Home appliance

Abstract

The present invention provides a home appliance. The home appliance may concurrently drive a plurality of vessel detection coils by modularizing a plurality of vessel detection sensors. In addition, the home appliance may concurrently drive at least two detection coils by using one driving signal by modularizing at least two inputs and outputs of the plurality of vessel detection sensors into one unit and concurrently output at least two vessel detection signals.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a home appliance, and more particularly, to a home appliance including an induction heating cooktop.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Recently, an induction range using induction heating technology is attracting attention as a next-generation cooking appliance that may replace a gas range due to advantages such as high heating efficiency, fast heating speed, stability, convenience, etc. An induction heating cooktop product includes an induction heating cooktop having a heating coil composed of a ritz wire. When an induction-compatible container is located at a predetermined burner position, the container is heated. This scheme has a disadvantage in that the container should be placed only at a predetermined position, and has a disadvantage in that heating efficiency decreases when the position of the container is slightly incorrect.

[0003] Accordingly, all-free induction heating technology is being developed. This is a technology capable of heating the induction-compatible container even when the induction-compatible container is positioned not only at a predetermined area of an induction heating top plate but also at various positions thereof, and has the advantage that various sized containers and a multiple-compartment container having three or more compartments may also be heated.

[0004] A prior art document includes U.S. Pat. No. 11,013,071 (2021.05.18) (Hereinafter, Patent Document 1). The disclosure of Patent Document 1 includes a multiplexer for sequentially receiving detection results from a plurality of container sensors and a microprocessor for processing the detection results of the plurality of container sensors.

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, the container information is received as a single input using the multiplexer, such that there is a disadvantage in that a sensing time is increased when the plurality of container sensors are used. In addition, Patent Document 1 has a disadvantage in that when N container sensors are provided, N input pins for receiving detection signals from the N container sensors and N output pins for driving the N container sensors are required.

[0006] For this reason, Patent Document 1 has a disadvantage in that complexity increases due to an increase in the number of circuit components and allocation of microprocessor input and output pins to the plurality of container sensors.SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURETECHNICAL PURPOSE

[0007] In the induction heating cooktop, accurate container position information should be identified due to increase in the demand for position freedom for the convenience of use, for improving the power control performance based on the container position information, and increasing the convenience of use by UI / UX. To this end, a plurality of container detection sensors are required.

[0008] In a conventional container sensing scheme where each detection circuit is included in each container detection sensor, complexity increases due to an increase in the number of circuit components, allocation of a processor pin to each sensing coil, etc. In a scheme in which signals of a plurality of sensing coils are sequentially processed in one detection circuit, there is a problem in that a total detection time increases as the number of sensing coils increases.

[0009] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of simultaneously driving a plurality of container sensing coils by modularizing a plurality of container detection sensors.

[0010] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of simultaneously processing a plurality of container sensing signals.

[0011] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of reducing the number of circuit components and reducing the number of processor pin allocations to each sensing coil.

[0012] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of simplifying a connection structure and securing a component arrangement space by reducing the number of signal lines between the container detection sensors and a controller.

[0013] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of reducing a total time duration for sensing a container.

[0014] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of minimizing an increase in a total container sensing time duration even when the number of sensing coils increases.

[0015] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of determining a container material and presence or absence of the container seated on a cooktop.

[0016] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of reducing noise due to resonant current and reducing a detection error in sensing a cooking container.

[0017] The purposes to be solved according to an embodiment of the present specification are not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0018] The home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure simultaneously drives the plurality of container sensing coils by modularizing the plurality of container detection sensors.

[0019] Specifically, the home appliance simultaneously drives at least two or more sensing coils with one driving signal by modularizing the plurality of container detection sensors into at least two units such that each unit is composed of at least two container detection sensors.

[0020] In addition, the home appliance modularizes the plurality of container detection sensors into at least two units such that each unit is composed of at least two container detection sensors, thereby simultaneously outputting at least two or more container sensing signals.

[0021] The home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a top plate of a cooktop; a plurality of heating coils for heating a container mounted on the top plate using electromagnetic induction; a plurality of sensing coils for sensing the container mounted on the top plate; and a plurality of container detection sensors for sensing the container mounted on the top plate, wherein the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the plurality of units is composed of at least two container detection sensors, wherein the container detection sensors of each unit simultaneously operate.TECHNICAL EFFECT

[0022] According to the present disclosure, the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the plurality of units is composed of at least two container detection sensors, and thus at least two or more sensing coils may be simultaneously driven with one driving signal.

[0023] In addition, the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the plurality of units is composed of at least two container detection sensors, and thus the home appliance of the present disclosure may process and output at least two or more container sensing signals at the same time.

[0024] In addition, in the home appliance of the present disclosure, the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern may be formed into an integral PCB pattern coil assembly composed of a plurality of layers, thereby contributing to simplification of processes such as masking, printing, etching, and the like.

[0025] In addition, the home appliance of the present disclosure may reduce the number of input lines, output lines, and circuit components by modularizing the plurality of container detection sensors.

[0026] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the plurality of container detection sensors may be modularized to reduce the number of allocations of the output pins of the controller for outputting the driving signals for driving the plurality of sensing coils and the input pins of the controller for receiving the container sensing signals from the plurality of container detection sensors.

[0027] In addition, the home appliance of the present disclosure may simplify an electrical connection structure between components and secure a component arrangement space by reducing the number of signal lines for input / output between the container detection sensors and the controller.

[0028] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the container detection sensors may be modularized, thereby reducing a total time required to detect the container.

[0029] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the container detection sensors may be modularized, thereby minimizing an increase in the total container sensing time even when the number of sensing coils increases according to a design change.

[0030] The home appliance of the present disclosure may adjust the oscillation frequency and drive the sensing coil at the adjusted oscillation frequency and thus may determine not only the presence or absence of the container seated on the cooktop but also the material of the container.

[0031] The present disclosure may sense the container during the sensing period including the zero crossing time point of the input voltage, thereby reducing noise caused by the resonant current and reducing the detection error.

[0032] In addition to the above-described effects, specific effects of the present disclosure will be described together while describing specific matters for implementing the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exploded state of a cooktop in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cooktop illustrated in FIG. 1 and a view illustrating a configuration of a PCB pattern coil assembly. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement structure of a heating coil and a sensing coil illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a multi-layered sensing coil PCB in which the sensing coil illustrated in FIG. 2 is disposed. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed circuit of a sensing output circuit in the container detection sensor illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating modularization of a driving signal and a sensing output circuit. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a plurality of container detection sensors illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating modularization of a driving signal, an oscillation driving circuit, and a sensing output circuit. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a container sensing time point of the container detection sensor illustrated in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0034] The above-described purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present disclosure. In the description of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0035] Although the first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, it is obvious that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish only one component from another component. Unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component.

[0036] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but various changes may be applied thereto and the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms. However, the present embodiment is provided so that the present disclosure is complete and the scope of the present disclosure is fully informed to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but it should be understood that a configuration of one embodiment and a configuration of another embodiment are substituted with each other or are added to each other, and all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the technical spirit and scope of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0037] The accompanying drawings are only set forth for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure, and the technical spirit disclosed in the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure. In the drawings, the components may be expressed to be larger or smaller in size or thickness in consideration of convenience of understanding, etc. However, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited thereto.

[0038] The terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments or embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular constitutes "a" and "an" are intended to include the plural constitutes as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise In the present disclosure, terms such as "include" and "comprise" are intended to designate that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, a component, a part, or a combination thereof as described in the present disclosure exist. That is, it should be understood that in the present disclosure, the terms such as "include" and "comprise" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0040] When it is mentioned that one component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that one component may be directly connected or coupled to another component, or still another component may be present therebetween. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that one component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that still another component is absent therebetween.

[0041] When one component is referred to as "being disposed on top of' or "being disposed under" another component, it should be understood that one component may be directly disposed on top of or under another component or still another component may be present therebetween.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive concept belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0043] For example, embodiments in which a heating coil assembly is used in a cooking appliance are described in the present disclosure. However, in some further embodiments, the heating coil assembly may be applied to other home appliances that require induction heating.

[0044] For example, the heating coil assembly may be mounted on a washing machine to heat a water tank, a drum, or a washing tub inside the washing machine or to heat washing water.

[0045] In another example, the heating coil assembly may be mounted on a water purifier and used to heat a hot water pipe or a water tank.

[0046] In still another example, the heating coil assembly may be mounted on a laundry dryer or a laundry care apparatus and used to heat air for drying the laundry.

[0047] In still yet another example, the heating coil assembly may be mounted on an electric port or a rice cooker and used to heat a liquid or food therein.[Overall Structure of Induction Heating Cooktop]

[0048] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exploded state of an induction heating cooktop 100 in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] The home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an oven range type home appliance in which the cooktop 100 is disposed in an upper area and an oven is disposed in a lower area. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be embodied as a home appliance in which the cooktop 100 is provided alone.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, the home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the induction heating cooktop 100. The induction heating cooktop 100 may include a casing 110 and a top plate 120.

[0051] According to the present embodiment, an exterior of the cooktop 100 may be defined by the casing 110 and the top plate 120. The casing 110 may be disposed under the top plate 120, and may constitute a front surface, a rear surface, a side surface, and a bottom surface of the cooktop 100. The top plate 120 may be disposed at a top of the cooktop 100 and may constitute an outer appearance of an upper surface of the cooktop 100. The top plate 120 may be made of ceramic glass for mounting a cooking container thereon.

[0052] An accommodation space may be formed inside the casing 110. The accommodation space formed inside the casing 110 may be opened upwardly. In an example, the casing 110 may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open upper side. In the accommodation space surrounded with the top plate 120 and the casing 110, various internal components constituting the cooktop 100 may be accommodated.

[0053] In addition, a PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be disposed under the top plate 120 in the cooktop 100. In the PCB pattern coil assembly 140, at least one heating coil for heating the cooking container via induction heating and at least one sensing coil for sensing the cooking container may be integrally formed with each other.

[0054] For example, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may include a plurality of PCB pattern coil assemblies according to a size of the top plate 120 of the cooktop 100. For example, when the top plate 120 is divided into three areas including a left area, a central area, and a right area, three PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 may be respectively disposed under the corresponding areas. The PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 may be formed in different sizes to be suitable for the sizes of the left area, the central area, and the right area, respectively. Each of the PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 corresponding to each area may independently operate.

[0055] In the PCB pattern coil assembly 140, the heating coil for induction heating, the sensing coil for sensing the container, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, a terminal for connection with other components, etc. may be integrally formed with each other. The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be divided into a plurality of unit blocks. In an example, one heating coil may be disposed in one unit block. In an example, at least two sensing coils may be disposed in one unit block. In an example, two sensing coils may be disposed between adjacent unit blocks and across the two adjacent unit blocks.

[0056] In addition, in the cooktop 100, a supporter 150 may be disposed under the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. The supporter 150 may constitute a skeleton inside the cooktop 100 so as to support various internal components constituting the cooktop 100. In an example, the supporter 150 may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open lower side. For example, the supporter 150 may be formed in a shape substantially identical with a shape obtained by turning the casing 110 upside down, and may be formed to have a slightly smaller size than that of the casing 110.

[0057] According to the present embodiment, the accommodation space may be formed inside the supporter 150, and may be formed as a space surrounded by the bottom portion of the casing 110 and the supporter 150. Various internal components constituting the cooktop 100 may be accommodated in the supporter 150.

[0058] For example, a resonant PCB assembly 160 in which capacitors used for resonance or oscillation are mounted, an inverter PCB assembly 170 in which a switching element for applying a current to the heating coil for induction heating, etc. are mounted, a fan 180 for cooling down the internal components, an EMI filter 190 for filtering and blocking various noises mixed with each other on electrical power, and a control PCB assembly in which a controller for controlling the overall operation of the cooktop 100 and circuits for sensing the cooking container are mounted may be accommodated in the supporter 190.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, the supporter 150 may also provide a base function for the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. More specifically, a ferrite core may be installed on an upper surface of the supporter 150, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be installed on top of the ferrite core, and the top plate 120 may be installed on top of the PCB pattern coil assembly 140.

[0060] In addition, the cooktop 100 may include a control panel 130. The control panel 130 may be disposed on one area of an upper surface of the top plate 120. The control panel 130 may include a UI (user interface) including an adjustment icon for adjusting an operation of the cooktop 100 in a touch manner and a display for displaying an operation state of the cooktop 100.[PCB Pattern Coil Assembly]

[0061] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the cooktop 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and a configuration of the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement structure of a heating coil 142 and a sensing coil 143 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cooktop 100 may include the casing 110, the supporter 150, and the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 includes the heating coil 142 for induction heating of the cooktop 100 and the sensing coil 143 for sensing the cooking container, and may be disposed in the accommodation space inside the cooktop 100.

[0063] The supporter 150 may be disposed on top of the casing 110, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be disposed on top of the supporter 150, and the top plate 120 may be disposed on top of the PCB pattern coil assembly 140.

[0064] The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may include a plurality of PCB pattern coil assemblies according to the size and shape of the cooktop 100. In the present embodiment, it is illustrated that the cooktop 100 is divided into the left area, the central area, and the right area, and includes three PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 corresponding thereto. Each of the PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 may include a plurality of heating coils 142 and a plurality of sensing coils 143.

[0065] Each of the PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 may be divided into a plurality of unit blocks 141. The plurality of unit blocks 141 may be arranged in a matrix form. For example, at least one heating coil 142 may be disposed in one unit block 141. For example, at least two sensing coils 143 may be disposed in one unit block 141. In addition, at least two sensing coils 143 may be disposed between adjacent two unit blocks 141 and across the adjacent two unit blocks 141.

[0066] Each of the heating coil 142 and the sensing coil 143 formed in the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be disposed in a pattern form on a board. In an example, the heating coil 142 may be formed in a polygonal, for example, a square, a rectangular, or a hexagonal pattern. Alternatively, the heating coil 142 may be formed in an annular pattern. For example, the sensing coil 143 may be formed in a circular pattern. Alternatively, the sensing coil 143 may be formed in a circular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal pattern.

[0067] In addition, at least one heating coil terminal 145, at least one sensing coil terminal 146, at least one heating coil wiring 147, at least one sensing coil wiring 148, and at least one via may be formed in the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. The heating coil terminal 145 is electrically connected to the heating coil 142 via the heating coil wiring 147, and is electrically connected to the resonant PCB assembly 160 and the inverter PCB assembly 170. The sensing coil terminal 146 is electrically connected to the sensing coil 143 via the sensing coil wiring 148, and is electrically connected to the resonant PCB assembly 160 and the control PCB assembly.

[0068] As described above, not only the heating coil 142 but also the sensing coil 143 may be formed in the unit block 141 of the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. In the unit block 141, a plurality of sensing coils 143 are arranged along a front-rear direction, and a plurality of sensing coils 143 are also arranged in a lateral direction.

[0069] The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may include a PCB (hereinafter, referred to as a "heating coil PCB") on which the heating coil 142 is patterned and a PCB (hereinafter, referred to as a "sensing coil PCB") on which the sensing coil 143 is patterned. The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be formed in a form in which the heating coil PCB and the sensing coil PCB are stacked in an up-down direction. In one example, the heating coil PCB may be formed in a form in which 10 to 12 layers are stacked, and the heating coils 142 of the layers may be electrically connected to each other via the via. In one example, the sensing coil PCB may be formed in a form in which two layers are stacked, and the sensing coils 143 of the layers may be electrically connected to each other via the via.

[0070] In addition, at least one of the heating coil PCB and the sensing coil PCB may be provided in a form in which the coil is patterned on each of both opposite surfaces of the board. In the present embodiment, it is illustrated that the heating coil 142 is patterned on each of both opposing surfaces of the heating coil PCB, and the sensing coil 143 is patterned on each of both opposing surfaces of the sensing coil PCB.

[0071] Each of the sensing coils 143 may be disposed to overlap an area where each of the heating coils 142 is formed, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In addition, each of the sensing coils 143 may be disposed to overlap an area between two adjacent areas where the two heating coils 142 are formed, respectively.

[0072] In the present embodiment, it is illustrated that two sensing coils 143 are disposed in the area where each heating coil 142 is formed, and two sensing coils 143 are disposed between the two heating coils 142 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. In addition, a temperature sensor 144 may be provided in the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. In one example, the temperature sensor 144 may be disposed in a center portion of an area of each sensing coil 143.

[0073] In an example, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be provided in a form in which the heating coil 142, the sensing coil 143, and the temperature sensor 144 are integrally formed with each other. For example, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be formed in a form in which the heating coil PCB having the heating coil 142 and the sensing coil PCB having the sensing coil 143 and the temperature sensor 144 are stacked. The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be provided in a form including one or more pattern coil PCBs.

[0074] For example, the integrated PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may include heating coil patterns arranged in 10 layers, sensing coil patterns arranged in two layers, and an electrical insulating material disposed between each heating coil pattern and each sensing coil pattern adjacent to each other to electrically insulate each heating coil pattern and each sensing coil pattern from each other. The electrical insulating material may be formed by curing a prepreg made of a thermosetting resin generally used to form a printed circuit board and glass fibers. For example, the thermosetting resin may be preferably an epoxy resin-based thermosetting resin. Specifically, the epoxy resin-based thermosetting resin may be FR-4.

[0075] As described above, the electrical insulating material made of the prepreg may be disposed between adjacent ones of the heating coil patterns respectively disposed in the multiple layers to electrically insulate the adjacent ones from each other, and may be disposed between the adjacent sensing coil patterns to electrically insulate adjacent ones of the sensing coil patterns respectively disposed in the multiple layers from each other. In addition, the electrical insulating material may be constructed to fill an area in which the patterns such as the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern are absent, and may serve to form a layered structure of an individual layer.

[0076] Therefore, based on the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may have the multilayer structure having a total of 12 layers from a first layer as the uppermost layer to a twelfth layer as the lowermost layer along the up-down direction.

[0077] As described above, the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are formed into then integrated PCB pattern coil assembly composed of a plurality of layers, thereby contributing to the simplification of processes such as masking, printing, and etching.

[0078] As described above, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 has a structure in which a plurality of heating coils 142 for induction heating and a plurality of sensing coils 143 for sensing the cooking container mounted on the ceramic glass are integrally formed with each other using the patterns printed on the PCB. The number of heating coils 142 and sensing coils 143 may be determined based on the size of the cooktop 100.

[0079] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a multi-layered structure of sensing coil PCBs in which the sensing coil illustrated in FIG. 2 is disposed.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 4, the sensing coil PCBs may be stacked in a plurality of layers. In the present embodiment, a structure in which the sensing coil PCBs are stacked in two layers is illustrated.

[0081] A plurality of sensing coils 143 may be disposed in each layer of the sensing coil PCB. In an example, at least one heating coil terminal 145, at least one heating coil wiring 147, at least one sensing coil terminal 146, at least one sensing coil wiring 148, at least one via 149, and at least one temperature sensor 144 may be disposed in the sensing coil PCB of each layer.

[0082] The heating coil terminal 145 may be electrically connected to the heating coil wiring 147, and the heating coil wiring 147 may be electrically connected to the heating coil 142 of the heating coil PCB via the via. In addition, the sensing coil terminal 146 may be electrically connected to the sensing coil 143 via the sensing coil wiring 148, and the sensing coil 143 may be electrically connected to the sensing coil 143 of another layer via the via 149.

[0083] In this embodiment, the sensing coil 143 pattern may be printed on the PCB in a circular shape. Alternatively, the sensing coil 143 pattern may be printed on the PCB in a polygonal shape including a circular shape. The pattern of the sensing coil 143 may be composed of one layer or a plurality of layers of the entire PCB coil. When the pattern of the sensing coil 143 is composed of the plurality of layers, the sensing coils 143 of the layers may be electrically connected to each other via the via 149 of the PCB. In addition, the heating coil wiring 147 connected to the heating coil terminal 145 may be positioned in the layer of the sensing coil 143, and may be disposed separately from the heating coil 143.

[0084] As described above, in the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 in the present embodiment, when the heating coil 142 and the sensing coil 143 are constructed into an integrated structure composed of one component using a multilayer PCB board, the sensing coil 143 may be formed in a circular or polygonal shape using one or more layers.

[0085] The sensing coil 143 may be disposed between ones of the plurality of heating coils 142 adjacent to each other, or may be disposed on top of the heating coil 142. In addition, the sensing coils 143 may be arranged so as to be spaced from each other by an equal spacing in an upper-down direction and a left-right direction.[Container Detection sensor]

[0086] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed circuit of a sensing output circuit in the container detection sensor illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0087] The home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the container detection sensor 200 and a controller 500.

[0088] The container detection sensor 200 detects the cooking container mounted on the top plate 120 of the cooktop 100 and provides a container sensing signal according to the sensing to the controller 500.

[0089] The controller 500 controls the operation of the container detection sensor 200, and determines container information including at least one of a position, a material, a shape, and a size of the container based on the container sensing signal received from the container detection sensor 200.

[0090] The container detection sensor 200 includes a container sensing circuit 200a and a sensing output circuit 200b. The container sensing circuit 200a stores oscillation energy in a sensing coil 143 according to a driving signal DS of the controller 500 or outputs an oscillation signal that freely resonates. The sensing output circuit 200b filters the DC component from the oscillation signal received from the container sensing circuit 200a, compares the filtered oscillation signal with a reference signal, and outputs a container sensing signal based on the comparison result to the controller 500.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the container sensing circuit 200a includes a sensing coil 143, an oscillation circuit 220, and an oscillation driving circuit 210.

[0092] When the container is mounted on the top plate 120 of the cooktop 100, the sensing coil 143 is electromagnetically coupled to the container, and thus has an equivalent resistance Req and an equivalent inductance Leq. As described above, a plurality of sensing coils 143 together with the heating coil 142 are formed in the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 using the pattern printed on the PCB.

[0093] The oscillation circuit 220 is electrically connected to the sensing coil 143 to generate an oscillation signal that resonates with an oscillation frequency determined based on an inductance of the sensing coil 143 and a capacitance of an oscillation capacitor. The oscillation circuit 220 may be connected in parallel with the sensing coil 143. The oscillation circuit 220 may include at least one oscillation capacitor. In the present embodiment, the oscillation circuit 220 is illustrated as including two oscillation capacitors Ca and Cb.

[0094] The oscillation circuit 220 may include a first oscillation capacitor Ca, a second oscillation capacitor Cb, and an adjustment switch SW2. The first oscillation capacitor Ca is connected in parallel with the sensing coil 143, the second oscillation capacitor Cb is connected in parallel with the first oscillation capacitor Ca, and the adjustment switch SW2 is connected in parallel with the first oscillation capacitor Ca and is connected in series with the second oscillation capacitor Cb. The adjustment switch SW2 is used to adjust the oscillation frequency.

[0095] The adjustment switch SW2 may be turned on or off under the control of the controller 500. When the adjustment switch SW2 is turned off, the oscillation frequency is determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor Ca. The oscillation frequency at which the adjustment switch SW2 is turned on is determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of each of the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Cb.

[0096] The oscillation circuit 220 adjusts the oscillation frequency of the oscillation signal by adjusting the capacitance value according to the switching of the adjustment switch SW2. The adjustment of the oscillation frequency may improve the determination performance of the container material by increasing a variation ratio of the equivalent resistance Req based on the container material when the container detection sensor 200 determines the container material, for example, the magnetic container and the non-magnetic container, or the ferromagnetic container and the paramagnetic container.

[0097] The oscillation driving circuit 210 includes a driving switch SW1. The oscillation driving circuit 210 drives the sensing coil 143 and the oscillation circuit 220 such that the sensing coil 143 stores oscillation energy therein or the oscillation circuit 220 outputs the oscillation signal to the sensing output circuit 200b according to the operation of the driving switch SW1.

[0098] When the driving switch SW1 of the oscillation driving circuit 210 is turned on, the oscillation energy by a power voltage Vdd is stored in the sensing coil 143. When the driving switch SW1 is turned off, the oscillation energy stored in the sensing coil 143 may freely resonate through the oscillation circuit 220, and may be output as the oscillation signal freely resonating at the oscillation frequency.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the oscillation driving circuit 210 includes a first resistor R1, a first diode D1, the driving switch SW1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a first capacitor C1 and a second capacitor C2.

[0100] One end of the first resistor R1 is connected to a power voltage Vdd terminal and the other end thereof is connected to the sensing coil 143 and the oscillation circuit 220. The first resistor R1 is a current limiting resistor and drops the power voltage Vdd. The first diode D1 has an anode electrode connected to the sensing coil 143 and the oscillation circuit 220, and a cathode electrode connected to the driving switch SW1. The first diode D1 transmits the power resulting from the sensing coil 143 and the oscillation circuit 220 to the driving switch SW1 and blocks noise, for example, surge power, which may be introduced from the driving switch SW1.

[0101] The driving switch SW1 has a first electrode connected to the cathode electrode of the first diode D1, a second electrode connected to ta ground voltage, and a gate electrode connected to a terminal receiving the driving signal DS. The driving switch SW1 is turned on or off according to the driving signal DS received from the controller 500.

[0102] The second resistor R2 is disposed between and connected to the terminal receiving the driving signal DS and the gate electrode of the driving switch SW1. The third resistor R3 and the first capacitor C1 are connected in parallel with each other and are disposed between and connected to the gate electrode of the driving switch SW1 and the ground voltage terminal. When the driving signal DS is received from the controller 500, the second resistor R2, the third resistor R3, and the first capacitor C1 maintain a potential level of the driving signal DS at a turn-on level of the driving switch SW1.

[0103] One end of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the anode electrode of the first diode D1, the sensing coil 143, and the oscillation circuit 220, and the other end thereof is connected to the output node of the oscillation driving circuit 210. The second capacitor C2 has a function of filtering an DC component from an oscillation signal that freely resonates.

[0104] The oscillation driving circuit 210 configured as described above stores oscillation energy in the sensing coil 143 when the driving switch SW1 is turned on, and provides an oscillation signal that freely resonates to the sensing output circuit 200b when the driving switch SW1 is turned off.

[0105] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the sensing output circuit 200b includes an DC blocking circuit 230 and a comparison circuit 240. The DC blocking circuit 230 blocks the DC signal included in the oscillation signal OSC, adjusts a time constant of the oscillation signal, and outputs the adjusted oscillation signal to the comparison circuit 240. The comparison circuit 240 compares the adjusted oscillation signal with the reference signal, and outputs the container sensing signal according to the comparison result to the controller 500.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the DC blocking circuit 230 includes a fourth resistor R4, a third capacitor C3, a first inductor L1, a fourth capacitor C4, a second diode D2, and a third diode D3.

[0107] In the DC blocking circuit 230 of the present embodiment, one end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the output terminal of the oscillation driving circuit 210 and the other end thereof is connected to the third capacitor C3. One end of the third capacitor C3 is connected to the fourth resistor R4 and the other end thereof is connected to a negative input terminal (-) of a comparator 241. The first inductor L1 has one end connected to a first power voltage Vdd1 terminal and the other end connected to the other end of the third capacitor C3. The fourth capacitor C4 has one end connected to the first power voltage Vdd1 terminal and the other end connected to a ground voltage terminal. The second diode D2 has an anode electrode connected to the ground voltage terminal, and a cathode electrode connected to a node between the third capacitor C3 and the negative input terminal (-) of the comparator 241. The third diode D3 has an anode electrode connected to the node between the third capacitor C3 and the negative input terminal (-) of the comparator 241, and a cathode electrode connected to a second power voltage Vdd2 terminal. The second power voltage Vdd2 is set to a level lower than that of the first power voltage Vdd1.

[0108] In the present embodiment, the comparison circuit 240 includes the comparator 241, a fifth resistor R5, a sixth resistor R6, and a seventh resistor R2.

[0109] In the comparison circuit 240 of the present embodiment, the comparator 241 has the negative input terminal (-) connected to the third capacitor C3 of the DC blocking circuit 230 and a positive input terminal (+) connected to the first power voltage Vdd1 terminal. The fifth resistor R5 is connected to and disposed between the first power voltage Vdd1 terminal and the positive input terminal (+) of the comparator 241. The sixth resistor R6 is connected to and disposed between the positive input terminal (+) of the comparator 241 and an output terminal of the comparator 241. The seventh resistor R2 is connected to and disposed between the first power voltage Vdd1 terminal and the output terminal of the comparator 241.

[0110] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating modularization of a driving signal and a sensing output circuit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating modularization of a driving signal, an oscillation driving circuit, and a sensing output circuit.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the plurality of oscillation driving circuits 210 are connected to the controller 500 via input lines such that at least two or more of the plurality of oscillation driving circuits 210 constitute one unit which is connected to the controller via a single input line such that the oscillation driving circuits 210 constituting one unit simultaneously operate.

[0112] For example, when a total of 16 sensing coils 143 are provided in the cooktop, the four oscillation driving circuits 210 and the four oscillation circuits 220 are modularized into a single unit. Thus, the four units thereof are constructed. The four oscillation driving circuits 210 may be connected to the controller 500 via one input line, and simultaneously drive the four sensing coils 143 in response to the same single driving signal DS applied thereto via one input line. That is, in the present embodiment, the controller 500 and the four units of the oscillation driving circuits 210 are connected to each other via four input lines INL1, INL2, INL3, and INL4. In this embodiment, the four sensing coils 143 may be grouped into a single group, and the 16 sensing coils 143 may constitute the four groups of respectively corresponding to the four units of the oscillation driving circuits 210, and the four groups may be sequentially driven via the four input lines INL1, INL2, INL3, and INL4.

[0113] The plurality of sensing output circuits 200b of the plurality of container detection sensors 200 are connected to the controller such that at least two of the plurality of sensing output circuits 200b constitute one unit connected to the controller 500 via a single output line and simultaneously output the container sensing signals via the single output line.

[0114] For example, when the 16 sensing coils 143 are provided in the cooktop, the four sensing output circuits 200b are modularized into a single unit. Thus, the four units thereof are constructed. The four sensing output circuits 200b may be connected to the controller 500 via the single output line. The four units thereof may be respectively connected to the controller 500 via four output lines OUTL1, OUTL2, OUTL3, and OUTL4. The four sensing output circuits 200b of each of the four units thereof may output the container sensing signals thereof to the controller 500 via each of the four output lines OUTL1, OUTL2, OUTL3, and OUTL4. That is, in the present embodiment, four groups of all 16 container sensing signals may be sequentially output to the controller 500 via the four output lines OUTL1, OUTL2, OUTL3, and OUTL4, respectively.

[0115] As described above, in the present embodiment, at least two of the plurality of container detection sensors 200 may be modularized into the single unit, such that the numbers of the input lines, the output lines, and the circuit components may be reduced. In addition, in the present embodiment, at least two of the plurality of container detection sensors 200 may be modularized into the single unit, such that the numbers of the output pins of the controller 500 for outputting the driving signal DS for driving the plurality of sensing coils 143 and the input pins of the controller 500 for receiving the container sensing signals from the plurality of container detection sensors 200 may be reduced.

[0116] The controller 500 determines at least one of the container position and the container material based on the number of pulses of the container sensing signal output from the sensing output circuit 200b. For example, an attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated varies due to the equivalent resistance Req varying based on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the sensing coil 143 and based on the material of the container. The controller 500 determines at least one of the container position and the container material based on change in the container sensing signal according to the oscillating signal varying in this way.

[0117] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 turns off the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 of the container detection sensor 200, and determines a container of a first material based on the number of pulses of the container sensing signal according to the variation of the oscillation signal resonating at a first oscillation frequency determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor Ca via the turn-off of the adjustment switch SW2. In an example, an example of the container of the first material may include a ferromagnetic material cooking container or a magnetic cooking container.

[0118] In addition, in the present embodiment, the controller 500 turns on the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 of the container detection sensor 200, and determines a container of a second material based on the number of pulses of the container sensing signal according to the variation of the oscillation signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of a combination of the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Cb connected in parallel to each other via the turn-on of the adjustment switch SW2. In an example, the second oscillation frequency has a lower frequency value than the first oscillation frequency. An example of the container of the second material may include a paramagnetic material cooking container or a non-magnetic cooking container.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the container detection sensor 200 may use the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency to detect the ferromagnetic container, and may use the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency lower than the first oscillation frequency to detect the paramagnetic container. The container detection sensor 200 may periodically perform a process of detecting the container position and the container material using the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency or the second oscillation frequency.[Overall Operation of Container Detection sensor]

[0120] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a plurality of container detection sensors illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a container sensing time point of the container detection sensor illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0121] The operation over time of the container detection sensor 200 of the present disclosure will be described as follows. First, the container detection sensor 200 turns on the driving switch SW1 connected to the sensing coil 143. Then, a predetermined amount of energy from the power voltage Vdd is stored in the sensing coil 143.

[0122] After a predetermined time duration has elapsed, the container detection sensor 200 turns off the driving switch SW1. Then, the oscillation signal that resonates at the first oscillation frequency determined based on the first oscillation capacitor Ca of the oscillation circuit 220 connected in parallel to the sensing coil 143 is output. In this regard, the attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated varies due to the equivalent resistance Req that fluctuates based on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the sensing coil 143 and based on the container material.

[0123] In this regard, the first oscillation frequency is calculated as 1 2 π L eq C . In this regard, C denotes a capacitance value of the first oscillation capacitor Ca, and Leq denotes an equivalent inductance of the sensing coil 143. The attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated due to the equivalent resistance Req of the sensing coil 143 is calculated as R eq 2 C L eq . In one example, the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency is used to sense the ferromagnetic container.

[0124] Next, the container detection sensor 200 filters the DC signal from the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency, compares the filtered oscillation signal with the reference signal, and outputs the container sensing signal according to the comparison result to the controller 500.

[0125] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 determines the container position and the ferromagnetic strength of the ferromagnetic material based on the container sensing signal according to the variation of the oscillation signal that resonates at the first oscillation frequency. Thereafter, the controller 500 may drive the heating coil at the determined position with appropriate power based on the ferromagnetic strength of the ferromagnetic container.

[0126] Next, the container detection sensor 200 turns on the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 to connect the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Cb in parallel with each other, thereby forming an equivalent capacitance.

[0127] Next, the container detection sensor 200 turns on the driving switch SW1 connected to the sensing coil 143. Then, a predetermined amount of energy from the power voltage Vdd is stored in the sensing coil 143.

[0128] After the predetermined time duration has elapsed, the container detection sensor 200 turns off the driving switch SW1. Then, the oscillation signal that resonates at the second oscillation frequency determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and a capacitance of a combination of the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Cb connected in parallel with each other is output. In this regard, the attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated varies due to the equivalent resistance Req fluctuating based on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the sensing coil 143 and based on the container material.

[0129] In this regard, the second oscillation frequency is calculated as 1 2 π L eq C . In this regard, C denotes a capacitance value of a combination of the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Cb connected in parallel to each other, and Leq denotes an equivalent inductance of the sensing coil 143. The attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated due to the equivalent resistance Req of the sensing coil 143 is calculated as R eq 2 C L eq . In one example, the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency is used to sense the paramagnetic container.

[0130] The container detection sensor 200 filters the DC signal from the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency, compares the filtered oscillation signal with the reference signal, and outputs the container sensing signal according to the comparison result to the controller 500.

[0131] The controller 500 determines the container position and the paramagnetic strength of the paramagnetic material based on the container sensing signal according to the variation of the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency. Thereafter, the controller 500 may drive the heating coil at the determined position with appropriate power based on the paramagnetic strength of the paramagnetic container.

[0132] The above container sensing operation may be periodically performed before induction heating and during induction heating when the cooktop is powered on.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 9, while at least one target container detection sensor 200 detects the container using the oscillation signal that freely resonates, each of the remaining container detection sensors discharges the energy charged in the sensing coil 143. In FIG. 9, a first period T1 represents a period for which the sensing coil is charged with the oscillation energy. A second period T2 represents a period for which at least one of the position, size, and material of the container is sensed and determined using the oscillation signal that resonates freely. A third period T3 represents a discharge period for which the energy stored in the sensing coil is discharged.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 9, all each of the plurality of container detection sensors 200 stores the oscillation energy in the sensing coil 143 by turning on the driving switch SW1 during the first period T1 as a sensing period for which the cooking container seated on the cooktop is sensed.

[0135] After a predetermined time duration has elapsed, a target sensor of the plurality of container detection sensors 200 generates the oscillation signal that freely resonates by turning off the driving switch SW1 during the second period T2. In this case, the attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated varies due to the equivalent resistance varying based on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the sensing coil and the material of the container. Then, the controller 500 determines at least one of the position, size, and material of the container based on the container sensing signal according to the oscillation signal fluctuating according to the presence or absence of the container and the material of the container.

[0136] After a predetermined time duration has elapsed, each of the remaining sensors maintains the driving switch SW1 at the turned-on state during the third period T3, such that the energy stored in the sensing coil 143 according to the voltage induction is discharged to the ground through the driving switch SW1.

[0137] As described above, the container detection sensor 200 detects the container based on the different oscillation frequencies of the oscillation signal, and the controller 500 determines the container information including at least one of the position, material, shape, and size of the container using the container sensing signal according to the variation of the equivalent resistance Req based on the container material according to the oscillation frequency.

[0138] The magnitude of the variation ratio of the equivalent resistance (Req) based on the oscillation frequency may vary based on the container material. As the value of the variation ratio of the equivalent resistance Req increases, the performance of determining the container may be increased. Thus, the container detection sensor 200 adjusts the oscillation frequency to detect the container during the container sensing period.

[0139] For example, the container detection sensor 200 may detect the ferromagnetic container using a first oscillation frequency. The ferromagnetic container may be made of cast iron or clad. The container detection sensor 200 may detect the paramagnetic container using a second oscillation frequency. In this regard, the second oscillation frequency may be lower than the first oscillation frequency.

[0140] Data on the variation ratio of the equivalent resistance (Req) based on the container material according to the oscillation frequency may be stored in the memory. The controller 500 may determine the container material based on a comparing result of the data determined based on the container sensing signal with the data on the equivalent resistance variation ratio based on the container material stored in the memory.

[0141] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 may simultaneously drive at least a few container detection sensors among the plurality of container detection sensors in one grouped manner.

[0142] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 is illustrated as simultaneously driving the four container detection sensors. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of container detection sensors 200 that are simultaneously driven may be changed according to the size of the top plate 120 of the cooktop 100 or the number of sensing coils 143.

[0143] Each of the container detection sensors 200 includes the container sensing circuit 200a and the sensing output circuit 200b. The container sensing circuits 200a of the container detection sensors 200 may be grouped into a plurality of groups, each group including the four container sensing circuits 200a. The container sensing circuits 200a in one group may simultaneously operate to detect the container.

[0144] In addition, in the present embodiment, each group of the container sensing circuits 200a may share the four sensing output circuits 200b. The four sensing output circuits 200b may be sequentially connected to the container sensing circuits 200a of each group, respectively. In an example, when a first group of container sensing circuits 200a operates, the four sensing output circuits 200b may be connected to the first group of container sensing circuits 200a, and may be disconnected from the remaining groups of sensing output circuits 200b.

[0145] Thereafter, when a second group of the container sensing circuits 200a operates, the four sensing output circuits 200b may be connected to the container sensing circuits 200a of the second group, and may be disconnected from the remaining groups of sensing output circuits 200b. In this manner, the four sensing output circuits 200b may be sequentially connected to each of the groups and output the oscillation signal of each group as the container sensing signal.

[0146] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 controls the container sensing circuits 200a of the four target container detection sensors such that the oscillation energy charged in the four sensing coils 143 of one group freely resonates. In addition, the controller 500 controls the container sensing circuits 200a of the remaining container detection sensors so that the oscillation energy stored in the remaining groups of the sensing coils 143 is discharged.

[0147] In addition, in the present embodiment, the controller 500 sequentially receives the container sensing signal of each group from the four sensing output circuits 200b, and determines the container information including at least one of the position, material, shape, and size of the container based on the container sensing signal.

[0148] In the present embodiment, when the cooktop 100 includes 16 container detection sensors 200, the controller 500 may drive 16 container detection sensors 200 using four input pins and may receive the container sensing signals from the 16 container detection sensors 200 using four output pins.

[0149] As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of input pins and output pins of the controller 500 may be reduced, and thus, the number of wiring disposed between and connected to the elements may be reduced. Accordingly, a space inside the cooktop 100 may be secured.

[0150] The controller 500 provides the driving signal DS for turning on the driving switch SW1 of the oscillation driving circuit 210 to all the container detection sensors 200 during the first period T1. The oscillation driving circuits 210 of all the container detection sensors 200 operate such that the oscillation energy is stored in each of the sensing coils 143 via turning-on of the driving switch SW1.

[0151] After a first time duration has elapsed, the controller 500 provides the driving signal DS for turning off the driving switch SW1 to the oscillation driving circuit 210 of a target container detection sensor during the second period T2. In addition, the controller 500 provides the driving signal DS for maintaining the turned-on state of the driving switch SW1 to the oscillation driving circuits 210 of the remaining container detection sensors during the third period T3.

[0152] The target container detection sensor may be defined as a sensor driven to detect the container. The remaining container detection sensors may be defined as sensors waiting while the target container detection sensor detects the container. The first period T1 may be set as a time duration from a time point at which the oscillation energy is stored in the sensing coil 143 to a time point at which the energy is discharged therefrom as the driving switch SW1 of the oscillation driving circuit 210 is turned on.

[0153] The oscillation circuit 220 of the target container detection sensor generates the oscillation signal that freely resonates via turning-off of the driving switch SW1 of the oscillation driving circuit 210 during the second period T2 under the control of the controller 500. In this regard, the controller 500 may determine the container information including at least one of the position, material, shape, and size of the container based on the container sensing signal according to the oscillation signal varying according to the presence or absence of the container and the container material.

[0154] In addition, according to the control of the controller 500, the oscillation circuits 220 of the remaining container detection sensors discharge the oscillation energy stored in the remaining sensing coils 143 to the ground through the driving switch SW1 via turning-on of the driving switch SW1 during the third period T3. The driving switches SW1 of the oscillation driving circuits 210 of the remaining container detection sensors may be maintained at the turned on state for a second time duration. In this regard, the second period T2 and the third period T3 may be set to a time duration required for the target container detection sensor to detect the container to output the container sensing signal and for the controller 500 to determine the container based on the container sensing signal.

[0155] During the turn-off of the driving switch SW1, the oscillation signal freely resonates, and the container sensing signal may be output in the form of a pulse. In this regard, the container sensing signal may be output so as to vary based on the number of pulses according to the oscillation signal attenuating by the attenuation amount varying due to the equivalent resistance that varies based on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the sensing coil and the material of the container.

[0156] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 may determine the position on the top plate at which the container is seated, the size of the container, and the material of the container based on the container sensing signal output in the form of the pulse.

[0157] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 may control the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 to detect the container using the oscillation signal resonating at the at least two oscillation frequencies to adjust the oscillation frequency.

[0158] The controller 500 may turn off the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 such that the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor Ca is output.

[0159] In addition, the controller 500 may turn on the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 such that the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of the combination of the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Ca connected in parallel to each other is output. In this regard, the first oscillation frequency may be set to have a value greater than the second oscillation frequency. The oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency may be used to sense the ferromagnetic container, while the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency may be used to sense the paramagnetic container.

[0160] The controller 500 may turn on or display a UI for driving at least one corresponding heating coil among the plurality of heating coils 142, based on the determined position or size of the container, on the control panel 130 such that the user recognizes the UI. In addition, the controller 500 may adjust the intensity of power to be applied to the heating coil 142 so as to vary based on the material of the container. In addition, the controller 500 may turn on or display the UI for heating the container with an appropriate power strength based on the material of the container on the control panel 130 such that the user recognizes the UI.

[0161] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the sensing period may be set to a period including a zero crossing time point of the input voltage applied to the heating coil 142. For example, the sensing period may be set to a period for which the input voltage is lower than a reference voltage and is equal to or greater than zero. In accordance with the present embodiment, the container may be sensed during the sensing period including the zero crossing time point of the input voltage, thereby reducing noise caused by the resonant current and reducing the detection error.

[0162] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a top plate of a cooktop; a heating coil configured to heat a container seated on the top plate using electromagnetic induction; and a plurality of container detection sensors configured to detect the container seated on the top plate, wherein the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the plurality of units is composed of at least two container detection sensors, wherein the container detection sensors of each unit simultaneously operate.

[0163] In accordance with one embodiment, the container detection sensors of each unit may be connected to a controller via each input line, and simultaneously drive at least two sensing coils corresponding thereto in response to each driving signal applied thereto through each input line.

[0164] In accordance with one embodiment, the container detection sensors of each unit may be connected to the controller via each output line, and simultaneously output container detection signals thereof to the controller via each output line.

[0165] In accordance with one embodiment, the container detection sensor may include an oscillation circuit, and may be configured to detect the container using an oscillation signal resonating at an oscillation frequency determined based on an inductance of a sensing coil and a capacitance of the oscillation circuit.

[0166] In accordance with one embodiment, the oscillation circuit may include a plurality of capacitors, and may be configured to connect at least one of the plurality of capacitors to the sensing coil to adjust the oscillation frequency.

[0167] In accordance with one embodiment, the container detection sensor may be configured to: sense a container made of a first material using the oscillation signal resonating at a first oscillation frequency; and sense a container made of a material having weaker magnetism than magnetism of the first material using the oscillation signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency lower than the first oscillation frequency.

[0168] In accordance with one embodiment, while the at least two container detection sensors of one of the plurality of units simultaneously sense the container, each of the container detection sensors of each of the other units thereof may discharge energy stored in a corresponding sensing coil.

[0169] In accordance with one embodiment, each of the plurality of container detection sensors may be configured to sense the container for a sensing period including a zero crossing time point of an input voltage to be applied to the heating coil.

[0170] In accordance with one embodiment, the sensing period may be set to a period for which the input voltage may be lower than a reference voltage and may be equal to or greater than zero.

[0171] In accordance with one embodiment, each of the plurality of container detection sensors may include: an oscillation circuit including at least one capacitor and configured to generate an oscillation signal resonating at an oscillation frequency determined based on a sensing coil and the at least one capacitor; an oscillation driving circuit including a driving switch and configured to drive the driving switch such that oscillation energy may be stored in the sensing coil or the oscillation signal freely resonates according to switching operation of the driving switch; and a sensing output circuit configured to filter an DC component from the oscillation signal, compare the filtered oscillation signal with a reference signal, and output a container sensing signal based on the comparison result.

[0172] In accordance with one embodiment, the oscillation circuit may include: a first oscillation capacitor connected in parallel to the sensing coil; a second oscillation capacitor connected in parallel to the first oscillation capacitor; and an adjustment switch configured to selectively connect the second oscillation capacitor and the first oscillation capacitor in a parallel manner to each other according to switching operation thereof to adjust a capacitance of the oscillation circuit.

[0173] In accordance with one embodiment, the oscillation driving circuit may include: a first resistor having one end connected to a power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the sensing coil and the oscillation circuit; a first diode having an anode electrode connected to the sensing coil and the oscillation circuit and a cathode electrode connected to the driving switch; and the driving switch including a first electrode connected to the cathode electrode of the first diode, a second electrode connected to a ground voltage terminal, and a gate electrode connected to a terminal receiving a driving signal.

[0174] In accordance with one embodiment, the oscillation driving circuit further may include: a second resistor disposed between and connected to the terminal receiving the driving signal and the gate electrode of the driving switch; a third resistor and a first capacitor connected in parallel to each other and disposed between and connected to the gate electrode of the driving switch and the ground voltage terminal; and a second capacitor having one end connected to the anode electrode of the first diode and the other end connected to the sensing output circuit.

[0175] In accordance with one embodiment, the sensing output circuit may include: an DC blocking circuit configured to block an DC signal included in the oscillation signal, adjust a time constant of the oscillation signal, and output the adjusted oscillation signal; and a comparison circuit configured to compare the adjusted oscillation signal with a reference signal and output a container detection signal based on a result of the comparison.

[0176] In accordance with one embodiment, the DC blocking circuit may include: a fourth resistor having one end connected to an output terminal of the oscillation driving circuit and the other end connected to the third capacitor; a third capacitor having one end connected to the other end of the fourth resistor and the other end connected to an input terminal of the comparison circuit; a first inductor having one end connected to a first power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the other end of the third capacitor; a fourth capacitor having one end connected to the first power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the ground voltage terminal; a second diode having an anode electrode connected to the ground voltage terminal and a cathode electrode connected to a node between the third capacitor and the comparison circuit; and a third diode having an anode electrode connected to the node between the third capacitor and the comparison circuit and a cathode electrode connected to a second power voltage terminal.

[0177] In accordance with one embodiment, the comparison circuit may include a comparator having a negative input terminal connected to the third capacitor of the DC blocking circuit and a positive input terminal connected to the first power voltage terminal, a fifth resistor connected to and disposed between the first power voltage terminal and the positive input terminal, a sixth resistor connected to and disposed between the positive input terminal of the comparator and an output terminal of the comparator, and a seventh resistor connected to and disposed between the first power voltage terminal and the output terminal of the comparator.

[0178] In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of oscillation driving circuits of the plurality of container detection sensors may be modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the units is composed of at least two oscillation driving circuits which are connected to the controller via each input line and the oscillation driving circuits of each unit are simultaneously driven.

[0179] In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of sensing output circuits of the plurality of container detection sensors may be modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the units is composed of at least two sensing output circuits which are connected to the controller via each output line and at least two container sensing signals thereof are simultaneously output.

[0180] In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of heating coils and a plurality of sensing coils may be formed in a PCB pattern coil assembly composed of a plurality of PCB layers.

[0181] In accordance with one embodiment, the sensing coil pattern may be formed in at least two of the plurality of PCB layers, and the heating coil pattern may be formed in another PCB layer in which the sensing coil pattern is not formed.

[0182] In accordance with one embodiment, a supporter for supporting the PCB pattern coil assembly thereon may be further included in the home appliance.

[0183] In accordance with one embodiment, the supporter may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open lower side.

[0184] In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of ferrite cores may be installed on an upper surface of the supporter, and the PCB pattern coil assembly may be installed on top of the plurality of ferrite cores.

[0185] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments may be derived therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present disclosure should be determined based on the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]The above-described purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present disclosure. In the description of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0035]Although the first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, it is obvious that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to disting...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a home appliance, and more particularly, to a home appliance including an induction heating cooktop.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Recently, an induction range using induction heating technology is attracting attention as a next-generation cooking appliance that may replace a gas range due to advantages such as high heating efficiency, fast heating speed, stability, convenience, etc. An induction heating cooktop product includes an induction heating cooktop having a heating coil composed of a ritz wire. When an induction-compatible container is located at a predetermined burner position, the container is heated. This scheme has a disadvantage in that the container should be placed only at a predetermined position, and has a disadvantage in that heating efficiency decreases when the position of the container is slightly incorrect.

[0003] Accordingly, all-free induction heating technology is being developed. This is a technology capable of heating the induction-compatible container even when the induction-compatible container is positioned not only at a predetermined area of an induction heating top plate but also at various positions thereof, and has the advantage that various sized containers and a multiple-compartment container having three or more compartments may also be heated.

[0004] A prior art document includes U.S. Pat. No. 11,013,071 (2021.05.18) (Hereinafter, Patent Document 1). The disclosure of Patent Document 1 includes a multiplexer for sequentially receiving detection results from a plurality of container sensors and a microprocessor for processing the detection results of the plurality of container sensors.

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, the container information is received as a single input using the multiplexer, such that there is a disadvantage in that a sensing time is increased when the plurality of container sensors are used. In addition, Patent Document 1 has a disadvantage in that when N container sensors are provided, N input pins for receiving detection signals from the N container sensors and N output pins for driving the N container sensors are required.

[0006] For this reason, Patent Document 1 has a disadvantage in that complexity increases due to an increase in the number of circuit components and allocation of microprocessor input and output pins to the plurality of container sensors.SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURETECHNICAL PURPOSE

[0007] In the induction heating cooktop, accurate container position information should be identified due to increase in the demand for position freedom for the convenience of use, for improving the power control performance based on the container position information, and increasing the convenience of use by UI / UX. To this end, a plurality of container detection sensors are required.

[0008] In a conventional container sensing scheme where each detection circuit is included in each container detection sensor, complexity increases due to an increase in the number of circuit components, allocation of a processor pin to each sensing coil, etc. In a scheme in which signals of a plurality of sensing coils are sequentially processed in one detection circuit, there is a problem in that a total detection time increases as the number of sensing coils increases.

[0009] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of simultaneously driving a plurality of container sensing coils by modularizing a plurality of container detection sensors.

[0010] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of simultaneously processing a plurality of container sensing signals.

[0011] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of reducing the number of circuit components and reducing the number of processor pin allocations to each sensing coil.

[0012] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of simplifying a connection structure and securing a component arrangement space by reducing the number of signal lines between the container detection sensors and a controller.

[0013] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of reducing a total time duration for sensing a container.

[0014] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of minimizing an increase in a total container sensing time duration even when the number of sensing coils increases.

[0015] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of determining a container material and presence or absence of the container seated on a cooktop.

[0016] A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a home appliance capable of reducing noise due to resonant current and reducing a detection error in sensing a cooking container.

[0017] The purposes to be solved according to an embodiment of the present specification are not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0018] The home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure simultaneously drives the plurality of container sensing coils by modularizing the plurality of container detection sensors.

[0019] Specifically, the home appliance simultaneously drives at least two or more sensing coils with one driving signal by modularizing the plurality of container detection sensors into at least two units such that each unit is composed of at least two container detection sensors.

[0020] In addition, the home appliance modularizes the plurality of container detection sensors into at least two units such that each unit is composed of at least two container detection sensors, thereby simultaneously outputting at least two or more container sensing signals.

[0021] The home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a top plate of a cooktop; a plurality of heating coils for heating a container mounted on the top plate using electromagnetic induction; a plurality of sensing coils for sensing the container mounted on the top plate; and a plurality of container detection sensors for sensing the container mounted on the top plate, wherein the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the plurality of units is composed of at least two container detection sensors, wherein the container detection sensors of each unit simultaneously operate.TECHNICAL EFFECT

[0022] According to the present disclosure, the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the plurality of units is composed of at least two container detection sensors, and thus at least two or more sensing coils may be simultaneously driven with one driving signal.

[0023] In addition, the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the plurality of units is composed of at least two container detection sensors, and thus the home appliance of the present disclosure may process and output at least two or more container sensing signals at the same time.

[0024] In addition, in the home appliance of the present disclosure, the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern may be formed into an integral PCB pattern coil assembly composed of a plurality of layers, thereby contributing to simplification of processes such as masking, printing, etching, and the like.

[0025] In addition, the home appliance of the present disclosure may reduce the number of input lines, output lines, and circuit components by modularizing the plurality of container detection sensors.

[0026] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the plurality of container detection sensors may be modularized to reduce the number of allocations of the output pins of the controller for outputting the driving signals for driving the plurality of sensing coils and the input pins of the controller for receiving the container sensing signals from the plurality of container detection sensors.

[0027] In addition, the home appliance of the present disclosure may simplify an electrical connection structure between components and secure a component arrangement space by reducing the number of signal lines for input / output between the container detection sensors and the controller.

[0028] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the container detection sensors may be modularized, thereby reducing a total time required to detect the container.

[0029] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the container detection sensors may be modularized, thereby minimizing an increase in the total container sensing time even when the number of sensing coils increases according to a design change.

[0030] The home appliance of the present disclosure may adjust the oscillation frequency and drive the sensing coil at the adjusted oscillation frequency and thus may determine not only the presence or absence of the container seated on the cooktop but also the material of the container.

[0031] The present disclosure may sense the container during the sensing period including the zero crossing time point of the input voltage, thereby reducing noise caused by the resonant current and reducing the detection error.

[0032] In addition to the above-described effects, specific effects of the present disclosure will be described together while describing specific matters for implementing the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exploded state of a cooktop in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cooktop illustrated in FIG. 1 and a view illustrating a configuration of a PCB pattern coil assembly. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement structure of a heating coil and a sensing coil illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a multi-layered sensing coil PCB in which the sensing coil illustrated in FIG. 2 is disposed. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed circuit of a sensing output circuit in the container detection sensor illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating modularization of a driving signal and a sensing output circuit. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a plurality of container detection sensors illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating modularization of a driving signal, an oscillation driving circuit, and a sensing output circuit. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a container sensing time point of the container detection sensor illustrated in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

[0034] The above-described purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present disclosure. In the description of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0035] Although the first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, it is obvious that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish only one component from another component. Unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component.

[0036] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but various changes may be applied thereto and the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms. However, the present embodiment is provided so that the present disclosure is complete and the scope of the present disclosure is fully informed to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but it should be understood that a configuration of one embodiment and a configuration of another embodiment are substituted with each other or are added to each other, and all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the technical spirit and scope of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0037] The accompanying drawings are only set forth for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure, and the technical spirit disclosed in the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure. In the drawings, the components may be expressed to be larger or smaller in size or thickness in consideration of convenience of understanding, etc. However, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited thereto.

[0038] The terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments or embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular constitutes "a" and "an" are intended to include the plural constitutes as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise In the present disclosure, terms such as "include" and "comprise" are intended to designate that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, a component, a part, or a combination thereof as described in the present disclosure exist. That is, it should be understood that in the present disclosure, the terms such as "include" and "comprise" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0040] When it is mentioned that one component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that one component may be directly connected or coupled to another component, or still another component may be present therebetween. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that one component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that still another component is absent therebetween.

[0041] When one component is referred to as "being disposed on top of' or "being disposed under" another component, it should be understood that one component may be directly disposed on top of or under another component or still another component may be present therebetween.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive concept belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0043] For example, embodiments in which a heating coil assembly is used in a cooking appliance are described in the present disclosure. However, in some further embodiments, the heating coil assembly may be applied to other home appliances that require induction heating.

[0044] For example, the heating coil assembly may be mounted on a washing machine to heat a water tank, a drum, or a washing tub inside the washing machine or to heat washing water.

[0045] In another example, the heating coil assembly may be mounted on a water purifier and used to heat a hot water pipe or a water tank.

[0046] In still another example, the heating coil assembly may be mounted on a laundry dryer or a laundry care apparatus and used to heat air for drying the laundry.

[0047] In still yet another example, the heating coil assembly may be mounted on an electric port or a rice cooker and used to heat a liquid or food therein.[Overall Structure of Induction Heating Cooktop]

[0048] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exploded state of an induction heating cooktop 100 in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] The home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an oven range type home appliance in which the cooktop 100 is disposed in an upper area and an oven is disposed in a lower area. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be embodied as a home appliance in which the cooktop 100 is provided alone.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, the home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the induction heating cooktop 100. The induction heating cooktop 100 may include a casing 110 and a top plate 120.

[0051] According to the present embodiment, an exterior of the cooktop 100 may be defined by the casing 110 and the top plate 120. The casing 110 may be disposed under the top plate 120, and may constitute a front surface, a rear surface, a side surface, and a bottom surface of the cooktop 100. The top plate 120 may be disposed at a top of the cooktop 100 and may constitute an outer appearance of an upper surface of the cooktop 100. The top plate 120 may be made of ceramic glass for mounting a cooking container thereon.

[0052] An accommodation space may be formed inside the casing 110. The accommodation space formed inside the casing 110 may be opened upwardly. In an example, the casing 110 may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open upper side. In the accommodation space surrounded with the top plate 120 and the casing 110, various internal components constituting the cooktop 100 may be accommodated.

[0053] In addition, a PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be disposed under the top plate 120 in the cooktop 100. In the PCB pattern coil assembly 140, at least one heating coil for heating the cooking container via induction heating and at least one sensing coil for sensing the cooking container may be integrally formed with each other.

[0054] For example, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may include a plurality of PCB pattern coil assemblies according to a size of the top plate 120 of the cooktop 100. For example, when the top plate 120 is divided into three areas including a left area, a central area, and a right area, three PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 may be respectively disposed under the corresponding areas. The PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 may be formed in different sizes to be suitable for the sizes of the left area, the central area, and the right area, respectively. Each of the PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 corresponding to each area may independently operate.

[0055] In the PCB pattern coil assembly 140, the heating coil for induction heating, the sensing coil for sensing the container, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, a terminal for connection with other components, etc. may be integrally formed with each other. The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be divided into a plurality of unit blocks. In an example, one heating coil may be disposed in one unit block. In an example, at least two sensing coils may be disposed in one unit block. In an example, two sensing coils may be disposed between adjacent unit blocks and across the two adjacent unit blocks.

[0056] In addition, in the cooktop 100, a supporter 150 may be disposed under the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. The supporter 150 may constitute a skeleton inside the cooktop 100 so as to support various internal components constituting the cooktop 100. In an example, the supporter 150 may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open lower side. For example, the supporter 150 may be formed in a shape substantially identical with a shape obtained by turning the casing 110 upside down, and may be formed to have a slightly smaller size than that of the casing 110.

[0057] According to the present embodiment, the accommodation space may be formed inside the supporter 150, and may be formed as a space surrounded by the bottom portion of the casing 110 and the supporter 150. Various internal components constituting the cooktop 100 may be accommodated in the supporter 150.

[0058] For example, a resonant PCB assembly 160 in which capacitors used for resonance or oscillation are mounted, an inverter PCB assembly 170 in which a switching element for applying a current to the heating coil for induction heating, etc. are mounted, a fan 180 for cooling down the internal components, an EMI filter 190 for filtering and blocking various noises mixed with each other on electrical power, and a control PCB assembly in which a controller for controlling the overall operation of the cooktop 100 and circuits for sensing the cooking container are mounted may be accommodated in the supporter 190.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, the supporter 150 may also provide a base function for the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. More specifically, a ferrite core may be installed on an upper surface of the supporter 150, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be installed on top of the ferrite core, and the top plate 120 may be installed on top of the PCB pattern coil assembly 140.

[0060] In addition, the cooktop 100 may include a control panel 130. The control panel 130 may be disposed on one area of an upper surface of the top plate 120. The control panel 130 may include a UI (user interface) including an adjustment icon for adjusting an operation of the cooktop 100 in a touch manner and a display for displaying an operation state of the cooktop 100.[PCB Pattern Coil Assembly]

[0061] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the cooktop 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and a configuration of the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement structure of a heating coil 142 and a sensing coil 143 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cooktop 100 may include the casing 110, the supporter 150, and the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 includes the heating coil 142 for induction heating of the cooktop 100 and the sensing coil 143 for sensing the cooking container, and may be disposed in the accommodation space inside the cooktop 100.

[0063] The supporter 150 may be disposed on top of the casing 110, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be disposed on top of the supporter 150, and the top plate 120 may be disposed on top of the PCB pattern coil assembly 140.

[0064] The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may include a plurality of PCB pattern coil assemblies according to the size and shape of the cooktop 100. In the present embodiment, it is illustrated that the cooktop 100 is divided into the left area, the central area, and the right area, and includes three PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 corresponding thereto. Each of the PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 may include a plurality of heating coils 142 and a plurality of sensing coils 143.

[0065] Each of the PCB pattern coil assemblies 140 may be divided into a plurality of unit blocks 141. The plurality of unit blocks 141 may be arranged in a matrix form. For example, at least one heating coil 142 may be disposed in one unit block 141. For example, at least two sensing coils 143 may be disposed in one unit block 141. In addition, at least two sensing coils 143 may be disposed between adjacent two unit blocks 141 and across the adjacent two unit blocks 141.

[0066] Each of the heating coil 142 and the sensing coil 143 formed in the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be disposed in a pattern form on a board. In an example, the heating coil 142 may be formed in a polygonal, for example, a square, a rectangular, or a hexagonal pattern. Alternatively, the heating coil 142 may be formed in an annular pattern. For example, the sensing coil 143 may be formed in a circular pattern. Alternatively, the sensing coil 143 may be formed in a circular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal pattern.

[0067] In addition, at least one heating coil terminal 145, at least one sensing coil terminal 146, at least one heating coil wiring 147, at least one sensing coil wiring 148, and at least one via may be formed in the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. The heating coil terminal 145 is electrically connected to the heating coil 142 via the heating coil wiring 147, and is electrically connected to the resonant PCB assembly 160 and the inverter PCB assembly 170. The sensing coil terminal 146 is electrically connected to the sensing coil 143 via the sensing coil wiring 148, and is electrically connected to the resonant PCB assembly 160 and the control PCB assembly.

[0068] As described above, not only the heating coil 142 but also the sensing coil 143 may be formed in the unit block 141 of the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. In the unit block 141, a plurality of sensing coils 143 are arranged along a front-rear direction, and a plurality of sensing coils 143 are also arranged in a lateral direction.

[0069] The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may include a PCB (hereinafter, referred to as a "heating coil PCB") on which the heating coil 142 is patterned and a PCB (hereinafter, referred to as a "sensing coil PCB") on which the sensing coil 143 is patterned. The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be formed in a form in which the heating coil PCB and the sensing coil PCB are stacked in an up-down direction. In one example, the heating coil PCB may be formed in a form in which 10 to 12 layers are stacked, and the heating coils 142 of the layers may be electrically connected to each other via the via. In one example, the sensing coil PCB may be formed in a form in which two layers are stacked, and the sensing coils 143 of the layers may be electrically connected to each other via the via.

[0070] In addition, at least one of the heating coil PCB and the sensing coil PCB may be provided in a form in which the coil is patterned on each of both opposite surfaces of the board. In the present embodiment, it is illustrated that the heating coil 142 is patterned on each of both opposing surfaces of the heating coil PCB, and the sensing coil 143 is patterned on each of both opposing surfaces of the sensing coil PCB.

[0071] Each of the sensing coils 143 may be disposed to overlap an area where each of the heating coils 142 is formed, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In addition, each of the sensing coils 143 may be disposed to overlap an area between two adjacent areas where the two heating coils 142 are formed, respectively.

[0072] In the present embodiment, it is illustrated that two sensing coils 143 are disposed in the area where each heating coil 142 is formed, and two sensing coils 143 are disposed between the two heating coils 142 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. In addition, a temperature sensor 144 may be provided in the PCB pattern coil assembly 140. In one example, the temperature sensor 144 may be disposed in a center portion of an area of each sensing coil 143.

[0073] In an example, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be provided in a form in which the heating coil 142, the sensing coil 143, and the temperature sensor 144 are integrally formed with each other. For example, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be formed in a form in which the heating coil PCB having the heating coil 142 and the sensing coil PCB having the sensing coil 143 and the temperature sensor 144 are stacked. The PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may be provided in a form including one or more pattern coil PCBs.

[0074] For example, the integrated PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may include heating coil patterns arranged in 10 layers, sensing coil patterns arranged in two layers, and an electrical insulating material disposed between each heating coil pattern and each sensing coil pattern adjacent to each other to electrically insulate each heating coil pattern and each sensing coil pattern from each other. The electrical insulating material may be formed by curing a prepreg made of a thermosetting resin generally used to form a printed circuit board and glass fibers. For example, the thermosetting resin may be preferably an epoxy resin-based thermosetting resin. Specifically, the epoxy resin-based thermosetting resin may be FR-4.

[0075] As described above, the electrical insulating material made of the prepreg may be disposed between adjacent ones of the heating coil patterns respectively disposed in the multiple layers to electrically insulate the adjacent ones from each other, and may be disposed between the adjacent sensing coil patterns to electrically insulate adjacent ones of the sensing coil patterns respectively disposed in the multiple layers from each other. In addition, the electrical insulating material may be constructed to fill an area in which the patterns such as the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern are absent, and may serve to form a layered structure of an individual layer.

[0076] Therefore, based on the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 may have the multilayer structure having a total of 12 layers from a first layer as the uppermost layer to a twelfth layer as the lowermost layer along the up-down direction.

[0077] As described above, the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are formed into then integrated PCB pattern coil assembly composed of a plurality of layers, thereby contributing to the simplification of processes such as masking, printing, and etching.

[0078] As described above, the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 has a structure in which a plurality of heating coils 142 for induction heating and a plurality of sensing coils 143 for sensing the cooking container mounted on the ceramic glass are integrally formed with each other using the patterns printed on the PCB. The number of heating coils 142 and sensing coils 143 may be determined based on the size of the cooktop 100.

[0079] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a multi-layered structure of sensing coil PCBs in which the sensing coil illustrated in FIG. 2 is disposed.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 4, the sensing coil PCBs may be stacked in a plurality of layers. In the present embodiment, a structure in which the sensing coil PCBs are stacked in two layers is illustrated.

[0081] A plurality of sensing coils 143 may be disposed in each layer of the sensing coil PCB. In an example, at least one heating coil terminal 145, at least one heating coil wiring 147, at least one sensing coil terminal 146, at least one sensing coil wiring 148, at least one via 149, and at least one temperature sensor 144 may be disposed in the sensing coil PCB of each layer.

[0082] The heating coil terminal 145 may be electrically connected to the heating coil wiring 147, and the heating coil wiring 147 may be electrically connected to the heating coil 142 of the heating coil PCB via the via. In addition, the sensing coil terminal 146 may be electrically connected to the sensing coil 143 via the sensing coil wiring 148, and the sensing coil 143 may be electrically connected to the sensing coil 143 of another layer via the via 149.

[0083] In this embodiment, the sensing coil 143 pattern may be printed on the PCB in a circular shape. Alternatively, the sensing coil 143 pattern may be printed on the PCB in a polygonal shape including a circular shape. The pattern of the sensing coil 143 may be composed of one layer or a plurality of layers of the entire PCB coil. When the pattern of the sensing coil 143 is composed of the plurality of layers, the sensing coils 143 of the layers may be electrically connected to each other via the via 149 of the PCB. In addition, the heating coil wiring 147 connected to the heating coil terminal 145 may be positioned in the layer of the sensing coil 143, and may be disposed separately from the heating coil 143.

[0084] As described above, in the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 in the present embodiment, when the heating coil 142 and the sensing coil 143 are constructed into an integrated structure composed of one component using a multilayer PCB board, the sensing coil 143 may be formed in a circular or polygonal shape using one or more layers.

[0085] The sensing coil 143 may be disposed between ones of the plurality of heating coils 142 adjacent to each other, or may be disposed on top of the heating coil 142. In addition, the sensing coils 143 may be arranged so as to be spaced from each other by an equal spacing in an upper-down direction and a left-right direction.[Container Detection sensor]

[0086] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed circuit of a sensing output circuit in the container detection sensor illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0087] The home appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the container detection sensor 200 and a controller 500.

[0088] The container detection sensor 200 detects the cooking container mounted on the top plate 120 of the cooktop 100 and provides a container sensing signal according to the sensing to the controller 500.

[0089] The controller 500 controls the operation of the container detection sensor 200, and determines container information including at least one of a position, a material, a shape, and a size of the container based on the container sensing signal received from the container detection sensor 200.

[0090] The container detection sensor 200 includes a container sensing circuit 200a and a sensing output circuit 200b. The container sensing circuit 200a stores oscillation energy in a sensing coil 143 according to a driving signal DS of the controller 500 or outputs an oscillation signal that freely resonates. The sensing output circuit 200b filters the DC component from the oscillation signal received from the container sensing circuit 200a, compares the filtered oscillation signal with a reference signal, and outputs a container sensing signal based on the comparison result to the controller 500.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the container sensing circuit 200a includes a sensing coil 143, an oscillation circuit 220, and an oscillation driving circuit 210.

[0092] When the container is mounted on the top plate 120 of the cooktop 100, the sensing coil 143 is electromagnetically coupled to the container, and thus has an equivalent resistance Req and an equivalent inductance Leq. As described above, a plurality of sensing coils 143 together with the heating coil 142 are formed in the PCB pattern coil assembly 140 using the pattern printed on the PCB.

[0093] The oscillation circuit 220 is electrically connected to the sensing coil 143 to generate an oscillation signal that resonates with an oscillation frequency determined based on an inductance of the sensing coil 143 and a capacitance of an oscillation capacitor. The oscillation circuit 220 may be connected in parallel with the sensing coil 143. The oscillation circuit 220 may include at least one oscillation capacitor. In the present embodiment, the oscillation circuit 220 is illustrated as including two oscillation capacitors Ca and Cb.

[0094] The oscillation circuit 220 may include a first oscillation capacitor Ca, a second oscillation capacitor Cb, and an adjustment switch SW2. The first oscillation capacitor Ca is connected in parallel with the sensing coil 143, the second oscillation capacitor Cb is connected in parallel with the first oscillation capacitor Ca, and the adjustment switch SW2 is connected in parallel with the first oscillation capacitor Ca and is connected in series with the second oscillation capacitor Cb. The adjustment switch SW2 is used to adjust the oscillation frequency.

[0095] The adjustment switch SW2 may be turned on or off under the control of the controller 500. When the adjustment switch SW2 is turned off, the oscillation frequency is determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor Ca. The oscillation frequency at which the adjustment switch SW2 is turned on is determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of each of the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Cb.

[0096] The oscillation circuit 220 adjusts the oscillation frequency of the oscillation signal by adjusting the capacitance value according to the switching of the adjustment switch SW2. The adjustment of the oscillation frequency may improve the determination performance of the container material by increasing a variation ratio of the equivalent resistance Req based on the container material when the container detection sensor 200 determines the container material, for example, the magnetic container and the non-magnetic container, or the ferromagnetic container and the paramagnetic container.

[0097] The oscillation driving circuit 210 includes a driving switch SW1. The oscillation driving circuit 210 drives the sensing coil 143 and the oscillation circuit 220 such that the sensing coil 143 stores oscillation energy therein or the oscillation circuit 220 outputs the oscillation signal to the sensing output circuit 200b according to the operation of the driving switch SW1.

[0098] When the driving switch SW1 of the oscillation driving circuit 210 is turned on, the oscillation energy by a power voltage Vdd is stored in the sensing coil 143. When the driving switch SW1 is turned off, the oscillation energy stored in the sensing coil 143 may freely resonate through the oscillation circuit 220, and may be output as the oscillation signal freely resonating at the oscillation frequency.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the oscillation driving circuit 210 includes a first resistor R1, a first diode D1, the driving switch SW1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a first capacitor C1 and a second capacitor C2.

[0100] One end of the first resistor R1 is connected to a power voltage Vdd terminal and the other end thereof is connected to the sensing coil 143 and the oscillation circuit 220. The first resistor R1 is a current limiting resistor and drops the power voltage Vdd. The first diode D1 has an anode electrode connected to the sensing coil 143 and the oscillation circuit 220, and a cathode electrode connected to the driving switch SW1. The first diode D1 transmits the power resulting from the sensing coil 143 and the oscillation circuit 220 to the driving switch SW1 and blocks noise, for example, surge power, which may be introduced from the driving switch SW1.

[0101] The driving switch SW1 has a first electrode connected to the cathode electrode of the first diode D1, a second electrode connected to ta ground voltage, and a gate electrode connected to a terminal receiving the driving signal DS. The driving switch SW1 is turned on or off according to the driving signal DS received from the controller 500.

[0102] The second resistor R2 is disposed between and connected to the terminal receiving the driving signal DS and the gate electrode of the driving switch SW1. The third resistor R3 and the first capacitor C1 are connected in parallel with each other and are disposed between and connected to the gate electrode of the driving switch SW1 and the ground voltage terminal. When the driving signal DS is received from the controller 500, the second resistor R2, the third resistor R3, and the first capacitor C1 maintain a potential level of the driving signal DS at a turn-on level of the driving switch SW1.

[0103] One end of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the anode electrode of the first diode D1, the sensing coil 143, and the oscillation circuit 220, and the other end thereof is connected to the output node of the oscillation driving circuit 210. The second capacitor C2 has a function of filtering an DC component from an oscillation signal that freely resonates.

[0104] The oscillation driving circuit 210 configured as described above stores oscillation energy in the sensing coil 143 when the driving switch SW1 is turned on, and provides an oscillation signal that freely resonates to the sensing output circuit 200b when the driving switch SW1 is turned off.

[0105] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the sensing output circuit 200b includes an DC blocking circuit 230 and a comparison circuit 240. The DC blocking circuit 230 blocks the DC signal included in the oscillation signal OSC, adjusts a time constant of the oscillation signal, and outputs the adjusted oscillation signal to the comparison circuit 240. The comparison circuit 240 compares the adjusted oscillation signal with the reference signal, and outputs the container sensing signal according to the comparison result to the controller 500.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the DC blocking circuit 230 includes a fourth resistor R4, a third capacitor C3, a first inductor L1, a fourth capacitor C4, a second diode D2, and a third diode D3.

[0107] In the DC blocking circuit 230 of the present embodiment, one end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the output terminal of the oscillation driving circuit 210 and the other end thereof is connected to the third capacitor C3. One end of the third capacitor C3 is connected to the fourth resistor R4 and the other end thereof is connected to a negative input terminal (-) of a comparator 241. The first inductor L1 has one end connected to a first power voltage Vdd1 terminal and the other end connected to the other end of the third capacitor C3. The fourth capacitor C4 has one end connected to the first power voltage Vdd1 terminal and the other end connected to a ground voltage terminal. The second diode D2 has an anode electrode connected to the ground voltage terminal, and a cathode electrode connected to a node between the third capacitor C3 and the negative input terminal (-) of the comparator 241. The third diode D3 has an anode electrode connected to the node between the third capacitor C3 and the negative input terminal (-) of the comparator 241, and a cathode electrode connected to a second power voltage Vdd2 terminal. The second power voltage Vdd2 is set to a level lower than that of the first power voltage Vdd1.

[0108] In the present embodiment, the comparison circuit 240 includes the comparator 241, a fifth resistor R5, a sixth resistor R6, and a seventh resistor R2.

[0109] In the comparison circuit 240 of the present embodiment, the comparator 241 has the negative input terminal (-) connected to the third capacitor C3 of the DC blocking circuit 230 and a positive input terminal (+) connected to the first power voltage Vdd1 terminal. The fifth resistor R5 is connected to and disposed between the first power voltage Vdd1 terminal and the positive input terminal (+) of the comparator 241. The sixth resistor R6 is connected to and disposed between the positive input terminal (+) of the comparator 241 and an output terminal of the comparator 241. The seventh resistor R2 is connected to and disposed between the first power voltage Vdd1 terminal and the output terminal of the comparator 241.

[0110] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating modularization of a driving signal and a sensing output circuit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating modularization of a driving signal, an oscillation driving circuit, and a sensing output circuit.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the plurality of oscillation driving circuits 210 are connected to the controller 500 via input lines such that at least two or more of the plurality of oscillation driving circuits 210 constitute one unit which is connected to the controller via a single input line such that the oscillation driving circuits 210 constituting one unit simultaneously operate.

[0112] For example, when a total of 16 sensing coils 143 are provided in the cooktop, the four oscillation driving circuits 210 and the four oscillation circuits 220 are modularized into a single unit. Thus, the four units thereof are constructed. The four oscillation driving circuits 210 may be connected to the controller 500 via one input line, and simultaneously drive the four sensing coils 143 in response to the same single driving signal DS applied thereto via one input line. That is, in the present embodiment, the controller 500 and the four units of the oscillation driving circuits 210 are connected to each other via four input lines INL1, INL2, INL3, and INL4. In this embodiment, the four sensing coils 143 may be grouped into a single group, and the 16 sensing coils 143 may constitute the four groups of respectively corresponding to the four units of the oscillation driving circuits 210, and the four groups may be sequentially driven via the four input lines INL1, INL2, INL3, and INL4.

[0113] The plurality of sensing output circuits 200b of the plurality of container detection sensors 200 are connected to the controller such that at least two of the plurality of sensing output circuits 200b constitute one unit connected to the controller 500 via a single output line and simultaneously output the container sensing signals via the single output line.

[0114] For example, when the 16 sensing coils 143 are provided in the cooktop, the four sensing output circuits 200b are modularized into a single unit. Thus, the four units thereof are constructed. The four sensing output circuits 200b may be connected to the controller 500 via the single output line. The four units thereof may be respectively connected to the controller 500 via four output lines OUTL1, OUTL2, OUTL3, and OUTL4. The four sensing output circuits 200b of each of the four units thereof may output the container sensing signals thereof to the controller 500 via each of the four output lines OUTL1, OUTL2, OUTL3, and OUTL4. That is, in the present embodiment, four groups of all 16 container sensing signals may be sequentially output to the controller 500 via the four output lines OUTL1, OUTL2, OUTL3, and OUTL4, respectively.

[0115] As described above, in the present embodiment, at least two of the plurality of container detection sensors 200 may be modularized into the single unit, such that the numbers of the input lines, the output lines, and the circuit components may be reduced. In addition, in the present embodiment, at least two of the plurality of container detection sensors 200 may be modularized into the single unit, such that the numbers of the output pins of the controller 500 for outputting the driving signal DS for driving the plurality of sensing coils 143 and the input pins of the controller 500 for receiving the container sensing signals from the plurality of container detection sensors 200 may be reduced.

[0116] The controller 500 determines at least one of the container position and the container material based on the number of pulses of the container sensing signal output from the sensing output circuit 200b. For example, an attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated varies due to the equivalent resistance Req varying based on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the sensing coil 143 and based on the material of the container. The controller 500 determines at least one of the container position and the container material based on change in the container sensing signal according to the oscillating signal varying in this way.

[0117] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 turns off the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 of the container detection sensor 200, and determines a container of a first material based on the number of pulses of the container sensing signal according to the variation of the oscillation signal resonating at a first oscillation frequency determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor Ca via the turn-off of the adjustment switch SW2. In an example, an example of the container of the first material may include a ferromagnetic material cooking container or a magnetic cooking container.

[0118] In addition, in the present embodiment, the controller 500 turns on the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 of the container detection sensor 200, and determines a container of a second material based on the number of pulses of the container sensing signal according to the variation of the oscillation signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of a combination of the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Cb connected in parallel to each other via the turn-on of the adjustment switch SW2. In an example, the second oscillation frequency has a lower frequency value than the first oscillation frequency. An example of the container of the second material may include a paramagnetic material cooking container or a non-magnetic cooking container.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the container detection sensor 200 may use the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency to detect the ferromagnetic container, and may use the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency lower than the first oscillation frequency to detect the paramagnetic container. The container detection sensor 200 may periodically perform a process of detecting the container position and the container material using the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency or the second oscillation frequency.[Overall Operation of Container Detection sensor]

[0120] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a plurality of container detection sensors illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a container sensing time point of the container detection sensor illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0121] The operation over time of the container detection sensor 200 of the present disclosure will be described as follows. First, the container detection sensor 200 turns on the driving switch SW1 connected to the sensing coil 143. Then, a predetermined amount of energy from the power voltage Vdd is stored in the sensing coil 143.

[0122] After a predetermined time duration has elapsed, the container detection sensor 200 turns off the driving switch SW1. Then, the oscillation signal that resonates at the first oscillation frequency determined based on the first oscillation capacitor Ca of the oscillation circuit 220 connected in parallel to the sensing coil 143 is output. In this regard, the attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated varies due to the equivalent resistance Req that fluctuates based on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the sensing coil 143 and based on the container material.

[0123] In this regard, the first oscillation frequency is calculated as 1 2 π L eq C . In this regard, C denotes a capacitance value of the first oscillation capacitor Ca, and Leq denotes an equivalent inductance of the sensing coil 143. The attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated due to the equivalent resistance Req of the sensing coil 143 is calculated as R eq 2 C L eq . In one example, the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency is used to sense the ferromagnetic container.

[0124] Next, the container detection sensor 200 filters the DC signal from the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency, compares the filtered oscillation signal with the reference signal, and outputs the container sensing signal according to the comparison result to the controller 500.

[0125] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 determines the container position and the ferromagnetic strength of the ferromagnetic material based on the container sensing signal according to the variation of the oscillation signal that resonates at the first oscillation frequency. Thereafter, the controller 500 may drive the heating coil at the determined position with appropriate power based on the ferromagnetic strength of the ferromagnetic container.

[0126] Next, the container detection sensor 200 turns on the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 to connect the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Cb in parallel with each other, thereby forming an equivalent capacitance.

[0127] Next, the container detection sensor 200 turns on the driving switch SW1 connected to the sensing coil 143. Then, a predetermined amount of energy from the power voltage Vdd is stored in the sensing coil 143.

[0128] After the predetermined time duration has elapsed, the container detection sensor 200 turns off the driving switch SW1. Then, the oscillation signal that resonates at the second oscillation frequency determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and a capacitance of a combination of the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Cb connected in parallel with each other is output. In this regard, the attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated varies due to the equivalent resistance Req fluctuating based on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the sensing coil 143 and based on the container material.

[0129] In this regard, the second oscillation frequency is calculated as 1 2 π L eq C . In this regard, C denotes a capacitance value of a combination of the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Cb connected in parallel to each other, and Leq denotes an equivalent inductance of the sensing coil 143. The attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated due to the equivalent resistance Req of the sensing coil 143 is calculated as R eq 2 C L eq . In one example, the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency is used to sense the paramagnetic container.

[0130] The container detection sensor 200 filters the DC signal from the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency, compares the filtered oscillation signal with the reference signal, and outputs the container sensing signal according to the comparison result to the controller 500.

[0131] The controller 500 determines the container position and the paramagnetic strength of the paramagnetic material based on the container sensing signal according to the variation of the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency. Thereafter, the controller 500 may drive the heating coil at the determined position with appropriate power based on the paramagnetic strength of the paramagnetic container.

[0132] The above container sensing operation may be periodically performed before induction heating and during induction heating when the cooktop is powered on.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 9, while at least one target container detection sensor 200 detects the container using the oscillation signal that freely resonates, each of the remaining container detection sensors discharges the energy charged in the sensing coil 143. In FIG. 9, a first period T1 represents a period for which the sensing coil is charged with the oscillation energy. A second period T2 represents a period for which at least one of the position, size, and material of the container is sensed and determined using the oscillation signal that resonates freely. A third period T3 represents a discharge period for which the energy stored in the sensing coil is discharged.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 9, all each of the plurality of container detection sensors 200 stores the oscillation energy in the sensing coil 143 by turning on the driving switch SW1 during the first period T1 as a sensing period for which the cooking container seated on the cooktop is sensed.

[0135] After a predetermined time duration has elapsed, a target sensor of the plurality of container detection sensors 200 generates the oscillation signal that freely resonates by turning off the driving switch SW1 during the second period T2. In this case, the attenuation amount by which the oscillation signal is attenuated varies due to the equivalent resistance varying based on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the sensing coil and the material of the container. Then, the controller 500 determines at least one of the position, size, and material of the container based on the container sensing signal according to the oscillation signal fluctuating according to the presence or absence of the container and the material of the container.

[0136] After a predetermined time duration has elapsed, each of the remaining sensors maintains the driving switch SW1 at the turned-on state during the third period T3, such that the energy stored in the sensing coil 143 according to the voltage induction is discharged to the ground through the driving switch SW1.

[0137] As described above, the container detection sensor 200 detects the container based on the different oscillation frequencies of the oscillation signal, and the controller 500 determines the container information including at least one of the position, material, shape, and size of the container using the container sensing signal according to the variation of the equivalent resistance Req based on the container material according to the oscillation frequency.

[0138] The magnitude of the variation ratio of the equivalent resistance (Req) based on the oscillation frequency may vary based on the container material. As the value of the variation ratio of the equivalent resistance Req increases, the performance of determining the container may be increased. Thus, the container detection sensor 200 adjusts the oscillation frequency to detect the container during the container sensing period.

[0139] For example, the container detection sensor 200 may detect the ferromagnetic container using a first oscillation frequency. The ferromagnetic container may be made of cast iron or clad. The container detection sensor 200 may detect the paramagnetic container using a second oscillation frequency. In this regard, the second oscillation frequency may be lower than the first oscillation frequency.

[0140] Data on the variation ratio of the equivalent resistance (Req) based on the container material according to the oscillation frequency may be stored in the memory. The controller 500 may determine the container material based on a comparing result of the data determined based on the container sensing signal with the data on the equivalent resistance variation ratio based on the container material stored in the memory.

[0141] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 may simultaneously drive at least a few container detection sensors among the plurality of container detection sensors in one grouped manner.

[0142] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 is illustrated as simultaneously driving the four container detection sensors. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of container detection sensors 200 that are simultaneously driven may be changed according to the size of the top plate 120 of the cooktop 100 or the number of sensing coils 143.

[0143] Each of the container detection sensors 200 includes the container sensing circuit 200a and the sensing output circuit 200b. The container sensing circuits 200a of the container detection sensors 200 may be grouped into a plurality of groups, each group including the four container sensing circuits 200a. The container sensing circuits 200a in one group may simultaneously operate to detect the container.

[0144] In addition, in the present embodiment, each group of the container sensing circuits 200a may share the four sensing output circuits 200b. The four sensing output circuits 200b may be sequentially connected to the container sensing circuits 200a of each group, respectively. In an example, when a first group of container sensing circuits 200a operates, the four sensing output circuits 200b may be connected to the first group of container sensing circuits 200a, and may be disconnected from the remaining groups of sensing output circuits 200b.

[0145] Thereafter, when a second group of the container sensing circuits 200a operates, the four sensing output circuits 200b may be connected to the container sensing circuits 200a of the second group, and may be disconnected from the remaining groups of sensing output circuits 200b. In this manner, the four sensing output circuits 200b may be sequentially connected to each of the groups and output the oscillation signal of each group as the container sensing signal.

[0146] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 controls the container sensing circuits 200a of the four target container detection sensors such that the oscillation energy charged in the four sensing coils 143 of one group freely resonates. In addition, the controller 500 controls the container sensing circuits 200a of the remaining container detection sensors so that the oscillation energy stored in the remaining groups of the sensing coils 143 is discharged.

[0147] In addition, in the present embodiment, the controller 500 sequentially receives the container sensing signal of each group from the four sensing output circuits 200b, and determines the container information including at least one of the position, material, shape, and size of the container based on the container sensing signal.

[0148] In the present embodiment, when the cooktop 100 includes 16 container detection sensors 200, the controller 500 may drive 16 container detection sensors 200 using four input pins and may receive the container sensing signals from the 16 container detection sensors 200 using four output pins.

[0149] As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of input pins and output pins of the controller 500 may be reduced, and thus, the number of wiring disposed between and connected to the elements may be reduced. Accordingly, a space inside the cooktop 100 may be secured.

[0150] The controller 500 provides the driving signal DS for turning on the driving switch SW1 of the oscillation driving circuit 210 to all the container detection sensors 200 during the first period T1. The oscillation driving circuits 210 of all the container detection sensors 200 operate such that the oscillation energy is stored in each of the sensing coils 143 via turning-on of the driving switch SW1.

[0151] After a first time duration has elapsed, the controller 500 provides the driving signal DS for turning off the driving switch SW1 to the oscillation driving circuit 210 of a target container detection sensor during the second period T2. In addition, the controller 500 provides the driving signal DS for maintaining the turned-on state of the driving switch SW1 to the oscillation driving circuits 210 of the remaining container detection sensors during the third period T3.

[0152] The target container detection sensor may be defined as a sensor driven to detect the container. The remaining container detection sensors may be defined as sensors waiting while the target container detection sensor detects the container. The first period T1 may be set as a time duration from a time point at which the oscillation energy is stored in the sensing coil 143 to a time point at which the energy is discharged therefrom as the driving switch SW1 of the oscillation driving circuit 210 is turned on.

[0153] The oscillation circuit 220 of the target container detection sensor generates the oscillation signal that freely resonates via turning-off of the driving switch SW1 of the oscillation driving circuit 210 during the second period T2 under the control of the controller 500. In this regard, the controller 500 may determine the container information including at least one of the position, material, shape, and size of the container based on the container sensing signal according to the oscillation signal varying according to the presence or absence of the container and the container material.

[0154] In addition, according to the control of the controller 500, the oscillation circuits 220 of the remaining container detection sensors discharge the oscillation energy stored in the remaining sensing coils 143 to the ground through the driving switch SW1 via turning-on of the driving switch SW1 during the third period T3. The driving switches SW1 of the oscillation driving circuits 210 of the remaining container detection sensors may be maintained at the turned on state for a second time duration. In this regard, the second period T2 and the third period T3 may be set to a time duration required for the target container detection sensor to detect the container to output the container sensing signal and for the controller 500 to determine the container based on the container sensing signal.

[0155] During the turn-off of the driving switch SW1, the oscillation signal freely resonates, and the container sensing signal may be output in the form of a pulse. In this regard, the container sensing signal may be output so as to vary based on the number of pulses according to the oscillation signal attenuating by the attenuation amount varying due to the equivalent resistance that varies based on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the sensing coil and the material of the container.

[0156] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 may determine the position on the top plate at which the container is seated, the size of the container, and the material of the container based on the container sensing signal output in the form of the pulse.

[0157] In the present embodiment, the controller 500 may control the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 to detect the container using the oscillation signal resonating at the at least two oscillation frequencies to adjust the oscillation frequency.

[0158] The controller 500 may turn off the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 such that the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor Ca is output.

[0159] In addition, the controller 500 may turn on the adjustment switch SW2 of the oscillation circuit 220 such that the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency determined based on the inductance of the sensing coil 143 and the capacitance of the combination of the first oscillation capacitor Ca and the second oscillation capacitor Ca connected in parallel to each other is output. In this regard, the first oscillation frequency may be set to have a value greater than the second oscillation frequency. The oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency may be used to sense the ferromagnetic container, while the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency may be used to sense the paramagnetic container.

[0160] The controller 500 may turn on or display a UI for driving at least one corresponding heating coil among the plurality of heating coils 142, based on the determined position or size of the container, on the control panel 130 such that the user recognizes the UI. In addition, the controller 500 may adjust the intensity of power to be applied to the heating coil 142 so as to vary based on the material of the container. In addition, the controller 500 may turn on or display the UI for heating the container with an appropriate power strength based on the material of the container on the control panel 130 such that the user recognizes the UI.

[0161] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the sensing period may be set to a period including a zero crossing time point of the input voltage applied to the heating coil 142. For example, the sensing period may be set to a period for which the input voltage is lower than a reference voltage and is equal to or greater than zero. In accordance with the present embodiment, the container may be sensed during the sensing period including the zero crossing time point of the input voltage, thereby reducing noise caused by the resonant current and reducing the detection error.

[0162] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a top plate of a cooktop; a heating coil configured to heat a container seated on the top plate using electromagnetic induction; and a plurality of container detection sensors configured to detect the container seated on the top plate, wherein the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the plurality of units is composed of at least two container detection sensors, wherein the container detection sensors of each unit simultaneously operate.

[0163] In accordance with one embodiment, the container detection sensors of each unit may be connected to a controller via each input line, and simultaneously drive at least two sensing coils corresponding thereto in response to each driving signal applied thereto through each input line.

[0164] In accordance with one embodiment, the container detection sensors of each unit may be connected to the controller via each output line, and simultaneously output container detection signals thereof to the controller via each output line.

[0165] In accordance with one embodiment, the container detection sensor may include an oscillation circuit, and may be configured to detect the container using an oscillation signal resonating at an oscillation frequency determined based on an inductance of a sensing coil and a capacitance of the oscillation circuit.

[0166] In accordance with one embodiment, the oscillation circuit may include a plurality of capacitors, and may be configured to connect at least one of the plurality of capacitors to the sensing coil to adjust the oscillation frequency.

[0167] In accordance with one embodiment, the container detection sensor may be configured to: sense a container made of a first material using the oscillation signal resonating at a first oscillation frequency; and sense a container made of a material having weaker magnetism than magnetism of the first material using the oscillation signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency lower than the first oscillation frequency.

[0168] In accordance with one embodiment, while the at least two container detection sensors of one of the plurality of units simultaneously sense the container, each of the container detection sensors of each of the other units thereof may discharge energy stored in a corresponding sensing coil.

[0169] In accordance with one embodiment, each of the plurality of container detection sensors may be configured to sense the container for a sensing period including a zero crossing time point of an input voltage to be applied to the heating coil.

[0170] In accordance with one embodiment, the sensing period may be set to a period for which the input voltage may be lower than a reference voltage and may be equal to or greater than zero.

[0171] In accordance with one embodiment, each of the plurality of container detection sensors may include: an oscillation circuit including at least one capacitor and configured to generate an oscillation signal resonating at an oscillation frequency determined based on a sensing coil and the at least one capacitor; an oscillation driving circuit including a driving switch and configured to drive the driving switch such that oscillation energy may be stored in the sensing coil or the oscillation signal freely resonates according to switching operation of the driving switch; and a sensing output circuit configured to filter an DC component from the oscillation signal, compare the filtered oscillation signal with a reference signal, and output a container sensing signal based on the comparison result.

[0172] In accordance with one embodiment, the oscillation circuit may include: a first oscillation capacitor connected in parallel to the sensing coil; a second oscillation capacitor connected in parallel to the first oscillation capacitor; and an adjustment switch configured to selectively connect the second oscillation capacitor and the first oscillation capacitor in a parallel manner to each other according to switching operation thereof to adjust a capacitance of the oscillation circuit.

[0173] In accordance with one embodiment, the oscillation driving circuit may include: a first resistor having one end connected to a power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the sensing coil and the oscillation circuit; a first diode having an anode electrode connected to the sensing coil and the oscillation circuit and a cathode electrode connected to the driving switch; and the driving switch including a first electrode connected to the cathode electrode of the first diode, a second electrode connected to a ground voltage terminal, and a gate electrode connected to a terminal receiving a driving signal.

[0174] In accordance with one embodiment, the oscillation driving circuit further may include: a second resistor disposed between and connected to the terminal receiving the driving signal and the gate electrode of the driving switch; a third resistor and a first capacitor connected in parallel to each other and disposed between and connected to the gate electrode of the driving switch and the ground voltage terminal; and a second capacitor having one end connected to the anode electrode of the first diode and the other end connected to the sensing output circuit.

[0175] In accordance with one embodiment, the sensing output circuit may include: an DC blocking circuit configured to block an DC signal included in the oscillation signal, adjust a time constant of the oscillation signal, and output the adjusted oscillation signal; and a comparison circuit configured to compare the adjusted oscillation signal with a reference signal and output a container detection signal based on a result of the comparison.

[0176] In accordance with one embodiment, the DC blocking circuit may include: a fourth resistor having one end connected to an output terminal of the oscillation driving circuit and the other end connected to the third capacitor; a third capacitor having one end connected to the other end of the fourth resistor and the other end connected to an input terminal of the comparison circuit; a first inductor having one end connected to a first power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the other end of the third capacitor; a fourth capacitor having one end connected to the first power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the ground voltage terminal; a second diode having an anode electrode connected to the ground voltage terminal and a cathode electrode connected to a node between the third capacitor and the comparison circuit; and a third diode having an anode electrode connected to the node between the third capacitor and the comparison circuit and a cathode electrode connected to a second power voltage terminal.

[0177] In accordance with one embodiment, the comparison circuit may include a comparator having a negative input terminal connected to the third capacitor of the DC blocking circuit and a positive input terminal connected to the first power voltage terminal, a fifth resistor connected to and disposed between the first power voltage terminal and the positive input terminal, a sixth resistor connected to and disposed between the positive input terminal of the comparator and an output terminal of the comparator, and a seventh resistor connected to and disposed between the first power voltage terminal and the output terminal of the comparator.

[0178] In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of oscillation driving circuits of the plurality of container detection sensors may be modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the units is composed of at least two oscillation driving circuits which are connected to the controller via each input line and the oscillation driving circuits of each unit are simultaneously driven.

[0179] In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of sensing output circuits of the plurality of container detection sensors may be modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the units is composed of at least two sensing output circuits which are connected to the controller via each output line and at least two container sensing signals thereof are simultaneously output.

[0180] In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of heating coils and a plurality of sensing coils may be formed in a PCB pattern coil assembly composed of a plurality of PCB layers.

[0181] In accordance with one embodiment, the sensing coil pattern may be formed in at least two of the plurality of PCB layers, and the heating coil pattern may be formed in another PCB layer in which the sensing coil pattern is not formed.

[0182] In accordance with one embodiment, a supporter for supporting the PCB pattern coil assembly thereon may be further included in the home appliance.

[0183] In accordance with one embodiment, the supporter may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open lower side.

[0184] In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of ferrite cores may be installed on an upper surface of the supporter, and the PCB pattern coil assembly may be installed on top of the plurality of ferrite cores.

[0185] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments may be derived therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present disclosure should be determined based on the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]The above-described purposes, features, and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present disclosure. In the description of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of a known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0035]Although the first, second, and the like are used to describe various components, it is obvious that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to disting...

Claims

1. A home appliance comprising: a top plate; a heating coil configured to heat a container seated on the top plate using electromagnetic induction; and a plurality of container detection sensors configured to detect the container seated on the top plate, wherein the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into a plurality of units such that each of the plurality of units is composed of at least two container detection sensors, wherein the container detection sensors of each unit simultaneously operate.

2. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein the container detection sensors of each unit are connected to a controller via each input line, and simultaneously drive at least two sensing coils corresponding thereto in response to each driving signal applied thereto through each input line.

3. The home appliance of claim 2, wherein the container detection sensors of each unit are connected to the controller via each output line, and simultaneously output container detection signals thereof to the controller via each output line.

4. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein the container detection sensor includes an oscillation circuit, and is configured to detect the container using an oscillation signal resonating at an oscillation frequency determined based on an inductance of a sensing coil and a capacitance of the oscillation circuit.

5. The home appliance of claim 4, wherein the oscillation circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, and is configured to connect at least one of the plurality of capacitors to the sensing coil to adjust the oscillation frequency.

6. The home appliance of claim 5, wherein the container detection sensor is configured to: sense a container made of a first material using the oscillation signal resonating at a first oscillation frequency; and sense a container made of a material having weaker magnetism than magnetism of the first material using the oscillation signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency lower than the first oscillation frequency.

7. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein while the at least two container detection sensors of one of the plurality of units simultaneously sense the container, each of the container detection sensors of each of the other units thereof discharges energy stored in a corresponding sensing coil.

8. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of container detection sensors is configured to sense the container for a sensing period including a zero crossing time point of an input voltage to be applied to the heating coil.

9. The home appliance of claim 8, wherein the sensing period is set to a period for which the input voltage is lower than a reference voltage and is equal to or greater than zero.

10. The home appliance of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of container detection sensors includes: an oscillation circuit including at least one capacitor and configured to generate an oscillation signal resonating at an oscillation frequency determined based on a sensing coil and the at least one capacitor; an oscillation driving circuit including a driving switch and configured to drive the driving switch such that oscillation energy is stored in the sensing coil or the oscillation signal freely resonates according to switching operation of the driving switch; and a sensing output circuit configured to filter an DC component from the oscillation signal, compare the filtered oscillation signal with a reference signal, and output a container sensing signal based on the comparison result.

11. The home appliance of claim 10, wherein the oscillation circuit includes: a first oscillation capacitor connected in parallel to the sensing coil; a second oscillation capacitor connected in parallel to the first oscillation capacitor; and an adjustment switch configured to selectively connect the second oscillation capacitor and the first oscillation capacitor in a parallel manner to each other according to switching operation thereof to adjust a capacitance of the oscillation circuit.

12. The home appliance of claim 10, wherein the oscillation driving circuit includes: a first resistor having one end connected to a power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the sensing coil and the oscillation circuit; a first diode having an anode electrode connected to the sensing coil and the oscillation circuit and a cathode electrode connected to the driving switch; and the driving switch including a first electrode connected to the cathode electrode of the first diode, a second electrode connected to a ground voltage terminal, and a gate electrode connected to a terminal receiving a driving signal.

13. The home appliance of claim 12, wherein the oscillation driving circuit further includes: a second resistor disposed between and connected to the terminal receiving the driving signal and the gate electrode of the driving switch; a third resistor and a first capacitor connected in parallel to each other and disposed between and connected to the gate electrode of the driving switch and the ground voltage terminal; and a second capacitor having one end connected to the anode electrode of the first diode and the other end connected to the sensing output circuit.

14. The home appliance of claim 10, wherein the sensing output circuit includes: an DC blocking circuit configured to block an DC signal included in the oscillation signal, adjust a time constant of the oscillation signal, and output the adjusted oscillation signal; and a comparison circuit configured to compare the adjusted oscillation signal with a reference signal and output a container detection signal based on a result of the comparison.

15. The home appliance of claim 14, wherein the DC blocking circuit includes: a fourth resistor having one end connected to an output terminal of the oscillation driving circuit and the other end connected to the third capacitor; a third capacitor having one end connected to the other end of the fourth resistor and the other end connected to an input terminal of the comparison circuit; a first inductor having one end connected to a first power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the other end of the third capacitor; a fourth capacitor having one end connected to the first power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the ground voltage terminal; a second diode having an anode electrode connected to the ground voltage terminal and a cathode electrode connected to a node between the third capacitor and the comparison circuit; and a third diode having an anode electrode connected to the node between the third capacitor and the comparison circuit and a cathode electrode connected to a second power voltage terminal.

Images