Coil device

Abstract

To make the coil device more compact. [Solution] The coil device 1 comprises a plurality of conductors 2 and a magnetic material part 3. The plurality of conductors 2 are connected to a plurality of input terminals 8 and at least one output terminal 9, and function as inductors. The magnetic material part 3 is provided around the plurality of conductors 2 and allows adjustment of the inductance of the conductors 2. Each of the plurality of conductors 2 comprises a first coil part 21 connected to the input terminal 8 and a second coil part 22 connected to the output terminal 9. The magnetic material part 3 comprises a first magnetic material part 4 and a second magnetic material part 5. The first magnetic material part 4 surrounds the first coil part 21 and functions as its own inductance. The second magnetic material part 5 surrounds the second coil part 22 and functions as its mutual inductance.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a coil device.

Background Art

[0002] A coil device may be used as an inductor in a power supply circuit that supplies power to devices constituting a server device. <00000!0>In a server device, a multi-phase VR (Voltage Regulator) is adopted to meet the requirement of low voltage and high current. Also, in order to speed up the dynamic response to a rapid load transient, a circuit configuration called TLVR (Trans-Inductor Voltage Regulators) has been proposed. As an inductor used in this circuit, for example, the coil device of Patent Document 1 is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which two conductors used as a primary winding and a secondary winding are arranged inside a magnetic core as a coil device applicable to TLVR. The coil device can be regarded as a 1:1 transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. In TLVR, by connecting the secondary windings of the coil devices of each phase in a series loop, it is possible to simultaneously supply power to each phase, and an excellent load transient response can be obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In coil devices with two conductors, it is necessary to ensure insulation between the conductors, and furthermore, input and output terminals are provided for each conductor, which tends to increase the external dimensions. In addition, since it is necessary to mount a number of coil devices corresponding to the number of phases of the TLVR on the power supply circuit board, the layout constraints on the board tend to be significant.

[0005] In coil devices, there is a need to ensure a reliable load transient response when applied to multi-phase VR inductors, while also making the coil device more compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A coil device in one aspect of the present invention is Multiple input terminals and at least one output terminal are connected to multiple conductors that function as inductors, A coil device comprising a magnetic material portion provided around the plurality of conductors, which is capable of adjusting the inductance of the conductors, The conductor comprises a first coil section connected to the input terminal and a second coil section connected to the output terminal. The aforementioned magnetic material portion is A first magnetic material surrounds the first coil portion and functions as a self-inductance, The device comprises a second magnetic material portion that surrounds the second coil portion and functions as mutual inductance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure a load transient response when applied to a multi-phase VR inductor, while also making the coil device more compact. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a coil device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the coil device. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the coil device. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the coil device as seen from the direction of arrow A in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a circuit diagram illustrating the electrical characteristics of a coil device. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the magnetic material portion of the coil device according to Modification 1. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the configuration of the coil device according to Modification 2. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view of the coil device. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along the diagonal. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged view showing the slit formed in the second coil section. [Figure 11] This is a bottom view of the magnetic material. [Figure 12] This figure shows the magnetic material portion of the coil device according to Modification 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a coil device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the coil device 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of the coil device 1. In Figure 3, the positions of holes 45 and 55 when viewed from the Z direction are indicated by dashed hatching lines. Figure 4 is a side view of the coil device 1 as seen from the direction of arrow A in Figure 1. In Figure 4, the regions including holes 45 and 55 are broken to show a partial cross-section.

[0010] Hereafter, the positional relationships of each part of the coil device 1 will be explained using the X direction (first direction), Y direction (third direction), and Z direction (second direction) shown in each figure. The Z direction corresponds to the vertical line direction (gravity direction) with the coil device 1 placed on a horizontal plane. In the following description, one side of the Z direction is referred to as "up" and the other side as "down". Note that the coil device 1 may be mounted on a substrate in a direction different from that shown in the figure. The expressions "up" or "down" in the following description are used solely for the convenience of explanation. The X direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z direction, and the Y direction is a direction perpendicular to both the Z direction and the X direction. One side in the X direction is designated as the "X1 side", and the other side as the "X2 side". One side in the Y direction is designated as the "Y1 side", and the other side as the "Y2 side".

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the coil device 1 includes a conductor 2 and a magnetic body portion 3. The conductor 2 functions as an inductor that stores magnetic energy when an electric current flows through it and discharges the magnetic energy when the electric current is interrupted. The magnetic body portion 3 is provided around the conductor 2 and adjusts the inductance of the conductor 2.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the conductor 2 is connected to a plurality of input terminals 8 and at least one output terminal 9. The number of input terminals 8 is not limited. For example, the number can be set according to the number of phases of a power circuit to which the coil device 1 is applied as an inductor. The conductor 2 can be provided with the same number as the input terminals 8. The number of output terminals 9 is not limited. For example, the number can be set to be less than the number of input terminals 8.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows an example in which the coil device 1 includes four input terminals 8 and one output terminal 9. The coil device 1 includes four conductors 2 connected to each of the four input terminals 8. The four conductors 2 are connected to one output terminal 9. In this case, the coil device 1 can supply the electric current input from each of the four input terminals 8 to the same electrical component via the output terminal 9. The coil device 1 of the present embodiment can be suitably applied to, for example, a multi-phase VR (Voltage Regulator) of a server device that requires a low voltage and a large current.

[0014] Hereafter, when describing the four conductors 2 separately, they will be referred to as "conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d," respectively. When they are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "conductor 2." The conductor 2 can be, for example, made by pressing copper or a copper alloy into a thin sheet with a thickness of about 0.1 to 2.0 mm. As shown in Figure 3, the four conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are aligned in the Y direction, with their respective longitudinal directions aligned along the X direction. Figure 3 shows a line segment L1 that passes through the center of the coil device 1 in the Y direction and is aligned with the X direction. In the coil device 1, conductors 2a and 2b are arranged symmetrically with respect to line segment L1, with conductors 2c and 2d being arranged symmetrically with respect to line segment L1, on the Y1 side of line segment L1 and on the Y2 side of line segment L1.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the conductor 2 comprises a first coil section 21, a second coil section 22, and a conductor path section 23. The first coil section 21 and the second coil section 22 are arranged on the X1 side and X2 side, respectively, in the X direction. The first coil section 21 and the second coil section 22 are provided in a direction along the Z direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The conductor path section 23 is provided between the first coil section 21 and the second coil section 22 in the X direction and is arranged in a direction along the X direction. The end 23a (one end) on the X1 side of the conductor path section 23 is connected to the upper end of the first coil section 21, and the end 23b (the other end) on the X2 side is connected to the upper end of the second coil section 22.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the first coil portions 21 of conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are arranged with a gap D1 between them in the Y direction. Each first coil portion 21 has a width W1 in the Y direction. The second coil sections 22 of conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are arranged with a spacing D2 between them in the Y direction. Each second coil section 22 has a width W2 in the Y direction. The spacing D2 is shorter than the spacing D1, and the width W2 is shorter than the width W1 (D2 <D1、W2<W1)。 In other words, when viewed from the X direction, the first coil portions 21 of conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are spaced apart from each other, while the second coil portions 22 of conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are positioned close together in the Y direction. When viewed from the X direction, the first coil portions 21 and the second coil portions 22 of the same conductor 2 are offset in the Y direction.

[0017] The conductor section 23 has a bent section 23c that connects the first coil section 21 and the second coil section 22, which are arranged at an offset. The bent portion 23c bends in a direction approaching the line segment L1, from the end 23a of the conductor path portion 23 connected to the first coil portion 21 toward the end 23b connected to the second coil portion 22. Figure 3 shows line segments La and Lb along the bent portions 23c of conductors 2a and 2b. Line segments La and Lb are parallel to each other, and line segment Lb is offset towards X2 from line segment La. In other words, the bent portions 23c of conductors 2a and 2b are offset from each other to avoid interference.

[0018] The bent portions 23c of conductors 2c and 2d are provided symmetrically with respect to the bent portions 23c of conductors 2a and 2b, with line segment L1 in between. Similarly, the bent portions 23c of conductors 2c and 2d are also offset to avoid interference with each other.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the input terminal 8 has a terminal section 81 (first terminal section) that is connected to an external terminal, and a connection section 82 (first connection section) that connects the terminal section 81 to the first coil section 21. The connecting portion 82 is connected to the lower end of the first coil portion 21 on the X2 side and to the terminal portion 81 on the X1 side. The terminal portion 81 is provided bent upward in the Z direction from the connecting portion 82. As shown in Figure 3, the input terminal 8 has, for example, the same width W1 in the Y direction as the first coil section 21.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the output terminal 9 has a terminal section 91 (second terminal section) that is connected to an external terminal, and a connection section 92 (second connection section) that connects the terminal section 91 to the second coil section 22. The connecting portion 92 is connected to the lower end of the second coil portion 22 on the X1 side and to the terminal portion 91 on the X2 side. The terminal portion 91 is provided bent in the Z direction from the connecting portion 92. The output terminal 9 is connected to all of the second coil sections 22 of conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Therefore, the output terminal 9 is wider than the second coil sections 22 and overlaps the four second coil sections 22 when viewed from the X direction. As shown in Figure 3, the width W3 of the output terminal 9 in the Y direction is set based on the width W2 of the four second coil sections 22 and the spacing D2 between each second coil section 22, for example, as shown in the following formula. W3 ≥ W2 × 4 + D2 × 3

[0021] The input terminal 8 and output terminal 9 can be molded as an integral part with the conductor 2, for example. In this case, the input terminal 8 and output terminal 9 can be formed by bending or other processes applied to the conductor 2. Since the multiple conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are connected to each other via a single output terminal 9, they can be treated as a single component. The input terminal 8 and output terminal 9 may be provided as separate components from the conductor 2 and joined to the conductor 2 with solder or the like.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the magnetic material portion 3 comprises a first magnetic material portion 4 and a second magnetic material portion 5. The magnetic material part 3 can be constructed, for example, using a gapped ferrite of the NiZn or MnZn type with an effective permeability of about 20 to 200, or a metal powder molded body of the Fe-Si or Fe-Ni type. The first magnetic material part 4 and the second magnetic material part 5 are each selected for their materials and dimensions to have the effective permeability necessary for adjusting the inductance as described later. The second magnetic material part 5 can be designed to have a higher effective permeability than the first magnetic material part 4.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the first magnetic material portion 4 and the second magnetic material portion 5 can each be formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example. The first magnetic material portion 4 and the second magnetic material portion 5 are arranged side by side in the X direction, and the X2 side surface 42 of the first magnetic material portion 4 and the X1 side surface 51 of the second magnetic material portion 5 are joined together. The first magnetic material portion 4 and the second magnetic material portion 5 can, for example, have the same height in the Z direction. As a result, the upper surfaces 43, 53 and the lower surfaces 44, 54 of the first magnetic material portion 4 and the second magnetic material portion 5 each form a continuous flat surface, and the entire magnetic material portion 3 forms a single rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the first magnetic material portion 4 is provided with a plurality of holes 45 (first holes) through which the first coil portions 21 of the conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are inserted. The holes 45 are provided penetrating the first magnetic material portion 4 in the Z direction and are open to the upper surface 43 and the bottom surface 44 of the first magnetic material portion 4. The holes 45 are provided in a number corresponding to the number of conductors 2. In the illustrated example, four holes 45 are provided, corresponding to conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

[0025] In Figure 3, the region where the holes 45 are formed is indicated by dashed hatching. As shown in Figure 3, the holes 45 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The spacing between the holes 45 corresponds to the spacing D1 between the first coil sections 21. The width of the holes 45 in the Y direction corresponds to the width W1 of the first coil section 21 in the Y direction. As shown in Figure 4, the width of the holes 45 in the X direction corresponds to the width W4 of the first coil section 21 in the X direction. When the first coil portions 21 of the conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are inserted into the holes 45, they are isolated from the other first coil portions 21 and surrounded by the first magnetic material portion 4.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the second magnetic material portion 5 is provided with a hole 55 (second hole) through which the second coil portions 22 of the conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are inserted. The hole 55 is provided penetrating the second magnetic material portion 5 in the Z direction and is open to the upper surface 53 and the bottom surface 54 of the second magnetic material portion 5. In Figure 3, the region where the hole 55 is formed is indicated by dashed hatching. The hole 55 is through which the second coil portions 22 of multiple conductors 2 are inserted together. That is, the number of second coil portions inserted into the hole 55 is the same as the number of conductors 2. In the illustrated example, the second coil portions 22 of four conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are inserted together into one hole 55.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the hole 55 is provided so as to intersect the line segment L1 passing through the center of the second magnetic material 5 in the Y direction in the X direction. The width W3 of the hole 55 in the Y direction can be set based on the width W2 of each second coil portion 22 and the spacing D2 between the conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, for example, as shown in the following formula. W3 ≥ W2 × 4 + D2 × 3

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the width of the hole 55 in the X direction is aligned with the width W5 of the second coil portion 22 in the X direction. As shown in Figure 3, when the second coil portions 22 of the conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are inserted together into the hole 55, the second coil portions 22 are in close proximity to each other and surrounded by the second magnetic material portion 5.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the conductor path portion 23 of the conductor 2 is arranged along the upper surfaces 43 and 53 of the first magnetic material portion 4 and the second magnetic material portion 5. The X1-side end 23a of the conductor path 23 is positioned along the upper surface 43 of the first magnetic material 4 and connects to the upper end of the first coil portion 21 exposed at the upper opening of the hole 45. The bent portion 23c of the conductor path 23 connected to end 23a crosses the upper surfaces 43 and 53 of the first magnetic material 4 and the second magnetic material 5 from the X1 side to the X2 side and connects to end 23b on the upper surface 53 of the second magnetic material 5. End 23b connects to the upper end of the second coil portion 22 exposed at the upper opening of the hole 55.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the connection portion 82 of the input terminal 8 is positioned along the bottom surface 44 of the first magnetic material portion 4. On the X2 side, the connection portion 82 connects to the lower end of the first coil portion 21 exposed at the lower opening of the hole portion 45. The connection portion 82 extends along the bottom surface 44 of the first magnetic material portion 4 in the X direction and connects to the terminal portion 81 at the X1 side end of the bottom surface 44. The terminal portion 81, which bends upward in the Z direction from the connection portion 82, is positioned along the X1 side surface 41 of the first magnetic material portion 4.

[0031] The connection portion 92 of the output terminal 9 is positioned along the bottom surface 54 of the second magnetic material portion 5. The connection portion 92 is connected to the lower end of the second coil portion 22, which is exposed at the lower opening of the hole portion 55. The connection portion 92 extends in the X direction along the bottom surface 54 of the second magnetic material portion 5 and connects to the terminal portion 91 at the X2 side end of the bottom surface 54. The terminal portion 91, which bends upward in the Z direction from the connection portion 92, is positioned along the X2 side surface 52 of the second magnetic material portion 5. The conductor 2, input terminal 8, and output terminal 9 can be joined together with solder or the like after being assembled to the magnetic body part 3.

[0032] When manufacturing the coil device 1, for example, the first magnetic body part 4 and the second magnetic body part 5 are joined together to form the magnetic body part 3, and the conductor 2 is assembled to the magnetic body part 3. The assembly of the conductor 2 to the magnetic body part 3 is performed before the bending of the input terminal 8 and output terminal 9. The first coil portion 21 and the second coil portion 22 of the conductor 2 are inserted through the holes 45 and 55 from the upper surfaces 43 and 53 of the first magnetic material portion 4 and the second magnetic material portion 5. The conductor path portion 23 is arranged along the upper surfaces 43 and 53 of the first magnetic material portion 4 and the second magnetic material portion 5.

[0033] The input terminal 8 protruding from the hole 45 is bent towards X1 along the bottom surface 44 of the first magnetic material part 4 to form a connection part 82. At the X1-side end of the bottom surface 44, the input terminal 8 is bent in the Z direction to form a terminal part 81. The output terminal 9 protruding from the hole 55 is bent towards X1 along the bottom surface 54 of the second magnetic material portion 5 to form a connection portion 82. At the X2 side end of the bottom surface 54, the input terminal 8 is bent in the Z direction to form a terminal portion 91. As mentioned above, the input terminal 8 and output terminal 9 can also be provided as separate components from the conductor 2. In this case, before assembling the conductor 2, a plating layer (not shown) which will become the input terminal 8 and output terminal 9 is formed on the first magnetic body part 4 and the second magnetic body part 5. Subsequently, the first coil part 21 and the second coil part 22 of the conductor 2 are inserted through the holes 45 and 55, and joined to the input terminal 8 and output terminal 9 formed as the plating layer with solder or the like.

[0034] The operation of the coil device 1 of this embodiment will now be explained. Figure 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating the electrical characteristics of the coil device 1. As shown in Figure 5, current is input to each of the conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d of the coil device 1 via the input terminal 8. The conductor 2 has a portion surrounded by the first magnetic material portion 4 (first coil portion 21) and a portion surrounded by the second magnetic material portion 5 (second coil portion 22). As a result, two dielectric coil portions (first coil portion 21 and second coil portion 22) are formed in one conductor 2. The conductor path portion 23 connecting the first coil portion 21 and the second coil portion 22 functions as a DC resistor, as shown in Figure 5.

[0035] As described above, the first magnetic material section 4 and the second magnetic material section 5 are made of materials and dimensionally designed to allow adjustment of the inductances of the first coil section 21 and the second coil section 22, respectively, and have different effective permeability. Specifically, the first coil portion 21 of the conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is adjusted to a coupling coefficient K=0 by the first magnetic material portion 4 and functions as a self-inductance. When multiple conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are arranged side by side, the coupling coefficient K between adjacent conductors 2 tends to be large, while the coupling coefficient K between distant conductors 2 tends to be small. In this embodiment, in order to suppress variations in the coupling coefficient K of the first coil portions 21 of conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, the effective permeability, magnetic material, dimensions, etc. of the first magnetic material portion 4 are adjusted to make the coupling coefficient as small as possible. Furthermore, the first coil portions 21 of each conductor 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are arranged spaced apart from each other and individually surrounded by holes 45 (see Figure 3). As a result, the influence of the magnetic properties of adjacent conductors 2 on the first coil portions 21 of conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is suppressed, and they can function as self-inductance.

[0036] On the other hand, the second coil section 22 is adjusted to a coupling coefficient K=1 by the second magnetic material and functions as a mutual inductance. The second magnetic material is adjusted in terms of magnetic material, dimensions, etc., to have a higher effective permeability than the first magnetic material in order to increase the coupling coefficient of the second coil section 22. Furthermore, the second coil portions 22 of conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are arranged in close proximity to each other, and the entire second coil portion 22 is surrounded by the hole portion 55 (see Figure 3). This increases the coupling coefficient K between the second coil portions 22 of conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, allowing them to magnetically couple and function as mutual inductance.

[0037] The coil device 1 of this embodiment can be suitably used as an inductor for a DC-DC converter that constitutes a power supply circuit. In power supply circuits that supply power to electrical components such as ICs (Integrated Circuits) of server equipment, miniaturization tends to reduce the power supply voltage while increasing the current consumption. To meet such low-voltage, high-current requirements, a multi-phase VR (variable resistor) that makes the DC-DC converter multi-phase is employed in the power supply circuit.

[0038] In a DC-DC converter, the inductor is connected to a switch that turns the current in each phase ON and OFF. When the switch is turned ON, current flows through the inductor, storing magnetic field energy. When the switch is turned OFF, the inductor discharges the stored energy. In a multi-phase VR, by repeatedly turning the switches of each phase ON and OFF according to the required output voltage, a large current can be continuously supplied to the processor and other components.

[0039] In server equipment, it is necessary to supply current while suppressing fluctuations in output voltage even when the current load changes rapidly. Therefore, multi-phase VRs require responsiveness to high-speed load fluctuations. However, if switching between each phase takes time, it may not be possible to sufficiently suppress fluctuations in output voltage. To improve responsiveness to high-speed load fluctuations, TLVRs (Trans-Inductor Voltage Regulators) add a secondary winding to the inductor of each phase, creating a 1:1 transformer with primary and secondary windings. The secondary windings of each phase are then connected in a series loop. As a result, when there is a sudden increase in power demand, the TLVR increases the output current of the phase that is switched ON, and the inductor of that phase works in conjunction with the inductor of the phase that is switched OFF, supplying current at the same time. This allows for high load transient response while suppressing fluctuations in output voltage during high-speed load changes.

[0040] However, the coil device used as an inductor in a TLVR requires that the two conductors, which will form the primary and secondary windings of the inductor, be arranged within a magnetic core while ensuring mutual insulation (see Patent Document 1). Furthermore, since input and output terminals are provided for each of the two conductors, the external dimensions of the coil device tend to be large. Furthermore, because the power supply circuit board needs to accommodate a number of coil devices corresponding to the number of phases in the TLVR, the layout constraints on the board tend to be significant.

[0041] The coil device 1 of this embodiment has a compact configuration that does not use a secondary winding, and when used as an inductor for a multiphase VR, it can obtain a high load transient response similar to that of a TLVR.

[0042] When the coil device 1 of this embodiment is used as an inductor for a multiphase VR, the input terminals 8 connected to conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are connected to the switches of each phase. In addition, the output terminals 9 to which conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are connected are connected to the electrical components that supply current. The coil device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a first coil section 21 that functions as self-inductance and a second coil section 22 that functions as mutual inductance in the conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. In other words, the coil device 1 of this embodiment is configured to magnetically couple the conductors of each phase with a secondary winding, as in a TLVR, using the second coil section 22. As a result, when a sudden increase in power demand occurs, the coil device 1, similar to a TLVR, allows the inductor in the ON phase to work in conjunction with the inductor in the OFF phase to supply current to the electronic equipment at the same time. This enables high load transient response while suppressing output voltage fluctuations during high-speed load changes.

[0043] Furthermore, the coil device 1 of this embodiment does not require a conductor to form a secondary winding, unlike the coil device of a TLVR. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure space for two conductors in the coil device 1, provide input and output terminals for each conductor, or ensure insulation between the two conductors. This allows the external dimensions of the coil device 1 to be reduced, resulting in a compact configuration. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coil device 1 has conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d corresponding to multiple phases assembled into a single magnetic body section 3. In other words, inductors corresponding to multiple phases are integrated into a single module. This eliminates the need to assemble a separate coil device for each phase on the circuit board, as is the case with coil devices for TLVRs. This increases the flexibility of the layout on the circuit board and reduces the man-hours required to assemble the coil device 1 onto the circuit board.

[0044] As described above, the coil device 1 described in the embodiment has, for example, the following configuration. (1) The coil device 1 comprises a plurality of conductors 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a magnetic material part 3. Multiple conductors 2 are connected to multiple input terminals 8 and at least one output terminal 9, and function as inductors. The magnetic material portion 3 is provided around multiple conductors 2, and the inductance of the conductors 2 can be adjusted. Each of the multiple conductors 2 comprises a first coil section 21 connected to the input terminal 8 and a second coil section 22 connected to the output terminal 9. The magnetic material portion 3 comprises a first magnetic material portion 4 and a second magnetic material portion 5. The first magnetic material portion 4 surrounds the first coil portion 21 and functions as a self-inductance. The second magnetic material portion 5 surrounds the second coil portion 22 and functions as mutual inductance.

[0045] This configuration ensures a reliable load transient response when the coil device 1 is applied to the inductor of a multi-phase VR, while also allowing the coil device 1 to be made more compact. The coil device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a first coil section 21 that functions as self-inductance and a second coil section 22 that functions as mutual inductance and is magnetically coupled with a second coil section 22 of another conductor 2. When the coil device 1 is applied to the inductor of a multi-phase VR, it can increase the output current of the phase in which the switch is ON in response to a sudden increase in current demand, and the inductor of that phase can supply current at the same timing in conjunction with the magnetically coupled inductors of other phases. This allows the system to respond to high-speed load fluctuations in a shorter time than the switching time required for each phase of the switch, thus enabling high load transient response while suppressing output voltage fluctuations.

[0046] Furthermore, unlike conventional coil devices 1 for TLVRs, the coil device 1 of this embodiment does not require a second conductor to be provided in each phase as a secondary winding, thus allowing the coil device 1 to be made more compact. This reduces the area occupied by the coil device 1 on the power supply circuit board, thereby increasing the flexibility of the circuit component layout. Furthermore, since the coil device 1 of this embodiment integrates inductors corresponding to multiple phases into a single module, it further increases the freedom of layout on the circuit board and also simplifies the assembly of the coil device 1 onto the circuit board.

[0047] (2) In the coil device 1 of (1) above, The second magnetic material portion 5 has a side surface 51 on the X1 side (one side) in the X direction that is connected to the side surface 42 on the X2 side (the other side) of the first magnetic material portion 4 in the X direction. The first magnetic material portion 4 is provided with a hole 45 (first hole) through which the first coil portion 21 is inserted, along the Z direction (second direction) perpendicular to the X direction. The second magnetic material portion 5 is provided with a hole 55 (second hole portion) through which the second coil portion 22 is inserted, along the Z direction. The conductor 2 includes a conductor path section 23. The conductor path section 23 is positioned on the upper surfaces 43 and 53 of the first magnetic material section 4 and the second magnetic material section 5, which are the upper (one side) surfaces in the Z direction. The conductor path section 23 is connected to the first coil section 21 at its X1 side (one end) end 23a in the X direction and to the second coil section 22 at its X2 side (other end) end 23b.

[0048] With this configuration, the first coil section 21 and the second coil section 22 are spaced apart from each other and are arranged inside the first magnetic material section 4 and the second magnetic material section 5. This makes the coil device 1 more compact and reduces the mutual influence of the magnetic fluxes of the first coil section 21 and the second coil section 22, allowing for appropriate adjustment of the inductance. Furthermore, in this configuration, the conductor path 23 can be arranged such that only one side contacts the upper surfaces 43 and 53 of the magnetic material 3. This reduces the induction of magnetic energy in the conductor path 23 and minimizes its impact on magnetic properties such as inductance. Additionally, by aligning the conductor path 23 along the upper surfaces 43 and 53 of the magnetic material 3, it is possible to increase the size of the coil device 1 while minimizing the increase in size due to the conductor path 23, thereby ensuring a larger area for the conductor path 23. This allows for a reduction in the DC resistance of the conductor 2 and also improves the thermal coupling between the conductor 2 and external heat dissipation mechanisms such as heat sinks.

[0049] (3) In the coil device 1 of (2) above, The input terminal 8 and output terminal 9 can be integrally molded with the conductor 2. The input terminal 8 has a terminal section 81 (first terminal section) and a connection section 82 (first terminal section). The terminal portion 81 is located on the side surface 41 of the first magnetic material portion 4 on the X1 side in the X direction, The connecting portion 82 is located on the bottom surface 44, which is the other side of the first magnetic material portion 4 in the Z direction, and connects the terminal portion 81 and the first coil portion 21. The output terminal 9 has a terminal section 91 (second terminal section) and a connection section 92 (second connection section). The terminal portion 91 is positioned on the side surface 52 of the second magnetic material portion 5 on the X2 side in the X direction. The connecting portion 92 is located on the bottom surface 54 of the second magnetic material portion 5, which is the other side in the second direction, and connects the terminal portion 91 and the second coil portion 22.

[0050] By integrally molding the input terminal 8 and output terminal 9 with the conductor 2, the number of parts to be assembled into the coil device 1 is reduced, making the assembly process easier. For example, if components connected to the coil device 1 are mounted on the circuit board alongside the coil device 1, the terminals 81 and 91 are positioned on the sides 41 and 52 of the magnetic material 3, which facilitates the connection of the coil device 1 to the other components. Furthermore, the connection portions 82 and 92 of the input terminal 8 and output terminal 9 are in contact with the bottom surfaces 44 and 54 of the magnetic material portion 3 on only one side. In this case, the induction of magnetic energy at the connection portions 82 and 92 is reduced, and the influence on magnetic properties such as inductance value can be reduced. In addition, by aligning the connection portions 82 and 92 along the bottom surfaces 44 and 54 of the magnetic material portion 3, the size increase of the coil device 1 due to the conductor path portion 23 can be reduced while ensuring a large area for the connection portions 82 and 92.

[0051] (4) In the coil device 1 of (2) or (3) above, The first coil portions 21 of the multiple conductors 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are arranged with a gap D1 between them in the Y direction (third direction) which is perpendicular to the X and Z directions. The second coil portions 22 of the multiple conductors 2 are arranged with a gap D2 between them in the Y direction that is narrower than the gap D1 between the first coil portions 21. The holes 45 can be multiple holes that individually surround the first coil portions 21 of the multiple conductors 2. The hole 55 can be at least one hole that surrounds the entire second coil portion 22 of the multiple conductors 2.

[0052] The first coil sections 21 are arranged with a wide spacing D1 between them and are individually surrounded by the holes 45 of the first magnetic section 4, thereby reducing the influence of each other on their magnetic properties and making it easier for the first magnetic section 4 to function as a self-inductance. On the other hand, the second coil sections 22 are arranged in close proximity to each other with a narrower spacing D2 than the first coil sections 21, and the entire structure is surrounded by the hole section 55. This makes it easier for the second coil sections 22 of conductors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d to magnetically couple, and for the second magnetic material section 5 to function as mutual inductance.

[0053] (5) In any of the coil devices 1 described in (4) above, The conductor section 23 has a bent section 23c. The bent portion 23c bends in a direction that approaches the other conductor 2 as it moves from the X1-side end 23a, which is connected to the first coil portion 21, towards the X2-side end 23b, which is connected to the second coil portion 22.

[0054] This configuration allows for the connection of the first coil section 21 and the second coil section 22, which have different spacings, while ensuring sufficient area for the conductor section 23.

[0055] <Example 1> Figure 6 shows the magnetic material portion 3 of the coil device 1A according to Modification 1. In this embodiment, an example was described in which the first magnetic body portion 4 and the second magnetic body portion 5 are molded as separate components and then joined together to form the magnetic body portion 3. As shown in Figure 6, the magnetic material portion 3A may be formed as a single molded product. In the modified example 1, the integrally molded magnetic material portion 3 forms a first region 4A (indicated by dashed hatching in the figure) corresponding to the first magnetic material portion 4, and a second region 5A (indicated by dotted hatching in the figure) corresponding to the second magnetic material portion 5. Note that the regions shown in Figure 6 are purely conceptual and do not represent clear boundaries between them. For example, by designing the dimensions of each region and the dimensions of the holes 45 and 55 provided in each region, the coupling coefficient of the first coil section 21 and the second coil section 22 can be adjusted, and the inductance value can be set appropriately.

[0056] The arrangement of the first region 4A and the second region 5A is not limited, but for example, similar to the embodiment, the first region 4A and the second region 5A can be arranged in the magnetic material portion 3 so as to be aligned in the X direction. The first region 4A is provided with holes 45 through which the first coil portions 21 of a plurality of conductors 2 are individually inserted, similar to the first magnetic material portion 4 of the embodiment. By surrounding the first coil portions 21 with the holes 45, the first region 4A causes the first coil portions 21 to function as self-impedances, similar to the first magnetic material portion 4 of the embodiment. The second region 5A is provided with a hole 55 through which multiple second coil portions 22 of conductors 2 are inserted together, similar to the first magnetic material portion 4 in the embodiment. By surrounding the second coil portions 22 with the hole 55, the second region 5A, similar to the second magnetic material portion 5 in the embodiment, causes the second coil portions 22 to function as mutual impedances.

[0057] By configuring it in this way, the coil device 1A according to Modification 1 ensures a load transient response when applied to a multi-phase VR inductor, similar to the embodiment, and also allows for a more compact coil device 1A. Furthermore, in the modified example 1, the work of joining the first magnetic body part 4 and the second magnetic body part 5 to form the magnetic body part 3 is unnecessary, thus reducing the number of steps required when manufacturing the coil device 1A.

[0058] As described above, the coil device 1A according to Modification 1 has the following configuration. (9) The coil device 1A may have the same configuration as the coil device 1 described in (1) to (5) above. Furthermore, in the coil device 1A, the magnetic material portion 3 can be a single molded product. The magnetic material portion 3 has a first region 4A corresponding to the first magnetic material portion 4 and a second region 5A corresponding to the second magnetic material portion 5.

[0059] <Modification 2> Figure 7 shows the configuration of coil device 1B according to modified example 2. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of coil device 1B. In Figure 8, the hidden lines of the first coil section 24 and the second coil section 25 are shown thicker than those of other elements. Also, the hidden lines of the first coil section 21 that overlap with other elements are omitted from the illustration. In addition, hatching is applied to the upper surface 71 of the second magnetic material section 7. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting Figure 7 along the diagonal line DL1.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the coil device 1B according to the modified example 2 comprises a conductor 2B and a magnetic material part 3B. The coil device 1B can be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped. In the drawing, the diagonals DL1 and DL2 are shown, connecting two opposing corners of the coil device 1B when viewed from the Z direction.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, in modified example 2, the magnetic material portion 3B comprises a first magnetic material portion 6 and a second magnetic material portion 7. The first magnetic body portion 6 and the second magnetic body portion 7 correspond to the first magnetic body portion 4 and the second magnetic body portion 5 of the embodiment, respectively. In the embodiment, an example was described in which the first magnetic body portion 4 and the second magnetic body portion 5 are arranged side by side in the X direction. In modified example 2, the first magnetic body portion 6 is arranged to surround the outer circumference of the second magnetic body portion 7. In other words, the second magnetic body portion 7 is located in the center of the first magnetic body portion 6.

[0062] The first magnetic material portion 6 can be, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. A hole 63 is formed in the center of the first magnetic material portion 6. Here, "center" refers to the region encompassing the intersection of diagonals DL1 and DL2. The hole 63 is, for example, circular when viewed from the Z direction, penetrates the first magnetic material portion 6 in the Z direction, and opens to the top surface 61 and the bottom surface 62.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the first magnetic material portion 6 is provided with a plurality of holes 64 (first holes) on the radially outer side of the hole 63. The number of holes 64 can be provided according to the number of phases in the power supply circuit to which the coil device 1B is applied. In the illustrated example, four holes 64 are provided. The holes 64 are arranged in the circumferential direction with respect to each other, with a gap between them. When four holes 64 are provided as in the illustrated example, two holes 64 can be placed symmetrically on the diagonal DL1 with respect to the hole 63, and the remaining two holes 64 can be placed on the diagonal DL2 with respect to the hole 63, with respect to each other. In this way, the four holes 64 are arranged with a 90° gap between them in the circumferential direction with respect to the hole 63. Furthermore, the holes 64 can be appropriately arranged by changing the spacing between them depending on the number of holes to be provided.

[0064] The hole 64 is, for example, circular when viewed from the Z direction, penetrates the first magnetic material portion 6 in the Z direction, and opens to the top surface 61 and the bottom surface 62. As shown in Figure 9, the diameter Di2 of the hole 64 can be set to be smaller than the diameter Di1 of the hole 63 (Di2 <Di1)。 The second magnetic material portion 7 is housed in the hole 63 of the first magnetic material portion 6, and is surrounded by the four holes 64 of the first magnetic material portion 6. The second magnetic material portion 7 is cylindrical in shape and has an outer diameter that matches the diameter Di1 of the hole portion 63. The second magnetic material portion 7 also has a height that matches the height H1 in the Z direction of the first magnetic material portion 6. As a result, the upper surface 61 of the first magnetic material portion 6 and the upper surface 71 of the second magnetic material portion form a continuous flat surface.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, a hole 73 (second hole) is formed in the center of the second magnetic material portion 7 (the region encompassing the intersection of diagonals DL1 and DL2). The hole 73 is, for example, circular when viewed from the Z direction, penetrates the second magnetic material portion 7 in the Z direction, and opens to the top surface 71 and the bottom surface 72. As shown in Figure 9, the diameter Di3 of the hole 73 can be set to be smaller than the diameter Di1 of the hole 63 and larger than the diameter Di2 of the hole 64 (Di2 <Di3<Di1)。

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, the holes 63 of the first magnetic material part 6 and the holes 73 of the second magnetic material part 7 are arranged in concentric circles centered on the intersection of diagonals DL1 and DL2. The four holes 64 of the first magnetic material part 6 are arranged radially on the diagonals DL1 and DL2 on the outer diameter side of the holes 73.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the conductor 2B of the modified example 2 comprises a first coil portion 24, a second coil portion 25, and a conductor path portion 26. As shown in Figure 7, the conductive path portion 26 is positioned on the upper side of the magnetic material portion 3B in the Z direction. The conductive path portion 26 can be, for example, a plate that covers the entire magnetic material portion 3B when viewed from the Z direction. As shown in Figure 8, a first coil section 21 and a second coil section 22 are provided on the bottom surface 261 of the conductor section 26, which faces the magnetic material section 3B. The first coil section 24 and the second coil section 25 are each cylindrical in shape and protrude downward in the Z direction from the bottom surface 261.

[0068] The number of first coil sections 24 can be provided in proportion to the number of phases in the power supply circuit to which the coil device 1B is applied. In the illustrated example, four first coil sections 24 are arranged at each of the four corners of the conductor path section 26. Each first coil portion 24 is positioned to overlap each hole 64 of the first magnetic material portion 6 when viewed from the Z direction. As shown in Figure 9, the first coil portion 24 has a height that matches the height H1 of the first magnetic material portion 6 in the Z direction and a diameter that matches the diameter Di2 of the hole 64.

[0069] Figure 8 shows the center line CL1 passing through the center in the X direction of the conductor path section 26, and the center line CL2 passing through the center in the Y direction. The second coil section 25 is positioned at the center of the conductor path section 26 (the area encompassing the intersection of centerlines CL1 and CL2). The four first coil sections 24 are positioned on the outer circumference of the second coil section 25, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The second coil portion 25 is positioned to overlap the hole 73 of the second magnetic material portion 7 when viewed from the Z direction. As shown in Figure 9, the second coil portion 25 has a height that matches the height H1 of the first magnetic material portion 6 in the Z direction and a diameter that matches the diameter Di3 of the hole 73.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the conductor 2B is provided with slits S1 and S2 that divide it into multiple regions, traversing the conductor path portion 26 and the second coil portion 25. The slits S1 and S2 can be formed, for example, by cutting the conductor 2B which has been formed by press working. The slits S1 and S2 divide the conductor section 26 and the second coil section 25 into a number corresponding to the number of phases in the power supply circuit to which the coil device 1B is applied. In the example shown in Figure 8, the conductor 2B is provided with slits S1 and S2 that form a cross shape when viewed from the Z direction. As shown in Figure 8, the conductor path 26 is divided into four rectangular regions 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d by the slits S1 and S2.

[0071] Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing the slits S1 and S2 formed in the second coil section 25. In Figure 10, a portion of the slits S1 and S2 formed in the conductor path section 26 is shown by dashed lines. As shown in Figure 10, the second coil section 25 is divided into four sector-shaped regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d by the slits S1 and S2.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, the slit S1 is provided along the center line CL1. The slit S1 crosses the conductor section 26 from the Y1 side to the Y2 side. The slit S1 crosses the second coil section 25 at its center in the Y direction. As shown in Figure 9, the slit S1 has a depth H2 in the Z direction in the second coil section 25. The depth H2 is set to be shorter than the height H1 of the second coil section 25 (H2

[0073] ​As shown in Figure 8, the slit S2 is provided along the center line CL2. The slit S2 crosses the conductor section 26 from the X1 side to the X2 side. The slit S2 crosses the second coil section 25 at its center in the X direction. As shown in Figure 9, the slit S2, like the slit S1, has a depth H2 in the Z direction in the second coil section 25. That is, the slit S2 does not extend to the bottom 251 of the second coil section 25. In this way, because the slits S1 and S2 do not extend to the bottom 251 of the second coil section 25, a connecting section 252 (cross-hatched portion in Figure 9) is formed at the bottom 251 of the second coil section 25, connecting the respective regions.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8, one first coil section 24 is provided in each of the regions 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d of the conductor path section 26. As shown in Figure 10, regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil section 25 are connected to regions 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d of the conductor path section 26, respectively. As shown in Figure 9, region 26a of the conductor path 26 is connected to the first coil section 24 at one end (left side in the figure) in the direction of the diagonal DL1, and to region 25a of the second coil section 25 at the other end (right side in the figure). Region 26d of the conductor path 26 is connected to the first coil section 24 at one end (right side in the figure) in the direction of the diagonal DL1, and to region 25d of the second coil section 25 at the other end (left side in the figure). Although not shown in the diagram, regions 26b and 26c of the conductor section 26 are also connected to the first coil section 24 at one end in the direction of the diagonal DL2, and to regions 25b and 26c of the second coil section 25 at the other end.

[0075] In this way, by dividing the conductor path portion 26 and the second coil portion 25 of a single conductor 2B into multiple regions, it can function as multiple conductors corresponding to multiple phases of a power supply circuit. Each region 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil portion 25 corresponds to the "second coil portion" of each conductor. Each region 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d of the conductor path portion 26 corresponds to the "conductor path portion" of each conductor. The first coil portions 24 connected to regions 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d, respectively, correspond to the "first coil portion" of each conductor.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, a connecting portion 252 is formed at the bottom 251 of the second coil portion 25. In other words, the conductor 2B functions as multiple conductors by being divided by the slits S1 and S2, and these multiple conductors are connected to each other at the connecting portion 252, making it possible to handle it as a single component.

[0077] As shown in Figure 8, regions 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d of the conductor path 26 overlap the first magnetic material 6, the second magnetic material 7, and the holes 63, 64, and 73 provided therein, respectively, when viewed from the Z direction. As shown in Figure 9, with the conductor 2B assembled to the magnetic material 3B, the conductor path 26 is positioned on the upper surfaces 61 and 71 of the first magnetic material 6 and the second magnetic material 7. The first coil portion 24 is inserted through the hole 64 of the first magnetic material 6, and the second coil portion 25 is inserted through the hole 73 of the second magnetic material 7.

[0078] When each of the four first coil sections 24 is inserted into the hole 64, it is isolated from the other first coil sections 24 and individually surrounded by the first magnetic section 6. Meanwhile, the regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil portion 25 are collectively inserted into the holes 73 of the second magnetic material portion 7. The regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil portion 25 are in close proximity to each other and are surrounded by the second magnetic material portion 7.

[0079] The bottom surface 241 of the first coil portion 24 is exposed to the bottom surface 62 of the first magnetic material portion 6 through the lower opening of the hole portion 64. The bottom surfaces 253 of the second coil portion 25 are exposed to the bottom surface 72 of the second magnetic material portion 7 through the lower opening of the hole portion 73. As shown in Figure 9, an input terminal 8B for connection to the first coil section 24 is provided on the bottom surface 62 of the first magnetic section 6. In addition, an output terminal 9B for connection to the second coil section 25 is provided on the bottom surface 72 of the second magnetic section 7. Although not shown in the diagram, the input terminal 8B and output terminal 9B are joined to the bottom surfaces 62 and 72 with tin or tin-based solder.

[0080] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the magnetic material part 3B. In Figure 11, hatching is applied to the bottom surface 72 of the second magnetic material part 7. The number of input terminals 8B can be provided according to the number of phases in the power supply circuit to which the coil device 1B is applied. Figure 10 shows four input terminals 8B connected to four first coil sections 24 (see Figure 8). The number of output terminals 9B is not limited, but Figure 10 shows one output terminal 9B connected to all four regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil section 25.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, the input terminals 8B are arranged along each of the four corners of the rectangular first magnetic material portion 6. Each input terminal 8B can be rectangular when viewed from the Z direction. They are spaced apart from adjacent input terminals 8B in the X and Y directions. When viewed from the Z direction, the input terminals 8B overlap the first magnetic material portion 6 and the first coil portion 24 through which the hole 64 is inserted. The input terminals 8B are provided with a hole 85 that penetrates in the Z direction. As shown in Figure 9, when viewed from the Z direction, the hole 85 overlaps with the hole 64 of the first magnetic material portion 6 in at least a portion. As a result, at least a portion of the bottom surface 241 of the first coil portion 24 is exposed from the hole 85 of the input terminal 8B.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, the output terminal 9B can be cross-shaped when viewed from the Z direction. The output terminal 9B has a base portion 93 and four arm portions 94 that are radially connected to the outer circumference of the base portion 93. The base portion 93 is positioned at the center of the bottom surface 72 of the second magnetic material portion 7 (the region encompassing the intersection of the center line CL1 and the center line CL2). When viewed from the Z direction, the base portion 93 overlaps the hole portion 73 of the second magnetic material portion 7. Each of the four arm sections 94 is positioned to straddle the bottom surface 72 of the second magnetic section 7 and the bottom surface 62 of the first magnetic section 6. Of the four arms 94, two are positioned on the center line CL1 and connected to the Y1 and Y2 sides of the base 93, respectively. Input terminals 8B are located on the X1 and X2 sides of each of these two arms 94. The remaining two arms 94 are positioned on the center line CL2 and connected to the X1 and X2 sides of the base 93, respectively. Input terminals 8B are located on the Y1 and Y2 sides of each of these two arms 94. In other words, the four arms 94 of the output terminal 9B are positioned at the intervals between the input terminals 8B.

[0083] The base portion 93 of the output terminal 9B is provided with a hole 95 that penetrates in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the hole 95 of the output terminal 9B overlaps at least a portion with the hole 73 of the second magnetic material portion 7. As a result, at least a portion of the bottom surface 253 of the second coil portion 25 is exposed through the hole 95 of the output terminal 9B.

[0084] The coil device 1B in the modified example 2 has the same electrical characteristics as the coil device 1B in the embodiment described above (see Figure 5). When using coil device 1B as an inductor for a multiphase VR, connect input terminal 8B to the switch for each phase. Also, connect output terminal 9B to the electrical component that supplies the current. The current for each phase input from input terminal 8B flows through the regions 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d of the first coil section 24, the conductor path section 26, and the regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil section 25, corresponding to each phase, and is output from output terminal 9B.

[0085] Each of the first coil portions 24 of the conductor 2B is individually surrounded by the first magnetic material portion 6 by being inserted through the holes 64 of the first magnetic material portion 6, and can function as self-inductance. The regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil portion 25 of the conductor 2B are collectively inserted through the holes 73 of the second magnetic material portion 7, and function as mutual inductance. The regions 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d of the conductor path portion 26 connecting the first coil portion 24 and the regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil portion 25 function as DC resistance.

[0086] The first magnetic material section 6 and the second magnetic material section 7 are designed with the same material selection and dimensions as in the embodiment, so that the inductances of the first coil section 24 and the second coil section 25 can be adjusted, respectively.

[0087] In the coil device 1B of the modified example, similar to the embodiment, when a sudden increase in power demand occurs, the inductor in the phase where the switch is ON, in conjunction with the inductor in the phase where the switch is OFF, can supply current to the electronic equipment at the same time, just like in the TLVR. As a result, the coil device 1B of the modified example 2, like the embodiment, can achieve a high load transient response with a compact configuration that does not require a secondary winding.

[0088] Furthermore, in the modified example 2, the second magnetic material 7 is positioned at the center of the first magnetic material 6. As a result, the second coil 25 is positioned at the center of the coil device 1B, and the first coil 24 is arranged radially around the second coil 25. The separation between the first coil 24 and the second coil 25 reduces the mutual influence of magnetic flux, allowing for appropriate adjustment of the inductance. Furthermore, since the first coil sections 24 are arranged with spacing between them in the circumferential direction and are individually inserted into the holes 64 of the first magnetic section 6, they are easily made to function as self-inductors. On the other hand, each region of the second coil section 25 is arranged in close proximity to each other in the center of the coil device 1B and is inserted together into the hole 73 of the second magnetic material section 7. This makes it easier for the second coil section 25 to function as mutual inductance and also allows the size of the hole 73 to be reduced.

[0089] Similar to the embodiment, the conductor path 26 contacts only one side of the upper surfaces 61 and 71 of the magnetic material 3B, thereby reducing the influence on magnetic properties such as inductance. Furthermore, by aligning the conductor path 26 along the upper surfaces 61 and 71 of the magnetic material 3B, it is possible to secure a larger area for the conductor path 26 while reducing the size increase of the coil device 1B due to the conductor path 26. Furthermore, in Modification 2, the conductor path portion 26 and the second coil portion 25 of the conductor 2B are divided by slits S1 and S2 to form regions 26a to 26d and 25a to 25d corresponding to each phase. This allows one conductor 2B to function as multiple conductors 2B corresponding to multiple phases. In other words, in Modification 2, as in the embodiment, inductors corresponding to multiple phases are integrated into a single module. This increases the freedom of layout on the substrate and further reduces the man-hours required to assemble the coil device 1B onto the substrate.

[0090] Furthermore, by changing the division pattern using slits, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of phases that the coil device 1B corresponds to. For example, in the illustrated example, cross-shaped slits S1 and S2 are formed in the conductor 2B to correspond to four phases. For example, if it is necessary to correspond to more than four phases, the slits may be formed radially in the conductor 2B.

[0091] In the modified example 2, the input terminal 8B and output terminal 9B are arranged together on the bottom surfaces 62 and 72 of the magnetic body 3B. The coil device 1B may be placed on top of the components connected to it, but by placing the input terminal 8B and output terminal 9B on the bottom surfaces 62 and 72 of the magnetic body 3B, connection work with other components becomes easier. Furthermore, since the input terminals 8B are distributed and arranged at the four corners of the first magnetic body 6, the output terminals 9B can be arranged, for example, in a cross shape by utilizing the spacing between the input terminals 8B, making it easier to secure the area of ​​the output terminals 9B where currents from multiple phases are aggregated.

[0092] As described above, the coil device 1B of the modified example 2 has, for example, the following configuration. (6) The coil device 1B has the same configuration as the coil device 1 described in (1). Furthermore, in coil device 1B, The second magnetic material portion 7 is provided in the central part of the first magnetic material portion 6 (the region encompassing the intersection of diagonals DL1 and DL2). The first magnetic material portion 6 has a hole 64 (first hole) through which the first coil portion 24 is inserted, which is provided around the second magnetic material portion 7. The second magnetic material portion 7 is provided with a hole 73 (second hole portion) through which the second coil portion 25 is inserted. The conductor 2B includes a conductor path 26 arranged on the upper surfaces 61 and 71 of the first magnetic material portion 6 and the second magnetic material portion 7. Each region 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d of the conductor path 26 is connected to the first coil portion 24 at one end in the direction of the diagonals DL1 and DL2, and to each region 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil portion 25 at the other end.

[0093] With this configuration, the first coil section 24, which functions as self-inductance, is arranged radially around the second coil section 25, which functions as mutual inductance. The separation between the first coil section 24 and the second coil section 25 reduces the mutual influence of magnetic flux, allowing for appropriate adjustment of the inductance. Furthermore, since the first coil sections 24 are arranged with spacing between them in the circumferential direction and are individually inserted into the holes 64 of the first magnetic section 6, they are easily made to function as self-inductors. On the other hand, each region of the second coil section 25 is arranged in close proximity to each other in the center of the coil device 1B and is inserted together into the hole 73 of the second magnetic material section 7. This makes it easier for the second coil section 25 to function as mutual inductance and also allows the size of the hole 73 to be reduced.

[0094] (7) In the coil device 1B of (6) above, The conductor section 26 covers the upper surface 61 of the first magnetic section 6. The conductor 2B has slits S1 and S2 that divide it into multiple regions 26a to 26d and 25a to 25d, traversing the conductor path 26 and the second coil section 25, and the first coil section 24 is provided in each of the regions 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d of the conductor path 26.

[0095] This configuration allows a single conductor 2B to function as multiple conductors 2B corresponding to multiple phases. By changing the division pattern using slits, it is also possible to increase or decrease the number of phases that the coil device 1B corresponds to, thus accommodating a variety of power supply circuit configurations. Furthermore, by providing a connecting portion 252 at the bottom 251 of the second coil portion 25 for connecting each region 25a to 25d, the conductor 2B can be handled as a single integrated component.

[0096] (8) In the coil device 1B of (7) above, The hole 73 is a single hole that surrounds the entirety of multiple regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil portion 25. The holes 64 are a plurality of holes surrounding each of the first coil portions 24, and are provided radially outside the holes 73, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0097] With this configuration, the first coil sections 24 are spaced apart from each other and individually surrounded by the holes 64 of the first magnetic section 6. As a result, the first coil sections 24 are less susceptible to the influence of each other's magnetic fluxes and are more likely to function as self-inductors. On the other hand, the multiple regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil section 25 are arranged in close proximity to each other and are collectively surrounded by the hole 73, which facilitates magnetic coupling and makes it easier for them to function as mutual inductance.

[0098] (8) In the coil device 1B of (6) or (7) above, Multiple input terminals 8B are arranged on the bottom surface 62 (the other side in the second direction) of the first magnetic material portion 6. At least one output terminal 9B is located on the bottom surface 72 (the other side in the second direction) of the second magnetic material portion 7.

[0099] For example, if other components to which the coil device 1B is connected are located below the coil device 1B on the circuit board, the input terminal 8B and output terminal 9B are located on the bottom surfaces 62 and 72 of the magnetic material 3B, which facilitates the connection of the coil device 1B to the other components.

[0100] <Variation 3> Figure 12 shows the magnetic material portion 3C of the coil device 1C according to modified example 3. In the modified example 2, the first magnetic body portion 6 and the second magnetic body portion 7 of the magnetic body portion 3B are made of separate components, and the second magnetic body portion 7 is housed in the hole 63 of the first magnetic body portion 6. As shown in Figure 12, the magnetic material portion 3C may be integrally molded. Note that the conductor 2B can have the same configuration as in Modification 2, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0101] In the modified example 3, the integrally molded magnetic material portion 3C forms a first region 6C corresponding to the first magnetic material portion 6 (indicated by dashed hatching in the figure) and a second region 7C corresponding to the second magnetic material portion 7 (indicated by dotted hatching in the figure). Note that the regions shown in Figure 12 are purely conceptual and do not represent clear boundaries between them. For example, by designing the dimensions of each region and the dimensions of the holes 64 and 73 provided in each region, the coupling coefficient of the first coil section 24 and the second coil section 25 can be adjusted, and the inductance value can be set appropriately.

[0102] The arrangement of the first region 6C and the second region 5A is not limited, but for example, similar to the modified example 2, the second region 5A can be formed in the center of the first region 6C (the region encompassing the intersection of diagonals DL1 and DL2). In Modification 3, similar to the first magnetic material portion 6 in Modification 2, holes 64 are provided through which the first coil portion 24 (see Figure 8) is individually inserted. By surrounding the first coil portion 24 with the holes 64, the first region 6C causes the first coil portion 24 to function as its own impedance. The second region 7C is provided with a hole 73 through which multiple regions 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of the second coil portion 25 (see Figure 8) are inserted together, similar to the second magnetic material portion 7 in the modified example 2. By surrounding the second coil portion 25 with the hole 73, the second region 7C causes the second coil portion 25 to function as a mutual impedance.

[0103] By configuring it in this way, the coil device 1C according to Modification 3 ensures a load transient response when applied to a multi-phase VR inductor, similar to the embodiment, and also allows for a more compact coil device 1C. Furthermore, in the modified example 3, the work of assembling and joining the first magnetic body part 6A and the second magnetic body part 7A is unnecessary, thus reducing the man-hours required to manufacture the coil device 1C.

[0104] As described above, the coil device 1C according to the modified example 1 has the following configuration. (9) The coil device 1C may have the same configuration as the coil device 1 described in (1) and the coil devices 1B described in (6) to (8). Furthermore, in the coil device 1C, the magnetic material portion 3C can be a single molded product. The coil device 1C has a first region 6C corresponding to the first magnetic material portion 6 and a second region 7C corresponding to the second magnetic material portion 7.

[0105] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the modifications may not only be applied to the embodiments, but at least a part of the content of each may be applied to other modifications. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1, 1A: Coil device 2(2a, 2b, 2c, 2d): Conductor 21: First coil section 22: Second coil section 23: Conductor section 23c: Bent part 3: Magnetic body part 4: First magnetic body part 4A: First area 41, 42: Side view 43:Top surface 44: Bottom 45: Hole (first hole) 5:Second magnetic body part 5A:Second area 51, 52: Side view 53:Top surface 54: Bottom 55: Hole (second hole) 8: Input terminals 81:Terminal part (first terminal part) 82: Connection part 82 (first connection part) 9: Output terminals 91:Terminal part (second terminal part) 92: Connection part (second connection part) 1B, 1C: Coil device 2B: Conductor 24: First coil section 241: Bottom 25:The 2nd Korra Department 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d: Domains 251: Bottom 252:Jiebu 253: Bottom 26: Conductor circuit section 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d: Domains 261: Bottom S1, S2:スリット 6: First magnetic body section 6C: First Domain 61: Above 62: Bottom 63: Hole 64: Hole section (Hole 1) 7: Second magnetic body section 7C: Second Domain 71: Above 72: Bottom 73: Hole section (Second hole section) 8B: Input terminal 83: Hole 9B:Output terminal 93: Base 94: Wrist 95: Hole

Claims

1. Multiple input terminals and at least one output terminal are connected to multiple conductors that function as inductors, A coil device comprising a magnetic material portion provided around the plurality of conductors, which is capable of adjusting the inductance of the conductors, The conductor comprises a first coil section connected to the input terminal and a second coil section connected to the output terminal. The aforementioned magnetic material portion is A first magnetic material surrounds the first coil portion and functions as a self-inductance, A coil device characterized by comprising a second magnetic material portion that surrounds the second coil portion and functions as mutual inductance.

2. In claim 1, The second magnetic material portion has one surface in the first direction connected to the other surface of the first magnetic material portion in the first direction. The first magnetic material portion has a first hole through which the first coil portion is inserted, provided along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second magnetic material portion is provided with a second hole through which the second coil portion is inserted, along the second direction. The coil device is characterized in that the conductor is arranged on one side of the first magnetic material portion and the second magnetic material portion in the second direction, and comprises a conductor path portion that is connected to the first coil portion at one end in the first direction and connected to the second coil portion at the other end.

3. In claim 2, The input terminal and the output terminal are integrally molded with the conductor. The input terminal comprises a first terminal portion arranged on the other side of the first magnetic material portion in the first direction, The first magnetic material portion has a first connecting portion arranged on one side in the second direction, which connects the first terminal portion and the first coil portion. The output terminal is a second terminal portion located on the other side of the second magnetic material portion in the first direction, A coil device characterized by having a second connecting portion arranged on the other side of the second magnetic material portion in the second direction, and connecting the second terminal portion and the second coil portion.

4. In claim 2, The first coil portions of the plurality of conductors are arranged with spacing between them in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The second coil portions of the plurality of conductors are arranged in the third direction with a gap between them that is narrower than the gap between the first coil portions. The first hole is a plurality of holes that individually surround the first coil portion of the plurality of conductors, The coil device is characterized in that the second hole is a single hole that surrounds the entire second coil portion of the plurality of conductors.

5. In claim 4, The aforementioned conductor path section is A coil device characterized by having a bent portion that bends in a direction approaching another conductor as it moves from the one end connected to the first coil portion toward the other end connected to the second coil portion.

6. In claim 1, The second magnetic material portion is provided in the center of the first magnetic material portion, The first magnetic material portion has a first hole through which the first coil portion is inserted, and this hole is provided around the second magnetic material portion. The second magnetic material portion is provided with a second hole through which the second coil portion is inserted. The coil device is characterized in that the conductor is arranged on one side of the first magnetic material portion and the second magnetic material portion in the second direction, and comprises a conductor path portion connected to the first coil portion at one end and connected to the second coil portion at the other end.

7. In claim 6, The conductor section covers the upper surface of the first magnetic section. The second coil section is provided in the center of the conductor section, The coil device is characterized in that the conductor has slits that divide the conductor path portion and the second coil portion into a plurality of regions, and the first coil portion is provided in each region of the conductor path portion.

8. In claim 7, The second hole is a single hole that surrounds the entirety of multiple regions of the second coil portion. The coil device is characterized in that the first hole portion is a plurality of holes surrounding each of the first coil portions, and is provided radially outside the second hole portion, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

9. In claim 6, The coil device is characterized in that the plurality of input terminals and the at least one output terminal are arranged on the other side of the magnetic material portion in the second direction.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, The coil device is characterized in that the magnetic material portion is an integrally molded product and has a first region corresponding to the first magnetic material portion and a second region corresponding to the second magnetic material portion.

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