Full-temperature-range intelligent electric cooker based on semiconductor temperature adjustment

Abstract

The invention discloses a full-temperature-range intelligent electric cooker based on semiconductor temperature adjustment. The full-temperature-range intelligent electric cooker comprises a cooker body; a refrigeration system; the semiconductor chilling plate refrigerates the outer pot when being electrified in the forward direction; a heating system; a circulation system; the heat storage and cold storage unit comprises a phase change material, the liquid storage tank is filled with the phase change material, and one side of the liquid storage tank exchanges heat with the bottom refrigeration sheet; and the control system is electrically connected with the heating system, the refrigerating system and the circulating system, and is used for controlling the working states of the semiconductor refrigerating sheet, the circulating pump and the electromagnetic valve according to a temperature sampling signal. According to the full-temperature-range intelligent electric cooker based on semiconductor temperature adjustment, waste heat or waste cold generated when the semiconductor chilling plate works can be effectively stored through the heat and cold storage unit and is released to the outer pot through the circulating system as needed, and the energy utilization efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a full-temperature-range intelligent rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature control. Background Technology

[0002] Most rice cookers only have heating functions and cannot achieve cooling or precise low-temperature control, limiting their ability to cook foods that require refrigeration, fermentation (such as yogurt), or rapid cooling. A few attempts to integrate cooling functions may use traditional compressor refrigeration systems. These systems are complex, bulky, noisy, and relatively energy-intensive, making them difficult to integrate into compact household rice cookers and significantly increasing manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this technical solution provides a full-temperature-range intelligent rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation and its control method.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution is as follows: A full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation includes: The body includes an outer shell, an outer pot disposed within the outer shell, an inner pot disposed within the outer pot, and a cover disposed on the outer shell; A refrigeration system includes a semiconductor refrigeration chip, the semiconductor refrigeration chip including a bottom refrigeration chip disposed at the bottom of the outer pot; the semiconductor refrigeration chip cools the outer pot when it is energized in the forward direction; A heating system that controls the semiconductor cooling chip to be energized in reverse to heat the outer pot; A circulation system includes a liquid storage tank, a circulation pump, a solenoid valve, an evaporator, and a circulation pipeline. The evaporator is arranged around the outer pot and exchanges heat with the outer pot. The circulation pipeline contains a heat transfer medium to circulate between the liquid storage tank and the evaporator. A thermal and cold storage unit includes a phase change material, which is filled in the liquid storage tank, and one side of the liquid storage tank exchanges heat with the bottom cooling plate; The control system is electrically connected to the heating system, the cooling system, and the circulation system, and is used to control the operating status of the semiconductor cooling chip, the circulation pump, and the solenoid valve based on the temperature sampling signal.

[0005] As described above, in a full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation, the control system controls the semiconductor cooling chip to be reverse-energized in heating mode to supply heat to the outer pot, and the bottom cooling chip cools the liquid storage tank to store the phase change material.

[0006] As described above, a full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation includes a freezing mode. In the freezing mode, the control system controls the semiconductor cooling chip to be forward-energized so that the bottom cooling chip absorbs the heat from the outer pot to freeze and cool the inner pot. The bottom cooling chip heats the liquid storage tank so that the phase change material stores heat.

[0007] As described above, a full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature control includes a refrigeration mode. In the refrigeration mode, the control system controls the circulation pump and the solenoid valve to open, so that the heat transfer medium in the cold storage tank begins to circulate and cools the outer pot through the evaporator.

[0008] As described above, a full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature control includes a defrosting mode. In the defrosting mode, the control system controls the circulation pump and the solenoid valve to open, so that the heat transfer medium in the heat storage tank begins to circulate and heats the outer pot through the evaporator.

[0009] As described above, in a full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation, a heat sink is provided on the semiconductor cooling chip.

[0010] As described above, in a full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature control, a cooling fan is provided between the radiator and the liquid storage tank.

[0011] As described above, a full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature control includes an upper outer pot and a lower outer pot stacked on top of each other, and a heat insulation ring disposed between the upper outer pot and the lower outer pot. The evaporator is arranged around the outer periphery of the upper outer pot for heat exchange, and the bottom cooling plate is disposed at the bottom of the lower outer pot for heat exchange.

[0012] As described above, a full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature control includes an upper inner pot and a lower inner pot stacked on top of each other corresponding to the upper outer pot and the lower outer pot. The bottom of the upper inner pot is provided with a heat insulation cavity, and the heat insulation cavity is either vacuum-sealed or filled with aerogel heat insulation material.

[0013] As described above, a full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature control includes a control system configured with a function mode library, comprising at least one or more of a breakfast mode and a dessert mode. Breakfast mode: After the refrigeration system finishes cooling, the control system controls the circulation pump to continue working to use the residual heat to heat the outer pot; or after the heating system finishes heating, the control system controls the circulation pump to continue working to use the residual cold to cool the outer pot. Dessert Mode: After the heating system finishes heating the upper outer pot, the control system controls the circulation pump to continue operating to utilize residual cooling to cool the lower outer pot; or After the heating system finishes heating the lower outer pot, the control system controls the circulating pump to continue operating to use the residual heat to cool the upper outer pot.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this application are: This invention provides a full-temperature-range intelligent rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation. By energizing a single semiconductor cooling chip in both forward and reverse directions, it achieves physical integration of heating and cooling functions, resulting in a compact structure and providing the rice cooker with full-temperature-range control capabilities from freezing to cooking. Through a heat and cold storage unit, the "waste heat" or "waste cold" generated by the semiconductor cooling chip during operation can be effectively stored and released to the outer pot as needed through a circulation system, greatly improving energy utilization efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an electrical connection block diagram of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0018] Example 1: A full-temperature-range smart rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation, comprising: The body includes an outer shell 1, an outer pot 2 disposed inside the outer shell 1, an inner pot 3 disposed inside the outer pot 2, and a cover 4 disposed on the outer shell 1; The refrigeration system 5 includes a semiconductor refrigeration chip 51, which includes a bottom refrigeration chip 512 disposed at the bottom of the outer pot 2; the semiconductor refrigeration chip 51 cools the outer pot 2 when it is energized in the forward direction. The heating system 6 controls the semiconductor cooling chip 51 to be energized in reverse to heat the outer pot 2; The circulation system 7 includes a liquid storage tank 71, a circulation pump 72, a solenoid valve 73, an evaporator 74, and a circulation pipeline 75. The evaporator 74 is arranged around the outer pot 2 and exchanges heat with the outer pot 2. The circulation pipeline 75 contains a heat transfer medium to circulate between the liquid storage tank 71 and the evaporator 74. The thermal and cold storage unit 8 includes a phase change material 81, which is filled in the liquid storage tank 71, and one side of the liquid storage tank 71 exchanges heat with the bottom cooling plate 512. The control system 10 is electrically connected to the heating system 6, the cooling system 5, and the circulation system 7, and is used to control the working state of the semiconductor cooling chip 51, the circulation pump 72, and the solenoid valve 73 according to the temperature sampling signal.

[0019] This invention provides a full-temperature-range intelligent rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation. By energizing a single semiconductor cooling chip in both forward and reverse directions, it achieves physical integration of heating and cooling functions, resulting in a compact structure and providing the rice cooker with full-temperature-range control capabilities from freezing to cooking. Through a heat and cold storage unit, the "waste heat" or "waste cold" generated by the semiconductor cooling chip during operation can be effectively stored and released to the outer pot as needed through a circulation system, greatly improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0020] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the control system 10 controls the semiconductor cooling chip 51 to be energized in reverse during heating mode to supply heat to the outer pot 2, while the bottom cooling chip 512 cools the liquid storage tank 71 to store cold in the phase change material 81. While providing the outer pot with the heat required for cooking, the system automatically and efficiently stores the cold energy generated at the cold end of the semiconductor cooling chip in the phase change material. This solves the problem of unidirectional heat dissipation in traditional heating equipment, pre-stores cold energy for subsequent refrigeration, rapid cooling, and other needs, and improves the overall energy efficiency of the equipment.

[0021] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the control system 10 includes a freezing mode. In this mode, the control system 10 controls the semiconductor cooling chip 51 to be forward-energized, causing the bottom cooling chip 512 to absorb heat from the outer pot 2 to freeze and cool the inner pot 3. The bottom cooling chip 512 heats the liquid storage tank 71 to allow the phase change material 81 to store heat. When freezing or rapidly cooling food, the waste heat generated at the hot end of the semiconductor cooling chip is recovered and stored in the phase change material. This not only avoids thermal pollution (heat is directly discharged into the machine or environment) but also pre-stores heat energy for subsequent thawing, heat preservation, or cooking, further enhancing the system's energy recycling capability and making the refrigeration process no longer a purely energy-consuming process.

[0022] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the control system 10 includes a refrigeration mode. In this mode, the control system 10 controls the circulation pump 72 and the solenoid valve 73 to open, causing the heat transfer medium in the cold storage tank 71 to circulate and cool the outer pot 2 through the evaporator 74. Unlike directly activating the semiconductor cooling chip for cooling (which consumes more power), this mode utilizes previously stored cold energy, requiring only a low-power circulation pump to maintain the low-temperature environment of the inner pot. This is highly suitable for long-term food refrigeration and preservation, offering significant energy savings and extremely low noise during operation.

[0023] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the control system 10 includes a defrosting mode. In this mode, the control system 10 controls the circulation pump 72 and the solenoid valve 73 to open, causing the heat transfer medium in the heat-storing liquid tank 71 to circulate and heat the outer pot 2 through the evaporator 74. By utilizing stored low-temperature heat energy (e.g., from a previous freezing mode) to defrost food, the temperature is easily controlled, avoiding surface overheating and nutrient loss caused by external high-temperature defrosting. This achieves a defrosting effect closer to slow, low-temperature thawing, while consuming extremely low energy.

[0024] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the thermoelectric cooler 51 is provided with a heat sink 12. This ensures that the thermoelectric cooler can operate efficiently at its optimal operating temperature difference, improves its cooling / heating power and energy efficiency ratio, and guarantees the stability and reliability of the system under extreme operating conditions.

[0025] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, a cooling fan 13 is provided between the heat sink 12 and the liquid storage tank 71. This further enhances the heat dissipation capacity, especially when the ambient temperature is high or the system is running under high load for extended periods, effectively reducing the hot-end temperature of the thermoelectric cooler, thereby improving its performance and extending its service life. The airflow from the fan also helps to equalize the temperature field outside the liquid storage tank.

[0026] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the outer side of the liquid storage tank 71 is covered with a heat insulation material 82 to form a heat and cold storage interlayer. The heat insulation material 82 is one or more of polyurethane foam, aerogel felt, or vacuum insulation board. By insulating the liquid storage tank, ineffective heat exchange between the heat and cold storage unit and the outside environment is reduced, improving the energy storage and retention capacity of the phase change material, thereby reducing the cooling or heating power required to maintain the target temperature range.

[0027] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the control system 10 includes an MCU main control circuit board 101, and an inner pot bottom temperature sensor 102, an inner pot side wall temperature sensor 103, a semiconductor cooling chip temperature sensor 104, and a liquid storage tank temperature sensor 105, all electrically connected to the MCU main control circuit board 101. Through multi-point temperature sampling, real-time monitoring of the pot's temperature field, the cooling chip's operating condition, and the liquid storage tank's energy storage status is achieved, providing a basis for power adjustment, mode switching, and protection strategies, thereby improving temperature control accuracy, uniformity, and operational reliability.

[0028] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, it also includes a semiconductor power supply module 11. The semiconductor power supply module 11 is an independent DC power supply module with buck conversion and current limiting functions to drive the thermoelectric cooler 51. Through independent DC power supply and current limiting control, the power supply stability of the thermoelectric cooler is improved, and the risks of startup shock and overcurrent are reduced, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the cooling system.

[0029] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation thereof, the heat transfer medium is one of ethylene glycol aqueous solution, propylene glycol aqueous solution or silicone oil, and the circulation pipeline 75 is provided with an exhaust structure and a liquid replenishment port to reduce air resistance and facilitate maintenance.

[0030] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the functional modes include at least one or more of the following: sous-vide cooking, yogurt making, automatic defrosting, porridge and soup cooking, long-lasting heat preservation, constant temperature refrigeration, cold rice preparation, alternating hot and cold cooking, and water bath temperature control, wherein: Low-temperature slow cooking: The control system maintains the temperature of the inner pot at 50°C-80°C; used for cooking steaks, chicken breasts, etc., keeping them tender.

[0031] Yogurt making: The control system performs constant temperature fermentation according to the preset fermentation temperature, and then performs constant temperature refrigeration according to the preset refrigeration temperature after the preset fermentation time; Automatic defrosting: The control system heats or cools the food according to a preset defrosting temperature, which is greater than 0°C; or the food is slowly defrosted at a temperature slightly higher than 0°C, such as 1°C, to reduce juice loss.

[0032] Porridge and soup cooking: The control system controls the temperature of the inner pot at 95℃-100℃ and stops heating after the preset cooking time; the heating temperature is controlled at 95-100℃, and the pot is simmered slowly at a set time to avoid overflow.

[0033] Long-lasting heat preservation: The control system maintains the temperature of the inner pot at 60℃-70℃. It maintains a constant temperature within the 60-70°C range and uses low-power heating.

[0034] Constant temperature refrigeration: The control system controls the temperature of the inner pot according to the preset refrigeration temperature; as a temporary mini-fridge, it can store food for a long time and the temperature is adjustable.

[0035] Cold rice preparation: After the cooking is completed, the system will cool down to the preset low temperature threshold at full power and maintain it for the preset time to promote the aging of the rice. After the user finishes cooking, the program will automatically or manually start "rapid cooling". The cooling system will run at full power and the temperature of the inner pot will drop rapidly to 4°C. After reaching the target temperature, it will switch to "constant temperature refrigeration" mode.

[0036] Alternating hot and cold cooking: The control system maintains the temperature of the inner pot at 65°C for constant heating, and after a preset hot and cold time, the temperature is lowered to a preset cooling temperature; for example, in the onsen egg mode, the temperature is maintained at 65°C for constant heating, and then rapidly cooled to set the shape.

[0037] Water bath temperature control: The control system controls the temperature of the inner pot according to a preset temperature. Water is added to the inner pot, the baby bottle is placed inside, and the temperature of the baby milk is adjusted by heating or cooling the water through a water bath.

[0038] Example 2: The outer pot 2 includes an upper outer pot 21 and a lower outer pot 22 stacked on top of each other, and a heat insulation ring 23 disposed between the upper outer pot 21 and the lower outer pot 22. The evaporator 74 is arranged around the outer periphery of the upper outer pot 21 for heat exchange, and the bottom cooling plate 512 is disposed at the bottom of the lower outer pot 22 for heat exchange. The upper outer pot mainly regulates the temperature (gentle and uniform) through a circulation system, while the lower outer pot directly performs rapid and efficient heating or cooling through a semiconductor cooling plate. This allows the rice cooker to perform more complex cooking tasks, such as keeping the upper outer pot warm and the lower outer pot cold, or making creative desserts that require different temperature levels, greatly expanding its functionality.

[0039] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the inner pot 3 includes an upper inner pot 31 and a lower inner pot 32 stacked vertically corresponding to the upper outer pot 21 and the lower outer pot 22. The bottom of the upper inner pot 31 is provided with a heat insulation cavity 33, which is filled with vacuum or aerogel insulation material. This maximizes the temperature independence of the upper and lower zones, preventing unnecessary heat or cold transfer between the upper and lower inner pots through the pot body itself. The vacuum or aerogel provides excellent insulation performance, ensuring that when the set temperature difference between the upper and lower zones is large (e.g., hotter at the top and colder at the bottom), each zone can maintain a stable target temperature, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of zoned temperature control.

[0040] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of this solution and not a limitation, the control system is configured with a function mode library and includes at least one or more of a breakfast mode and a dessert mode, wherein... Breakfast mode: After the cooling system 5 finishes cooling, the control system 10 controls the circulation pump 72 to continue working to use the residual heat to heat the outer pot 2; or after the heating system 6 finishes heating, the control system 10 controls the circulation pump 72 to continue working to use the residual cold to cool the outer pot 2; yogurt is made at night (waste heat preheats porridge), and porridge is heated in the morning (residual cold refrigerates yogurt).

[0041] Dessert mode: After the heating system 6 finishes heating the upper outer pot 21, the control system 10 controls the circulation pump 72 to continue operating to utilize residual cooling to cool the lower outer pot 22; or After the heating system 6 finishes heating the lower outer pot 22, the control system 10 controls the circulation pump 72 to continue operating, utilizing residual heat to cool the upper outer pot 21. The cold air is then recycled during the cooking of red bean paste to make shaved ice, achieving "two outputs from one pot". The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this application. Any other embodiments whose principles and basic structures are the same as or similar to those of this application are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A full-temperature-range intelligent electric rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation, characterized in that, The application relates to a refrigeration device, which comprises the following parts: a body, which comprises an outer shell (1), an outer pot (2) arranged in the outer shell (1), an inner pot (3) arranged in the outer pot (2), and a face cover (4) arranged on the outer shell (1); a refrigeration system (5), which comprises a semiconductor refrigerating sheet (51), the semiconductor refrigerating sheet (51) comprises a bottom refrigerating sheet (512) arranged at the bottom of the outer pot (2), and the semiconductor refrigerating sheet (51) is used for refrigerating the outer pot (2) when being forwardly electrified; a heating system (6), which controls the semiconductor refrigerating sheet (51) to be reversely electrified so as to heat the outer pot (2); a circulating system (7), which comprises a liquid storage tank (71), a circulating pump (72), an electromagnetic valve (73), an evaporator (74) arranged around the outer pot (2) and used for heat exchange with the outer pot (2), and a circulating pipeline (75) in which a heat transfer medium is arranged to circulate between the liquid storage tank (71) and the evaporator (74); a heat storage and refrigeration unit (8), which comprises a phase change material (81), the phase change material (81) is filled in the liquid storage tank (71), and one side of the liquid storage tank (71) is used for heat exchange with the bottom refrigerating sheet (512); a control system (10), which is electrically connected with the heating system (6), the refrigeration system (5) and the circulating system (7), and is used for controlling the working states of the semiconductor refrigerating sheet (51), the circulating pump (72) and the electromagnetic valve (73) according to temperature sampling signals.

2. The full-temperature-range intelligent electric rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system (10) controls the semiconductor refrigerating sheet (51) to be reversely electrified in a heating mode so as to supply heat to the outer pot (2), and the bottom refrigerating sheet (512) is used for refrigerating the liquid storage tank (71) so as to store cold of the phase change material (81).

3. The full-temperature-range intelligent electric rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system (10) comprises a freezing mode, the control system (10) controls the semiconductor refrigerating sheet (51) to be forwardly electrified in the freezing mode, the bottom refrigerating sheet (512) absorbs heat of the outer pot (2) so as to freeze and cool the inner pot (3), and the bottom refrigerating sheet (512) is used for heating the liquid storage tank (71) so as to store heat of the phase change material (81).

4. The full-temperature-range intelligent electric rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system (10) comprises a refrigeration mode, the control system (10) controls the circulating pump (72) and the electromagnetic valve (73) to be opened in the refrigeration mode, the heat transfer medium in the liquid storage tank (71) which stores cold starts to circulate and flow, and the evaporator (74) is used for refrigerating the outer pot (2).

5. The full-temperature-range intelligent electric rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system (10) comprises a thawing mode, the control system (10) controls the circulating pump (72) and the electromagnetic valve (73) to be opened in the thawing mode, the heat transfer medium in the liquid storage tank (71) which stores heat starts to circulate and flow, and the evaporator (74) is used for heating the outer pot (2).

6. The full-temperature-range intelligent electric rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: A radiator (12) is arranged on the semiconductor refrigerating sheet (51).

7. The full-temperature-range intelligent electric rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation according to claim 6, characterized in that: A cooling fan (13) is arranged between the radiator (12) and the liquid storage tank (71).

8. The full-temperature-range intelligent electric rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer pot (2) comprises an upper outer pot (21) and a lower outer pot (22) stacked one above the other, and a heat insulation ring (23) arranged between the upper outer pot (21) and the lower outer pot (22), and the evaporator (74) is arranged around the outer periphery of the upper outer pot (21) to perform heat exchange, and the bottom refrigeration fin (512) is arranged at the bottom of the lower outer pot (22) to perform heat exchange.

9. The full-temperature-range intelligent electric rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inner pot (3) comprises an upper inner pot (31) and a lower inner pot (32) stacked one above the other corresponding to the upper outer pot (21) and the lower outer pot (22), and the upper inner pot (31) is provided with a heat insulation cavity (33) at the bottom, and the heat insulation cavity (33) is filled with aerogel heat insulation material or is in a vacuum state.

10. The full-temperature-range intelligent electric rice cooker based on semiconductor temperature regulation according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control system is configured with a function mode library and at least one or more of a breakfast mode and a dessert mode, wherein The breakfast mode: after the refrigeration of the refrigeration system (5) is completed, the control system (10) controls the circulating pump (72) to continue to work to heat the outer pot (2) by using residual heat; or after the heating of the heating system (6) is completed, the control system (10) controls the circulating pump (72) to continue to work to cool the outer pot (2) by using residual cold; The dessert mode: after the heating of the heating system (6) on the upper outer pot (21) is completed, the control system (10) controls the circulating pump (72) to continue to work to cool the lower outer pot (22) by using residual cold; or After the heating of the heating system (6) on the lower outer pot (22) is completed, the control system (10) controls the circulating pump (72) to continue to work to cool the upper outer pot (21) by using residual cold. After the heating of the heating system (6) on the lower outer pot (22) is completed, the control system (10) controls the circulating pump (72) to continue to work to cool the upper outer pot (21) by using residual cold.

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