CN216724238U - Air fryer - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air fryer, comprising: the water tank is arranged in the base; the inner cover assembly is arranged on the base, a heating cavity is arranged at the upper part of the inner cover assembly, and an electric heating pipe is arranged in the heating cavity; a housing installed to surround an outer circumference of the inner cap assembly; the baking tray assembly is arranged above the heating cavity and comprises a heat conduction tray, and a steaming basket and/or a frying basket which are/is arranged above the heat conduction tray; wherein, an electric heating tube is arranged in the heating cavity and used for heating the heat conducting disc above the heating cavity; and wherein a water pump is provided in the inner cover assembly and configured to pump water in the water tank onto the heat conductive plate in a liquid state so that the water on the heat conductive plate is heated to become steam in a cooking mode requiring steam. The air fryer can provide a cooking mode for supplying water to generate steam, improves the practicability, reliability, user friendliness and maintainability, and overcomes the defects in the prior art.

Description

Air fryer

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of cookware, and in particular to air fryers and similar products. More particularly, the present invention relates to an air fryer having a water tank and a steam generating mechanism.

Background

An air fryer is a novel healthy cooking utensil popular in recent years and is favored by the market. However, the existing air fryer also has many points to be improved, for example, the existing air fryer has a single function, and due to the essential characteristics and the cooking mechanism, the moisture in the food is inevitably taken away too much after long-time cooking, so that the food is too dry, and the cooking effect is affected; in extreme cases, this can result in failed, even unhealthy food products.

There is a need in the art for an improved air fryer product that provides its utility, reliability, user-friendliness, maintainability, and addresses the deficiencies in the existing air fryer technologies and other existing deficiencies.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention has been made in view of the above and other more conception.

According to an aspect of the concept, there is disclosed an air fryer comprising: the water tank is arranged in the base; the inner cover assembly is arranged on the base, and a heating cavity is arranged at the upper part of the inner cover assembly; a housing installed to surround an outer circumference of the inner cap assembly; the baking tray assembly is arranged above the heating cavity and comprises a heat conduction tray, and a steaming basket and/or a frying basket which are/is arranged above the heat conduction tray; wherein, an electric heating tube is arranged in the heating cavity and used for heating the heat conducting disc above the heating cavity; and wherein a water pump is provided in the inner cover assembly and is configured to pump water in the water tank onto the heat conductive plate in a liquid state, so that the water on the heat conductive plate is heated to become steam in a cooking mode requiring steam.

According to one embodiment, the heating chamber is defined by a reflector, and a removable fan blade is mounted at the bottom of the reflector, the removable fan blade being an axial fan blade.

According to one embodiment, radial plastic radiating blades are arranged in the heat insulation cavity below the reflector, and an air outlet and an air duct for radiating heat are arranged on the inner cover assembly and the shell.

According to one embodiment, a motor and a motor shaft extending upwards into the heat insulation cavity and the heating cavity are arranged below the heat insulation cavity and used for driving the plastic radiating blades and the detachable fan blades.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge is provided with a cartridge pivoting mechanism.

According to one embodiment, the electrical heating tube is provided with an electrical heating tube limiting device.

According to an embodiment, the upper surface of the heat conducting disc is provided with a cofferdam around a central opening of the heat conducting disc, the periphery of the heat conducting disc is provided with a plurality of heat conducting holes, the heat conducting holes are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the heat conducting disc, a snap ring positioned between the cofferdam and the heat conducting holes is arranged on the upper surface of the heat conducting disc, the upper surface of the heat conducting disc is provided with an inclined plane with high periphery and low middle part, and the heat conducting disc is provided with a water supply hole positioned between the snap ring and the cofferdam and penetrating through the heat conducting disc along the thickness direction of the heat conducting disc.

According to one embodiment, the bakeware assembly is a dual-purpose steaming and frying bakeware assembly that includes a heat-conducting pan, a steaming basket, and a frying basket, wherein the steaming basket and the frying basket are configured to be stacked on top of each other on the heat-conducting pan.

According to an embodiment, the air fryer is a steam fryer capable of performing at least one of the following cooking modes: steaming, steaming and frying, stewing and baking and stewing and drying.

According to another aspect, there is provided a plastic cooling blade assembly for an air fryer, the air fryer being provided with a fixed bracket surrounded by a housing, a reflection cover being mounted on an upper portion of the fixed bracket, the reflection cover defining a heating cavity in which a heating tube is disposed, a motor and a motor shaft for driving being mounted on a lower portion of the fixed bracket; plastics cooling fin subassembly includes: a heat insulation cavity is defined between the bottom of the reflector and the bottom of the fixed support; the central air inlet is positioned at the bottom of the fixed support; plastic radiating blades which are rotatably arranged on a motor shaft passing through the central air inlet in the heat insulation cavity and can be driven to rotate by the motor shaft; the one or more air outlets are arranged on the side wall of the fixed support corresponding to the heat insulation cavity; and an exhaust hood installed at the air outlet.

According to an embodiment, the plastic heat sink fin is made of a material selected from one of the following: ABS, PP, PA, polyphenylene sulfide, chlorinated polyether, polyarylsulfone, PEEK, polyphenylene ether, polytetrafluoroethylene, aminoplast, epoxy resins, epoxy impregnated fiber reinforced composites and high temperature nylon.

According to one embodiment, the plastic cooling fin is an integrally injection molded part.

According to one embodiment, the plastic cooling fins are radial flow fan blades.

According to an embodiment, an air duct is defined on the circumferential side wall of the fixed bracket, through which the air flow is discharged from the air outlet.

According to one embodiment, an opening is provided in the housing at a location corresponding to the outlet vent, and the exhaust hood is mounted within the outlet vent and the opening of the housing.

According to one embodiment, the plastic heat dissipating fin has a leak hole in a central portion thereof.

According to one embodiment, a plastic cooling fin comprises a substantially planar base and a plurality of spoke blades extending from a central portion of the base, wherein the weep holes are through holes passing through the base.

According to one embodiment, a row of circumferential air inlets arranged along the circumferential direction is arranged below the plastic cooling fins.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the air duct is formed by a gap between the housing and the fixed bracket.

According to one embodiment, a detachable fan is mounted at the bottom of the reflector, the detachable fan being configured for generating an axial air flow flowing upwards towards the heat pipe during operation.

According to one embodiment, the heat insulating cavity is configured such that its air intake during operation is slightly less than or equal to its air output.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air fryer comprising the above-described plastic heat sink blade assembly.

In the traditional design, after the air fryer is used, oil stains or food residues are remained on the bottom parts, and the heating tube blocks the bottom and the bottom parts, so that the air fryer is difficult to clean.

According to a practical idea of the utility model, the electric heating tube is designed to be pivotable. Therefore, when a user cleans the air fryer product, the electric heating pipe can be turned upwards and pivoted to be lifted up so as to clean the internal cavity, and after cleaning, the electric heating pipe can be pivoted downwards and put down to a normal working state of being approximately horizontally arranged in the heating cavity. This design enhances the utility, user-friendliness and maintainability of the product.

According to another aspect, there is provided a cartridge pivot assembly for an air fryer, the cartridge pivot assembly comprising: an electric heating tube; the electric heating tube pivoting mechanism comprises a pivoting mechanism shell; wherein the electric heating tube is pivotally mounted on one side of the air fryer by means of an electric heating tube pivoting mechanism, so that the electric heating tube can pivot between an operating position of being generally horizontally placed in a heating cavity of the air fryer and an opening position of being lifted upwards from the heating cavity to be generally upright.

According to one embodiment, the electric heating tube is a disc-shaped member, and further includes a thermostat disposed thereon.

According to one embodiment, the electric heating tube pivoting assembly further comprises a fixing plate, and the thermostat is fixed on the pivoting mechanism shell through a central hole in the fixing plate.

According to an embodiment, the electric heating tube pivoting assembly further comprises a fixing plate, and two ends of the electric heating tube penetrate through two corresponding holes on the fixing plate and are fixed on the pivoting mechanism shell.

According to one embodiment, a left limiting thimble, a left spiral spring and a left shaft sleeve are arranged on the left side in the pivoting mechanism shell; a right limiting thimble, a right spiral spring and a right shaft sleeve are arranged on the right side in the pivoting mechanism shell; the left limiting thimble is arranged in the left shaft sleeve in a pivoting manner, and the right limiting thimble is arranged in the right shaft sleeve in a pivoting manner; the left limit thimble and the right limit thimble penetrate through the left side and the right side in the pivoting mechanism shell and are respectively inserted into the fixing components on the left side and the right side of the air fryer, so that the electric heating pipe can pivot relative to the fixing components of the air fryer.

According to one embodiment, the fixing member is a lid assembly, and the cartridge is pivotable relative to the lid assembly by a cartridge pivoting mechanism.

According to one embodiment, the left limit thimble and the right limit thimble are respectively installed in the pivoting mechanism shell in a limiting mode.

According to one embodiment, in the generally upright open position of the electrical heated tube, the left and right limit spikes are snapped into corresponding left and right detents provided on the air fryer, respectively.

According to one embodiment, a left snap groove and a right snap groove are disposed on the inner cover assembly.

According to an embodiment, the pivoting mechanism housing further comprises a rear cover fixed to a rear side thereof.

According to the conception and the embodiment, the utility model can ensure that the mounted electric heating tube does not move or swing undesirably, is not easy to deform at high temperature under the state of being supported or limited by the limiting device, and can warn a user through the anti-scald warning board so as to reduce the risk of scalding or damaging components.

According to another aspect, there is provided a dual purpose grill pan assembly for both steaming and frying of an air fryer comprising: the heat conducting disc is provided with a circle of heat conducting holes close to the periphery; a steam basket configured to be positioned over the thermally conductive plate; and a fry basket configured to be positioned over the thermally conductive pan; wherein the steamboat and the fry mboat are configured to be stacked on top of each other; wherein, the steaming basket and the frying basket both have hollow structures; wherein, a circle of snap ring is arranged at the position of the heat conducting disc for placing the steaming basket and/or the frying basket, and the steaming basket and/or the frying basket is suitable for being sleeved at the outer periphery or the inner periphery of the snap ring and placed on the heat conducting disc; the heat-conducting plate is arranged at a position lower than the surrounding position of the steaming basket and/or the frying basket so as to accumulate water for generating steam at the position.

According to one embodiment, a central opening is formed in the center of the heat conducting disc, and an oil collecting box is arranged in the central opening; and a circle of cofferdam is arranged on the heat conduction disc around the central hole, and the cofferdam protrudes upwards for a certain height.

According to one embodiment, the snap ring is located between the cofferdam and the circle of heat conduction holes.

According to one embodiment, the steambox and the fry-on-basket each have a generally cylindrical body with a bottom, both the bottom and the generally cylindrical body being hollowed out.

According to one embodiment, the generally cylindrical bodies of the steambox and fry baskets have the same size diameter.

According to one embodiment, the outer diameter of the cylindrical body of the steambox is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical body of the fry mbox.

According to one embodiment, the outer diameter of the cylindrical body of the fry basket is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical body of the steambox.

According to one embodiment, the generally cylindrical body of the fry basket is provided with a small section of inner barrel extending upwardly from the bottom thereof, the outer diameter of the inner barrel being less than or equal to the inner diameter of the steambox.

According to one embodiment, the generally cylindrical body of the steamboat is provided with a short section of inner drum extending upwardly from the bottom thereof, the outer diameter of the inner drum being less than or equal to the inner diameter of the fry-basket.

According to one embodiment, a peripheral flange is provided on the generally cylindrical body of the fry basket at a distance from its bottom, the peripheral flange having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the steambox.

According to one embodiment, a peripheral flange is provided on the generally cylindrical body of the steambox at a distance from its bottom, the peripheral flange having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the fry-basket.

According to one embodiment, the heat conducting disc is a disc shape with a pair of handles on diametrically opposite sides of the heat conducting disc.

According to one embodiment, a silicone pad is fixed to each handle.

According to one embodiment, a ring of snap rings is provided between the central opening and the ring of heat transfer holes, the cooking hob being adapted to be placed on the heat transfer plate in a manner to fit over the snap rings.

According to one embodiment, the center of the thermally conductive disk is provided with a central opening.

According to one embodiment, an oil collection pocket is provided within the central opening.

According to one embodiment, a circle of cofferdam is arranged on the heat conducting disc around the central opening, and the cofferdam protrudes upwards for a certain height.

According to one embodiment, the ring of heat transfer apertures is evenly spaced circumferentially.

According to one embodiment, the snap ring is positioned adjacent to a ring of heat transfer apertures.

According to one embodiment, the ring of snap rings is formed by at least two substantially concentric ring segments, and the cooking hob is sleeved in the snap rings.

According to an embodiment, the ring of snap rings is constituted by at least two substantially concentric ring segments, at least one of the ring segments being provided with a U-shaped male configuration.

According to one embodiment, the ring of snap rings is comprised of three substantially concentric ring segments, the three ring segments being circumferentially spaced from one another, and one of the three ring segments being provided with a U-shaped convex configuration.

According to an embodiment, the cooking hob includes at least one of a steambox and a fry basket.

Drawings

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of these embodiments, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the embodiments of the utility model will be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the internal construction of a steam fryer in accordance with one embodiment, showing a steam generating assembly.

FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the steam fryer shown in FIG. 1, showing in more detail the configuration of the water pump, water outlet column, heating chamber, heating tube, etc. within the inner lid assembly.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the configuration shown in FIG. 2, showing the base, the flapper to be mounted over the base, and the inner cap assembly to be mounted over the flapper.

FIG. 4A illustrates the configuration of the grill plate assembly of the steam fryer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B shows the heat-conducting hole flanging of the heat-conducting plate of the bakeware assembly shown in FIG. 4A and the gap between the ring segments.

Fig. 4C shows a longitudinal sectional view of the heat conductive disk of fig. 4A, showing the concave structure of the heat conductive disk that slopes from the center to the periphery from low to high.

FIG. 5A illustrates an exploded view of the configuration of the water tank of the steam fryer of FIG. 1 in greater detail.

FIG. 5B shows a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water pump of the steam fryer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the heat generating device/assembly for an air fryer or a steam fryer, showing in detail the reflective hood, the electrical heating tube and the limiting device with the anti-scald warning board.

Figure 7 shows an enlarged partial view of the spacing device of figure 6.

Fig. 8 shows the electric heating tube shown in fig. 6 mounted in place and limited and fixed by the limiting device.

Fig. 9A shows a schematic view of the electrical heating tube of fig. 6 disengaged from the limiting device.

Fig. 9B shows a schematic view of the exposed fixing bracket after the electric heating tube pivoting mechanism is removed.

FIG. 10 illustrates the housing and body of an air or steam fryer in accordance with an embodiment, particularly illustrating the design of the fan blades and their mounting and arrangement in an exploded view.

FIG. 11 shows in an enlarged view details of the design and construction of the fan blade of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows in an enlarged view details of the fan blade configuration and mounting holes of FIG. 11.

Fig. 13 shows in enlarged form a detail of the threaded drive shaft region of fig. 10.

FIG. 14 shows in enlarged form a detail of the removable cap of FIG. 10.

Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of the construction and arrangement of the plastic cooling fin in exploded view.

Fig. 16 shows in an enlarged view a detail of the configuration of the plastic radiating fin shown in fig. 15.

Fig. 17A schematically illustrates the construction and arrangement of the plastic cooling fins of this embodiment mounted in an insulating cavity in a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the motor shaft.

Fig. 17B illustrates a schematic view of a plastic cooling fin according to an embodiment.

Fig. 18 shows an exploded view of the pivoting mechanism of the cartridge heater shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 19A is a schematic view of the pivoting mechanism of the electric heating tube shown in fig. 18 in a state that the electric heating tube is lifted to a substantially upright position after being installed.

Fig. 19B is an enlarged view of the left bushing of the pivoting mechanism of the electric heating tube in fig. 18.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 19A, showing in detail the retainer pin and the catch to which the retainer pin is secured.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing in greater detail, in exploded view, the grill pan assembly of the steam fryer shown in FIG. 2 and its heat conducting and spill proof configuration.

FIG. 22 shows an assembled view of one of the assembly modes of the bakeware assembly shown in FIGS. 2 and 21.

Fig. 23 shows in an enlarged view the configuration of one embodiment of the peripheral flange on the steambox of fig. 21-22.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the utility model.

1-5, a schematic view of the internal configuration of a steam fryer in accordance with one embodiment. The steam fryer may include a base 1 at the lowermost portion and a water tank 13 may be inserted into a water tank adaptor (shown in fig. 3) of the base 1. A barrier 12 is provided on the base 1 so that the inner cap assembly 2 of the main body can be easily attached/detached to/from the barrier 12. Although not specifically shown in the figures, the body of the steam fryer obviously also includes an outer shell 4 that fits around the periphery of the generally cylindrical inner lid assembly 2.

As shown in fig. 1-2, the water pump 23 is disposed in the inner lid assembly 2, the pumping pipe 231 thereof is communicated with the water outlet hole (fig. 5A) of the water tank 13 via the water tank adapter 142 on the base, and the pumping pipe 232 thereof is communicated with the water outlet column 24 disposed on the inner lid assembly 2, and pumps the water from the water tank 13 to the grill pan assembly 3 via the grill pan interface 33 (fig. 4A) fitted with the water outlet column 24 via a silicone gasket.

The heating chamber is located uppermost in the inner lid assembly 2 and is substantially defined by a reflector 22, within which an electrically heated, disc-like, electrically heated cartridge 21, for example made of stainless steel, is arranged. The reflection cover 22 can reflect the heat radiation generated by the electrical heating of the electrical heating tube 21 to the upper grill plate assembly 3, and can provide more uniform heating. The electrical heating tube 21 may be a 304 stainless steel electrical heating tube, for example.

Bakeware assembly 3 has a heat-conducting pan 32 located above and directly adjacent to the heating chamber, heat-conducting pan 32 can be a frying pan or a steaming pan. As shown in fig. 4A, bakeware assembly 3 can also include a fry basket/steamer 31 to provide more selectable cooking modes for the consumer.

A pan interface 33 is provided on the heat conducting plate 32 to be fitted with the water outlet column 24 or the outlet hole so as to supply water to the pan assembly 3, and the water on the pan assembly 3 is heated by the heat from the heating chamber to generate steam. The fitting should preferably be a watertight fitting.

During operation, water pump 23 is automatically controlled to pump water to grill assembly 3 depending on the cooking mode of the steam fryer. In addition, in the cooking mode requiring steam, the water pump 23 can automatically pump water to the grill pan assembly 3 according to a set program according to the set cooking mode selected by the user to generate steam. The amount, duration and number of times water is pumped is automatically controlled according to the cooking program built into the steam fryer. As above, the water of the water tank 13 is pumped in liquid form, rather than being delivered in vapor form, because it is not heated within the water tank 13. In other words, the water tank 13 itself and the base do not heat the water contained therein.

As shown in fig. 1 and 5A, the water tank 13 is a generally flat box/drawer-like shape that can be mounted in a slot of the base 1. The profile of tank 13 generally conforms to the profile of base 1 (shown in fig. 5A), and the height dimension of tank 13 is much smaller than its width and length dimensions to minimize the overall height of the steam fryer and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Water tank 13 is designed such that its water capacity is available for at least one steam cooking of the steam fryer. Preferably, its water capacity can even be designed for 2-5 cooking modes that require steam, which can avoid frequent water addition, providing a better user experience.

The water tank 13 may include a tank main body 131 to contain water and a tank cover 138 to cover the main body 131. The tank sealing strip 137 may provide sealing between the tank cap 138 and the tank main body 131 to prevent water leakage. As shown in fig. 5A, the sealing cap 139 is detachably attached to a water inlet of the tank cover, and when the water tank 13 is short of water or the water needs to be added, the water tank 13 is unlocked and pulled out from the tank adapter, and water can be supplied into the water tank 13 through the water inlet. The tank cap 138 and the tank seal 137 may be formed using a two-shot molding process.

A water outlet hole is formed on one side surface of the water tank main body 131 near the bottom water level, and a silica gel particle 134, a water valve spring 135 and a sealing needle 136 are sequentially arranged in the water outlet hole, so that when the pumping pipe 231 of the water pump 23 is communicated with the water outlet hole on the water tank 13 through the water tank adapter 142 on the base to deliver water, clean, sanitary, leak-free, reliable and controllable water supply circulation is provided. When the water filter is installed, the silica gel particles 134, the water valve spring 135 and the sealing needle 136 are inserted into the water outlet hole, the silica gel sleeve 133 provided with the filter screen 132 is sleeved on the water outlet pipe extending out of the inner side of the water tank of the water outlet hole so as to filter the water outlet, and the water tank cover 138 is closed.

As shown in fig. 3, the base includes a base body 1, a baffle 12 positioned above the base body 1, and a tank adapter 142. The cistern adaptor 142 provides an adapter between the pump-in pipe and the cistern 13, with its upwardly extending pipe end communicating with the pump-in pipe and its other generally horizontally extending pipe end inserted into the outlet opening of the cistern and sealingly engaged therewith by an O-ring 141 to provide watertight communication. The water tank adapter 142 may be configured with a sealing block 143, as shown in fig. 3.

The water tank adapter 142 and the sealing block 143 can be fixed by ultrasonic welding, and the sleeve O-ring 141 is inserted into the water tank outlet of the base 1 and fixed by screws. The baffle plate 12 is covered, and the top block 27, the water tank microswitch 26 and the press block 25 are sequentially placed at corresponding positions and fixed by screws. The water tank microswitch 26 may be used, for example, to identify the type of bakeware, which may help identify/execute the corresponding cooking mode.

Before the user uses, insert water tank 13 in the corresponding groove 11 of base 1, the groove 11 is interior to have the activity and detain the position, can lock water tank 13 and not pushed out. The tank 13 lifts the top block 27 while inserted to activate the tank microswitch 26. The user can place grill interface 33 with grill assembly 3, for example, in the corresponding outlet opening of inner lid assembly 2, and cover the preferably transparent glass cover of the steam fryer.

When a user uses a steam fryer product, the steam fryer is started up to select a corresponding cooking function, and during operation, the water pump 23 pumps water out of the water tank 13, enters the water outlet column 24 of the inner cover component 2, and flows to the heating device arranged on and in the baking tray component 3 through the silica gel sealing ring 24A to gasify the water at high temperature to form steam. The water pump 13 may automatically adjust the start time to control the output of the amount of water according to user requirements or according to a set program/mode. The cooking effect required by different functions is realized.

FIG. 5B shows a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the water pump of the steam fryer of FIG. 1. As shown in fig. 5B, a silicone sealing ring 24A in the form of a sleeve is disposed between the reflection cover 22 and the lower fixing bracket, the lower end of the sleeve passes through the through hole on the reflection cover 22 and the lower fixing bracket to be exposed and sleeved on the water outlet column 24 in a sealing fit manner, and the upper end of the sleeve is sleeved on the grill pan interface 33 at the bottom of the heat conducting pan of the grill pan assembly 3 in a sealing fit manner, so as to form a sealed water path from the water tank, the water pump to the grill pan assembly, and prevent water from leaking to the heating chamber. Thus, water in water tank 13 is pumped in a leak-free manner through water outlet column 24, silicone sealing ring 24A and grill pan interface 33 to grill pan assembly 3. A silicone gasket 24A in the form of a sleeve may be flanged between the upper and lower ends of the sleeve so that the silicone gasket 24A is securely sandwiched between the reflector 22 and the underlying mounting bracket for sealing securement.

Electric heating tube limiting device

The heating device/assembly for an air fryer or steam fryer including a reflective hood, an electrical heating tube and a limit device with an anti-burn warning plate according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to fig. 6-9.

One problem with conventional designs is that after the existing air fryer is used for a long time, the heating tube is at a very high temperature, and after the air fryer is opened, if there is no visual warning, the inadvertent or mishandling of touching the heating tube obviously creates a risk of scalding to the user, and thus its safety is not sufficient. Moreover, moving the air fryer, in a state where the conventional heating tube is free at the other side or end or is only unrestrained, may also cause undesired movement or swinging of the heating tube, which obviously also increases the risk of burning or damaging components. Moreover, in a state that the other side or the other end of the conventional heating tube is not supported or limited, the heating tube in a high temperature state for a long time may be deformed or even damaged due to insufficient or missing support of the other side, which reduces the reliability or the life of the product, and is obviously not preferred by manufacturers.

Fig. 6-7 show the reflective hood 22, the electric heating tube 21 and the limiting device 223 with the anti-scald warning board 221 in detail. Fig. 7 shows an enlarged partial view of the limiting means 223 shown in fig. 6.

As shown in fig. 6-9, the cartridge 21 is housed within a heating chamber defined by the bowl 22, which is pivotally mounted, for example, to one side 211 of the steam fryer, as shown in fig. 9, between an operating position (fig. 8) and an open position (fig. 9).

During operation, the cartridge 21 is pivotally mounted in place, for example on one side (fig. 8), in the operating position.

In conventional heating device designs, the heating tube is fixed only at one side or end, and is free or only in an unrestrained state at the other side or end. In this embodiment of the present invention, in contrast, in the operating state, the substantially disk-shaped electric heating tube 21 is fixed in a position-releasable manner at the substantially opposite side by the position-limiting means 223 with the anti-burn warning board 221 in addition to being pivotally mounted in place at one side 211, thereby solving the aforementioned problems in the prior art at multiple angles.

More specifically, as shown in fig. 6-7, on the other side substantially opposite to the one side 211, a fixed stop 223 with an anti-burn warning sign 221 is mounted. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fixed stop 223 may vary in other embodiments depending on the particular design and application.

The anti-burn warning board 221 is shown as a generally flat metal, such as stainless steel or cast iron, with an anti-burn or high temperature warning to alert the user that he should be cautious and reach it under conditions that ensure low temperature and safety. The anti-scald warning board 221 is provided with a pivot hole 2211, through which the pivot 222 serving as a pivot passes, so that the anti-scald warning board 221 is mounted on the limiting device 223 in a manner of being capable of pivoting around the pivot 222, as described in detail below.

The stop 223, as shown in fig. 6-7, may be an integrally formed piece of metal, such as stainless steel, which may be formed, for example, from a single piece of metal blank by cold-working machining, such as stamping, bending, etc., so that the cost of the machining may be minimized. Of course, the stop 223 may be a component that is mounted together or may be formed by welding multiple parts, as would be understood and achievable by one skilled in the art.

As shown in fig. 7, the base of the position limiting device 223 may be provided with a mounting hole 2233 for fixedly mounting the position limiting device 223 on the bottom of the reflective cover 22 by a mounting member such as a screw, a bolt, or a rivet, passing through the mounting hole 2233 and the hole 226 on the bottom of the reflective cover 22, as shown in fig. 6 and 8-9.

Two downwardly extending, protruding tabs 2234 (only one shown in fig. 7) may also be provided on either side of the base of the stop 223, and these two tabs 2234 are positioned and inserted into corresponding two 224 on the bottom of the bowl 22 when the stop 223 is mounted on the bottom, thereby further assisting in more securely positioning and securing the stop 223 to the bottom of the bowl 22 without shifting.

Extending generally vertically upwardly from the other, generally opposite sides of the base of the stop 223 are two side panels 2231 and 2232, as shown in fig. 6-7. The two side plates 2231 and 2232 are preferably spaced apart from each other substantially in parallel, thereby leaving an installation space for installing a fixing member such as a bolt, a screw, or the like in the installation hole 2233. At the same time, the respective concave portions 2235 of the side plates 2231 and 2232 are also extended with a space inward, and the two concave portions 2235 are extended inward toward each other, so as to form a holding position (as shown in fig. 7) for holding/supporting the electrothermal tube 21. The two recessed portions 2235 may be, for example, substantially V-shaped (shown in fig. 7), U-shaped, or any other suitable shape, and may extend inwardly toward each other to contact each other, or may leave a small gap (shown in fig. 7) that is small enough to ensure that the cartridge 21 supported thereon does not fall out of the gap. As above, the recessed portions 2235 are preferably integral with the side panels 2231 and 2232 and are preferably formed by machining such as stamping, pressing, bending, or the like.

The side plates 2231 and 2232 may each extend further upward or both upward and inward from the interior 2235 to form a receiving space or retaining catch 2238 adapted to receive the cartridge 21. This spacing hasp 2238 can loosely fit, or preferably hold in a suitably tight interference fit mode wherein and hold/fix electrothermal tube 21 under the mounted state, just so, can ensure that the installed electrothermal tube can not appear undesired removal or swing to be difficult for taking place high temperature deformation under being supported or spacing state by stop device, moreover accessible prevent scalding warning sign warning user and reduced the risk of scalding or damaging the part.

The side panels 2231 may be further bent outward as shown and rolled into a hollow sleeve 2239. It is within the scope of the present invention that the pivot 222, for example, in the form of a pin, can be inserted into the sleeve 2239 through the pivot hole 2211 of the anti-scald warning board 221, so that the anti-scald warning board 221 can be pivotally mounted on the position limiting device 223 around the pivot 222, and the pivot 222 can be implemented in the form of a rivet, a pin, a shaft, a small column, etc. Only one pivot hole 2211 is shown, but two pivot holes 2211 may be preferably provided on both sides of the anti-scald warning board 221. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hollow sleeve 2239 is preferably integrally machined from the metal side plate 2231 to reduce process complexity and cost.

The side panels 2232 may also be further extended, for example, bent outward to form a substantially horizontal or near horizontal receiving section 2237 for the mounted anti-burn warning sign 221 to rest/be supported thereon.

Fig. 8 shows the electric heating tube 21 shown in fig. 6 mounted in place and retained by the retaining device 223. Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of the electrothermal tube 21 shown in fig. 6 being detached from the stopper 223.

In operation of the steam fryer, as shown in fig. 8, the tubular electric heating element 21 is received and held by the position-limiting lock 2238 of the position-limiting device 223, and the anti-burn warning board 221 is further limited by covering the tubular electric heating element 21 at the position of the position-limiting lock 2238.

When the steam fryer is opened, for example, during cleaning, the user unlocks the electric heating tube 21 from the position of the limiting device 223 if necessary, at this time, the anti-scald warning board 221 provides an anti-scald warning or reminder to the user, and the user is prompted to safely lift the anti-scald warning board 221 and lift the electric heating tube 21 from the limiting lock 2238 to the state as shown in fig. 9 only after the temperature of the electric heating tube 21 is reduced.

Although this is not necessary, even in the case where the electrothermal tube 21 is relatively tightly held by the limit lock 2238 of the limit device 223, since the metal side plates 2231 and 2232 may be slightly deformed apart from each other (e.g., slightly bent apart), the limit lock 2238 may be slightly opened to facilitate the removal of the electrothermal tube 21 therefrom, and then the metal side plates 2231 and 2232 may be elastically restored to themselves, as will be well understood by those skilled in the art.

After finishing the cleaning operation, for example, the user may pivot the electric heating tube 21 back to the horizontal working position, clip the electric heating tube 21 into the limit lock 2238 of the limit device 223, and cover the anti-scald warning board 221, so as to be able to be safely used again.

Detachable fan blade arrangement

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate the main body of an air or steam fryer in accordance with an embodiment, particularly showing details of the design, construction, mounting and arrangement of the fan blades in exploded and enlarged views.

As shown in fig. 10 and 14, the housing 4, the inner lid assembly 2 and the reflection housing 22 are shown installed in the housing 4. A threaded drive shaft 282 extends through a bottom opening in reflector 22 for mounting fan blades 28. The threaded drive shaft 282 is shown in FIG. 13 as having a non-circular cross-sectional shape that is designed to mate with a central mounting hole 287 of the fan blade 28 having substantially the same shape, such that the fan blade 28 is prevented from rotating relative to the threaded drive shaft 282 after installation, resulting in a secure attachment. The cross-section of the threaded drive shaft 282 is shown in fig. 14 as a circle and line of one axis, which facilitates machining of both the threaded drive shaft 282 and the threads 283 thereon. Also, central mounting hole 287 of fan blade 28 has the same shape that it matches, including circular arc segment 288 and straight segment 289, as shown in FIG. 12. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cross-sectional shape of the threaded drive shaft 282 has identical circular and linear segments that correspondingly match the circular segment 288 and the linear segment 289 of the central mounting aperture 287.

Of course, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cross-sections of the threaded drive shaft 282 and the central mounting hole 287 of the fan blade 28 may take on other non-full circular shapes that match each other so long as the shape is such that the fan blade 28 cannot rotate relative to the threaded drive shaft 282 after installation.

The central mounting hole 287 of the fan blade 28 passes through the identically shaped and matching threaded drive shaft 282 and abuts a stop platform 284 coaxially disposed with the threaded drive shaft 282 and also projecting a distance from the bottom of the reflector 22, thereby preventing further axial movement of the fan blade 28 and avoiding contact of the fan blade 28 with the bottom of the reflector 22 resulting in a series of failures, including damage to the bottom, the fan blade 28, and failure of the fan blade to function properly.

After fan blades 28 are mounted through threaded drive shaft 282 against stop platform 284, removable cap 281 is mounted on fan blades 28 and screwed in place. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the removable cap 281 may have a generally platform-shaped main body 2812 and a grip 2811 extending upright from the main body 2812 for a user to grasp in his hand and screw for installation and removal. Although not shown, the bottom of the body 2812 is provided with a threaded bore sized to mate with the threaded drive shaft 282, wherein a female thread is provided to engage with the threads 283 on the threaded drive shaft 282 to securely fasten the fan blade 28 to the threaded drive shaft 282 for rotation therewith when tightened (e.g., generally clockwise), and to release (e.g., generally counterclockwise) the fan blade 28 for removal when removal is desired, thereby allowing for easy cleaning of the bottom of the reflector 22/heating chamber.

Turning more specifically to the design of fan blades 28, as shown in FIG. 11, fan blades 28 have a generally disk-like shape including blades distributed substantially equally spaced, spoke-like from a central hub with a central mounting hole 287, and each blade may include a horizontal segment 285 generally in the same plane and an upright segment 286 extending upwardly from horizontal segment 285 for generating upward axial wind flow. A widened portion 280 may be provided at the distal end of the horizontal segment 285. The design of the widened portion 280 is not only from the viewpoint of increasing structural strength and rigidity, but also aerodynamically, the widened portion 280 is cut at an oblique angle first rather than simultaneously with a single piece during rotation, which makes the airflow smoother, reduces the vibration of the fan blades, stabilizes the fan blades, and reduces noise.

After the existing air fryer is used for a long time, oil stains or food residues are remained on parts at the bottom, and the parts at the bottom are blocked by the fan blades, so that the air fryer is difficult to clean. In contrast, by means of the above concept of the present invention, when the user cleans the air fryer, the user can screw and loosen the detachable cap 281 to remove the fan blades 28, so that the inner cavity and the bottom can be cleaned by using oil absorption paper, kitchen paper towel or rag, for example, and the practicability, reliability, user friendliness and maintainability of the product are improved.

Plastic cooling fin assembly and arrangement

The heat dissipation arrangement and configuration of the plastic heat dissipation fins contemplated by an embodiment are described in further detail below in conjunction with fig. 15-17.

FIG. 15 illustrates, in an exploded view, a schematic view of the construction and arrangement of an air fryer including plastic cooling fins 42, according to one embodiment. Fig. 16 shows in enlarged form a detail of the construction of the plastic radiator fin 42 shown in fig. 15. Fig. 17A schematically shows the construction and arrangement of the plastic cooling fins 42 mounted in the insulating cavity 43 enclosed by the housing 4 in the form of a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, i.e. generally the motor shaft 282. According to one example, the insulating cavity 43 may be configured such that its air intake during operation is slightly less than or equal to its air output, which both maintains a sufficient air intake to achieve adequate heat dissipation and maintains an air pressure therein that is slightly less than atmospheric pressure during operation, thereby avoiding hot air from flowing down to cause damage to, for example, an electric motor.

In the existing air fryer, the internal heat dissipation of the air fryer adopts a metal heat dissipation blade structure (namely, a blade made of a hardware material) to dissipate heat, and the heat inside the air fryer during the operation is discharged. However, the metal heat dissipation blade is heavy, difficult to process, large in occupied space, and may have the disadvantages of small air volume, disordered wind direction and easy generation of working noise.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the heat dissipating blades inside the air fryer are changed to a high temperature resistant plastic and designed to have a size and a structure matching the same, and the shape of the blades is improved, so that the air volume is increased by reasonably arranging the built-in air duct under the condition that the available assembly space is small, and the flow direction and the stability of the air flow are more stable and improved than those of the existing design. Further, the plastic material can be injection molded integrally at a time, and is preferable in terms of material and process cost. High temperature resistant plastics may include ABS, PP, PA, etc., Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPs), chlorinated polyether, Polyarylsulfone (PAR), PEEK, polyphenylene ester (POB), polytetrafluoroethylene, aminoplast, epoxy impregnated fiber reinforced composites, high temperature nylon, etc. are also options that may be considered depending on the application and design. For example, ABS is subjected to thermoplasticity deformation at a temperature of about 85 ℃ and PP is subjected to thermoplasticity deformation at a temperature of about 105 ℃, while polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), PEEK, polyphenylene ether (POB), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), aminoplast, epoxy resin-impregnated fiber-reinforced composite materials, high-temperature nylon, and the like can withstand high temperatures of at least 200 ℃.

More specifically, as shown in fig. 15 to 17, the fixing bracket 20 on which the reflection cover 22 (and the heat generating tube 21 therein) is mounted is a part of the inner lid assembly 2 and is mounted in the housing 4 together with other components. The motor 44 is fixed under the fixed bracket 20 and a motor shaft 282 (fig. 15) serving as a driving shaft rotatably mounted on the motor 44. Thus, an insulating cavity 43 is defined between the upper portion of the stationary bracket 20 (specifically, the bottom of the bowl 22) and the lower portion of the stationary bracket 20 where the motor 44 is mounted. Within the insulating cavity 43, a plastic heat sink 42 is secured to the motor shaft 282 by fasteners 41, such as internally threaded sleeves or the like, and is rotatable therewith during operation to dissipate heat (fig. 17A). At the bottom of the reflection housing 22, an oil seal of nitrile-butadiene-fluorine rubber with wear resistance is installed, which is sleeved on the motor shaft 282, for preventing oil, water, food residue and the like in the heating cavity from falling into the heat insulation cavity below.

The plastic cooling fins 42 may generally take the form of radial flow fan blades, i.e., a fan that uses the principle of centrifugal fan operation to draw fluid (e.g., air) in from the axial direction of the fan and then centrifugal force to throw the fluid (e.g., air) out in the circumferential direction. The fan blade/vane can generate centrifugal wind to throw the wind in a specific angle direction, and has the advantages of small occupied space and the like. For this reason, as shown in fig. 17A, one or more air outlets 40p are provided on the circumferential wall of the fixing bracket 20 substantially corresponding to the heat insulating chamber 43, for example, at substantially the same height, and one or more exhaust hoods 40 (fig. 17A) having many exhaust holes/grilles, etc. are provided at the positions of the air outlets 40p, and the exhaust hoods 40 not only perform the function of exhausting air and dissipating heat, but also are part of the overall design and prevent erroneous contact with the high-temperature portion inside, thereby achieving the effects of safety and beauty. At an opening of the housing 4 corresponding to the air outlet 40p, the hood 40 is covered on the housing 4 and fixed between the fixing bracket 20 and the housing 4 with, for example, a snap. The reflection cover 22 is installed on the fixing bracket 20.

As shown in fig. 17A and described above, since the present embodiment adopts the principle of so-called centrifugal fan to dissipate heat, in order to improve the heat dissipation effect and prevent the plastic heat dissipating blades 42 from being affected by the high temperature, sufficient cooling air flow is ensured to enter from the plastic heat dissipating blades 42. Specifically, a central air inlet 45 of sufficient size may be provided at the bottom of the fixing bracket 20 below the plastic heat sink 42, and the central air inlet 45 may be substantially coaxial with the motor shaft 282, thereby achieving uniform air inlet and heat dissipation.

The plastic heat sink blade 42, as shown in fig. 16, may include a generally planar base 422 and a plurality of blades 421 extending upwardly from the base 422 and spirally extending from a central portion 423 of the blade. In order to match and improve the heat dissipation effect of the plastic heat dissipation blades 42, a leakage hole 424 is formed in the base 422 near the center of the heat dissipation blades 42, so that the intake air for cooling and heat dissipation can be sucked in the axial direction of the plastic heat dissipation blades 42 through the leakage hole 424.

In addition, in order to further enhance cooling and improve uniform heat dissipation, a structure carrying a ring of air inlets 46 (shown in fig. 1) preferably corresponding to the circumferential distribution of the air duct of the fixed bracket may be further provided below the plastic heat dissipating fins 42, and the ring of air inlets 46 is substantially uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction.

Fig. 17B illustrates a schematic view of a plastic cooling fin according to an embodiment. As shown in fig. 17B, the plastic heat dissipating fin 42 has nine evenly distributed arc-shaped fins 421 spirally extending from a central portion 423. An angle formed between a line connecting the center of the blade to a starting point of the fan 421 at the central portion 423 and a tangent line of the fan arc at the starting point is referred to as an intake angle, and a preferred angle of the intake angle is about 16 °. An angle formed between a connecting line from the center of the blade to the end point of the distal end of the blade 421 and a tangent of the blade arc at the end point is referred to as an air outlet angle, and the preferred angle of the air outlet angle is about 52 °. Through such setting, can effectively reduce the windage and improve radiator vane's rotational speed under the condition that can guarantee the wind pressure.

As above, when the user uses the air fryer product, the motor 44 rotates the plastic heat dissipating fins 42, cool air is sucked from the central air inlet 45 of the central air inlet of the fixing bracket 20 and at least partially enters the heat insulating cavity 43 through the leakage holes 424 in the center of the heat dissipating fins 42, and after mixing and cooling heat from, for example, the reflection housing 22 (heating cavity), the heat dissipating fins 42 rotate to throw the mixed air to the inner wall of the fixing bracket 2, such as the air duct wall, in a centrifugal radial flow manner, and thus pass through the exhaust hood 4 and be exhausted from the air outlet 40p to take away the heat.

From another point of view, the detachable axial flow fan 28 is mounted at the bottom of the reflection housing 21 by virtue of the design of the detachable axial flow fan 28, which is configured to generate an axial flow air flow flowing upward toward the heat generating pipe 21 in operation. Thus, the combined construction and arrangement of the removable axial fan blades 28 and plastic heat sink blades 42 further helps to isolate heat from the heating cavity from being transferred to the bottom of the air fryer housing, such as by air flow, and reduces the overall temperature rise of the housing 4.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the optional additional circumferentially distributed air intakes 46 may further facilitate more cooling air from below to lower temperatures and enhance cooling, improving heat dissipation and cooling.

Electric heating tube pivoting mechanism

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to fig. 8-9 and 18-20, the pivoting mechanism of the electrothermal tube according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

As shown in fig. 8-9, the cartridge 21 is housed within a heating chamber defined by the bowl 22, which is pivotally mounted to one side 211 (fig. 9) of the steam fryer, and the cartridge 21 is pivotable by a cartridge pivot mechanism between a generally flat, operative position (fig. 8) and a generally raised, upright, open position (fig. 9).

Fig. 18 shows an exploded view of the pivoting mechanism of the cartridge heater shown in fig. 6. Fig. 19A is a schematic view showing the electric heating tube pivoting mechanism shown in fig. 18 in a state that the electric heating tube is lifted to be substantially upright after being installed.

The electric heating tube 21 may be, for example, an integrally formed disk-shaped tube member (fig. 18), the two exposed tube ends of which can be fixed through two corresponding openings of the fixing plate 210C and fixed to the housing 212 by a fastener such as a bolt, a nut, a screw, etc., together with the fixing plate 210C and the thermostat (e.g., NTC)210A inserted and fixed thereto, and can be screwed and screwed. Rear cover 213 may be threadably secured to the rear of housing 212 by, for example, screws, bolts (as shown), or the like. Thus, the electrical heating tube 21 and its related accessories are fixedly mounted on the housing 212, forming an integral pivotable electrical heating tube pivoting mechanism.

As shown in fig. 19B, the left boss 216 is provided with a hollow boss 216H and a hole 214H for accommodating the left coil spring 215 and the left restraining pin 214, and the hollow boss 216H can be easily penetrated with a cable wiring or the like. The right sleeve 219 has the same construction as the left sleeve 216, and is also provided with a hollow shaft sleeve and a hole (not otherwise shown) for receiving the right spring and the right restraining thimble 4. The left and right bushings 216, 219 may also be provided with mounting holes for fixedly mounting them.

A stationary bracket 211A is fixedly mounted to a side 211 of the steam fryer that defines a cavity for receiving and pivotally mounting a pivot mechanism housing 212. Therefore, the housing 212 of the electric heating tube pivoting mechanism is connected with the fixed bracket 211A at the left and right sides through the left and right shaft sleeves 216, 219. Holes corresponding to the left and right shaft sleeves of the left and right shaft sleeves and holes corresponding to the left and right limiting thimbles are arranged on the left and right sides of the fixed support 211A. Accordingly, left and right mounting holes are provided on the left and right sides of the housing 212 for the left and right hollow shaft sleeves to be mounted therethrough, as shown in fig. 18 to 19A. Moreover, left and right clamping grooves 214A and 217A are formed on the left and right sides of the housing 212, as shown in fig. 18, so that the left and right limiting thimbles 214 and 217 are clamped into the corresponding left and right clamping grooves 214A and 217A in the vertical state of the electric heating tube to perform the limiting function.

As shown in fig. 8 and 9A, the electric heating tube pivoting mechanism and the fixing bracket 211A are pivotally connected at the left and right sides by a left bushing 216 and a right bushing 219 (shown in fig. 8-9A and fig. 19A), and corresponding limit thimbles and springs are installed in corresponding holes of the left and right bushings. The cartridge pivot mechanism is pivotable about the left and right bosses at an angle of about 90 degrees, i.e., from a flat position shown in fig. 8 to an upright position shown in fig. 9A.

When it is desired to clean the bottom of the heating chamber from oil, food residue, etc., the cartridge pivoting mechanism is pivoted from the flat position shown in fig. 8 to the upright position shown in fig. 9A, and the housing 212 is correspondingly pivoted to an approximately 90 degree position so that the left and right detents 214A and 217A thereon are also pivoted to be generally aligned with the left and right limit detents 214 and 217. At this time, the left and right position-limiting thimbles 214 and 217 are ejected by respective spring force and are clamped into the respective corresponding left and right clamping grooves 214A and 217A (fig. 19A), so that when the electric heating tube is pivoted to a substantially vertical position from the fryer, the electric heating tube pivoting mechanism is clamped in the clamping grooves by the position-limiting thimbles and cannot fall down or fall off, and thus, the electric heating tube pivoting mechanism is limited in the substantially vertical state, and the electric heating tube pivoting mechanism can be limited and kept in the vertical position. When the electric heating tube pivoting mechanism pivots from the upright position to the flat-lying working position, the left and right limiting thimbles 214 and 217 are gradually separated from the respective clamping grooves 214A and 217A.

The cartridge 21 can again be conveniently pivoted down to the flat working position shown in fig. 8. When the electric heating tube rotates to the horizontal position again, the limit thimble gradually disengages from the corresponding slot, and finally the electric heating tube 21 is tightly held by the limit lock 2238 at the horizontal working position.

In operation, the cartridge 21 can be conveniently located (pivoted) in a substantially flat operating position (shown in fig. 8); when it is necessary to clean the oil stain or food debris, etc. at the bottom of the heating chamber, the electric heating tube 21 can be conveniently lifted to pivot to the substantially upright open position (as shown in fig. 9 and 19A, the bottom of the heating chamber where the electric heating tube 21 is placed during operation can be conveniently cleaned and cleaned without being obstructed or blocked.

Bakeware component

The plate assembly of the steam fryer and its heat transfer, spill-proof construction according to the present invention are further described below in conjunction with FIGS. 21-23.

As shown in FIG. 21, FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating in greater detail the grill plate assembly 3 of the steam fryer of FIG. 2 and its heat conducting and spill proof configuration, in an exploded view. FIG. 22 shows an assembled view of one assembly of the bakeware assembly shown in FIGS. 2 and 21.

Bakeware assembly 3 generally includes a thermally conductive pan 32 located above and directly adjacent to a heating cavity defined by, for example, a reflective hood 21, and a fry basket/steam rack 31. According to an example, steambox/steamer 31 may include steambox 31A and fry mbox 31B to provide a more selectable cooking profile for the consumer.

The steamboys 31A and fry-baskets 31B may, in one example, have a generally cylindrical body with a bottom, both of which are hollow and have one or more rows of various shaped through-holes formed therein to facilitate the smooth flow of hot air, steam, etc. therethrough for cooking, such as steamboat.

Steaming basket 31A and frying basket 31B may rest on top of each other, either one or both for use in a single cook, or so when not in use, as described in more detail below. To this end, in one example, the generally cylindrical bodies of steambox 31A and fry basket 31B may have substantially the same diameter. To facilitate stacking of steams 31A and fry baskets 31B on top of one another, steams 31A and fry baskets 31B may have a ring of slightly smaller diameter inner cylinders at their lowermost portions, which may be formed, for example, by appropriate turning of a small section of the sidewall of the lowermost portion of the generally cylindrical body, with an outer cylinder having a slightly smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the generally cylindrical body, so that the inner cylinder of one of steams 31A and fry baskets 31B may rest on top of the other.

The thin walls of the generally cylindrical bodies of both the steamboat 31A and the fry-on basket 31B make the handling and stacking of the inner cylinders somewhat limited and difficult, particularly if the stacking is not easily aligned, resulting in unstable stacking and even dropping. Therefore, as shown in fig. 23, it is also possible to provide an outer peripheral flange around the respective outer peripheries of the steam basket 31A and the fry basket 31B for a full turn around the respective outer peripheries at a distance from the lowermost portion of the respective substantially cylindrical bodies, thereby making the state in which the steam basket 31A and the fry basket 31B are stacked on top of each other more stable. While only the peripheral flange 31A1 of steambox 31A is illustrated in fig. 23, it is apparent that fry basket 31B may similarly be provided with the same peripheral flange. In this connection, as an alternative to the above-described inner-barrel configuration, the diameter of the steambox 31A and the fry-mbox 31B may also be set slightly smaller one than the other, so as to facilitate the support of the two on top of each other by the one above by the other below by means of their peripheral flange.

As shown in fig. 21-22, a pair of handles 34 are provided on diametrically opposite sides of the generally disc-shaped thermally conductive plate 32 for easy gripping by a user. Therefore, a silica gel pad 340 can be embedded into the notch on each handle 34, and the silica gel pad 340 not only has the effects of skid resistance and convenient holding, but also has the effects of heat insulation and scald prevention. The pair of handles 34 may be secured to diametrically opposite sides of the thermally conductive plate 32 by fasteners 320.

A central opening 326 is provided in the center of the heat conducting plate 32 and a ring of raised annular weir 327 is provided around the central opening 326 above the central opening and surrounding bottom of the heat conducting plate 32. An oil trap 35 may be disposed within the central opening 326 to trap oil flowing from above, for example, fry basket 31B, and to prevent contamination of the heating chamber and electrical heating tubes as much as possible. As shown in fig. 21, three snap locations may be provided at the bottom of the central opening 326; the corresponding rotary buckle of the oil collecting box can be buckled into the oil collecting box. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the thermally conductive plate 32 is preferably made of a highly thermally conductive and temperature resistant material, such as a metallic material, e.g., steel, cast iron, etc., or a ceramic material that readily conducts heat, etc.

To facilitate efficient and uniform heat transfer required for cooking, to facilitate uniform and rapid circulation of hot air, steam through the pan for cooking such as steam frying, and the like, a ring of through heat transfer apertures 321 may be provided around the periphery of the heat transfer plate 32, preferably of substantially the same size and configuration as the oblong apertures, and preferably evenly spaced to provide uniform heat transfer.

Between the cofferdam 327 and the ring of heat conduction holes 321, preferably in the vicinity of the ring of heat conduction holes 321, there is provided a ring of substantially concentric snap rings for firmly seating therein the steaming basket 31A, the frying basket 31B or both the steaming basket 31A and the frying basket 31B one on top of the other.

To this end, the snap ring is configured with an inner diameter sized to receive and seat both the steams 31A and fry baskets 31B, preferably with the steams 31A and fry baskets 31B seated therein with a reasonably close fit for stability. In this regard, in one contemplated example, as shown in fig. 21-22, the snap ring is comprised of at least two, such as three as shown in fig. 21, or a greater number of ring segments 322 with gaps between the ring segments 322 to provide for a recoverable expansion deformation of a moderately small inner diameter of the snap ring when the steamboys 31A, 31B are inserted therein with, for example, a tight fit. Furthermore, at least one of the ring segments 322 can be configured to have a U-shaped convex configuration 3221, which is convenient for leaving the grill pan interface 33 at the assembling time, and the mouth of the grill pan interface 33 is placed in the U-shaped convex configuration, so that the water flowing out through the grill pan interface 33 can uniformly flow to the position near the inner circumference of the clamping ring on the heat conducting plate. Although shown as nesting baskets 31A, 31B within the snap rings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that baskets 31A, 31B may also be nested about the outer perimeter of the snap rings by suitable diametrical arrangement.

Fig. 4B shows the turned-up edge 321A of the heat-conducting hole 321 of the heat-conducting disk 32 shown in fig. 4A, and the gap 322A between the ring segments 322. The flanges 321A prevent condensed water from dripping into the heating chamber, while the gap 322A facilitates the flow of condensed water around the periphery through the gap toward the center of the heat-conducting plate 32. The snap ring is configured such that the inner diameter is sized to receive and seat both steams 31A, 31B, preferably with steams 31A, 31B seated therein with a reasonably tight fit for stability. In this regard, in one contemplated example, as shown in fig. 6-7, the snap ring is formed of at least two, e.g., three or more ring segments 322 as shown in fig. 6, with gaps between the ring segments 322 to facilitate passage of water from high to low through the gaps from the periphery where a ring of heat transfer apertures 321 is located at a high level.

Fig. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the thermally conductive disk 32 of fig. 4A, showing the concave configuration of the thermally conductive disk 32, which slopes from low to high from the center to the periphery. In order to provide the grill pan assembly 3 with an additional function of preventing flooding, the vicinity of the heat transfer plate 32 where the ring segments 322 are provided, that is, the vicinity of the inner peripheries of the snap rings where the steam basket 31A and the fry basket 31B rest, is set to the lowest position of the heat transfer plate 32. Specifically, the heat conducting disk 32 is arranged to be inclined from the cofferdam 327 from low to high toward the ring section 322 (as shown by a position L in fig. 4C), and is arranged to be inclined from the periphery where the circle of the heat conducting holes 321 is located from high to low toward the ring section 322.

The area near the snap ring section 322 in the lowest depression position can receive and accumulate water from the tank below for generating cooking steam. Furthermore, water, condensed water, or the like flowing down from the steam basket 31A, the fry basket 31B, or the like accumulates on the inner periphery of the snap ring, that is, in the vicinity of the stationary steam basket 31A or the fry basket 31B. Because of the lowest depression and the weir 327 around the center opening 326, standing water does not leak from the center opening 326. Moreover, since the outer periphery of the heat conduction plate 32 where the heat conduction hole 321 is provided is also higher than the snap ring, and is inclined from the outer periphery to the snap ring 322 from high to low and passes through the gap to be accumulated in the vicinity of the inner periphery of the snap ring 322, the accumulated water does not leak downward from the heat conduction hole 321. Therefore, accumulated water is accumulated at the lowest depression of the ring of the clamping ring on the baking tray and cannot leak downwards from the central opening 326 or the heat conduction hole 321, and the function of preventing water overflow is achieved. During operation of the air fryer, the lower water tank is supplied with water by the main body to flow into the low-lying position at the bottom of the heat conducting plate 32, and the lower heating cavity heats the heat conducting plate 32 through radiation, heat conduction or hot air convection by fan blades and the like until the water on the heat conducting plate 32 is vaporized into steam, so that cooking modes such as steaming, boiling, frying, braising and the like are selectable.

Furthermore, oil deposits or condensed oil deposits which flow down from the steamers 31A, the fry baskets 31B, etc. accumulate on the heat transfer plate 32 in the vicinity of the positions where the steamers 31A, the fry baskets 31B are placed in the snap rings, and since the oil deposits or condensed oil deposits are lowest in the vicinity of the positions and the cofferdam 327 is provided around the center opening 326, the oil deposits or condensed oil deposits do not leak out from the center opening 326. Since the outer circumference of the heat conducting plate 32 and the position of the heat conducting plate at the position of the circle of heat conducting holes 321 are also higher than the snap ring, for example, the heat conducting plate 32 is arranged to incline from the outer circumference of the heat conducting plate 32 and the position of the circle of heat conducting holes 321 to the snap ring from high to low, so that the accumulated water or oil at the position of the snap ring cannot leak downwards from the heat conducting holes 321.

Through the design, during the operation of the air fryer product, moisture and grease released by heat of food partially drop into the oil collecting box 35 through the central opening 326 after passing through the steaming basket 31A and the frying basket 31B, partially accumulate at the low position near the ring section 322, and partially disperse at the periphery and the position of the circle of heat conduction holes 321 to flow to the low position near the ring section 322 from high to low. With this arrangement, as little moisture/grease as possible is allowed to fall directly through the heat transfer apertures 321 into the heating chamber below.

As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above-mentioned bakeware assembly, in combination with other related arrangements and designs in the air fryer, can solve the problem of providing more modes for cooking with steam, and solve the problem of monotonous function of the existing air fryer fittings, such as only frying and roasting.

The foregoing description of several embodiments of the utility model has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the utility model to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the utility model be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (10)

1. An air fryer, comprising:

the water tank is arranged in the base;

the inner cover assembly is arranged above the base, and a heating cavity is arranged at the upper part of the inner cover assembly;

a housing mounted to surround an outer periphery of the inner cap assembly; and

the baking tray assembly is arranged above the heating cavity and comprises a heat conduction tray and a steaming basket and/or a frying basket which are/is arranged on the heat conduction tray;

wherein, an electric heating tube is arranged in the heating cavity and used for heating the heat conducting disc above the heating cavity; and

wherein a water pump is provided in the inner lid assembly and is configured to pump water in the water tank onto the heat conductive plate in a liquid state, so that the water on the heat conductive plate is heated to become steam in a cooking mode requiring steam.

2. An air fryer according to claim 1, wherein the heating chamber is defined by a reflector and a removable fan is mounted at the bottom of the reflector, the removable fan being an axial fan blade.

3. An air fryer according to claim 2, wherein radial plastic heat sink fins are provided in the heat insulating cavity below the reflector, and air vents and ducts for dissipating heat are provided in the inner lid assembly and the outer shell.

4. An air fryer according to claim 3, wherein a motor and a motor shaft extending upwardly into said insulated chamber and said heating chamber are provided below said insulated chamber for driving said plastic cooling fins and said removable fan blades.

5. An air fryer according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said electric heating tube is provided with a tube pivoting mechanism.

6. An air fryer according to claim 5, wherein said electric heating tube has an electric heating tube retention means.

7. The air fryer according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the volume of said water tank is designed to be usable for 1-5 full cooking modes of said air fryer requiring steam at a time.

8. An air fryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a central opening is provided in the center of the heat conducting plate, a cofferdam surrounding the central opening is provided on the upper surface of the heat conducting plate, a plurality of heat conducting holes are provided on the outer periphery of the heat conducting plate, the heat conducting holes are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the heat conducting plate, a snap ring is provided on the upper surface of the heat conducting plate between the cofferdam and the heat conducting holes, the upper surface of the heat conducting plate is provided with an inclined surface with a higher periphery and a lower middle, and the heat conducting plate is provided with a water supply hole which is provided between the snap ring and the cofferdam and penetrates through the heat conducting plate in the thickness direction of the heat conducting plate.

9. The air fryer of claim 8, wherein said bakeware assembly is a dual purpose bakeware assembly for steaming and frying comprising said heat conductive plate, said steaming basket and said fry basket, wherein said steaming basket and said fry basket are configured to be stacked on top of each other on said heat conductive plate.

10. The air fryer according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said air fryer is a steam fryer capable of performing at least one of the following cooking modes: steaming, steaming and frying, stewing and baking and stewing and drying.

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