposed in the pot body 12 and contacts the bottom of the inner pot 20 to sense the cooking temperature at the bottom of the cooking container. The temperature sensing device may also include temperature sensors disposed in other locations.

[0104] Understandably, the cooking appliance 100 is controlled by a control device.

[0105] The inner pot 20 has an inner pot wall including a bottom 21 (bottom wall) and a side portion 24 (side wall) located above the bottom 21. The heating assembly 40 includes, for example, a bottom heating assembly 41 and a side heating assembly 44. The bottom heating assembly 41 is located at the bottom of the pot body 12, corresponding to the bottom 21 of the inner pot, and is positioned below the inner pot 20, for heating the bottom 21. The side heating assembly 44 is positioned corresponding to the side portion 24 of the inner pot, and surrounds the outer periphery of the side portion 24 for heating the side portion 24. Preferably, as... Figure 2 As shown, the side heating assembly 44 is configured as a hot air convection heating device, for example, including an airflow generating device 30. The gap between the side heating assembly 44 and the pot liner 20 forms an airflow channel 13. The airflow generating device 30 is used to generate airflow in the airflow channel 13. The airflow makes the air temperature in the airflow channel 13 uniformly distributed, so that the side 24 of the pot liner can be heated evenly.

[0106] Understandably, the airflow channel 13 between the side heating assembly 44 and the side of the inner pot 20 is part of the receiving cavity 14, extending downwards. Airflow in the airflow channel 13 flows downwards, and the hot airflow heats the side of the inner pot and part of the bottom of the inner pot, improving the efficiency of convection heating and the uniformity of heating the side of the inner pot. Furthermore, the cooking appliance 100 also includes a partition mechanism 51. The partition mechanism 51 is located at the bottom of the airflow channel 13. The partition mechanism 51 contacts both the pot body 12 and the inner pot 20, such that the partition mechanism 51, the pot body 12, and the inner pot 20 (e.g., the side of the inner pot 24) form the airflow channel 13. The partition mechanism 51 blocks the airflow channel 13 to prevent the airflow in the airflow channel 13 from flowing downwards. The partition mechanism 51 allows airflow to flow on the side of the inner pot 20 without leaking to the bottom 21 of the inner pot, which facilitates precise temperature control of the side of the inner pot 24.

[0107] When the partition mechanism 51 is not provided, the airflow channel 13 is formed between the outer side of the inner pot 20 and the pot body, and the hot air in the airflow channel 13 can heat the entire outer side of the inner pot. Preferably, the partition mechanism 51 causes the airflow channel 13 to be formed on the side of the inner pot 20, so that the hot air in the airflow channel 13 only heats the side 24 of the inner pot.

[0108] The side heating assembly 44 also includes an annular body 49, which surrounds the outer periphery of the pot side 24, making the airflow channel 13 an annular channel. The annular body 49 includes a side heating element 62 for achieving the heating function. An airflow generating device 30 is connected, for example, to the outer periphery of the annular body 49. Figure 3 As shown, the airflow generating device 30 has an airflow inlet 34 and an airflow outlet 35. (As indicated...) Figure 4 As shown, the annular body 49 is provided with an air inlet 66 corresponding to the airflow inlet 34 and an air outlet 67 corresponding to the airflow outlet 35. When the airflow generating device 30 is working, the airflow flows out from the airflow outlet 35 of the airflow generating device 30, enters the airflow channel 13 through the air outlet 67, flows through the airflow channel 13 once, and then flows out of the airflow channel 13 from the air outlet 67, and then returns to the airflow generating device 30 from the airflow inlet 34 (see...). Figure 3 (The red arrow in the image).

[0109] The side heating assembly 44 may include a plurality of side heating elements 62 arranged along the axial direction of the annular body 49. The total dimension occupied by all the side heating elements 62 along the axial direction of the annular body 49 is greater than or equal to 30 mm, thereby ensuring sufficient heating of the pot side 24 and achieving a uniform temperature in the pot side 24. The axis PC of the annular body 49 is substantially the same as the axis of the pot 20.

[0110] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the annular body 49 also includes an annular side support member 61 (also called an annular support member). The side support member 61 is, for example, constructed in an annular shape and used to surround the outer periphery of the pot side 24. A side heating member 62, an air inlet 66, and an air outlet 67 are all disposed on the annular support member 61. The annular support member 61 is, for example, constructed as a heat insulation ring 63. The side heating member 62 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular support member 61. The axis of the side support member 61 is also the axis PC of the annular body 49.

[0111] like Figure 3 As shown, the airflow inlet 34 and airflow outlet 35 of the airflow generating device 30 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the pot liner 20. Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, preferably, the airflow generating device 30 includes a baffle plate 39 disposed between the airflow inlet 34 and the airflow outlet 35 to prevent airflow from flowing between the airflow inlet 34 and the airflow outlet 35. Thus, air flowing out of the airflow outlet 35 is not immediately drawn back into the airflow inlet 34. The baffle plate 39 extends generally in the vertical direction. Since the airflow inlet 34 and the airflow outlet 35 are located on the same side, the baffle plate 39 primarily prevents turbulence in the airflow generating device 30. Therefore, the inner side of the baffle plate 39 can only conform to the annular body 49. Preferably, when the pot liner 20 is placed in the pot body 12, the baffle plate 39 can extend towards the pot liner 20 and contact the side wall of the pot liner 20. The edge shape of the baffle plate 39 is adapted to the outer surface shape of the pot liner 20 to conform to the outer surface of the pot liner 20. Thus, the baffle plate 39 forms a partition in the airflow channel 13, allowing the annular airflow in the airflow channel 13 to pass through the airflow generator 30 and flow unidirectionally around the pot liner 20. That is, during the process of the airflow from the side 24 of the pot liner flowing around the pot liner 20, it flows from the airflow channel 13 through the air inlet channel 32U, the impeller 37 and the air outlet channel 32D and then re-enters the airflow channel 13, so that the heat between the pot liner 20 and the side heating component 44 evenly heats the airflow in the airflow channel 13, thereby promoting temperature balance in the airflow channel 13.

[0112] One or two baffles 39 can be provided, and the baffles 39 can also form an airflow inlet 34 and an airflow outlet 35 with part of the housing of the airflow generating device 30. In some other embodiments, the baffles 39 may not be in contact with the pot liner 20. For example, the airflow generating device 30 is a U-shaped pipe structure. The U-shaped pipe is placed horizontally and fixed to the side heating assembly 44. The impeller 37 is located in the central area of ​​the U-shaped pipe. The two openings of the U-shaped pipe are the airflow inlet 34 and the airflow outlet 35, and the two openings are located on the same side. The two sides of the impeller 37 are the air inlet channel 32U and the air outlet channel 32D, respectively. The pipe wall of the U-shaped pipe is the baffle 39 to avoid turbulence between the airflow inlet 34 and the airflow outlet 35 during the operation of the impeller 37. Furthermore, a baffle plate can be provided between the side 24 of the pot liner and the annular body 49. The baffle plate is located between the airflow inlet 34 and the airflow outlet 35 to guide the airflow to flow towards the airflow generating device 30.

[0113] The airflow generator 30 allows airflow to enter and exit on the same side, which helps maintain a circular airflow, reduces airflow speed loss and energy loss, and saves the volume of cooking utensils.

[0114] To improve the heating effect, it is preferable that the distance between the air outlet 35 and the air inlet 34 in the horizontal direction is, for example, between 2 mm and 100 mm.

[0115] like Figure 4 As shown, the side support member 61 has a through groove 69 at the position corresponding to the baffle 39 of the airflow generator 30, allowing the baffle 39 to pass through and contact the pot liner 20. The airflow generator 30 fits against the outer surface of the side support member 61 to minimize air leakage at the airflow inlet 34 and airflow outlet 35. Thus, airflow enters the airflow channel 13 from the airflow outlet 35 through the air outlet 67 and flows unidirectionally under the action of the baffle 39. After circling the pot liner 20 once, the airflow passes through the air inlet 67 into the airflow inlet 34 and returns to the airflow generator 30. The airflow inlet 34 and airflow outlet 35 are kept as close as possible to each other.

[0116] Specifically, such as Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the airflow generating device 30 includes a housing assembly 31, an impeller 37, and a motor 38. The housing assembly 31 is connected to the side support member 61. The housing assembly includes a mounting cavity 36, an airflow inlet 34, and an airflow outlet 35, both of which communicate with the mounting cavity 36. The impeller 37 is disposed in the mounting cavity 36 and is used to generate airflow when rotating. The motor 38 drives the impeller 37 to rotate.

[0117] The housing assembly 31 includes, for example, a first housing 32 and a second housing 33. The first housing 32 is used to connect to the side support member 61, and both the airflow inlet 34 and the airflow outlet 35 are formed in the first housing 32. The second housing 33, together with the first housing 32, encloses a mounting cavity 36. The second housing 33 is provided with a through hole 33A. A motor 38 is connected to the side of the second housing 33 facing away from the mounting cavity 36, and the output shaft of the motor 38 extends through the through hole 33A to enter the mounting cavity 36 and connect to the impeller 37. The motor 38 is located outside the hot air duct to prevent the motor 38 from failing at high temperatures.

[0118] The first housing 32 also includes, for example, a through cavity 32A. One end of the through cavity 32A is covered by the second housing 33, so that the internal space of the through cavity 32A forms a mounting cavity 36, in which the impeller 37 is placed. The other end of the through cavity 32A has an opening 32V that communicates with the air inlet channel 32U. The axial direction of the impeller 37 is also the axial direction of the mounting cavity 36, and thus the axial direction DA of the through cavity 32A. The airflow inlet 34 is, for example, generally coaxial with the impeller 37, while the axis of the airflow outlet 35 is offset from the axis of the impeller 37.

[0119] The first housing 32 includes a first side 32E and a second side 32F disposed opposite to each other along the axial direction DA of the through cavity 32A, wherein the first side 32E is for facing the side support member 61. An airflow inlet 34 and an airflow outlet 35 are both formed on the first side 32E. The second housing 33 is connected to the second side 32F. The shape of the contact edge 32J of the first side 32E is adapted to the outer surface shape of the side support member 61 to fit against the outer surface of the side support member 61. It should be noted that the contact edge 32J is at least a portion of all edges of the airflow generating device 30 on the first side 32E, and is the portion of the airflow generating device 30 used to contact the side support member 61. Both the airflow inlet 34 and the airflow outlet 35 are formed on the contact edge 32J of the first side 32E.

[0120] The side support member 61 is constructed in a cylindrical or annular shape to surround the outer periphery of the pot 20. Therefore, the contact edge 32J of the first side 32E extends in a cylindrical surface to fit against the side support member 61, the axis of which is the axis of the side support member 61. The axial direction DF of this cylindrical surface is perpendicular to the axial direction DA of the through cavity 32A. The axial direction DA of the through cavity 32A is also the axial direction of the impeller 37. The axis PM of the impeller 37 passes through the side support member 61. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis PM of the impeller 37 does not intersect with the axis PC of the side support member 61, that is, the axis PM of the impeller 37 is offset from the axis of the pot 20. Of course, the axis PM of the impeller 37 can also intersect with the axis PC of the side support member 61, that is, the axis PM of the impeller 37 intersects with the axis of the pot 20. This design helps to reduce the volume of the airflow generating device 30 and save installation space.

[0121] The first side of the first housing 32 can also be understood as the first side of the housing assembly 31. The housing assembly 31 also has a second side that is opposite to the first side along the axial direction DA of the impeller 37. The motor 38 is disposed on the second side of the housing assembly 31.

[0122] The first housing 32 also includes a third side 32M and a fourth side 32N spaced apart along a second direction DS, wherein the second direction DS is perpendicular to the axial direction DA of the through cavity 32A and the axial direction DF of the cylindrical surface of the side support member 61. The second direction DS generally corresponds to the circumferential direction of the side support member 61. The contact edge 32J of the first side 32E includes, for example, a first edge 32P and a second edge 32Q spaced apart along the axial direction DF, and a third edge 32R and a fourth edge 32S spaced apart along the second direction DS. The first edge 32P and the second edge 32Q extend along an arc parallel to the second direction DS, the center of which lies on the axis of the side support member 61. The first edge 32P and the second edge 32Q are generally parallel to each other. The first edge 32P is below, and the second edge 32Q is above. The third edge 32R and the fourth edge 32S extend in a straight line along the axial direction DF of the cylindrical surface of the side support member 61. Thus, the contact edge 32J of the first side 32E extends in the vertical cylindrical surface, which can fit well into the cylindrical surface of the outer surface of the side support member 61.

[0123] like Figure 5 As shown, the through cavity 32A is positioned near the fourth side 32N, and the airflow outlet 35 is positioned near the third side 32M, such that the airflow inlet 34 and the airflow outlet 35 are spaced apart along the second direction DS. The third side 32M of the first housing 32 has a first dimension in the axial direction DA of the through cavity 32A. The fourth side 32N of the first housing 32 has a second dimension in the axial direction DA of the through cavity 32A. The first dimension is smaller than the second dimension. This allows sufficient space within the through cavity 32A to accommodate the impeller 37.

[0124] The first housing 32 is also provided with an air outlet channel 32D and an air inlet channel 32U. The mounting cavity 36 connects the air inlet channel 32U and the air outlet channel 32D. Figure 6 As shown, one end of the air outlet 32D forms an airflow outlet 35. The air outlet 32D guides the airflow out of the airflow outlet 35 and moves it in a direction surrounding the outer surface of the pot liner 20. (As shown...) Figure 23 As shown, the other end of the air outlet duct 32D is located on the side wall of the through cavity 32A, for example, near the second side 32F on the side wall of 32A. The port at one end of the air inlet duct 32U forms an airflow inlet 34, and the other end is connected to the opening 32V, thereby communicating with the mounting cavity 36.

[0125] Along the axis of the impeller 37, the opening 32V is spaced apart from the impeller 37. That is, the impeller 37 is recessed towards the interior of the mounting cavity 36 relative to the opening 32V, so that the impeller 37 is completely located in the mounting cavity 36 and is well protected. Furthermore, the fact that the impeller 37 is completely located in the mounting cavity 36 can also improve the air outlet efficiency.

[0126] The channel wall of the air outlet duct 32D includes a guide wall 32G that forms part of the outer surface of the first housing 32. The guide wall 32G extends from the side wall of the through cavity 32A to the third edge 32R. At any two points on the inner surface of the guide wall 32G, the point closer to the third edge 32R along the second direction DS is also closer to the first edge 32P along the axial direction of the through cavity 32A. Thus, the guide wall 32G gradually approaches the first edge 32P, and with the first dimension being smaller than the second dimension, the air outlet duct 32D extends generally along the tangent of the side support member 61 at the airflow outlet 35, thereby allowing airflow to enter the airflow channel 13 tangentially, which facilitates unidirectional airflow in the annular path.

[0127] The guide wall 32G intersects with the first edge 32P at the third edge 32R, and the two form a sharp angle γ at the third edge 32R. Preferably, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, in the vertical projection of the cooking appliance 100, the angle of the acute angle γ is less than or equal to 45°. Alternatively, the air outlet duct 32D is inclined relative to the side support member 61, and in the axial direction of the cylindrical surface of the side support member 61, the acute angle γ formed between the channel wall 32G of the air outlet duct 32D and the edge of the housing assembly 31 on the first side 32E is less than or equal to 45°. To better guide the airflow and reduce airflow disturbance at the air outlet 35, this angle can be selected from one of 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, or 45°.

[0128] The airflow outlet 35 is formed, for example, at the contact edge 32J on the first side 32E, and is defined, for example, by the first edge 32P, the second edge 32Q, the third edge 32R, and the baffle 39. The airflow inlet 34 is recessed inward from the contact edge 32J on the first side 32E, so that the sidewall of the through cavity 32A is a generally regular cylindrical surface, which is beneficial for the impeller 37 to generate a stable airflow.

[0129] Because the second side 32F is thicker, the first housing 32 also has a space on the second side 32F for mounting an additional temperature sensor 17 (see [reference]). Figure 8 The mounting slot 32B is used for the auxiliary temperature sensor 17. The opening of the mounting slot 32B faces upwards, meaning the auxiliary temperature sensor 17 is inserted into the mounting slot 32B from above. The temperature-sensing part 73 of the auxiliary temperature sensor 17 extends from the opening to contact the side heating element 62, thereby allowing the auxiliary temperature sensor 17 to sense the temperature of the side heating element 62. The auxiliary temperature sensor 17 can also be configured to sense the temperature of the pot inner side 24 or the temperature of the insulation ring 63. Alternatively, the auxiliary temperature sensor 17 can be directly mounted on the side support member 61.

[0130] The outer surface of the first side 32E of the first housing 32 includes a limiting surface 32H. The limiting surface 32H is closer to the second side 32F of the first housing 32 (or the second side of the housing assembly 31) than the edge of the first side 32E extending in the cylindrical surface. In other words, the limiting surface 32H is away from the air outlet 35 and / or the air inlet 34 towards the second side 32F (or the second side of the housing assembly 31). Thus, the limiting surface 32H is away from the contact edge 32J and the mounting groove 32B of the first side 32E towards the second side 32F along the axial direction DA of the through cavity 32A. In the projection of the first housing 32 along the axial direction DA of the through cavity 32A, at least a portion of the limiting surface 32H is higher than the contact edge 32J (specifically, the second edge 32Q) and the mounting groove 32B of the first side 32E. Therefore, when the contact edge 32J of the first side 32E abuts against the outer surface of the side support member 61, a gap space is formed between the limiting surface 32H and the outer surface of the side support member 61. This gap space is used to accommodate the side heating member 62 (e.g., a heating element) and the temperature sensing part 73 of the additional temperature sensor 17. That is, the side heating member 62 is located between the limiting surface 32H and the side support member 61. The temperature sensing part 73 is sandwiched between the side heating member 62 and the side support member 61.

[0131] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the wall of the mounting slot 32B has a wire hole 32K for the wire 74 of the additional temperature sensor 17 to pass through.

[0132] After the side heating assembly 44 is installed in the pot body 12, the axial direction DA and the second direction DS of the through cavity 32A are horizontal, and the axial direction DF of the side support component 61 is vertical. The axial direction DF of the side support component 61 is also the axial direction of the annular body 49.

[0133] Since the edge of the housing assembly 31 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the annular body 49 on the first side 32E, the air outlet 35 in the side heating assembly 44 is connected to the annular body 49. In the projection of the airflow generating device 30 along the axial direction of the cylindrical surface of the side support member 61, or in the horizontal cross-section of the cooking appliance 100 through the air outlet channel 32D, the acute angle γ formed between the channel wall 32G of the air outlet channel 32D near the air outlet 35 and the tangent of the annular body 49 at the connection point is less than or equal to 45°. Thus, the airflow enters the airflow channel 13 approximately along its circumferential direction, causing the incoming airflow to blow in one direction and preventing the airflow from directly impacting the inner pot 20 and causing backflow. This facilitates unidirectional circumferential flow in the airflow channel 13, resulting in uniform air temperature within the airflow channel 13.

[0134] like Figure 9As shown, the side heating assembly 44 may also be equipped with a temperature control switch 75. The temperature control switch 75, for example, contacts the heating element 64, thereby sensing the temperature of the side heating component 62. The temperature control switch 75 is connected in series with the side heating component 62. When the temperature of the side heating component 62 is too high, the temperature control switch 75 disconnects, preventing the side heating assembly from operating and thus avoiding excessively high temperatures on the side of the pot, which could cause the rice to become dry and hard in certain areas, and also ensuring safety during use. The side heating assembly 44 may also be equipped with a thermal fuse 76. The thermal fuse 76 is connected in series with the side heating component 62. The thermal fuse 76 contacts or is close to the insulation ring 63, so that when the heating element 64 causes the insulation ring 63 to become too hot, the thermal fuse 76 melts, also preventing the side heating assembly from operating.

[0135] Because of the thermal resistance between the temperature control switch 75 and the heat source, the temperature control switch 75 exhibits a lag in detecting the heat source's temperature. When the actual temperature of the heat source reaches the trigger temperature of the temperature control switch 75, but the actual temperature of the temperature control switch 75 has not yet reached its trigger temperature, the heating element 64 continues to heat until the actual temperature of the temperature control switch 75 reaches its trigger temperature. Therefore, using the temperature control switch 75 for temperature control will always result in temperature spikes and control lag. The insulation ring 63, for example, can be a metal component with a thin wall thickness, high thermal resistance, and a certain heat capacity, thus preventing temperature spikes. The thermal fuse 76 is located within the insulation ring 63 (the thermal fuse 76 contacts the insulation ring 63), which can prevent the thermal fuse 76 from accidentally blowing due to temperature spikes.

[0136] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the inner pot 20 has a radially outwardly extending flange 27 at its opening. When the inner pot 20 is placed in the pot body 12, the flange 27 contacts the pot body 12. Thus, the flange 27 can block the airflow channel 13 above, which is beneficial for equalizing the air temperature in the airflow channel 13. For example, the circumference of the opening of the receiving cavity 14 of the pot body 12 is provided with an upwardly protruding contact portion 15. When the inner pot 20 is placed in the receiving cavity 14 of the pot body 12, the lower surface of the flange 27 contacts the upper surface of the contact portion 15. Figure 11 As shown, the outer periphery of the contact portion 15 has a radially inward recess 15A. When the inner pot 20 is placed in the pot body 12, the flange 27 protrudes radially outward from the deepest part of the recess 15A. Thus, the user can contact the flange 27 at the recess 15A, making it convenient to put on or take off the inner pot 20.

[0137] like Figure 12As shown, in the vertical projection of the cooking appliance 100, the outer shell of the pot body 12 is substantially rectangular or rounded rectangular. Preferably, the airflow generating device 30 is located at the corner of the rectangle or rounded rectangle, thereby making full use of the internal space of the pot body 12. For example, the receiving cavity 14 has a first axis of symmetry SP1 extending in the left-right direction and a second axis of symmetry SP2 extending in the front-back direction, which divides the pot body 12 into four parts, each of which includes a corner of the rectangle or rounded rectangle. Figure 12 Line L1 is a straight line rotated 10 degrees relative to the first axis of symmetry SP1 toward a corner, and line L2 is a straight line rotated 10 degrees relative to the second axis of symmetry SP2 toward the same corner. Preferably, the airflow generating device 30 is located between line L1 and line L2.

[0138] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to avoid the airflow generating device 30, the side heating component 62 does not wrap around the circumference of the annular body 49.

[0139] exist Figures 13 to 19 In the illustrated embodiment, the air outlet 67 is located near the top (upward-facing end) of the annular body 49. Within the airflow channel 13, the air is not absolutely isothermal; hot air with lower density is located in the upper part of the airflow channel 13, while cold air with higher density is located in the lower part. Positioning the air outlet 67 upwards helps the airflow direct the hot air, which rises and accumulates at the top due to its decreased density caused by temperature rise, to other low-temperature areas. This contributes to improving the temperature uniformity of the side heating.

[0140] The air outlet 67 and air inlet 66 are respectively located at both ends of the annular body 49 along the axial direction, which can increase the flow of high-temperature air and low-temperature air at both ends and promote the air temperature balance in the airflow channel 13. Alternatively, the air inlet 66 is located at the bottom of the annular body 49 (the lower end of the annular body), so as not to interfere with the airflow blown out of the air outlet 67 as much as possible and to help the heat diffuse.

[0141] In such an embodiment, optionally, the temperature control switch 75 and the thermal fuse 76 are mounted on the housing assembly 31 of the airflow generator 130. For example, the mounting groove 32B of the first housing 32 is used to mount the temperature control switch 75. The first housing 32 is also provided with a mounting portion 32T for mounting the thermal fuse 76. The thermal fuse 76 includes a thermal fuse element 76A and a sleeve 76B. The thermal fuse element 76A is connected in series with the side heating element 62 and melts when the temperature exceeds the limit. The sleeve 76B is fitted over the thermal fuse element 76A and contacts the insulation ring 63 to protect the thermal fuse element 76A.

[0142] exist Figures 13 to 17In the illustrated embodiment, the side heating element 62 is configured as a heating element, for example, with its two ends connected by fasteners 65. A heat insulation element 77 is also provided on the outer surface of the housing assembly 31 of the airflow generating device 130 on the first side 32E. The heat insulation element 77 is made of silicone, for example, to prevent deformation of the housing assembly 31 at high temperatures. The heat insulation element 77 is used to contact the side heating element 62, so that the side heating element 62 can rotate around the circumference of the annular body 49 without having to avoid the airflow generating device 130. This allows the side heating element 44 to generate heat throughout the entire circumference, which is beneficial for uniform air temperature in the airflow channel 13.

[0143] For example, heat insulation members 77 are provided on the outer surfaces of the straight edges 32R and 32S of the first side 32E of the housing assembly 31 of the airflow generating device 130. The two heat insulation members 77 are attached to the cylindrical surfaces of the outer periphery of the annular body 49 with the arcuate edges 32P and 32Q. For example, the first edge 32P and the second edge 32Q are attached to the side support member 61, the two ends of the two heat insulation members 77 are attached to the side support member 61, and the middle part of the two heat insulation members 77 is attached to the side heating member 62.

[0144] exist Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the illustrated embodiment, the annular body 49 is integrally constructed as a heating coil 48. That is, the annular body 49 is a single heating component, while the side support component 61 and the side heating component 62 are integrated. The edge of the first side 32E of the airflow generating device 230 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the heating coil 48. It is understood that a heat insulation component 77 is provided on the edge of the first side 32E of the airflow generating device 230.

[0145] Understandable, Figures 1 to 19 In this embodiment, the side heating assembly 44 also has a heating function even without the airflow generating device 30, for example, by means of thermal radiation or electromagnetic heating. The airflow generating device 30 adds the function of hot air convection heating to the side heating assembly 44. Hot air convection heating is achieved by uniformizing the temperature of the air in the airflow channel 13 (i.e., the air around the side of the pot liner 24), and then using uniformly heated air to uniformly heat the side of the pot liner 24.

[0146] exist Figure 20 and Figure 21In the illustrated embodiment, a side heating element 62 for generating heat upon energization is disposed in the airflow channel of the airflow generator (330 or 430), allowing the airflow generator to directly blow out hot air. The side heating element 62 is, for example, constructed as a heating wire 78. The side heating assembly 44 includes a side support element 61 and an airflow generator. The side support element 61 (also called an annular support element) surrounds the outer periphery of the pot side 24, and the airflow generator is connected to the outer periphery of the side support element 61. The side support element 61 is, for example, constructed as a heat-insulating ring. The side support element 61 has an air inlet 66, an air outlet 67, and structures for cooperating with the airflow generator. Figure 20 As shown, the heating wire 78 can be placed in the air outlet duct 32D. Or, as... Figure 21 As shown, the heating wire 78 can be installed in the air inlet channel 32U. Therefore, the side heating assembly 44 basically only has the function of hot air convection heating.

[0147] Of course, in Figure 20 and Figure 21 In the embodiment shown, similar to the previous embodiment, the airflow generating devices 330 and 430 are used to add hot air convection heating function to the side heating assembly 44, and the airflow generating devices 330 and 430 increase the power of the side heating assembly 44 due to the built-in heating wire 78, especially the heating temperature of the side 24 of the pot can be quickly increased.

[0148] As previously mentioned, the cooking appliance 100 prevents air from leaking from the airflow channel 13 to the bottom 21 of the inner pot via a partition mechanism 51. Figure 1 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the partition mechanism 51 is constructed as a sealing ring 16. The sealing ring 16 is used to surround the outer periphery of the pot liner 20. The outer periphery of the sealing ring 16 is used to contact the pot body 12, and the inner periphery of the sealing ring 16 is used to contact the pot liner 20, so as to block the bottom of the airflow channel 13.

[0149] like Figure 22As shown, optionally, the outer periphery of the sealing ring 16 includes a sealing ring mounting groove 16A for connection with the pot body 12. For example, the side heating assembly 44 can be inserted into the sealing ring mounting groove 16A. For example, the side support member 61 can be inserted into the sealing ring mounting groove 16A. Similar to the side heating assembly 44, the bottom heating assembly 41 includes a bottom support member 45 and a bottom heating member 46. The bottom support member 45 is disposed at the bottom of the pot body 12. The bottom heating member 46 is disposed at the bottom support member 45 for heating function. The bottom support member 45 can support the side heating assembly 44. The outer periphery of the sealing ring 16 can also be connected to the bottom heating assembly 41. For example, the sealing ring mounting groove 16A faces downwards, allowing the bottom support member 45 to be inserted therein. Typically, the inner pot 20 is constructed in a rotating shape, and to accommodate the shape of the inner pot, the bottom heating member 46 is typically distributed in a disc or ring shape.

[0150] like Figure 23 As shown, optionally, the inner circumferential side of the sealing ring 16 includes a bent structure 16B, at least a portion of which is configured to bend from inward and downward to outward and upward. Thus, when the inner pot 20 is placed in the pot body 12, the inward and downward extending portion of the bent structure 16B can contact the bottom heating assembly 41 (specifically, the bottom support member 45), and the outward and upward extending portion of the bent structure 16B can contact the outer surface of the inner pot 20. Therefore, the bent structure 16B can tightly seal the airflow passage 13.

[0151] For example, the bending structure 16B includes a first bending portion 16C, a second bending portion 16D, and a third bending portion 16E. The first bending portion 16C extends inward and downward from the outer periphery, the second bending portion 16D bends inward and upward from the first bending portion 16C, and the third bending portion 16E bends outward and upward from the second bending portion 16D. The first bending portion 16C contacts the bottom support member 45, and the third bending portion 16E contacts the outer surface of the pot liner 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first bending portion 16C, the second bending portion 16D, and the third bending portion 16E extends in a straight line, and the bending angle at the joints is approximately 90 degrees. However, the bending structure 16B can also be constructed as a curved bend.

[0152] exist Figure 24 and Figure 25In the illustrated embodiment, the partition mechanism 51 is disposed at the bottom of the side heating assembly 44. For example, the partition mechanism 51 is formed at the bottom of the side support member 61. For example, the bottom of the side support member 61 is provided with an annular second protrusion structure 68 extending inward in the radial direction. The second protrusion structure 68 is used to contact the inner pot 20, thereby forming the partition mechanism 51. The second protrusion structure 68 can be formed, for example, by constructing a flange or rib at the axial end of the side support member 61.

[0153] exist Figures 26 to 29 In the illustrated embodiment, the partition mechanism 51 is disposed on top of the bottom heating assembly 41. For example, it is disposed on top of the bottom support member 45. For example, the top of the bottom support member 45 is provided with an annular first protrusion structure 47, which is used to contact the inner pot 20, thereby forming the partition mechanism 51.

[0154] The partition mechanism 51 may include a high thermal resistance material. For example, the partition mechanism 51 may also include a high thermal resistance layer (e.g., a silicone sleeve) disposed on the outer surface of the first protrusion structure 47 or the second protrusion structure 68 to further prevent heat conduction from the side to the bottom. The partition mechanism 51 may also include a reflective material or have a reflective coating, for example, by providing a reflective material or reflective coating on the first protrusion structure 47 or the second protrusion structure 68, which can also prevent heat conduction from the side to the bottom.

[0155] exist Figures 30 to 31 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface of the inner pot 20 is provided with a radially outwardly extending annular inner pot protrusion structure 25. The inner pot protrusion structure 25 is used to contact the pot body 12, for example, to contact the bottom support member 45, thereby forming a partition mechanism 51. The inner pot protrusion structure 25 can also be used to contact the side heating assembly 44.

[0156] The partition mechanism 51 is located between the side heating element 62 and the bottom heating element 46, preventing heat leakage from the side to the bottom and vice versa, which facilitates independent temperature control of the side and bottom. For example, the partition mechanism 51 is located between the annular body 49 and the bottom heating element 46.

[0157] The aforementioned first protrusion structure 47, second protrusion structure 68, and inner pot protrusion structure 25 can also be used in combination. Alternatively, a portion of the partition mechanism 51 is formed on the outer surface of the inner pot 20, and another portion is formed on the pot body 12, with the two portions joining at the junction. Alternatively, the partition mechanism 51 includes multiple annular ribs, with the outer periphery of each rib contacting the pot body 12 and the inner periphery of each rib contacting the inner pot 20. Multiple ribs provide better heat insulation and leak-proof performance.

[0158] like Figure 28As shown, at the partition mechanism 51, the pot contact portion 102 on the outer surface of the inner pot 20 contacts the pot body contact portion 101 of the pot body 12. A first distance D1 is formed in the vertical direction between the pot body contact portion 101 and the highest point of the periphery of the opening of the receiving cavity 14. A second distance D2 is formed in the vertical direction between the pot contact portion 102 and the lower surface of the pot opening flange 27 of the inner pot 20. D2 is greater than D1, so that when the inner pot 20 is in the pot body 12, it is supported by the partition mechanism 51, rather than the flange 27, thus ensuring that the partition mechanism 51 blocks the airflow channel 13. Preferably, D2 is less than or equal to the sum of D1 and 10 mm, so that the inner pot 20 does not protrude too much from the pot body 12, and the pot opening of the inner pot 20 can make good contact with the pot opening sealing ring in the lid 11.

[0159] In the vertical projection of the cooking appliance 100, if a heating element is located within the bottom 21 of the inner pot, it is considered to correspond to the position of the bottom 21 of the inner pot, and this heating element is designated as the bottom heating element 41. In the horizontal projection of the cooking appliance 100, if a heating element is located within the side 24 of the inner pot, it is considered to correspond to the position of the side 24 of the inner pot, and this heating element is designated as the side heating element 44. The rated power of the side heating element 44 is, for example, 100W to 1000W, for example, 300W to 500W, for example, 400W.

[0160] For example, such as Figure 33 As shown, in the cross-section of the inner pot 20 passing through the axis PA (this cross-section is in a vertical plane), the tangent at any point on the inner surface of the inner pot 20 forms a first angle with the horizontal line, which is on one side of the outer surface of the inner pot 20 and above the horizontal line. The inner pot wall with the first angle less than or equal to 31 degrees forms the bottom 21 of the inner pot, and the inner pot wall with the first angle greater than 31 degrees forms the side 24 of the inner pot. For example, the tangent LA at point A on the inner surface of the inner pot 20 intersects the horizontal line LH, and the two form a first angle α, which is on one side of the outer surface of the inner pot 20 and above the horizontal line LH. Angle α is less than 31 degrees, thus the area at point A is the bottom 21 of the inner pot. Similarly, the tangent LB at point B on the inner surface of the inner pot 20 intersects the horizontal line LH, and the two form a first angle β, which is on one side of the outer surface of the inner pot 20 and above the horizontal line LH. Angle β is greater than 31 degrees, thus the area at point B is the side 24 of the inner pot.

[0161] exist Figure 34 and Figure 35In the example shown, the first included angle of the points on the inner surface of the pot liner 20 does not change continuously. Therefore, the horizontal line extending 2 cm upward from the lowest point of the inner surface of the pot liner 20 is defined as the bottom boundary line LD. The pot wall not higher than the bottom boundary line LD is the bottom of the pot liner 21, and the pot wall higher than the bottom boundary line LD is the side of the pot liner 24. That is, the portion whose height difference with the lowest point of the inner surface of the pot liner 20 does not exceed 2 cm forms the bottom of the pot liner 21.

[0162] The partition mechanism 51 also blocks heat transfer from the bottom to the sides to a certain extent, making the bottom 21 and side 24 of the inner pot independently temperature-controllable areas. That is, the temperature of the bottom 21 mainly depends on the power of the bottom heating element 41, and the temperature of the side 24 mainly depends on the power of the side heating element 44. Once the cooking appliance 100 is designed and finalized, the sensing value of each temperature sensor corresponds to the temperature of any point on the inner pot 20; this correspondence can be obtained experimentally. The cooking appliance 100 can achieve more accurate temperature analysis of the inner pot 20 by placing temperature sensors near areas of temperature interest (such as the bottom 21 and side 24 of the inner pot).

[0163] In understanding the scope of this application, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of a described feature, element, component, group, whole, and / or step, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives.

[0164] The term "attached" or "joined" as used herein includes: a construction in which one element is directly fixed to another element by fixing it directly to another element; a construction in which one element is indirectly fixed to another element by fixing it to an intermediate member, which in turn is fixed to another element; and a construction in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "connect," "joint," "couple," "install," "adhere," "fix," and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein indicate the amount of deviation from which modifications to the terminology do not significantly alter the final result.

[0165] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Features described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0166] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. An airflow generating device, characterized in that, include: A housing assembly, the housing assembly including an air inlet channel, an air outlet channel and a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity communicating with the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel; An impeller is disposed in the mounting cavity; and An electric motor is used to drive the impeller to rotate. The housing assembly includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction of the impeller. The air outlet of the air outlet channel and the air inlet of the air inlet channel are arranged on the first side. The housing assembly is also provided with a baffle plate on the first side, which is placed between the air outlet and the air inlet.

2. The airflow generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet channel has an arc-shaped channel wall that is curved toward the axis of the impeller.

3. The airflow generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes: The first housing is provided with the air outlet channel and the air inlet channel; and A second housing is connected to the first housing. The second housing is positioned on the side of the first housing opposite to the airflow outlet and the airflow inlet, and together with the first housing, encloses the mounting cavity. The second housing is provided with a through hole. The motor is located on the side of the second housing facing away from the mounting cavity, and the output shaft of the motor extends through the through hole.

4. The airflow generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first housing has an opening that connects the mounting cavity and the air inlet channel. The opening is spaced apart from the impeller along the axis of the impeller.

5. The airflow generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow inlet and the airflow outlet are spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

6. The airflow generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly has a mounting groove on the first side, the mounting groove being used to accommodate a temperature sensor or a temperature control switch; and / or The housing assembly also includes a mounting section for mounting a thermal fuse.

7. The airflow generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The housing assembly has a heat insulation element provided on the outer surface of the first side; and / or The outer surface of the first side of the housing assembly includes a limiting surface facing the second side away from the airflow outlet and / or the airflow inlet; and / or... The airflow generating device also includes a heating component that can generate heat when powered on, and the heating component is disposed in the air outlet channel or the air inlet channel.

8. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: A pot body, the pot body comprising an airflow generating device and an annular body as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, the airflow generating device being disposed on the outer periphery of the annular body; and The inner pot is removably installed in the pot body, and the interior of the inner pot forms a cooking cavity for holding food. The inner pot includes a bottom and a side portion of the inner pot located above the bottom. The annular body surrounds the outer periphery of the side of the pot and forms an airflow channel with the pot. The airflow generating device is used to generate airflow in the airflow channel. The airflow inlet and the airflow outlet are both connected to the airflow channel.

9. The cooking utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: A partition mechanism is located at the bottom of the airflow channel. The partition mechanism is in contact with the pot body and the inner pot, and the partition mechanism, the pot body and the inner pot side form the airflow channel.

10. The cooking utensil according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pot body also includes a bottom heating assembly for heating the bottom of the inner pot, the bottom heating assembly including a bottom heating component for achieving the heating function, and the partition mechanism is located between the annular body and the bottom heating component.

11. The cooking utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that, The annular body includes a heat-insulating ring, and a side heating component for heating the side of the pot is installed on the outer periphery of the heat-insulating ring. The heat-insulating ring is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, with the air inlet corresponding to the airflow inlet and the air outlet corresponding to the airflow outlet.

12. The cooking utensil according to claim 11, characterized in that, The airflow generating device is provided with the housing assembly, the outer surface of the first side of the housing assembly includes a limiting surface, a receiving space is formed between the heat insulation ring and the limiting surface, and at least a portion of the side heating component is placed in the receiving space.

13. The cooking utensil according to claim 12, characterized in that, The limiting surface faces the second side away from the airflow outlet and / or the airflow inlet.

14. The cooking utensil according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cooking appliance is equipped with a thermal fuse, which contacts the insulation ring; and / or The dimension occupied by the side heating component along the axial direction of the annular body is greater than or equal to 30 mm.

15. The cooking utensil according to claim 11, characterized in that, The insulation ring has a through groove between the air inlet and the air outlet to accommodate the baffle plate.

16. The cooking utensil according to claim 15, characterized in that, The baffle plate passes through the through groove, and when the inner pot is placed in the pot body, the baffle plate contacts the inner pot.

17. The cooking utensil according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cooking appliance also includes a temperature sensor that contacts the side heating element; and / or The cooking appliance also includes a temperature control switch, which is connected in series with the side heating element.

18. The cooking utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the vertical projection of the cooking appliance, the outer shell of the pot body is substantially rectangular or rounded-corner rectangular, and the airflow generating device is located at the corner of the rectangle or rounded-corner rectangle; and / or The annular body is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is provided corresponding to the airflow inlet, and the air outlet is provided corresponding to the airflow outlet. The air outlet is located at the top of the annular body.

19. The cooking utensil according to any one of claims 8 to 18, characterized in that, The air outlet is connected to the annular body. In the horizontal cross-section of the cooking appliance through the air outlet channel, the acute angle formed by the channel wall of the air outlet channel on the side near the air outlet and the tangent of the annular body at the connection point is less than or equal to 45 degrees. And / or, the axis of the impeller intersects the axis of the annular body.

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