Coil unit

Abstract

Provided is a coil unit that reduces the number of wires drawn out from the coil unit. A coil unit according to the present disclosure is a coil unit that performs induction heating, and is provided with a plurality of coils and a wiring part that connects the plurality of coils, at least a part of the wiring part being disposed within a projection region on which the coil unit is projected in plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a coil unit. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an induction heating cooker. The induction heating cooker described in Patent Document 1 includes: a top plate showing the placement position of a heated object; a plurality of heating coils arranged close to each other below the placement position of the top plate; a resonant circuit formed by connecting a resonant capacitor to the plurality of heating coils; and an inverter circuit for applying a high-frequency voltage to the resonant circuit. The plurality of heating coils are arranged and connected in parallel so that the winding directions of the heating coils and conductors adjacent to each other are opposite to each other.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-266726 Summary of the invention

[0006] In recent years, there has been a demand for reducing the number of wirings drawn out from a coil unit including a plurality of coils.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a coil unit that reduces the number of wirings led out from the coil unit.

[0008] The coil unit according to the present disclosure is a coil unit for performing induction heating, and includes: a plurality of coils; and a connection portion for connecting the plurality of coils, wherein at least a portion of the connection portion is arranged within a projection area projected by the coil unit in a plan view.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a coil unit in which the number of wirings led out from a coil unit including a plurality of coils is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view of an example of the induction heating cooker according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a top view of an example of the coil unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 It means cutting with AA line Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cross section obtained through a coil unit.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a plurality of coils and connecting portions according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 It is composed Figure 2 A schematic enlarged view of the coil of the coil unit.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure in which a plurality of coils according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure are connected to a connection portion.

[0016] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a coil unit according to Modification 1.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a top view of an example of a coil unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a plurality of coils and connecting portions according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure in which a plurality of coils according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure are connected to a connection portion.

[0020] Fig.11 It is a rear view of an example of the coil unit according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the coil unit according to Modification Example 2.

[0022] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the coil unit according to Modification 3.

[0023] Fig.14 Schematic diagram showing the structure of a coil unit according to Modification 4.

[0024] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the coil unit according to Modification 5.

[0025] Description of Reference Numerals

[0026] 1: Induction heating cooker; 2: Top plate; 3: Shell; 4, 4A~4C: Coil unit; 10A~10N: Coil; 11: Coil body; 12: Outer lead wire; 13: Inner lead wire; 20, 20A~20C: Wiring part; 21~24: Wiring part; 21A, 22A: Wiring part; 30: Shell; 31: First shell; 32: Second shell; 33: Ferrite; 34: Guide; 40, 40A, 40B: Wiring; 41~48: Wiring; 50~52: Wiring part; 51A, 52A: Wiring part; 60: Relay substrate; 70~72: Connecting part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] (The process of this disclosure)

[0028] The induction heating cooker has a coil unit for inductively heating a heating object. The coil unit has a plurality of coils. In the coil unit, as the number of coils increases, the number of wirings increases, and thus the number of wirings drawn out from the coil unit increases.

[0029] Therefore, the wiring becomes complicated, and when the coil unit is assembled in the induction heating cooker, for example, it is difficult to connect the wiring led out from the coil unit to a substrate equipped with an inverter, etc. In addition, the space for winding the wiring in the coil unit becomes larger, and the size of the coil unit becomes larger.

[0030] Therefore, the present inventors conducted intensive research and found that the number of wires drawn out from the coil unit can be reduced by connecting a plurality of coils using a connection portion disposed within a projection region projected by the coil unit in a plan view, thereby completing the present disclosure.

[0031] The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of known matters and repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming unnecessarily lengthy and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0032] In addition, the inventor (etc.) provides the drawings and the following descriptions in order to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, but does not intend to limit the subject matter described in the technical claims by these.

[0033] (Implementation Method 1)

[0034] [Induction heating cooker]

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of an example of an induction heating cooker 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. In addition, the XYZ coordinate system shown in the figure is a coordinate system for helping to understand the invention and does not limit the invention. The X-axis direction represents the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction represents the depth direction, and the Z-axis direction represents the vertical direction.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the induction heating cooker 1 is a cooker that performs induction heating on a cooking container C that accommodates a heating object T. In this specification, the cooking container C is a pot, which is described as an example of a heating object. The heating object is not limited to the cooking container C, and any object that can be induction heated can be used.

[0037] The induction heating cooker 1 includes: a top plate 2 on which a cooking container C is placed, and which is made of, for example, heat-resistant glass; and a housing 3 mounted on the lower surface of the top plate 2. A plurality of coil units 4 are mounted in the housing 3. The plurality of coil units 4 are respectively arranged below the top plate 2, and perform induction heating on the cooking container C placed on the opposite portion of the top plate 2. That is, the plurality of coil units 4 function as induction heating coil units.

[0038] The induction heating cooker 1 includes a control unit for controlling the coil unit 4. The control unit includes, for example, a memory storing a program and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In the control unit, the processor executes the program stored in the memory.

[0039] [Coil unit]

[0040] Below, use Figure 2 to Figure 5 , the coil unit 4 is described.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a plan view of an example of the coil unit 4 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It means cutting with AA line Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cross section obtained by taking the coil unit 4 of FIG. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F and the connecting portions 20 to 22 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It is composed Figure 2 Schematic enlarged view of coil 10A of coil unit 4.

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the coil unit 4 includes a plurality of coils 10A to 10F, a plurality of connecting portions 20 to 22 , and a housing 30 .

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged in a heating region S1 for heating the object to be heated when viewed from above. In the heating region S1, the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged adjacent to each other. Specifically, the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged radially when viewed from above. In this specification, "viewed from above" means viewed from the vertical direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction.

[0044] The heating area S1 is an area having a center C1 when viewed from above, and is an area where a plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged. In the present embodiment, the heating area S1 has a circular shape when viewed from above. The heating area S1 may be an area where the cooking vessel C is arranged as shown on the upper surface of the top plate 2 when viewed from above. Alternatively, it may be an area smaller than the area where the cooking vessel C can be arranged as shown on the upper surface of the top plate 2 when viewed from above.

[0045] The heating area S1 has a plurality of coil configuration areas S11 to S16. The plurality of coil configuration areas S11 to S16 are radially and adjacently configured with the center C1 of the heating area S1 as the center when viewed from above. Specifically, the plurality of coil configuration areas S11 to S16 are demarcated by a plurality of boundary lines L11 to L16 radially extending from the center C1 of the heating area S1 toward the periphery when viewed from above and an outer peripheral line L1 demarcating the outer periphery of the heating area S1.

[0046] The plurality of boundary lines L11 to L16 are arranged at equal intervals in a radial pattern with the center C1 of the heating area S1 as the center when viewed from above. The plurality of boundary lines L11 to L16 are straight lines extending from the center C1 of the heating area S1 toward the periphery when viewed from above. The angles formed by two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines L11 to L16 are approximately the same. Thus, the plurality of coil configuration areas S11 to S16 have approximately the same shape and approximately the same size when viewed from above. In this specification, "approximately" means within a 10% error, preferably within a 5% error.

[0047] Each of the plurality of coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 has a fan shape in plan view. In this specification, a "fan shape" refers to a shape defined by two straight lines (radii) extending from the center of a circle toward the outer circumference and an arc connecting the two straight lines in plan view.

[0048] In this embodiment, the plurality of boundary lines include six boundary lines L11 to L16, and the angle between two adjacent boundary lines is 60 degrees. Thus, the heating region S1 is divided into six coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 having substantially the same shape and size in plan view.

[0049] The plurality of coils 10A to 10F are respectively arranged in the plurality of coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 in a plan view. Thus, the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged radially and adjacently in the heating region S1 in a plan view.

[0050] In this embodiment, the plurality of coils 10A to 10F include a first coil 10A, a second coil 10B, a third coil 10C, a fourth coil 10D, a fifth coil 10E, and a sixth coil 10F. The first coil 10A to the sixth coil 10F are respectively arranged in the plurality of coil arrangement regions S11 to S16.

[0051] use Figure 5 , the detailed structure of the first coil 10A is described.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, the first coil 10A includes a coil body 11 , outer lead wires 12 , and inner lead wires 13 .

[0053] The coil body 11 is a part formed by winding the coil wire. The coil body 11 has a frame shape when viewed from above. In the present embodiment, the coil body 11 has a fan shape when viewed from above. In addition, the shape of the coil body 11 is not limited to a fan shape, and may have any shape.

[0054] The outer lead wire 12 is a lead wire led out from the outside of the coil body portion 11 .

[0055] The inner lead wire 13 is a lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil body portion 11 .

[0056] Terminals are provided at the ends of the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13. The terminals are, for example, round terminals. By providing round terminals at the ends of the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13, connection to the connection portions 20 to 22 becomes easy.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the first coil 10A is formed of a single coil wire. The coil wire is formed of, for example, a conductive material.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the second coil 10B to the sixth coil 10F have the same structure as the first coil 10A. Therefore, in the first coil 10A to the sixth coil 10F, the lengths of the plurality of outer lead wires 12 are equal. In addition, in the first coil 10A to the sixth coil 10F, the lengths of the plurality of inner lead wires 13 are equal. In addition, the length of the outer lead wire 12 and the length of the inner lead wire 13 may be different or equal. In this way, the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are all composed of substantially the same coils, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0059] return Figure 2 The plurality of connecting parts 20 to 22 connect the plurality of coils 10A to 10F. For example, the plurality of connecting parts 20 to 22 physically connect the plurality of lead wires 12 and 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F together, and electrically connect the plurality of coils 10A to 10F.

[0060] At least a part of the plurality of connection portions 20 to 22 is arranged in a projection area projected by the coil unit 4 in a plan view. The plurality of connection portions 20 to 22 is arranged at a position overlapping with the case 30 of the coil unit 4 in a plan view.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of connecting portions 20 to 22 are arranged at positions overlapping with the heating region S1 in a plan view. In addition, not all of the connecting portions 20 to 22 may be arranged in the heating region S1. Some of the plurality of connecting portions 20 to 22 may be arranged outside the heating region S1.

[0062] The plurality of connection parts 20 - 22 include a first connection part 20 , a second connection part 21 , and a third connection part 22 .

[0063] The first connection portion 20 is arranged in the center of the heating area S1 when viewed from above. "The first connection portion 20 is arranged in the center of the heating area S1" means that at least a portion of the first connection portion 20 is arranged on the inner side of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F. In addition, in the present embodiment, at least a portion of the first connection portion 20 is arranged in an area overlapping with the center C1 of the heating area S1 when viewed from above. The first connection portion 20 connects the outer lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F. A cutout 20a is provided in the first connection portion 20.

[0064] The second connection part 21 and the third connection part 22 are arranged outside the first connection part 20 in a plan view. The second connection part 21 and the third connection part 22 are arranged between two adjacent coils. The second connection part 21 and the third connection part 22 connect the inner lead wires 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F. The second connection part 21 and the third connection part 22 are provided with a plurality of cutouts 21a and 22a, respectively. The plurality of cutouts 21a and 22a are provided at asymmetric positions in a plan view.

[0065] The plurality of connection parts 20 to 22 are components for connecting and electrically connecting the plurality of outer lead wires 12 or the plurality of inner lead wires 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F. The plurality of connection parts 20 to 22 are, for example, bus bars. The bus bar is, for example, a plate formed of a conductive material.

[0066] The plurality of wiring parts 20 to 22 are connected by fastening the plurality of outer lead wires 12 and the plurality of inner lead wires 13 together. The plurality of outer lead wires 12 are connected to the first wiring part 20 in an overlapping manner. The plurality of inner lead wires 13 are connected to the second wiring part 21 and the third wiring part 22 in an overlapping manner. For example, a circular terminal is provided at each end of the plurality of lead wires 12 and the plurality of inner lead wires 13. The plurality of circular terminals of the plurality of lead wires 12 and the plurality of inner lead wires 13 are attached to the plurality of wiring parts 20 to 22 by fixing members such as screws in an overlapping state.

[0067] In addition, the plurality of connection portions 20 to 22 are not limited to bus bars, and may be, for example, substrates. For example, the outer lead wires 12 or the inner lead wires 13 may be connected to electrodes or wiring patterns provided on the substrate.

[0068] return Figure 2 The housing 30 accommodates the plurality of coils 10A to 10F and the plurality of connecting portions 20 to 22. The housing 30 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The housing 30 is formed of, for example, an insulating material. For example, the housing 30 is formed of a resin.

[0069] like Figure 3As shown, the housing 30 includes a first housing 31 and a second housing 32 .

[0070] The first housing 31 is a housing in which the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged. The second housing 32 is attached to the first housing 31 from the side opposite to the side in which the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged.

[0071] The outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged in the second housing 32. The outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 extend from the coil body 11 to the housing 30 and are connected to the connection parts 20 to 22. In the present embodiment, by extending the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 of the coils 10A to 10F to the housing 30, the connection parts 20 to 22 can be miniaturized. In addition, even if an insulating tube or the like is not used, the insulation between the lead wires can be ensured by the housing 30.

[0072] The plurality of connecting portions 20 to 22 are sandwiched between the first housing 31 and the second housing 32. Thus, the plurality of connecting portions 20 to 22 are held by the housing 30.

[0073] In the present embodiment, a plurality of ferrites 33 are disposed in the case 30. The plurality of ferrites 33 are also sandwiched between the first case 31 and the second case 32. Thus, the plurality of ferrites 33 are held in the case 30.

[0074] The second housing 32 is provided with a plurality of protrusions that engage with the plurality of notches 20a, 21a, 22a of the plurality of connecting parts 20 to 22. Thus, the plurality of connecting parts 20 to 22 are positioned in the housing 30. In addition, the front and back surfaces of the plurality of connecting parts 20 to 22 can be arranged in the housing 30 without error during assembly.

[0075] Next, use Figure 6 , an example of a structure in which a plurality of coils 10A to 10F are connected to a plurality of connecting portions 20 to 22 will be described.

[0076] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure in which a plurality of coils 10A to 10F and connecting portions 20 to 22 are connected in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of coils 10A to 10F are divided into a first group G1 and a second group G2. The first group G1 and the second group G2 include a plurality of coils that are not adjacent to each other. The first group G1 includes a first coil 10A, a third coil 10C, and a fifth coil 10E. The second group G2 includes a second coil 10B, a fourth coil 10D, and a sixth coil 10F.

[0078] In the first group G1 and the second group G2, the plurality of outer lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are connected to the first connection portion 20. The first wiring 40 is connected to the first connection portion 20. That is, the plurality of lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are connected to the first wiring 40 via the first connection portion 20. The first wiring 40 is led out of the coil unit 4 and connected to, for example, a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted.

[0079] In this way, a plurality of external lead wires 12 are connected through the first wiring portion 20 and electrically connected to the first wiring 40. In the present embodiment, six external lead wires 12 are connected through the first wiring portion 20 and electrically connected to one first wiring 40. In addition, the first wiring 40 is led out of the coil unit 4 and connected to the substrate. Thus, the number of wirings led out of the coil unit 4 can be reduced.

[0080] Furthermore, adjacent coils can be made substantially at the same potential by connecting the plurality of outer lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F by the first connecting portion 20. Thus, the plurality of coils 10A to 10F can be arranged close to each other, so that the coil unit 4 can be miniaturized.

[0081] In addition, in the first group G1, the plurality of inner lead wires 13 of the first coil 10A, the third coil 10C, and the fifth coil 10E are connected to the second connection portion 21. The second wiring 41 is connected to the second connection portion 21. That is, the plurality of inner lead wires 13 of the first coil 10A, the third coil 10C, and the fifth coil 10E are connected to the second wiring 41 via the second connection portion 21. The second wiring 41 is led out of the coil unit 4, for example, and connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted.

[0082] Thus, in the first group G1, a plurality of inner lead wires 13 are connected through the second connection portion 21 and electrically connected to the second wiring 41. In the present embodiment, three inner lead wires 13 are connected through the second connection portion 21 and electrically connected to one second wiring 41. Then, the second wiring 41 is led out of the coil unit 4 and connected to the substrate. Thus, in the first group G1, the number of wirings led out to the outside of the coil unit 4 can be reduced.

[0083] The control unit can also supply current to the first coil 10A, the third coil 10C, and the fifth coil 10E in the first group G1 via the second wiring 41. Thus, the control unit can centrally control heating by the first coil 10A, the third coil 10C, and the fifth coil 10E.

[0084] In addition, in the second group G2, the plurality of inner lead wires 13 of the second coil 10B, the fourth coil 10D, and the sixth coil 10F are connected to the third connection portion 22. The third wiring 42 is connected to the third connection portion 22. That is, the plurality of inner lead wires 13 of the second coil 10B, the fourth coil 10D, and the sixth coil 10F are connected to the third wiring 42 via the third connection portion 22. The third wiring 42 is led out of the coil unit 4, for example, and connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted.

[0085] Thus, in the second group G2, a plurality of inner lead wires 13 are connected through the third wiring portion 22 and are electrically connected to the third wiring 42. In the present embodiment, three inner lead wires 13 are connected through the third wiring portion 22 and are electrically connected to one third wiring 42. Then, the third wiring 42 is led out of the coil unit 4 and connected to the substrate. Thus, in the second group G2, the number of wirings led out to the outside of the coil unit 4 can be reduced.

[0086] The control unit can also supply current to the second coil 10B, the fourth coil 10D, and the sixth coil 10F in the second group G2 via the third wiring 42. Thus, the control unit can centrally control heating by the second coil 10B, the fourth coil 10D, and the sixth coil 10F.

[0087] In this embodiment, the control unit is capable of controlling the heating of the first coil 10A, the third coil 10C and the fifth coil 10E based on the first group G1, the heating of the second coil 10B, the fourth coil 10D and the sixth coil 10F based on the second group G2, and the heating of all coils 10A to 10F based on the first group G1 and the second group G2.

[0088] The thickness of the first wiring 40, the second wiring 41, and the third wiring 42 may be different. For example, the thickness of the first wiring 40 may be larger than the thickness of the second wiring 41 and the third wiring 42. The thickness of the first wiring 40, the second wiring 41, and the third wiring 42 may be changed according to the capacity of the current flowing through the first wiring 40, the second wiring 41, and the third wiring 42. For example, the greater the number of lead wires 12 and 13 of the wiring, the greater the thickness of the wiring.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, although the example in which the coil unit 4 includes six coils 10A to 10F is described, the present invention is not limited to this. The coil unit 4 only needs to include two or more coils.

[0090] In the present embodiment, an example is described in which the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are divided into two groups, namely the first group G1 and the second group G2 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. The plurality of coils 10A to 10F may be divided into two or more groups.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, an example of grouping multiple non-adjacent coils is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, multiple coils to be centrally controlled by the control unit may be grouped, or one or more coils connected by multiple connection units 20 to 22 may be grouped.

[0092] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is described in which all the outer lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are connected through the first connection portion 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The outer lead wires 12 of at least two coils may be connected through the first connection portion 20. Similarly, in the first group G1, the inner lead wires 13 of at least two coils may be connected through the second connection portion 21. In the second group G2, the inner lead wires 13 of at least two coils may be connected through the third connection portion 22.

[0093] [Effect]

[0094] According to the coil unit 4 of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0095] Coil unit 4 includes a plurality of coils 10A to 10F and connection portions 20 to 22 for connecting the plurality of coils 10A to 10F. At least a portion of connection portions 20 to 22 is disposed within a projection region projected by coil unit 4 in a plan view.

[0096] With such a structure, the number of wirings drawn out from the coil unit 4 can be reduced. Specifically, by arranging the connection parts 20 to 22 in the projection area projected by the coil unit 4, the plurality of coils 10A to 10F can be connected to the connection parts 20 to 22 in the coil unit 4. For example, the plurality of lead wires 12 and 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F can be electrically connected together at the connection parts 20 to 22, and the wirings can be drawn out from the connection parts 20 to 22 to the outside of the coil unit 4. Thus, the number of wirings drawn out from the coil unit 4 can be reduced.

[0097] In addition, the coil unit 4 can reduce the number of wires led out from the coil unit 4, thereby improving the ease of assembly when assembling the coil unit 4 to the induction heating cooker 1. For example, in a case where the coil has two lead wires, a coil unit having six coils has 12 lead wires. Therefore, in a coil unit that does not have wiring portions 20 to 22, the 12 lead wires are connected to the inverter during assembly. The coil unit 4 of Embodiment 1 connects the lead wires 12 and 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F via the wiring portions 20 to 22, thereby reducing the number of wires used for connection to the inverter. For example, in Figure 6 In the example shown, it is sufficient to connect three wirings 40 to 42 to the inverter, and thus the inverter can be easily assembled.

[0098] In addition, the coil unit 4 can reduce the number of wires drawn from the coil unit 4, thereby reducing the space for arranging the wires. Thus, other components can be arranged or a cooling air passage can be ensured in the induction heating cooker 1 in which the coil unit 4 is arranged.

[0099] In addition, the coil unit 4 can reduce the number of wirings drawn from the coil unit 4, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. For example, in order to ensure insulation, the wiring drawn from the coil unit 4 is sometimes covered with an insulating tube. By reducing the number of wirings, the number of relatively expensive components such as insulating tubes can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0100] The plurality of coils 10A to 10F include at least two coils connected via connection portions 20 to 22. The at least two coils are connected to wirings 40 to 42 connected to the connection portions 20 to 22 via the connection portions 20 to 22. With such a configuration, the number of wirings drawn out from the coil unit 4 can be reduced.

[0101] The plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged adjacent to each other, and at least two coils connected via the connecting portions 20 to 22 are not adjacent to each other. With such a configuration, the plurality of coils centrally controlled by the control unit can be physically separated.

[0102] The plurality of coils 10A to 10F each include a coil body 11 formed by winding a coil wire, an outer lead wire 12 led out from the outer side of the coil body 11, and an inner lead wire 13 led out from the inner side of the coil body 11. The first connection portion 20 connects the outer lead wires 12 of at least two coils. With such a structure, the plurality of outer lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are collectively connected through the first connection portion 20, and the number of wirings led out from the coil unit 4 can be reduced.

[0103] The plurality of coils 10A to 10F include a first coil 10A, a second coil 10B adjacent to the first coil 10A, a third coil 10C adjacent to the second coil 10B, and a fourth coil 10D adjacent to the third coil 10C. The second connection portion 21 connects the inner lead wire 13 of the first coil 10A to the inner lead wire 13 of the third coil 10C. The third connection portion 22 connects the inner lead wire 13 of the second coil 10B to the inner lead wire 13 of the fourth coil 10D. With such a structure, the plurality of coils centrally controlled by the control unit can be physically separated. The inner lead wires 13 of the first coil 10A and the third coil 10C can be centrally connected using the second connection portion 21. In addition, the inner lead wires 13 of the second coil 10B and the fourth coil 10D can be centrally connected using the third connection portion 22. Thus, the number of wirings drawn from the coil unit 4 can be reduced.

[0104] The plurality of coils 10A to 10F are divided into a plurality of groups G1 and G2 including a plurality of coils. The plurality of connection parts 20 to 22 connect the inner lead wires 13 of the plurality of coils in the plurality of groups G1 and G2. Thus, the number of wirings drawn from the coil unit 4 can be reduced. In addition, the control unit can control heating of each of the plurality of coils divided by the plurality of groups G1 and G2.

[0105] The connection parts 20 to 22 include bus bars or substrates. With such a structure, the plurality of coils 10A to 10F can be easily connected to each other. In addition, the space of the wiring path of the coil unit 4 can be saved.

[0106] A heating area S1 inductively heated by the plurality of coils 10A to 10F is defined when viewed from above. The first connection portion 20 is arranged in the center of the heating area S1 when viewed from above. The plurality of outer lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are connected through the first connection portion 20. With such a structure, the plurality of outer lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F can be concentrated in the center of the heating area S1 and connected through the first connection portion 20. As a result, the wiring space in the coil unit 4 can be reduced.

[0107] The coil unit 4 includes a housing 30 that accommodates a plurality of coils 10A to 10F and connection portions 20 to 22. The outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F extend from the coil body 11 to the housing 30 and are connected to the connection portions 20 to 22. According to such a structure, by extending the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F to the housing 30 and connecting to the connection portions 20 to 22, the size of the connection portions 20 to 22 can be miniaturized.

[0108] The outer lead wires 12 or the inner lead wires 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are connected to the connection parts 20 to 22 so as to overlap with each other. With such a structure, the area for connection in the connection parts 20 to 22 can be reduced, and the connection parts 20 to 22 can be miniaturized.

[0109] The housing 30 includes a first housing 31 and a second housing 32 mounted on the first housing 31. The wiring parts 20 to 22 are sandwiched between the first housing 31 and the second housing 32. With such a structure, the wiring parts 20 to 22 can be easily held by the housing 30. In addition, when the wiring parts 20 to 22 are mounted on the housing 30, fixing parts such as screws can be reduced or omitted.

[0110] The plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged radially. With such a structure, the usability can be improved. For example, a heating object such as a cylindrical pot can be efficiently heated.

[0111] In the plurality of coils 10A to 10F, the lengths of the plurality of lead wires 12 and 13 are equal. With such a configuration, the lengths of the lead wires 12 and 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are made uniform, so that the assemblability can be improved.

[0112] A plurality of wirings 40 to 42 of different thicknesses are connected to the plurality of connection portions 20 to 22. That is, the first wiring 40, the second wiring 41, and the third wiring 42 have different thicknesses. With such a structure, for example, wirings of appropriate thicknesses can be used according to the capacity of the current flowing through the wirings. This can improve product quality.

[0113] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which the number of the plurality of coil configuration areas S11 to S16 is 6 is described, but it is not limited to this. In addition, an example in which the number of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F is 6 is described, but it is not limited to this. The number of the plurality of coil configuration areas may be more than 2 and less than 8. The number of the plurality of coils may be more than 2 and less than 8. According to such a structure, the heating efficiency of the coil unit 4 can be improved, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the example in which the plurality of coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 have substantially the same shape and size is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 may have different shapes and / or different sizes.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the example in which the plurality of coils 10A to 10F have substantially the same shape and substantially the same size is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of coils 10A to 10F may have different shapes and / or different sizes.

[0116] In the present embodiment, an example in which the number of the plurality of connecting portions 20 to 22 is three has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the coil unit 4 may have at least one connecting portion.

[0117] In the present embodiment, the plurality of boundary lines L11 to L16 are described as straight lines extending from the center C1 of the heating region S1 toward the periphery in a plan view, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of boundary lines L11 to L16 may be curved lines extending from the center C1 of the heating region S1 toward the periphery in a plan view.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the example in which the connection portion 20 is arranged in the center of the heating area S1 is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the connection portion 20 can be arranged outside the center in the heating area S1. A part of the connection portion 20 can be arranged outside the heating area S1. Alternatively, the connection portion 20 can be arranged outside the heating area S1 and within the projection area of ​​the coil unit 4.

[0119] (Variant 1)

[0120] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the coil unit 4 according to the first modification.

[0121] like Figure 7 As shown, the second wiring portion 21 can be connected to the third wiring portion 22. Specifically, the coil unit 4 includes a wiring portion 21A that connects the second wiring 41 and the third wiring 42.

[0122] The connection portion 21A connects and electrically connects the second wiring 41 and the third wiring 42. The wiring 41A is connected to the connection portion 21A. The wiring 41A is drawn to the outside of the coil unit 4 and connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted, for example.

[0123] With such a configuration, it is possible to further reduce the number of wirings drawn out from the coil unit 4. In addition, the control unit can centrally control heating by the plurality of coils 10A to 10F.

[0124] (Implementation Method 2)

[0125] A coil unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0126] In Embodiment 2, the description will be mainly about the points different from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent structures as those in Embodiment 1 and the description will be made. In addition, in Embodiment 2, the description overlapping with that in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0127] Figure 8 It is a top view of an example of the coil unit 4A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the plurality of coils 10A to 10J and the connecting portions 20 to 22 and 50 to 52 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in the following aspects: in addition to multiple coils 10A~10F, it also includes multiple coils 10G~10J; when viewed from above, a second heating area S2 heated by the multiple coils 10A, 10F, 10G~10J is defined; and a third heating area S3 heated by the multiple coils 10A~10J is defined.

[0129] like Figure 8As shown, the coil unit 4A includes a plurality of coils 10A to 10J and a plurality of connecting portions 20 to 22, 50 to 52. The plurality of coils 10A to 10F are radially arranged in a plan view as in Embodiment 1. The plurality of coils 10G to 10J are arranged further back in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) than the plurality of coils 10A to 10F in a plan view.

[0130] like Fig. 9 As shown, when viewed from above, a first heating area S1, a second heating area S2, and a third heating area S3 are demarcated. A plurality of coils 10A to 10F are arranged in the first heating area S1. A plurality of coils 10A, 10F, 10G to 10J are arranged in the second heating area S2. A plurality of coils 10A to 10J are arranged in the third heating area S3. In this embodiment, the first heating area S1 and the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0131] The second heating area S2 is an area having a center C2 when viewed from above, and is an area where the plurality of coils 10A, 10F, 10G to 10J are arranged. In the present embodiment, the second heating area S2 has a circular shape when viewed from above. The second heating area S2 may be an area where the cooking container C is arranged as shown on the upper surface of the top plate 2 when viewed from above. Alternatively, it may be an area smaller than the area where the cooking container C can be arranged as shown on the upper surface of the top plate 2 when viewed from above.

[0132] In the second heating region S2, the plurality of coils 10A, 10F, and 10G to 10J are arranged adjacent to each other. Specifically, the plurality of coils 10A, 10F, and 10G to 10J are arranged radially in a plan view.

[0133] The second heating area S2 has a plurality of coil configuration areas S21 to S26. The plurality of coil configuration areas S21 to S26 are radially and adjacently configured with the center C2 of the second heating area S2 as the center when viewed from above. Specifically, the plurality of coil configuration areas S21 to S26 are demarcated by a plurality of boundary lines L21 to L26 extending radially from the center C2 of the second heating area S2 toward the periphery when viewed from above and an outer peripheral line L2 demarcating the outer periphery of the second heating area S2.

[0134] The plurality of boundary lines L21 to L26 are arranged at equal intervals in a radial pattern with the center C2 of the second heating area S2 as the center when viewed from above. The plurality of boundary lines L21 to L26 are straight lines extending from the center C2 of the second heating area S2 toward the periphery when viewed from above. The angles formed by two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines L21 to L26 are substantially the same. Thus, the plurality of coil configuration areas S21 to S26 have substantially the same shape and substantially the same size when viewed from above.

[0135] Each of the plurality of coil arrangement regions S21 to S26 has a fan-shaped shape in a plan view.

[0136] In this embodiment, the plurality of boundary lines in the second heating region S2 include six boundary lines L21 to L26, and the angle between two adjacent boundary lines is 60 degrees. Thus, the second heating region S2 is divided into six coil arrangement regions S21 to S26 having substantially the same shape and size in a plan view.

[0137] In addition, in the present embodiment, the two coil arrangement regions S25 and S26 in the second heating region S2 overlap with the two coil arrangement regions S11 and S16 in the first heating region S1.

[0138] The plurality of coils 10A, 10F, 10G to 10J are respectively arranged in the plurality of coil arrangement regions S21 to S26 in a plan view. Thus, the plurality of coils 10A, 10F, 10G to 10J are arranged radially and adjacently in the second heating region S2 in a plan view.

[0139] In the present embodiment, the plurality of coils 10G to 10J include a seventh coil 10G, an eighth coil 10H, a ninth coil 10I, and a tenth coil 10J.

[0140] The seventh coil 10G to the tenth coil 10J are arranged in the plurality of coil arrangement areas S21 to S24. The first coil 10A and the sixth coil 10F are arranged in the two coil arrangement areas S25 and S26. That is, the first coil 10A and the sixth coil 10F are shared by the first heating area S1 and the second heating area S2.

[0141] The third heating region S3 is a region where the plurality of coils 10A to 10J are arranged in a plan view, and is a region heated by the plurality of coils 10A to 10J. The third heating region S3 overlaps the first heating region S and the second heating region S2 in a plan view.

[0142] The connecting parts 20 - 22 and the connecting parts 50 - 52 include a first connecting part 20 , a second connecting part 21 , a third connecting part 22 , and a fourth connecting part 50 , a fifth connecting part 51 , and a sixth connecting part 52 .

[0143] The first to third connecting portions 20 to 22 are arranged overlapping the first heating region S1 in a plan view. The first connecting portion 20 is arranged at the center of the first heating region S1 in a plan view. The second and third connecting portions 21 and 22 are arranged outside the first connecting portion 20 .

[0144] The fourth wiring portion 50 to the sixth wiring portion 52 are arranged at a position overlapping with the second heating area S2 when viewed from above. The fourth wiring portion 50 is arranged in the center of the second heating area S2 when viewed from above. "The fourth wiring portion 50 is arranged in the center of the second heating area S2" means that at least a portion of the fourth wiring portion 50 is arranged on the inner side of the plurality of coils 10A, 10F, 10G to 10J. In addition, in the present embodiment, at least a portion of the fourth wiring portion 50 is arranged in an area overlapping with the center C2 of the second heating area S2 when viewed from above. The fifth wiring portion 51 and the sixth wiring portion 52 are arranged at a position closer to the outside than the fourth wiring portion 50.

[0145] Next, use Fig.10 , an example of a structure in which a plurality of coils 10A to 10J and a plurality of connecting portions 20 to 22 and 50 to 52 are connected to each other will be described.

[0146] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a structure in which a plurality of coils 10A to 10J and connection portions 20 to 22 and 50 to 52 are connected to each other according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] like Fig.10 As shown, the plurality of coils 10A to 10J are divided into a first group G1, a second group G2, a third group G3, a fourth group G4, a fifth group G5, and a sixth group G6. The first group G1 to the fourth group G4 include a plurality of coils that are not adjacent to each other.

[0148] The first group G1 includes the third coil 10C and the fifth coil 10E. The second group G2 includes the second coil 10B and the fourth coil 10D. The third group G3 includes the seventh coil 10G and the ninth coil 10I. The fourth group G4 includes the eighth coil 10H and the tenth coil 10J. The fifth group G5 includes the first coil 10A. The sixth group G6 includes the sixth coil 10F.

[0149] In the first group G1, the second group G2, the fifth group G5, and the sixth group G6, the plurality of outer lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are connected to the first connection portion 20. The first wiring 40 is connected to the first connection portion 20. That is, the plurality of lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10F are connected to the first wiring 40 via the first connection portion 20. The first wiring 40 is led out of the coil unit 4 and connected to, for example, a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted.

[0150] In the first group G1, the inner lead wires 13 of the third coil 10C and the fifth coil 10E are connected to the second connection portion 21. The second wiring 41 is connected to the second connection portion 21. The second wiring 41 is led out of the coil unit 4A and connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted, for example.

[0151] In the second group G2, the plurality of inner lead wires 13 of the second coil 10B and the fourth coil 10D are connected to the third connection portion 22. The third wiring 42 is connected to the third connection portion 22. The third wiring 42 is led out of the coil unit 4A and connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted, for example.

[0152] In the third group G3 and the fourth group G4, the plurality of outer lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10G to 10I are connected to the fourth connecting portion 50. The fourth connecting portion 50 is connected to the first connecting portion 20 via the wiring 40A.

[0153] In the third group G3, the plurality of inner lead wires 13 of the seventh coil 10G and the ninth coil 10I are connected to the fifth connection portion 51. The fourth wiring 43 is connected to the fifth connection portion 51. The fourth wiring 43 is led out of the coil unit 4A and connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted, for example.

[0154] In the fourth group G4, the inner lead wires 13 of the eighth coil 10H and the tenth coil 10J are connected to the sixth connection portion 52. The fifth wiring 44 is connected to the sixth connection portion 52. The fifth wiring 44 is led out of the coil unit 4A and connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted, for example.

[0155] In the fifth group G5, the inner lead wire 13 of the first coil 10A is connected to the sixth wiring 45 via the connection portion 70. The sixth wiring 45 is led out of the coil unit 4A and connected to a substrate on which an inverter and the like are mounted.

[0156] In the sixth group G6, the inner lead wire 13 of the sixth coil 10F is connected to the seventh wiring 46 via the connection portion 71. The seventh wiring 46 is led out of the coil unit 4A and connected to a wiring connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted.

[0157] The connecting parts 70 and 71 are formed of a conductive material and may have the same shape, size, and material as the second and third connecting parts 21 and 22 or the fifth and sixth connecting parts 51 and 52 .

[0158] Thus, the plurality of outer lead wires 12 and the plurality of inner lead wires 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10J are connected to the first to sixth connecting portions 20 to 52. Furthermore, the first to seventh wirings 40 to 46 connected to the first to sixth connecting portions 20 to 52 are led out of the coil unit 4A and connected to the substrate.

[0159] In the present embodiment, the 20 lead wires 12 and 13 are connected via a plurality of connection portions 20 to 22 and connection portions 50 to 52, and are electrically connected to the seven wirings 40 to 46. The seven wirings 40 to 46 are led out of the coil unit 4A.

[0160] The control unit can control the heating of the plurality of coils 10A to 10J according to the first group G1 to the sixth group G6. For example, when heating the heating object arranged in the first heating area S1, the control unit supplies current to the plurality of coils 10A to 10F arranged in the first group G1, the second group G2, the fifth group G5, and the sixth group G6. When heating the heating object arranged in the second heating area S2, the control unit supplies current to the plurality of coils 10A, 10F, 10G to 10J arranged in the third group G3 to the sixth group G6. When heating the heating object arranged in the third heating area S3, the control unit supplies current to the plurality of coils 10A to 10J arranged in the first group G1 to the sixth group G6.

[0161] Next, use Fig.11 , the wiring structure of the lead wires 12 and 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10J will be described.

[0162] Fig.11 It is a rear view of an example of the coil unit 4A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] like Fig.11 As shown, the lead wires 12 and 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10J are arranged on the back surface of the case 30. Specifically, the lead wires 12 and 13 extend from the inside of the case 30 to the back surface side of the case 30.

[0164] A plurality of guides 34 for guiding the lead wires 12 and 13 are provided on the back surface of the housing 30. The plurality of guides 34 are formed by grooves formed by recessing the back surface of the housing 30, for example.

[0165] In addition, in a plan view, the inner lead wires 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10J are arranged on the outer side than the outer lead wires 12. Thus, a predetermined distance can be provided between the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13.

[0166] In addition, the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 are arranged at different positions in the height direction (Z-axis direction) from the plurality of connecting parts 20 to 22 and the connecting parts 50 to 52. Specifically, the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 are arranged on the back side of the housing 30, while the plurality of connecting parts 20 to 22 and the connecting parts 50 to 52 are accommodated in the housing 30.

[0167] [Effect]

[0168] According to the coil unit 4A of the second embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0169] When viewed from above, a plurality of heating areas S1 and S2 are defined for induction heating by one or more coils among the plurality of coils 10A to 10J. A plurality of wiring portions 20 and 50 are arranged in the center of the plurality of heating areas S1 and S2. The plurality of wiring portions 20 and 50 respectively connect the plurality of outer lead wires 12 of one or more coils 10A to 10J in the plurality of heating areas S1 and S2, and are connected to each other. With such a structure, the number of wirings drawn out from the coil unit 4A can be reduced.

[0170] The housing 30 is provided with a guide 34 for guiding the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10J. With such a configuration, the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 can be arranged along the guide 34 of the housing 30 .

[0171] In a plan view, the inner lead wire 13 is arranged outside the outer lead wire 12. With such a structure, the outer lead wire 12 can be arranged physically separated from the inner lead wire 13. Thus, the insulation distance can be ensured with a small space, and the size of the coil unit 4A can be reduced.

[0172] The outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 are arranged at different positions in the height direction (Z-axis direction) from the plurality of connecting parts 20 to 22 and the connecting parts 50 to 52. With such a structure, the plurality of connecting parts 20 to 22 and the connecting parts 50 to 52 can be physically separated from the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13 in the height direction (Z-axis direction).

[0173] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which the first wiring portion 20 is arranged in the center of the first heating area S1 and the fourth wiring portion 50 is arranged in the center of the second heating area S2 is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the first wiring portion 20 and the fourth wiring portion 50 can connect one or more coils in the plurality of groups G1 to G6 and connect them to each other. In this case, the first wiring portion 20 and the fourth wiring portion 50 can be arranged outside the first heating area S1 and the second heating area S2 when viewed from above. In such a structure, the number of wirings led out from the coil unit 4A can also be reduced.

[0174] (Variant 2)

[0175] Fig.12 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a coil unit 4A according to Modification 2.

[0176] like Fig.12 As shown, the busbars can be used to form the plurality of connection portions 20A to 22A, 51A, and 52A, thereby shortening the lengths of the outer lead wires 12 and the inner lead wires 13. In addition, all the outer lead wires 12 of the plurality of coils 10A to 10J can be connected to the first connection portion 20A.

[0177] For example, the first wiring portion 20A may be a bus bar extending from the center of the first heating region S1 to the center of the second heating region S2 .

[0178] In such a configuration as well, the number of wirings drawn out from the coil unit 4A can be reduced.

[0179] (Variant 3)

[0180] Fig.13 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a coil unit 4A according to Modification 3.

[0181] like Fig.13 As shown, the coil unit 4A may include a relay substrate 60. A plurality of wires 40 to 46 are connected to the relay substrate 60. The relay substrate 60 includes, for example, one or more relays. The control unit supplies current to one or more of the wires 40 to 46 by controlling the one or more relays.

[0182] The relay substrate 60 may be mounted on the housing 30 of the coil unit 4A. Alternatively, the relay substrate 60 may be provided at a position separated from the housing 30 .

[0183] By using the relay substrate 60 in this manner, the number of wirings connected to the control unit can be reduced.

[0184] (Variant 4)

[0185] Fig.14 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a coil unit 4B according to Modification 4.

[0186] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the coil unit 4B, the three coils 10K to 10M may be arranged in a row in the left-right direction. The three coils 10K to 10M have an elliptical shape in a plan view.

[0187] The coil unit 4B includes a first heating region S4 heated by the first coil 10K and the second coil 10L, and a second heating region S5 heated by the second coil 10L and the third coil 10M. The second coil 10L is shared by the first heating region S4 and the second heating region S5.

[0188] The outer lead wire 12 of the first coil 10K and the outer lead wire 12 of the second coil 10L are connected to each other through a connection portion 20B disposed in the first heating region S4 .

[0189] The outer lead wire 12 of the third coil 10M is connected to the connection portion 72. The connection portion 72 is connected to the connection portion 20B via the wiring 40B. Thus, the outer lead wire 12 of the third coil 10M is electrically connected to the connection portion 20B. The wiring 40 is connected to the connection portion 72. The wiring 40 is led out of the coil unit 4B and connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted.

[0190] In such a configuration as well, the number of wirings drawn out from coil unit 4B can be reduced.

[0191] In addition, the connecting portion 20B may be arranged outside the first heating region S4 in a plan view.

[0192] In addition, the connection portion 72 may be formed in the same shape, size, and material as those of the connection portion 20B.

[0193] In addition, the shapes of the first coil 10K to the third coil 10M may be circular in plan view, or may be any shapes such as a D-shape. The shapes of the first coil 10K to the third coil 10M may be different from each other.

[0194] In addition, the arrangement direction of the first to third coils 10K to 10M is not limited to the left-right direction, but may be the depth direction.

[0195] (Variant 5)

[0196] Fig.15 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a coil unit 4C according to Modification 4.

[0197] like Fig.15 As shown, in the coil unit 4C, the four coils 10K to 10N may be arranged in a row in the left-right direction.

[0198] In the coil unit 4C, a first heating area S6 heated by the first coil 10K and the second coil 10L and a second heating area S7 heated by the third coil 10M and the fourth coil 10N are formed. In addition, the four coils 10K to 10N are divided into a first group G10 including the first coil 10K and the second coil 10L, and a second group G11 including the third coil 10M and the fourth coil 10N.

[0199] In the first group G10, the outer lead wire 12 of the first coil 10K and the outer lead wire 12 of the second coil 10L are connected through the connection portion 20B arranged in the first heating area S6. The connection portion 20B is connected to the wiring 40. The wiring 40 is led out of the coil unit 4C and connected to a substrate equipped with an inverter, etc.

[0200] The inner lead wire 13 of the first coil 10K and the inner lead wire 13 of the second coil 10L are connected via a connection portion 23. The connection portion 23 is connected to a wiring 47. The wiring 47 is led out of the coil unit 4B and connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted, for example.

[0201] In the second group G11, the outer lead wire 12 of the third coil 10M and the outer lead wire 12 of the fourth coil 10N are connected to each other through a connection portion 20C disposed in the second heating region S7. The wiring 40B is connected to the connection portion 20C. The wiring 40B is connected to the connection portion 20B.

[0202] The inner lead wire 13 of the third coil 10M and the inner lead wire 13 of the fourth coil 10N are connected to each other via a connection portion 24. The connection portion 24 is connected to a wiring 48. The wiring 48 is led out of the coil unit 4B and connected to a substrate on which an inverter or the like is mounted, for example.

[0203] In such a configuration as well, the number of wirings drawn out from coil unit 4C can be reduced.

[0204] Furthermore, the connecting portions 20B and 20C may be arranged outside the first heating region S6 and the second heating region S7 in a plan view.

[0205] In addition, the shapes of the first coil 10K to the fourth coil 10N may be circular in plan view, or may be any shape such as a D-shape. The shapes of the first coil 10K to the fourth coil 10N may be different from each other.

[0206] In addition, the arrangement direction of the first coil 10K to the fourth coil 10N is not limited to the left-right direction, but may also be the depth direction. For example, the first coil 10K and the second coil 10L may be arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, and the third coil 10M and the fourth coil 10N may be arranged adjacent to each other at the inner side of the first coil 10K and the second coil 10L.

[0207] As described above, the above-mentioned embodiments are described as an illustration of the technology in the present disclosure. For this purpose, drawings and detailed descriptions are provided. Therefore, the components recorded in the drawings and detailed descriptions include not only components necessary for solving the problem, but also components necessary for illustrating the above-mentioned technology but not for solving the problem. Therefore, it should not be directly determined that these non-essential components are necessary based on the fact that these non-essential components are recorded in the drawings and detailed descriptions.

[0208] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment is a form for illustrating the technology in the present disclosure, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0209] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented by a device, a system, a method, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium, and a combination thereof.

[0210] In addition, in this specification, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for illustrative purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance or order of technical features. Features defined as "first" and "second" indicate or imply that one or more of the features are included.

[0211] (Overview of Embodiments)

[0212] (1) The coil unit of the present disclosure is a coil unit for performing induction heating, and includes a plurality of coils and a connection portion for connecting the plurality of coils, wherein at least a portion of the connection portion is disposed within a projection region projected by the coil unit in a plan view.

[0213] (2) In the coil unit of (1), the plurality of coils may include at least two coils connected via the connection portion, and the at least two coils may be connected to a wiring connected to the connection portion via the connection portion.

[0214] (3) In the coil unit of (1) or (2), the plurality of coils may be arranged adjacent to each other, and the at least two coils may not be adjacent to each other.

[0215] (4) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (3), the wiring portion may include a first wiring portion connected to the first wiring and a second wiring portion connected to the second wiring, and the multiple coils may include at least a first coil, a second coil, a third coil and a fourth coil, and the first coil and the third coil may be connected via the first wiring portion, and the second coil and the fourth coil may be connected via the second wiring portion, so that the first wiring and the second wiring are connected.

[0216] (5) In the coil unit of (2), the plurality of coils may respectively include a coil main body portion formed by winding a coil wire, an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil main body portion, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil main body portion, and the connection portion may connect the outer lead wires of the at least two coils.

[0217] (6) In the coil unit of (2) or (5), the plurality of coils may respectively include a coil body portion formed by winding a coil wire, an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil body portion, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil body portion. The plurality of coils may include at least a first coil, a second coil adjacent to the first coil, a third coil adjacent to the second coil, and a fourth coil adjacent to the third coil. The connection portion may include a first connection portion for connecting the inner lead wire of the first coil and the inner lead wire of the third coil, and a second connection portion for connecting the inner lead wire of the second coil and the inner lead wire of the fourth coil.

[0218] (7) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (3), the plurality of coils may respectively include a coil main body portion formed by winding coil wire and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil main body portion, the plurality of coils may be divided into a plurality of groups including one or more coils, and the connection portion may include a plurality of connection portions for connecting the inner lead wires of the one or more coils in the plurality of groups.

[0219] (8) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (7), the wiring portion may include a bus bar or a substrate.

[0220] (9) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (4), a heating area for induction heating by the multiple coils can be delineated when viewed from above, and the wiring portion can be arranged in the center of the heating area when viewed from above. The multiple coils can respectively have a coil main body portion formed by winding coil wire and an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil main body portion, and the outer lead wires of the multiple coils can be connected to the wiring portion.

[0221] (10) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (4), a plurality of heating areas for induction heating by one or more of the plurality of coils can be delineated when viewed from above, and the wiring portion can have a plurality of wiring portions arranged in the center of the plurality of heating areas when viewed from above. The plurality of coils can respectively have a coil main body portion formed by winding coil wire and an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil main body portion, and the plurality of wiring portions can respectively connect the outer lead wires of the one or more coils in the plurality of heating areas and connect them to each other.

[0222] (11) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (4), the plurality of coils may be divided into a plurality of groups including one or more coils, the plurality of coils may respectively include a coil main body portion formed by winding coil wire and an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil main body portion, the wiring portion may include a plurality of wiring portions for connecting the outer lead wires of the one or more coils in the plurality of groups, and the plurality of wiring portions may be connected to each other.

[0223] (12) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (4), the coil unit further includes a shell for accommodating the plurality of coils and the connection portion, wherein the plurality of coils respectively include a coil main body portion formed by winding coil wires, an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil main body portion, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil main body portion, and the outer lead wire and the inner lead wire extend on the shell and are connected to the connection portion.

[0224] (13) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (4), the plurality of coils may respectively include a coil main body portion formed by winding a coil wire, an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil main body portion, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil main body portion, and the outer lead wires or the inner lead wires of the plurality of coils are connected in an overlapping manner relative to the connection portion.

[0225] (14) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (11) or (13), it may also include a shell for accommodating the multiple coils and the wiring part, the shell may have a first shell and a second shell installed on the first shell, and the wiring part may be clamped by the first shell and the second shell.

[0226] (15) The coil unit according to any one of (2), (5) or (6) may further include a relay substrate to which the wiring is connected.

[0227] (16) In the coil unit according to any one of (1) to (15), the plurality of coils may be arranged radially.

[0228] (17) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (4), the plurality of coils may respectively include a coil main body portion formed by winding a coil wire and a lead wire extending from the coil main body portion, and the lead wire may be connected to the connection portion. In the plurality of coils, the lead wires may have the same length.

[0229] (18) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (4), it may also include a shell that accommodates the multiple coils and the wiring part, the multiple coils respectively have a coil main body part formed by winding coil wire and a lead wire extending from the coil main body part, the lead wire can be connected to the wiring part, and a guide is provided in the shell to guide the lead wire.

[0230] (19) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (4), the plurality of coils may respectively include a coil main body formed by winding a coil wire, an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil main body, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil main body, wherein the inner lead wire is arranged on the outside of the outer lead wire when viewed from above.

[0231] (20) In the coil unit according to any one of (1) to (19), the connecting portion may include a plurality of connecting portions, and a plurality of wires having different thicknesses may be connected to the plurality of connecting portions.

[0232] (21) In the coil unit of any one of (1) to (4), the plurality of coils may respectively include a coil main body portion formed by winding a coil wire and a lead wire extending from the coil main body portion, the lead wire may be connected to the connection portion, and the lead wire may be arranged at a position different from the connection portion in the height direction.

[0233] (22) In any of the coil units described in (1) to (8), a heating region in which induction heating is performed by the plurality of coils may be defined in a plan view, and the connection portion may be arranged within the heating region in a plan view.

[0234] Possibility of industrial application

[0235] According to the present disclosure, it can be applied to an induction heating cooker that performs heating using a plurality of coils.

Claims

1. A coil unit, the coil unit implementing induction heating, wherein: The coil unit comprises: a plurality of coils; and a wiring section for wiring the plurality of coils, At least a portion of the connecting portion is disposed within a projection region projected by the coil unit in a plan view.

2. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of coils include at least two coils connected via the connection portion, The at least two coils are connected to wiring connected to the connection portion via the connection portion.

3. The coil unit according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of coils are arranged adjacent to each other, The at least two coils are not adjacent to each other.

4. The coil unit according to claim 2, wherein: The wiring portion includes a first wiring portion connected to the first wiring and a second wiring portion connected to the second wiring. The plurality of coils include at least a first coil, a second coil, a third coil and a fourth coil, The first coil and the third coil are connected via the first connection portion. The second coil and the fourth coil are connected via the second connection portion. The first wiring and the second wiring are connected.

5. The coil unit according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil body formed by winding a coil wire, an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil body, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil body. The connection portion connects the outer lead wires of the at least two coils.

6. The coil unit according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil body formed by winding a coil wire, an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil body, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil body. The plurality of coils include at least: First coil; a second coil adjacent to the first coil; a third coil adjacent to the second coil; and a fourth coil adjacent to the third coil, The wiring part comprises: a first connection portion for connecting the inner lead wire of the first coil and the inner lead wire of the third coil; and The second connection portion connects the inner lead wire of the second coil and the inner lead wire of the fourth coil.

7. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil main body formed by winding a coil wire, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil main body. The plurality of coils are divided into a plurality of groups including one or more coils, The connecting portion includes a plurality of connecting portions for connecting inner lead wires of the one or more coils in the plurality of groups.

8. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: The wiring portion includes a bus bar or a substrate.

9. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: In a top view, a heating area for induction heating by the plurality of coils is defined, The connecting portion is arranged at the center of the heating area in a plan view. Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil main body formed by winding a coil wire, and an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil main body. The outer lead wires of the plurality of coils are connected to the connection portion.

10. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein In a top view, a plurality of heating areas are defined which are inductively heated by one or more of the plurality of coils. The connecting portion includes a plurality of connecting portions arranged in the center of the plurality of heating areas in a plan view, Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil main body formed by winding a coil wire, and an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil main body. The plurality of connection parts are used to connect the outer lead wires of the one or more coils in the plurality of heating areas, respectively. The plurality of wiring portions are connected to each other.

11. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of coils are divided into a plurality of groups including one or more coils, Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil main body formed by winding a coil wire, and an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil main body. The connection portion includes a plurality of connection portions for connecting the outer lead wires of the one or more coils in the plurality of groups. The plurality of wiring portions are connected to each other.

12. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: The coil unit further includes a housing for housing the plurality of coils and the connection portion. Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil body formed by winding a coil wire, an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil body, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil body. The outer lead wire and the inner lead wire extend on the housing and are connected to the connection portion.

13. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil body formed by winding a coil wire, an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil body, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil body. The outer lead wires or the inner lead wires of the plurality of coils are connected to the connection portion so as to overlap.

14. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: The coil unit further includes a housing for housing the plurality of coils and the connection portion. The housing comprises a first housing and a second housing mounted on the first housing. The wiring portion is sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing.

15. The coil unit according to claim 2, wherein: The coil unit further includes a relay substrate to which the wiring is connected.

16. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of coils are radially arranged in a plan view.

17. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil main body formed by winding a coil wire, and a lead wire extending from the coil main body. The lead wire is connected to the connection part, In the plurality of coils, the lead wires have the same length.

18. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: The coil unit further includes a housing for housing the plurality of coils and the connection portion. Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil main body formed by winding a coil wire, and a lead wire extending from the coil main body. The lead wire is connected to the connection part, The housing is provided with a guide for guiding the lead wire.

19. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil body formed by winding a coil wire, an outer lead wire led out from the outer side of the coil body, and an inner lead wire led out from the inner side of the coil body. The inner lead wire is arranged on the outer side than the outer lead wire in a plan view.

20. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein The connection part has a plurality of connection parts. A plurality of wirings having different thicknesses are connected to the plurality of connection portions.

21. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of coils includes a coil main body formed by winding a coil wire, and a lead wire extending from the coil main body. The lead wire is connected to the connection part, The lead wire is arranged at a position different from the connecting portion in the height direction.

22. The coil unit according to claim 1, wherein In a top view, a heating area for induction heating by the plurality of coils is defined, The connecting portion is arranged in the heating area in a plan view.

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