Electric microwave

Abstract

One embodiment of an electric range may include a cover plate on which the object to be heated is placed on its upper surface, a supporter housed in a case, a plurality of coil substrates placed on the upper part of the supporter and spaced apart from each other, on which working coils are printed, a first insulating material placed between the supporter and the cover plate, and a second insulating material placed between the supporter and the cover plate and positioned at least one location above or below the first insulating material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric range, and more particularly to an induction heating type electric range. Background Art

[0002] The content described herein merely provides background information related to the present invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] In households and restaurants, various types of cooking appliances are used to heat food. The above cooking appliances include gas ranges using gas and electric ranges using electricity.

[0004] Electric ranges are broadly classified into a resistance heating type and an induction heating type.

[0005] The electric resistance method is a method in which an electric current is applied to a metal resistance wire or a non-metallic heating element such as silicon carbide to generate heat, and the generated heat is radiated or conducted to heat an object to be heated (for example, cooking containers such as pots and frying pans).

[0006] The induction heating method is a method in which high-frequency power is applied to a coil to generate a magnetic field around the coil, and an eddy current generated by the generated magnetic field is used to heat an object to be heated made of a metal component.

[0007] Considering the basic heating principle of the induction heating method, when a current is applied to a working coil, heat is generated while the object to be heated is induction-heated, and the object to be heated is heated by the generated heat.

[0008] A conventional electric range is formed with a large area of a coil to which electric power is applied. Further, an object to be heated is heated only when placed at a position overlapping these large-area coils.

[0009] Therefore, since the coils in an electric range occupy a large area, the top of the electric range is equipped with heating elements corresponding to a small number of large-area coils.

[0010] Because the heating elements are large and few in number, the cover plate of an electric range, which has a limited surface area, is equipped with only a few heating elements. Also, because the heating elements have a large surface area, even if an electric range is equipped with multiple heating elements, a large area is occupied by unheated areas between the heating elements.

[0011] This structure results in a limited space for the object being heated in the electric range, and because the entire large heating area is used even when heating small objects, power consumption may increase. This can be inconvenient for the user.

[0012] To compensate for these shortcomings, coils with a small, plate-like structure can be placed in the electric range. By placing many small coils in the electric range, the space between coils is reduced, and only the coil on which the object to be heated is placed operates, thereby improving the space efficiency of the electric range and reducing power consumption. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide an electric range having a structure for blocking heat transfer from the object to be heated to the internal components.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric range equipped with a thermistor for indirectly measuring the temperature of an object to be heated.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric range having a structure that allows the thermistor to more accurately measure the temperature of the object being heated.

[0016] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and more clearly from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it is readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof described in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] An embodiment of an electric range may include (compose; construct; set up; enclose; include; contain; have; equip) a cover plate on which a heating element is positioned on its upper surface; a supporter housed in a case; a plurality of coil substrates positioned above the supporter and spaced apart from each other, on which working coils are printed; a first insulating material positioned between the supporter and the cover plate; and a second insulating material positioned between the supporter and the cover plate and at least one position above or below the first insulating material.

[0018] The first and second insulation materials may be arranged so as to be separated from each other in the lateral direction, and may be integrally formed in the vertical direction, with one of the first and second insulation materials covering a plurality of working coils that are separated in the vertical direction.

[0019] By placing a first and second insulating material between the cover plate and the coil substrate, heat transfer from the heated object to the support can be suppressed.

[0020] The electric range may include a plurality of thermistors, which are positioned at least one location on the top surface of the working coil or at the coil boundary between a plurality of working coils, and are spaced apart from each other.

[0021] The electric range may include a plurality of thermal pads disposed at positions corresponding to the thermistor, spaced apart from each other, wherein at least some of the plurality of thermal pads are arranged to contact a lower surface of a cover plate.

[0022] The thermal pad may be formed of a heat conductive material.

[0023] Thermistors may be uniformly arranged across the entire coil substrate on an upper surface of the coil substrate.

[0024] The thermal pad is disposed in contact with or in very close proximity to the thermistor, so that the thermistor can measure the temperature of heat transferred from the thermal pad.

[0025] The first heat insulator may include a first hole formed at a position corresponding to the thermistor, into which at least a part of the thermistor is inserted, and the second heat insulator may be formed at a position corresponding to the thermistor and the first hole, and include a second hole into which at least a part of the thermistor is inserted.

[0026] The thermistor may be disposed at a coil boundary between the plurality of working coils in a longitudinal direction, and a part of the first holes and a part of the second holes may be formed at positions corresponding to the coil boundary between the plurality of working coils.

[0027] In the electric range, while the first heat insulator and the second heat insulator block heat transferred from a heated object to the coil substrate, the thermistor coupled to the coil substrate is disposed in the first hole and the second hole, receives heat transferred from the thermal pad, and can accurately measure the temperature of the heated object. Effects of the Invention

[0028] In the electric range of the present invention, a first heat insulating material and a second heat insulating material are arranged between a cover plate and a coil base plate to suppress heat transfer from a heated object to a supporter, thereby suppressing overheating of components coupled to the supporter and improving the operating performance of the electric range.

[0029] Furthermore, the first heat insulating material and the second heat insulating material can suppress melting of the solder that bonds the thermistor to the upper surface of the coil base plate, thereby suppressing damage to the thermistor and improving the durability of the electric range.

[0030] Furthermore, in the electric range of the present invention, thermistors may be uniformly arranged over the entire coil base plate on the upper surface of the coil base plate. With such a structure, the electric range can indirectly measure the temperature of the heated object over the entire coil base plate using the thermistors.

[0031] Furthermore, in the electric range of the present invention, when the coil base plate, the first heat insulating material, and the second heat insulating material are assembled, the thermistor coupled to the upper surface of the coil base plate is inserted into a first hole and a second hole formed in the first heat insulating material and the second heat insulating material, respectively, and may be in contact with a thermal pad arranged on the upper side thereof, or may be arranged very closely even without contact.

[0032] With such a structure, while the first heat insulating material and the second heat insulating material block heat transferred from the heated object to the coil base plate, the thermistor coupled to the coil base plate is arranged in the first hole and the second hole, and receives heat transferred from the thermal pad, thereby enabling accurate measurement of the temperature of the heated object.

[0033] The above-mentioned effects and specific effects of the present invention will be described below along with the description of modes for carrying out the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an electric range according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a front view showing an electric range according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing an electric range according to one embodiment. [Figure 4a] This is a plan view with the cover plate omitted, as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4b] This is a plan view showing a coil substrate according to one embodiment. [Figure 4c] Figure 4b is a plan view showing a portion of the sensing coil. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view oriented in the direction of 5-5 in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a bottom view showing an electric range according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure 6 is a diagram with the case omitted. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing a supporter according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a plan view showing a supporter according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view oriented in the direction of 10-10 in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view oriented in the direction of 11-11 in Figure 9. [Figure 12] This is an exploded perspective view showing the supporter and ferrite module. [Figure 13] This is a plan view showing the ferrite module attached to the supporter. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a plan view showing the state in which the coil substrate is connected. [Figure 15] This is a bottom view of the supporter. [Figure 16] Figure 15 shows the state in which the indicator board is connected. [Figure 17] Figure 16 shows the state in which various parts are assembled. [Figure 18] This is an exploded view showing some of the components that make up an electric range. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing a second heat insulating material and thermal pad according to one embodiment. [Figure 20a]This is a plan view showing the coil substrate attached to the supporter. [Figure 20b] This figure shows a supporter according to another embodiment. [Figure 20c] This is a cross-sectional view oriented in the 20c-20c direction in Figure 20b. [Figure 20d] This figure shows a supporter according to another embodiment. [Figure 20e] This figure shows a supporter according to another embodiment. [Figure 20f] This is a cross-sectional view oriented in the 20f-20f direction in Figure 20e. [Figure 21] This is a plan view showing the second insulation material placed on top of the supporter. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view showing a coil substrate according to one embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a side view of Figure 22. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view showing a first thermal insulation material according to one embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing the entire first insulation material. [Figure 26] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of an electric range facing the 26-26 direction. [Figure 27] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of an electric range facing in the 27-27 direction. [Figure 28] This is an enlarged view of sections 28(a) and 28(b) in Figure 26. [Figure 29] Figure 28 is a perspective view. [Figure 30] This is an exploded view showing a temperature sensing unit, which is a temperature sensing device according to another embodiment, and a sensor holder that supports it. [Figure 31] This is a cross-sectional view showing the temperature sensing unit attached to an electric range. [Figure 32] This is a cross-sectional view showing the temperature sensing unit and the sensor holder connected together. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a specific description of known technology according to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0036] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first component may also be the second component.

[0037] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0038] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “composed of” or “including” in this application should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the multiple components or stages described in the specification, but rather as meaning that some of the components or stages may not be included, or that further components or stages may be included.

[0039] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means C or greater and D or less unless otherwise specified.

[0040] Throughout this specification, “up,” “down,” or “up and down direction” means the direction above, below, or up and down of the electric range in the manner in which the electric range is installed for everyday use. “Both sides” or “side direction” means a direction perpendicular to the up and down direction. Both sides or side direction may include “left and right direction” and “front and back direction,” and the left and right direction and the front and back direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an electric range according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view showing an electric range according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an electric range according to one embodiment.

[0042] The electric range according to the embodiment can heat the object to be heated using an induction heating method. In this case, the object to be heated may be, for example, tableware containing a metal material such as stainless steel or iron.

[0043] The induction heating method involves applying high-frequency power to a working coil 140a to generate a magnetic field around the working coil 140a, and then using the eddy currents generated by this magnetic field to heat an object made of metal components.

[0044] In other words, when the working coil 140a and the ferrite material are arranged adjacent to each other, and high-frequency power is applied to the working coil 140a, the working coil 140a can generate a magnetic field.

[0045] In this way, a magnetic field is generated around the working coil 140a, and when the object to be heated is placed within the region of the generated magnetic field, eddy currents are induced in the object to be heated by the magnetic field, and Joule heat is generated by the eddy currents, thereby heating the object to be heated. When the object to be heated, such as tableware, is heated, the food placed on it can be heated and cooked.

[0046] One embodiment of the electric range may include a case 110, a cover plate 120, a supporter (upper supporter) 130, a coil substrate 140, and a ferrite module 150.

[0047] The case 110 can serve to protect the components that make up the electric range. For example, the case 110 may be made of aluminum, but is not limited to this. On the other hand, the case 110 may be insulated to prevent heat generated by the coil substrate 140 from being released to the outside.

[0048] The case 110 may house components of the electric range, and although the top is open, these open areas can be closed by the cover plate 120. The case 110 as a whole may be made into a box shape by processing a plate-like material.

[0049] The case 110 may include a bottom plate 111 and side walls 112. The bottom plate 111 can form the bottom surface of the case 110. The bottom plate 111 can support the internal components of the electric range.

[0050] The side wall 112 can be bent from the base plate 111 to form a space for housing components. The side wall 112 can be bent upward at the edge of the base plate 111 to form the side of the electric range.

[0051] Side walls 112 may be placed on each side of the roughly rectangular base plate 111. The side walls 112 can reinforce the overall rigidity of the case 110. In other words, the side walls 112, which are formed to bend away from the base plate 111, can prevent the plate-shaped base plate 111 from bending or breaking due to the weight of the internal components or external forces.

[0052] Furthermore, a cover plate 120 can be attached to the upper part of the side wall 112. In this way, the case 110 and the cover plate 120 are attached, the inside of the case 110 is closed, and a space may be provided inside the case 110 for arranging various components.

[0053] The cover plate 120 is coupled to the upper end of the case 110, and the object to be heated may be placed on its upper surface. The cover plate 120 can close the open top of the case 110 and protect the components housed in the case 110.

[0054] The object to be heated is placed on the upper surface of the cover plate 120, and the magnetic field generated by the coil substrate and ferrite module 150 can pass through the cover plate 120 and reach the object to be heated. The cover plate 120 may be made of a material including, for example, ceramic, but is not limited to this.

[0055] The cover plate 120 may be made of, for example, glass material and be made transparent or translucent so that light irradiated from the indicator substrate 250 can pass through it.

[0056] The electric range may be equipped with an input interface 160 to receive input from the user. The input interface 160 is installed so as to superimpose on a specific area of ​​the cover plate 120 and can display a specific image.

[0057] For example, the input interface 160 may be flattened and embedded in the cover plate 120, or installed so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the cover plate 120.

[0058] The input interface 160 receives touch input from the user, and the electric range may be driven based on the received touch input.

[0059] For example, the input interface 160 is a module for the user to input desired heating intensity, heating time, etc., and may be embodied in physical buttons, a touch panel, or the like.

[0060] For example, the input interface 160 may be a TFT LCD (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display), but is not limited to this.

[0061] The cover plate 120 may be provided with a cover frame 121 for connecting the supporter 130 to the cover plate 120. The cover plate 120 may be formed to protrude downward from the cover plate 120 at a position adjacent to the edge of the cover plate 120 and corresponding to the side plate 136 of the supporter 130.

[0062] When the cover plate 120 is joined to the supporter 130, the cover frame 121 may be positioned to surround the side plate 136 of the supporter 130 from the outside. Holes may be formed in the cover frame 121, and protrusions may be formed on the supporter 130 at positions corresponding to these holes.

[0063] Therefore, when the cover frame 121 and the side plate 136 of the supporter 130 overlap each other laterally, the projection of the supporter 130 is inserted into the hole in the cover frame 121, and the cover plate 120 and the supporter 130 can be joined together.

[0064] The supporter 130 may be housed in the case 110. The supporter 130 is housed inside the case 110, and various components used for the operation of the electric range may be connected thereto.

[0065] The coil substrate 140 and ferrite module 150 that form the magnetic field may be placed on top of the supporter 130. In addition, various circuit boards used to operate the electric range and a cooling device for cooling these circuit boards may be placed on the bottom of the supporter 130.

[0066] Thus, because many parts are arranged, the supporter 130 may have a complex shape. Therefore, the supporter 130 may be easily manufactured into a complex shape, for example, by injection molding a plastic material. The specific structure of the supporter 130 will be described in detail below.

[0067] The coil substrate 140 is located on top of the supporter 130 and consists of multiple units arranged laterally apart from each other, and may have working coils 140a printed on it.

[0068] Conventional working coils 140a are manufactured by winding the coil in a spiral. In the case of these working coils 140a, the overall size of the working coil 140a can be large due to the winding of the coil. A large working coil 140a reduces the spatial efficiency of the heating area of ​​the electric range and increases power consumption.

[0069] In this embodiment, a coil substrate 140 on which a working coil 140a is printed can be used. The working coil 140a on the coil substrate 140 may be provided not by being wound, but by being printed on the coil substrate 140.

[0070] When printing the working coil 140a, it is possible to print the working coil 140a densely over a small area, and also to print in a way that forms multiple layers in the vertical direction of the substrate.

[0071] A multilayer structure can be formed by, for example, masking the shape of a coil and circuit pattern onto a copper foil film and printing it, removing unnecessary parts by an etching process to form a pattern, and then coating the formed pattern with an insulating material to create a single layer of coils and circuit patterns.

[0072] Furthermore, copper foil films can be attached to the insulating material coating, and masking printing and etching processes can be performed on these copper foil films to form coils and circuit patterns that constitute the second layer. By repeating this process, a coil substrate 140 equipped with a multilayer working coil 140a may be manufactured.

[0073] As a result, when the working coil 140a is printed onto the coil substrate 140, the area of ​​the coil substrate 140 can be reduced compared to the method in which the working coil 140a is wound, and the length of the working coil 140a can be sufficiently extended. This makes it possible to manufacture a coil substrate 140 equipped with a working coil 140a with a small area.

[0074] Furthermore, since the coil substrate 140 has the form of a thin film, the coil substrate 140 on which the working coil 140a is provided may have a much slimmer form compared to the method in which the working coil 140a is wound.

[0075] Therefore, in this embodiment, by using a coil substrate 140 on which the working coil 140a is printed, the volume occupied by the working coil 140a can be reduced, and the total length of the working coil 140a can be sufficiently extended. This makes it possible to manufacture the entire electric range in a slim design.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, compared to the method in which the working coil 140a is wound, this embodiment allows a very large number of small-area coil substrates 140 to be placed on the electric range. As a result, a large number of working coils 140a may be densely arranged on the top of the electric range.

[0077] The coil substrates 140 may be arranged without gaps between adjacent coil substrates 140, compared to the method in which the working coil 140a is wound. With such a structure, a large number of coil substrates 140 may be densely arranged without gaps in the electric range.

[0078] Therefore, since the empty space without the working coil 140a can be minimized in the area where the coil substrate 140 is located, multiple objects to be heated can be heated simultaneously, and the space efficiency of the electric range can be improved.

[0079] Furthermore, since the working coil 140a is printed on the coil substrate 140, it is not necessarily required to arrange the working coil 140a in a circular pattern. For example, the working coil 140a may have a roughly rectangular shape and be printed in a spiral pattern to correspond to the rectangular shape of the coil substrate 140.

[0080] Due to the aforementioned structure, the working coil 140a may have a very long overall length when assembled. Furthermore, the working coils 140a are densely arranged on the coil substrate 140, and each working coil 140a is separated from the others and can operate independently.

[0081] As a result, only the working coil 140a located in a portion overlapping with the object to be heated operates to form a magnetic field, while the other working coils 140a do not need to operate. With this structure, the user can freely place the object to be heated anywhere on the cover plate 120.

[0082] This provides convenience to the user, and since the working coil 140a that is not superimposed on the heated object does not operate, power consumption can be significantly reduced.

[0083] The ferrite module 150 may be provided in multiple units, positioned on top of the supporter 130, below the coil substrate 140, and in positions corresponding to each of the multiple working coils 140a.

[0084] Since a working coil 140a is printed on the coil substrate 140, when high-frequency power is applied to the working coil 140a, a magnetic field is formed around the ferrite module 150 and the coil substrate 140, and this formed magnetic field can create eddy currents in the object to be heated.

[0085] The ferrite modules 150 may be arranged on the underside of the coil substrate 140 in a number corresponding to the positions of the working coils 140a. In this embodiment, the ferrite modules 150 may be provided in a rectangular shape overall.

[0086] The ferrite module 150 may be formed by insert injection molding of ferrite material and plastic material. In this case, the ferrite material in one ferrite module 150 may be arranged as multiple pieces spaced apart from each other. The ferrite module 150 will be described in detail below.

[0087] Various circuit boards containing various control elements and electrical circuits may be provided in the electric range for its operation. These boards may be provided as a main board 170, an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter 190, an SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) board 180, an inverter board 210, a resonant board 220, and an indicator board 250.

[0088] The main board 170 may be equipped with a control unit for controlling the electric range. The main board 170 may be powered by an external power supply and may be equipped to communicate with external devices by wire or wireless connection.

[0089] The EMI filter 190 can suppress electromagnetic interference generated by electricity. The EMI filter 190 may be supplied with AC power from an external power source. Furthermore, the EMI filter 190 can reduce the noise (i.e., EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference)) of the supplied AC power and provide the noise-reduced AC power as an SMPS substrate 180.

[0090] The SMPS board 180 can supply power to the electric range. The SMPS board 180 may be supplied with AC power with reduced noise from the EMI filter 190. The SMPS board 180 can also rectify the supplied AC power into DC power and supply the rectified DC power to the inverter board 210.

[0091] The inverter board 210 can apply a resonant current to the working coil 140a. The inverter board 210 may include an inverter section that applies a resonant current to the working coil 140a by switching operation. Multiple inverter sections may be provided, and the switching operation of the inverter sections may be controlled by a control section provided on the main board 170.

[0092] Here, the inverter unit receives DC power from the SMPS board 180 and performs switching operations based on the provided DC power, thereby applying a resonant current to the working coil 140a.

[0093] The inverter section may include two switching elements, which may be alternately turned on and turned off by switching signals provided by the control unit. The switching operation of these two switching elements generates a high-frequency alternating current (i.e., a resonant current), which may be applied to the working coil 140a.

[0094] An inverter board 210 according to one embodiment can be equipped with a resonant capacitor, as shown in Figures 3 and 7. That is, the inverter board 210 shown in Figure 3 is a configuration in which the inverter section and the resonant capacitor are integrated.

[0095] In other embodiments, the inverter board 210, as shown in Figure 17, may include only the inverter section without a resonant capacitor. In such cases, a separate resonant board 220 equipped with a resonant capacitor may be provided in the electric range.

[0096] The resonant substrate 220 and the resonant capacitor will be explained first. The resonant capacitor is electrically connected to the inverter section, and when a resonant current is applied to the working coil 140a by the switching operation of the inverter section, resonance begins.

[0097] Furthermore, when the resonant capacitor resonates, the current flowing through the working coil 140a connected to the resonant capacitor increases. In other words, through this process, eddy currents can be induced in the heated object placed above the working coil 140a connected to the resonant capacitor.

[0098] Multiple resonant capacitors may be provided. In the case of an integrated type in which the inverter section and resonant capacitors are all provided on the inverter board 210, the resonant capacitors may be arranged on the inverter board 210 at a distance from the inverter section.

[0099] Of course, if the inverter board 210 and the resonant board 220 are separated from each other and exist separately, the resonant capacitor may be provided on the resonant board 220.

[0100] The indicator board 250 may be equipped with a light source. The light source may be provided, for example, in the form of multiple LEDs arranged in a row.

[0101] The indicator board 250 lights up when the electric range is operating, informing the user whether or not the heating element is working. The indicator board 250 can also change the lighting patterns and colors of multiple LEDs to inform the user of the electric range's operating status.

[0102] The electric range may include a support plate (lower supporter) 260 positioned above the bottom plate 111 of the case 110. The support plate 260 is positioned below the supporter 130, is housed in the case 110, and is positioned below a substrate that connects to the lower surface of the supporter 130, thereby supporting the supporter 130.

[0103] The support plate 260 is formed in a plate shape, and holes may be formed in the parts corresponding to the inlet hole 1112 and the outlet hole 1113, respectively, so that air can flow through the inlet hole 1112 and the outlet hole 1113 formed in the bottom plate 111, which will be described later.

[0104] The supporter 130 is equipped with numerous circuit boards, a blower fan 230, a heat sink 240, a ferrite module 150, and a coil circuit board 140, and the supporter 130 can support the load of these components. Because numerous components are connected to the upper supporter, the load of these components may cause the supporter 130 to deform and sag.

[0105] Therefore, the support plate 260 is positioned below the supporter 130 to support the supporter 130, which is made up of multiple connected parts, thereby preventing the supporter 130 from sagging.

[0106] On the other hand, in another embodiment, multiple substrates and components such as the blower fan 230 and heat sink 240 may be connected to a support plate (lower supporter) 260. In such a structure, the load applied to the supporter 130 is reduced, and the occurrence of deformation that causes the supporter 130 to sag can be suppressed to some extent.

[0107] When an electric range is assembled, the support plate 260 may be positioned vertically separated from the support plate 260 at a distance sufficient to support the relatively large components, the larger-than-average-volume blower fan 230, and the larger-than-average-volume heat sink 240 that are provided on various circuit boards.

[0108] On the upper surface of the support plate 260, a projection may protrude upward to support the supporter 130 or a component that connects to the lower surface of the supporter 130. On the other hand, on the upper surface of the bottom plate 111 of the case 110, a projection may protrude upward to support the support plate 260.

[0109] Various types of circuit boards may be placed on the upper side of the support plate 260. Therefore, it is necessary to electrically insulate the circuit boards that may come into contact with the support plate 260 from the bottom plate 111 of the case 110, which is made of a material such as aluminum, in order to prevent leakage current and short circuits.

[0110] Therefore, the support plate 260 is made of an electrically insulating material and is placed between the bottom plate 111 of the case 110 and the substrate to electrically insulate the substrate from the bottom plate 111. The support plate 260 may be made of, for example, an electrically insulating material such as mica or a plastic material.

[0111] The electric range may include a first insulation material 270 and a second insulation material 280. The first insulation material 270 is placed between the supporter 130 and the cover plate 120 to suppress heat transfer from the heated object to the supporter 130.

[0112] The heat generated when the object to be heated is heated may pass through the cover plate 120 and be transferred to the supporter 130 located inside the electric range and the various components connected to it.

[0113] Such heat transfer can heat the inside of the electric range, and in particular, if it is transferred to various circuit boards, it can adversely affect the operation of the electric range. Therefore, by placing the first insulating material 270 between the cover plate 120 and the supporter 130, heat transfer from the heated object to the inside of the electric range can be suppressed, preventing the internal components from overheating and improving the operating performance of the electric range.

[0114] The first insulation material 270 may, for example, be made relatively thin or formed from a carbon material that has good insulation performance, but is not limited to this.

[0115] The first insulation material 270 is formed in a plate shape and is provided in multiple pieces to cover the coil substrate 140. The first insulation material 270 as a whole may be separated from each other in the lateral direction of the electric range and formed integrally in the vertical direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of one of the first insulation materials 270 may be arranged parallel to the vertical direction of the electric range.

[0116] The second insulation material 280 is positioned between the supporter 130 and the cover plate 120, and may be positioned at least one location above or below the first insulation material 270.

[0117] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the second insulation material 280 is positioned both above and below the first insulation material 270. In another embodiment, the second insulation material 280 may be positioned only above or below the first insulation material 270.

[0118] The second insulation material 280 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the first insulation material 270. Therefore, the second insulation material 280 as a whole may be separated from each other in the lateral direction of the electric range and formed integrally in the vertical direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of one of the first insulation materials 270 may be arranged parallel to the vertical direction of the electric range.

[0119] The second insulation material 280 is made of mica material and, together with the first insulation material 270, can suppress heat transfer from the heated object to the supporter 130 inside the electric range. In addition, the second insulation material 280 is positioned in contact with the first insulation material 270 to prevent the first insulation material 270 from being damaged by impact.

[0120] In particular, the first insulation material 270, which is made of carbon, is susceptible to impact and easily damaged. Therefore, the second insulation material 280 can support the first insulation material 270, suppress damage to the first insulation material 270, and improve the durability of the first insulation material 270.

[0121] On the other hand, the first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 are formed to be shorter in the area where the input interface 160 is located, so as not to obstruct the input interface 160, thereby avoiding the input interface 160.

[0122] Figure 4a is a plan view of Figure 1 with the cover plate 120 omitted. Figure 4b is a plan view showing a coil substrate 140 according to one embodiment. Figure 4c is a plan view showing a part of the sensing coil 2514 shown in Figure 4b.

[0123] In Figure 4b, for clarity, the working coil 140a and the sensing coil 2514 are shown superimposed. In an actual structure, the working coil 140a may be placed below the sensing coil 2514, and the layers of the working coil 140a and the sensing coil 2514 may be separated from each other in the vertical direction of the electric range by an insulating material.

[0124] A sensing coil 2514 may be printed on the coil substrate 140 to detect when the object to be heated has settled on the upper surface of the cover plate 120. The sensing coil 2514 may be placed, for example, on the top layer of the coil substrate 140.

[0125] The sensing coil 2514 may be arranged to form multiple layers of the coil substrate 140. For example, the sensing coil 2514 may be placed on the top layer and the layer below it of the coil substrate 140, and the working coil 140a, which forms multiple layers, may be placed below the sensing coil 2514.

[0126] The sensing coil 2514 may be manufactured by performing a masking printing process and an etching process, as described above for the working coil 140a, to form multiple layers.

[0127] The sensing coil 2514 may be provided in a substantially circular shape and may be formed in an area smaller than that of the working coil 140a. Multiple sensing coils 2514 may be provided on the coil substrate 140 spaced apart from each other. The sensing coil 2514 may also be provided at the positions where the working coil 140a is located, and may also be provided at the coil boundary 1412 between adjacent working coils 140a.

[0128] In this way, by arranging a large number of working coils 140a on the coil substrate 140, the sensing coil 2514 can accurately sense the position of the object to be heated, regardless of where it is placed on the upper surface of the cover plate 120.

[0129] The coil substrate 140 may have screw holes (H_sc) formed through its edges. For example, a coupling device such as a screw bolt may pass through the screw holes (H_sc) and be coupled to the support 130, thereby enabling the coil substrate 140 to be stably and firmly coupled to the support 130.

[0130] Referring to Figure 4c, the sensing coil 2514 may have an overall circular shape and be formed in a spiral manner. In these shapes, a central region 2514c may be formed inside the sensing coil 2514 where no coil is printed.

[0131] A thermistor 320 may be placed in the central region 25-14c for indirectly measuring the temperature of the object being heated. Additionally, a sensor pad (P_s) may be placed in the central region 25-14c for electrical connection with the two electrodes of the thermistor 320.

[0132] The sensor pad (P_s) may be formed by printing on the upper surface of the coil substrate 140, or it may be provided, for example, in the form of a via hole. The sensor pad (P_s) may be electrically connected to the control unit, and the temperature information measured by the thermistor 320 may be transmitted to the control unit.

[0133] The electrodes of the sensor pad (P_s) and the coil substrate 140 may be electrically connected to each other, for example, by soldering. The specific structure of the thermistor 320 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0134] The sensor pad (P_s) and thermistor 320 may be positioned, for example, to avoid the location where the coil of the working coil 140a is printed. Therefore, the central region 2514c of the sensing coil 2514, which is positioned where the working coil 140a is located, may be positioned to avoid the location where the coil that will become the conductor of the working coil 140a is printed.

[0135] On the other hand, in the coil boundary 1412 where the working coil 140a is not located, the central region 2514c of the sensing coil 2514 may be placed in the coil boundary 1412. This allows the sensor pad (P_s) and thermistor 320 to be positioned to avoid the coil of the working coil 140a.

[0136] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view facing the 5-5 direction in Figure 4a. Figure 6 is a bottom view showing an electric range according to one embodiment.

[0137] Various circuit boards may be fitted with elements that generate heat when the electric range is in operation.

[0138] For example, the switching elements responsible for on / off control in electric ranges generate a lot of heat. Therefore, these elements require forced cooling to prevent the electric range from shutting down or malfunctioning due to overheating.

[0139] Therefore, the electric range may include a blower fan 230 and a heat sink 240. The blower fan 230 and the heat sink 240 can play a role in cooling the heated circuit boards and other components.

[0140] The blower fan 230 may be coupled to the underside of the supporter 130 and positioned at a distance from the circuit board. The blower fan 230 may be configured to expel air toward the heat sink 240. The blower fan 230 may be electrically connected to the main circuit board 170 and its operation may be controlled by a control unit provided on the main circuit board 170.

[0141] The heatsink 240 may be positioned below the supporter 130, with its longitudinal direction parallel to the air exhaust direction of the blower fan 230. The heatsink 240 can be coupled to the underside of the inverter board 210.

[0142] In this embodiment, the inverter boards 210 are provided in pairs, spaced apart from each other, so the heat sinks 240 may be provided in pairs, coupled to each inverter board 210. Corresponding to the pair of heat sinks 240, the blower fans 230 may be provided in pairs, each positioned to correspond to the pair of heat sinks 240.

[0143] The heat sink 240 may have multiple cooling fins, and an air passage may be formed inside through which air passes in a direction parallel to its longitudinal direction. Therefore, the air discharged from the outlet of the blower fan 230 cools the heat sink 240 as it passes through the outer surface and the internal air passage, thereby effectively cooling the inverter board 210.

[0144] The heat sink 240 can be coupled to the inverter board 210 to increase the heat dissipation area of ​​the inverter board 210, allowing the inverter board 210 to be effectively cooled by the air flowed by the blower fan 230.

[0145] Since the inverter board 210 is equipped with an inverter section, which is a switching element, the inverter section consumes a large amount of power and may be heated to a higher temperature than other elements. Therefore, the heat sink 240 can be coupled to the inverter board 210 to effectively cool the inverter section.

[0146] On the other hand, since the air flowing through the blower fan 230 flows across the entire underside of the support plate 260, the inverter board 210 as well as other boards are cooled by the forced-flowing air, and the inside of the electric range may be cooled as a whole.

[0147] As shown in Figure 6, the bottom plate 111 of the case 110 may include an inlet 1112 and an outlet 1113. The inlet 1112 is formed in a position corresponding to the blower fan 230, allowing air to flow in from the outside.

[0148] The exhaust holes 1113 are formed at a position corresponding to the air exhaust portion of the heat sink 240, and air may be discharged from them. The exhaust holes 1113 may be formed at a position adjacent to the outlet of the air passage formed in the heat sink 240. Since the heat sink 240 and the blower fan 230 are each formed in pairs, the inlet holes 1112 and the exhaust holes 1113 may also be formed in pairs accordingly.

[0149] The working coils 140a may be formed in multiple layers on the coil substrate 140. For example, a sensing coil 2514 for sensing the object to be heated may be printed on the top of the coil substrate 140, and multiple working coils 140a may be arranged below it, each forming a layer.

[0150] In Figure 4b, the working coil 140a has an overall rectangular shape and is formed in a spiral manner. This structure provides a shape corresponding to the rectangular anchoring groove 131 and the ferrite module 150, and the working coil 140a can be densely printed, potentially increasing the total length of the working coil 140a.

[0151] However, in other embodiments, the outer shape of the working coil 140a may be formed as a polygon, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0152] As mentioned above, the single working coil 140a shown in Figure 4b may be arranged in multiples on the coil substrate 140, each separated from the others in the vertical direction, forming layers. However, for the sake of clarity, in the following, working coils 140a that are superimposed in the vertical direction and form multiple layers can be referred to as a single identical working coil 140a.

[0153] As shown in Figure 4b, a single coil substrate 140 may have multiple working coils 140a arranged laterally on the coil substrate 140.

[0154] Figure 4b shows, for example, a single coil substrate 140 with two working coils 140a printed horizontally and four working coils 140a printed vertically. However, the size of the coil substrate 140 and the number of working coils 140a printed on a single coil substrate 140 may be changed, taking into consideration the overall shape or size of the electric range and the ease of assembly or disassembly.

[0155] On the other hand, in one coil substrate 140, through holes 1419 may be formed between adjacent working coils 140a. The first piece 1321 of the supporter 130 may be fitted into these through holes 1419. By fitting the first piece 1321 into the through holes 1419, the coil substrate 140 may be placed in the designed position. The through holes 1419 may have shapes corresponding to the first piece 1321 and the slit 1323 of the supporter 130.

[0156] Furthermore, with this structure, the slit 1323 formed in the first piece 1321 is not blocked by the coil substrate 140, and the light irradiated from the indicator substrate 250 can pass through the slit 1323 hole in the support 130 and through the cover plate 120.

[0157] One working coil 140a may be positioned in a location corresponding to one ferrite module 150 and superimposed on each other in the vertical direction. That is, one working coil 140a may be positioned to correspond to one ferrite module 150.

[0158] In this case, a coil boundary portion 1412 may be provided between adjacent working coils 140a. The coil boundary portion 1412 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction intersects with the longitudinal direction of the through hole 1419, and of course, the through hole 1419 is not formed in the coil boundary portion 1412.

[0159] The lower surface of the coil substrate 140 is supported by a second piece 1322, in which case the coil boundary portion 1412 may be positioned in a location corresponding to the second piece 1322 of the boundary rib 132.

[0160] The direction of airflow in Figure 5 is indicated by the arrows. When the blower fan 230 is operating, air can flow into the interior of the electric range from the outside through the inlet hole 1112. Some of the incoming air passes through the outer surface of the heat sink 240 and the air channels formed inside the heat sink 240, while the other incoming air can diffuse as a whole into the interior of the electric range case 110.

[0161] The air forced to flow inside the case 110 may be discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole 1113. In particular, the inverter board 210 to which the heat sink 240 is coupled may be well cooled by the forced flow of air. Therefore, the inverter section, which is a switching element heated to a high temperature, may be effectively cooled by the heat sink 240 and air.

[0162] In this embodiment, the blower fan 230 is coupled to the lower surface of the supporter 130, the heat sink 240 is coupled to the inverter board 210, and the inverter board 210 is coupled to the lower surface of the supporter 130. In short, since both the blower fan 230 and the heat sink 240, which are cooling devices, are coupled to the supporter 130, the case 110 does not need to be provided with a separate structure for coupling the blower fan 230 and the heat sink 240.

[0163] Therefore, the support structure of the electric range can be simplified overall, simplifying the structure of the electric range and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0164] Furthermore, since the case 110 does not have structures that come into contact with the blower fan 230 and the heat sink 240, the assembly and disassembly of the case 110 become easier, which may make maintenance work on the electric range easier.

[0165] Figure 7 is a drawing in which case 110 from Figure 6 is omitted. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a supporter 130 according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a plan view showing a supporter 130 according to one embodiment.

[0166] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view oriented in the direction of 10-10 in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view oriented in the direction of 11-11 in Figure 9.

[0167] The supporter 130 may include a flat plate 135 positioned parallel to the lateral direction of the electric range, and a side plate 136 that is bent downward at the edge of the flat plate 135. A ferrite module 150 and a coil substrate 140 are arranged on the flat plate 135, and the side plate 136 can support the flat plate 135 at its edge.

[0168] The supporter 130 may include a fixing groove 131 and a boundary rib 132.

[0169] The anchoring groove 131 is formed by recessing the flat plate 135 and may be provided with multiple grooves arranged to align with each other in the lateral and vertical directions of the supporter 130, with each of the multiple ferrite modules 150 being anchored to it. The anchoring groove 131 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and thus the rectangular coil substrate 140 and ferrite modules 150 may be fitted into the anchoring groove 131.

[0170] The boundary ribs 132 form the boundaries of multiple anchoring grooves 131 and are provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the supporter 130, and there may be multiple boundary ribs.

[0171] The boundary rib 132 may include a first piece 1321 and a second piece 1322. The first piece 1321 may be positioned with its longitudinal direction lateral. The second piece 1322 may be positioned with its longitudinal direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first piece 1321.

[0172] Referring to Figure 4a, the first piece 1321 may be positioned with its longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, and the second piece 1322 may be positioned with its longitudinal direction in the horizontal direction. Since the first piece 1321 and the second piece 1322 are positioned with their longitudinal directions intersecting each other, the upper surface of the supporter 130 may be formed in a grid pattern as a whole.

[0173] A slit 1323 may be formed in the first piece 1321. The slit 1323 may be formed to penetrate the supporter 130 and may be formed in the shape of an elongated hole. An indicator substrate 250 may be placed in the supporter 130 at a position corresponding to the position where the slit 1323 is formed.

[0174] Therefore, since the longitudinal direction of the first piece 1321 and the slit 1323 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the supporter 130, the indicator substrate 250 may also have its longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the supporter 130.

[0175] The light source on the indicator board 250 emits light upwards, and the emitted light passes through the slit 1323 and through the glass cover plate 120, allowing the user to see the emitted light.

[0176] The slit 1323 and the indicator substrate 250 are positioned such that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the supporter 130 and are spaced apart from each other, so that the user can see the illuminated light as a whole, which is elongated in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction.

[0177] The first piece 1321 may be relatively tall, while the second piece 1322 may be shorter than the first piece 1321. The first piece 1321 has a slit 1323 formed in it, and since the light passing through the slit 1323 needs to be clearly visible to the user without diffusion, the first piece 1321 can be formed relatively tall so that the light does not diffuse until it passes over the top surface of the cover plate 120.

[0178] Since the first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280, which are positioned above the first piece 1321, are separated from each other in the slit 1323, the first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 do not obstruct the slit 1323, and therefore light passing through the slit 1323 can immediately reach the cover plate 120.

[0179] The second piece 1322 is formed relatively low, and the first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 may be placed on the upper side of the second piece 1322. The first insulation material 270 or the second insulation material 280 may be positioned with its longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the supporter 130.

[0180] Therefore, the first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 may be arranged integrally in the longitudinal direction of the supporter 130 and separated from each other in the lateral direction. The first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 may be separated from each other with the first piece 1321 as the boundary.

[0181] In other words, the multiple first and second insulation materials 270 and 280 may be separated from each other by the first piece 1321 and positioned above the second piece 1322. Thus, the second piece 1322 can be formed relatively low to create a space in which the first insulation material 270, the second insulation material 280, and the coil boundary portion 1412 of the coil substrate 140 are arranged.

[0182] The ferrite module 150 may include a ferrite core 151 and a core fixing portion 152. When high-frequency power is applied to the working coil 140a printed on the coil substrate 140, a magnetic field is formed around the working coil 140a, and this formed magnetic field can create eddy currents in the object to be heated. The ferrite core 151 can raise the formed magnetic field upwards towards the object to be heated.

[0183] The core fixing portion 152 is to which the ferrite core 151 is attached, and the ferrite core 151 can be fixed to the fixing groove 131. The core fixing portion 152 is coupled to the supporter 130 and is formed by insert injection molding with the ferrite core 151, and can fix the ferrite core 151.

[0184] The core fixing portion 152 forms the outer shape of the ferrite module 150 and may be formed in a rectangular shape overall. On the other hand, the ferrite core 151 is formed of multiple pieces and can be bonded to the core fixing portion 152 by insert injection. As a result, the ferrite module 150 may have a rectangular shape overall.

[0185] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the supporter 130 and the ferrite module 150. Figure 13 is a plan view showing the ferrite module 150 coupled to the supporter 130. Figure 14 is a plan view showing the state in Figure 13 with the coil substrate 140 coupled to it.

[0186] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the ferrite module 150 can first be attached to the fixing groove 131 formed on the upper part of the supporter 130. Next, after the ferrite module 150 is attached, the coil substrate 140 can be attached to the supporter 130. The attachment of the coil substrate 140 to the supporter 130 can be completed in this order.

[0187] The coil substrate 140 and the ferrite module 150 may be provided to be supported by the boundary rib 132 while placed in the anchoring groove 131.

[0188] Each ferrite module 150 may be inserted independently into each anchoring groove 131. Once each ferrite module 150 is inserted into the anchoring groove 131, the sides of the ferrite module 150 may be stably supported by the first piece 1321 and the second piece 1322 of the boundary rib 132.

[0189] When the coil substrate 140 is placed on top of the supporter 130, the lower surface of the coil substrate 140 may be supported by the second piece 1322 of the boundary rib 132. At this time, the coil boundary portion 1412 of the coil substrate 140 may be located on the upper surface of the second piece 1322.

[0190] The first piece 1321 of the boundary rib 132 may be fitted into the through hole 1419 of the coil substrate 140. This allows the coil substrate 140 to be positioned in the designed location and supported by the first piece 1321, thereby suppressing lateral movement of the supporter 130.

[0191] A substrate coupling portion 141 may be provided to stably attach the coil substrate 140 to the supporter 130. The substrate coupling portion 141 is coupled to the coil substrate 140, allowing the coil substrate 140 to be coupled to the supporter 130. The substrate coupling portion 141 may be formed integrally with the coil substrate 140, or it may be manufactured separately and coupled to the coil substrate 140.

[0192] The substrate bonding portion 141 may be formed to protrude from the longitudinal end of the coil substrate 140. These protruding substrate bonding portions 141 can be connected to the supporter 130 by a connecting device such as a screw bolt.

[0193] Connecting pins 1411 may be provided on the edge of the coil substrate 140. When the coil substrate 140 is attached to the supporter 130 by the substrate coupling portion 141, the connecting pins 1411 come into contact with terminals formed on the supporter 130, thereby electrically connecting the connecting pins 1411 and the terminals of the supporter 130.

[0194] The terminals of the supporter 130 may be electrically connected to other electrical components by cables or the like.

[0195] In this embodiment, the ferrite module 150 may be easily and stably attached to the supporter 130 by an attachment groove 131 formed on the upper part of the supporter 130 and a boundary rib 132 formed surrounding the attachment groove 131.

[0196] Furthermore, since the first piece 1321 is fitted onto the coil substrate 140, the coil substrate 140, once attached to the supporter 130, may be placed in the designed position and does not move laterally relative to the supporter 130, i.e., in the lateral and vertical directions of the supporter 130, thus allowing the coil substrate 140 to be easily assembled onto the supporter 130.

[0197] The electric range may include an input interface 160 that is fixed to the top of the supporter 130. The input interface 160 can be coupled to the supporter 130. For this purpose, the supporter 130 may be formed so that its upper surface is recessed downwards and includes an insertion groove 134 into which the input interface 160 is inserted.

[0198] The insertion groove 134 may be provided in a roughly rectangular shape to correspond with the rectangular input interface 160. The insertion groove 134 and the input interface 160 may be positioned in the front center of the electric range to allow the user to easily perform input.

[0199] A hole may be formed at the bottom of the insertion groove 134 to allow cables or the like to pass through for electrical connection between the input interface 160 and other components.

[0200] Figure 15 is a bottom view of the supporter 130. Figure 16 shows the state in which the indicator board 250 is attached to the supporter 130. Figure 17 shows the state in which various components are attached to the supporter 130.

[0201] Various substrates can be attached to the lower surface of the supporter 130. These substrates may be attached, for example, by fasteners such as screw bolts.

[0202] The main board 170 may be coupled to the lower surface of the supporter 130 and may contain a control unit for controlling the electric range.

[0203] The SMPS board 180 is coupled to the underside of the supporter 130 and can supply power to the electric range. The SMPS board 180 may be provided in pairs to supply power to multiple working coils 140a.

[0204] The EMI filter 190 is coupled to the lower surface of the supporter 130 and can suppress electromagnetic interference generated by electricity. Since the EMI filter 190 is electrically connected to the SMPS board 180, it may be provided in pairs, corresponding to each of the pair of SMPS boards 180.

[0205] The inverter board 210 is coupled to the lower surface of the supporter 130 and can apply a resonant current to the working coil 140a. The inverter boards 210 may also be provided in pairs to supply a resonant current to multiple working coils 140a.

[0206] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 17, an electric range may also be provided in which the inverter board 210 and the resonant board 220 are separated from each other. The resonant board 220 may be coupled to the lower surface of the supporter 130, positioned separately from the inverter board 210, and may include a resonant capacitor.

[0207] Thus, the lower surface of the supporter 130 may be equipped with various circuit boards necessary for the operation of the electric range. In this case, each circuit board may be arranged on the lower surface of the supporter 130 at positions spaced apart from each other.

[0208] Each substrate may be inverted and coupled to the lower surface of the supporter 130. That is, among the elements provided on each substrate, elements that occupy a relatively large volume may be arranged to be located at the bottom of the substrate.

[0209] This structure allows various substrates to be easily attached to the underside of the supporter 130 without any obstructions.

[0210] On the other hand, the indicator board 250 is provided in multiple units, coupled to the lower surface of the supporter 130 and arranged spaced apart from each other, and may include a light source. Unlike the other boards, the indicator board 250 may be positioned in a location that partially overlaps with the other boards.

[0211] The indicator board 250 may be formed in a bar shape, with its longitudinal direction parallel to the lateral direction of the supporter 130.

[0212] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the slits 1323 formed in the supporter 130 may be formed with their longitudinal direction parallel to the vertical direction of the supporter 130, and may also be aligned in a single row in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the slits 1323 may be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the supporter 130.

[0213] The indicator substrate 250 may be positioned so as to overlap with the slit 1323 through which light passes. Therefore, the indicator substrate 250 may be positioned so as to cover the slit 1323 on the lower surface of the supporter 130.

[0214] Therefore, the indicator board 250 may consist of multiple boards whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the vertical direction of the supporter 130 and which are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the supporter 130.

[0215] Except for the indicator board 250, the various boards that operate the aforementioned electric ranges may be coupled to the underside of the boards at a distance from each other. Even if a pair of boards are provided, each piece may be arranged at a distance from each other.

[0216] Furthermore, a blower fan 230, which constitutes the cooling device, may be positioned on the lower surface of the supporter 130 at a distance from the substrate. On the other hand, the heat sink 240, which constitutes the cooling device, can be coupled to the supporter 130 in a configuration where it is coupled to the lower surface of the inverter substrate 210.

[0217] In this embodiment, a ferrite module 150 and a coil substrate 140 are coupled to the upper part of the supporter, and various substrates for operating the electric range and a cooling device can be coupled to the lower surface of the supporter.

[0218] Thus, the circuit board, blower fan 230, and other electrical components that are powered and involved in the operation of the electric range, as well as most other components, may be coupled to the supporter 130. Such a structure can significantly improve the assembly and disassembly performance of the electric range.

[0219] In other words, when assembling an electric range, the ferrite module 150, coil board 140, and input interface 160 can be assembled on the top of the supporter 130, and various circuit boards and cooling devices can be assembled on the bottom of the supporter 130.

[0220] Next, the first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 are placed on the upper side of the supporter 130, and the support plate 260 is placed on the lower side of the supporter 130. After that, the cover plate 120 and the case 110 are joined together to complete the assembly of the electric range.

[0221] In this case, since the case 110 does not have a support structure to support the components that are connected to the supporter 130, there is no need to adapt the support structure to these components, and the assembly of the case 110 can be made very easy.

[0222] Similarly, when disassembling an electric range for repair, by disassembling the case 110 and cover plate 120, and then disassembling the support plate 260, the supporter 130, to which various parts are connected, can be immediately accessed, and any faulty parts can be easily replaced.

[0223] Furthermore, since the ferrite modules 150 are separated from each other and each is inserted into the fixing groove 131 of the supporter 130, only the faulty ferrite module 150 can be replaced, making it easy to repair the electric range.

[0224] On the other hand, referring to Figures 15 to 17, the assembly of various components on the lower surface of the supporter 130 can be carried out in the following order. First, the indicator substrate 250 can be attached to the lower surface of the supporter 130 so as to cover the slit 1323 at the position where the slit 1323 is formed.

[0225] Next, the various circuit boards and the blower fan 230 can be positioned in the designed locations on the underside of the supporter 130 and coupled to the supporter 130. At this time, the heat sink 240 can be coupled to the inverter circuit board 210. Of course, the various circuit boards, excluding the heat sink 240 and the indicator circuit board 250, can be coupled to the underside of the supporter 130 at positions spaced apart from each other.

[0226] Next, cable coupling work can be performed for electrical connections between various electrical components and for electrical connections with external power supplies.

[0227] Furthermore, the disassembly process can be carried out in the reverse order of the assembly process described above.

[0228] Figure 18 is an exploded view showing some of the components that make up an electric range.

[0229] When the electric range is in operation, the object to be heated, placed on the upper surface of the cover plate 120, is heated, and heat may be transferred from the object to be heated into the interior of the electric range. The heat from the object to be heated may pass through the cover plate 120 and be transferred to the coil substrate 140 and other various substrates located below the cover plate 120.

[0230] These heat transfers can negatively affect the operation of electric ranges. For example, if excessive heat transfer occurs inside an electric range, it may shut down to protect its internal components. This can be inconvenient for the user.

[0231] Furthermore, a thermistor 320 may be coupled to the upper surface of the coil substrate 140 in order to indirectly measure the temperature of the object to be heated. The thermistor 320 can be integrally coupled to the coil substrate 140. For example, the thermistor 320 may be coupled to the upper surface of the coil substrate 140 by soldering.

[0232] Because lead has a relatively low melting point, if excessive heat is transferred from the heated object to the coil substrate 140, the lead may melt further. In such a case, the thermistor 320, which is soldered to the coil substrate 140, may malfunction due to a broken connection.

[0233] Therefore, in order to prevent the solder from melting, it is necessary to block heat transfer from the heated object to the coil substrate 140.

[0234] To block heat transfer, the electric range of the embodiment may have a first insulating material 270 and a second insulating material 280 placed between the cover plate 120 and the coil substrate 140.

[0235] The first insulating material 270 is placed between the supporter 130 and the cover plate 120, and can suppress heat transfer from the heated object to the coil substrate 140 connected to the supporter 130. The first insulating material 270 can suppress heat transfer from the heated object to the inside of the electric range, prevent overheating of internal components, and improve the operating performance of the electric range.

[0236] The first thermal insulation material 270 may be formed to have a roughly plate-like shape. The first thermal insulation material 270 may be made relatively thin, for example, or it may be made of a carbon material with good thermal insulation performance, but is not limited to these.

[0237] The first insulation material 270 is formed in a plate shape and is provided in multiple pieces to cover the coil substrate 140. The first insulation material 270 as a whole may be separated from each other in the lateral direction of the electric range and formed integrally in the vertical direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of one of the first insulation materials 270 may be arranged parallel to the vertical direction of the electric range.

[0238] The second insulation material 280 is positioned between the supporter 130 and the cover plate 120, and may be positioned at least one location above or below the first insulation material 270. The second insulation material 280 may be formed to have a substantially plate-like shape.

[0239] In Figure 18, the second insulation material 280 is positioned above the first insulation material 270. However, in other embodiments, the second insulation material 280 may be positioned below the first insulation material 270. Alternatively, the second insulation material 280 may be positioned both above and below the first insulation material 270. These embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0240] The second insulation material 280 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the first insulation material 270. Therefore, the second insulation material 280 as a whole may be separated from each other in the lateral direction of the electric range and formed integrally in the vertical direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of one of the first insulation materials 270 may be arranged parallel to the vertical direction of the electric range.

[0241] The second insulation material 280 is made of mica material and, together with the first insulation material 270, can suppress heat transfer from the heated object to the supporter 130 inside the electric range. In addition, the second insulation material 280 is positioned in contact with the first insulation material 270 to prevent the first insulation material 270 from being damaged by impact.

[0242] In particular, the first insulation material 270, which is made of carbon, is susceptible to impact and easily damaged. Therefore, the second insulation material 280, which is made of a rigid mica material, can support the first insulation material 270, suppress damage to the first insulation material 270, and increase the durability of the first insulation material 270.

[0243] On the other hand, the first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 are formed to be shorter in the areas where the input interface is located, so as not to obstruct the input interface, thereby avoiding the input interface.

[0244] In this embodiment, by placing the first heat insulating material 270 and the second heat insulating material 280 between the cover plate 120 and the coil substrate 140, heat transfer from the heated object to the supporter 130 is suppressed, thereby preventing overheating of the components connected to the supporter 130 and improving the operating performance of the electric range.

[0245] Furthermore, the first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 suppress the melting of the solder that connects the thermistor 320 to the upper surface of the coil substrate 140, thereby suppressing damage to the thermistor 320 and improving the durability of the electric range.

[0246] Of course, the thermistor 320 does not suppress heat transfer to itself, as it measures the temperature of the heat passing through the cover plate 120. However, by suppressing heat transfer from the heated object to the supporter 130 at locations other than where the thermistor 320 is located, the amount of heat transferred to the soldering can be reduced, thereby effectively preventing the solder from melting.

[0247] The thermistor 320 may be soldered to the upper surface of the coil substrate 140. The thermistor 320 may also be positioned so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the coil substrate 140.

[0248] The thermistor 320 can indirectly measure the temperature of the object being heated. That is, the thermistor 320 may not be in direct contact with the object being heated, but may be positioned adjacent to the underside of the cover plate 120. This allows the temperature of the object being heated to be indirectly determined by measuring the temperature of the heat that has passed through the cover plate 120.

[0249] The thermistor 320 is positioned in contact with or in close proximity to the thermal pad 330, thereby enabling the measurement of the temperature of the heat transferred from the object being heated.

[0250] Based on the temperature information measured by the thermistor 320, the control unit can control the operation of the electric range. For example, if the temperature measured by the thermistor 320 exceeds a set value, the amount of current applied to the working coil can be reduced or the operation of the working coil can be turned off to prevent overheating of various circuit boards and other components in the electric range.

[0251] The thermistor 320 may have various shapes. For example, in this embodiment it is provided in a substantially rectangular shape, but is not limited to this, and may be formed in a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape.

[0252] The thermistor 320 may be provided in multiple units, positioned at least one location on the upper surface of a working coil or at the coil boundary 1412 between multiple working coils, and spaced apart from one another.

[0253] In order to clearly measure the temperature of the heat transferred to the entire coil substrate 140, multiple thermistors 320 need to be arranged on the coil substrate 140 in a uniform and relatively dense manner.

[0254] Therefore, in this embodiment, multiple thermistors 320 may be placed at the location where the working coil is positioned on the coil substrate 140, and multiple thermistors 320 may also be placed at the coil boundary portion 1412 where the working coil is not positioned.

[0255] In this embodiment, thermistors 320 may be uniformly arranged across the entire upper surface of the coil substrate 140. With this structure, the electric range can indirectly measure the temperature of the object to be heated across the entire coil substrate 140 using thermistors 320.

[0256] By utilizing the measured temperature information, measures can be taken to prevent the inside of the electric range from overheating, potentially improving the operating performance of the electric range.

[0257] In this embodiment, the thermistor 320 may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape. Therefore, at the position where the working coil is arranged, the thermistor 320 may be positioned such that its longitudinal direction intersects with the longitudinal direction of the coil boundary 1412.

[0258] Furthermore, in the coil boundary portion 1412, which is formed with a relatively narrow width, the longitudinal direction of the thermistor 320 may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil boundary portion 1412.

[0259] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing a second insulation material 280 and a thermal pad 330 according to one embodiment. The electric range may also include a thermal pad 330.

[0260] The thermal pads 330 are provided in a plurality, positioned at locations corresponding to the thermistor 320 and spaced apart from one another, and at least some of the plurality may be positioned to be in contact with the lower surface of the cover plate 120.

[0261] The thermal pad 330 may be made of a thermally conductive material, possess adhesive properties, and be deformable by external forces. In other words, the thermal pad 330 may be provided in a fluid gel-like state so as to be deformable by external forces.

[0262] Therefore, even if the thermal pad 330 and the thermistor 320 collide with each other, the thermal pad 330 deforms, thus mitigating the impact on the thermistor 320 and protecting it. Furthermore, since the thermal pad 330 is made of a thermally conductive material, it can smoothly transfer heat from the cover plate 120 to the thermistor 320.

[0263] The thermal pad 330 is adhered to the underside of the cover plate 120 at a position corresponding to the position of the thermistor 320, effectively preventing the thermistor 320 from directly colliding with the rigid cover plate 120.

[0264] The thermal pad 330 prevents the thermal pad 330 from being damaged by impact from the cover plate 120 by ensuring that the thermal pad 330 is in direct contact with the cover plate 120, and it also cushions the impact that the thermistor 320 receives from external forces, thereby preventing damage to the thermistor 320.

[0265] FIG. 20A is a plan view showing a state where a coil substrate 140 is attached to a supporter 130. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a state where a second heat insulating material 280 is placed on the upper side of the supporter 130.

[0266] One integrated first heat insulating material 270 and one integrated second heat insulating material 280 may be provided in shapes corresponding to each other and arranged at corresponding positions.

[0267] For example, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the first heat insulating material 270 and the second heat insulating material 280 may be arranged separately from each other in the horizontal direction, formed integrally in the vertical direction, and provided such that one first heat insulating material 270 and one second heat insulating material 280 entirely cover a plurality of working coils arranged separated in the vertical direction.

[0268] With such a structure, one first heat insulating material 270 and one second heat insulating material 280 may be manufactured to have the maximum area that can be attached to an induction cooker without blocking the slit 1323 through which light emitted from an indicator substrate 250 passes.

[0269] On the other hand, the supporter 130 may be formed with ventilation holes 137 through which air for cooling the coil substrate 140 and the ferrite module 150 arranged on the upper side of the supporter 130 flows in. The ventilation holes 137 can also serve as an air discharge portion from which air flowing into the blower fan 230 is discharged.

[0270] These ventilation holes 137 are provided in various embodiments, and each embodiment will be described below.

[0271] FIG. 20B is a diagram showing a supporter 130 according to another embodiment. FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction 20c-20c in FIG. 20B. The ventilation holes 137 may be formed so as to penetrate through the flat plate 135 of the supporter 130.

[0272] Air forced to flow through the space below the supporter 130 by the blower fan 230 can pass through the supporter 130 via the ventilation holes 137 and flow into the upper side of the supporter 130. The air that flows into the upper side of the supporter 130 comes into contact with the coil substrate 140 and ferrite module 150 located above the supporter 130, cooling them and thus effectively suppressing overheating of the coil substrate 140 and ferrite module 150.

[0273] The ventilation holes 137 may be formed in the flat plate 135 of the supporter 130 in a position where the coil substrate 140 and ferrite module 150 are not arranged, and in a position where the slit 1323 through which light irradiated from the indicator substrate 250 passes is not formed.

[0274] For example, as shown in Figure 20b, the ventilation holes 137 may be formed in at least one portion of the rear edge or front edge of the supporter 130. The ventilation holes 137 may also be elongated along the edge of the supporter 130.

[0275] Therefore, the ventilation holes 137 may be formed with their longitudinal direction parallel to the lateral direction of the supporter 130. On the other hand, although the ventilation holes 137 are located on the front edge of the supporter 130, they may also be formed, for example, behind the input interface 160.

[0276] Referring to Figure 20c, the ventilation holes 137 located on the front or rear edge of the supporter 130 may be positioned such that at least a portion faces the underside of the cover plate 120. Thus, the air flowing in through the ventilation holes 137 can come into contact with the underside of the cover plate 120, thereby cooling the cover plate 120.

[0277] Furthermore, a space is formed between the cover plate 120 and the second insulation material 280 by the thermal pad 330, and the forced-flowing air can flow through this space, thereby cooling the entire lower surface of the cover plate 120.

[0278] This allows the air that is effectively forced to flow over the cover plate 120, which is heated by heat conduction from the object being heated, to cool it, thereby effectively suppressing the heating of the components below the cover plate 120.

[0279] Figure 20d shows a supporter 130 according to another embodiment. The ventilation holes 137 may be located on both side edges of the supporter 130. In this case, the ventilation holes 137 may be elongated and their longitudinal direction may be parallel to the front-to-back direction of the supporter 130.

[0280] On the other hand, in an embodiment different from that shown in Figure 20c, the ventilation holes 137 are located on the front edge of the supporter 130, but may also be formed in front of the input interface 160, for example.

[0281] Combining the embodiments shown in Figures 20b and 20d, the ventilation holes 137 may be formed elongated along the edge at at least one of the front, rear, or side edges of the supporter 130.

[0282] Figure 20e shows a supporter 130 according to another embodiment. Figure 20f is a cross-sectional view of Figure 20e, oriented in the 20f-20f direction. For clarity, Figure 20f shows the first insulation material 270, the second insulation material 280, and the cover plate 120.

[0283] The ventilation holes 137 may be formed in the central part of the flat plate 135 of the supporter 130 in a position where the coil substrate 140 and ferrite module 150 are not placed, where the slit 1323 is not formed, and where the first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 are not placed.

[0284] The second piece 1322 provided on the flat plate 135 may be formed continuously with the supporter 130 in the front-to-back direction on the flat plate 135. For example, the ventilation hole 137 may be formed in the second piece 1322 at a position corresponding to two adjacent slits 1323.

[0285] That is, as shown in Figure 20f, the ventilation hole 137 may be formed to penetrate the second piece 1322 vertically at a position corresponding to the space between two adjacent slits 1323 in the second piece 1322. In such a case, the ventilation hole 137 may be formed in a shape such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal in plan view.

[0286] In this embodiment, by forming ventilation holes 137 in the supporter 130, the cover plate 120, the coil substrate 140 positioned above the supporter 130, and the ferrite module 150 can be effectively cooled using forced-flow air, thereby effectively suppressing overheating of the electric range.

[0287] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing a coil substrate 140 according to one embodiment. Figure 23 is a side view of Figure 22. Figure 24 is a perspective view showing a first thermal insulation material 270 according to one embodiment. Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the entire first thermal insulation material 270.

[0288] The first insulation material 270 may include a first hole 271 formed at a position corresponding to the thermistor 320, into which at least a portion of the thermistor 320 is inserted.

[0289] The second insulation material 280 may include a second hole 281 formed at a position corresponding to the thermistor 320 and the first hole 271, into which at least a portion of the thermistor 320 is inserted.

[0290] The thermistor 320 is positioned in the longitudinal direction at the coil boundary 1412 between the multiple working coils, and parts of the first hole 271 and the second hole 281 may be formed at positions corresponding to the coil boundary 1412 between the multiple working coils.

[0291] The thermistor 320 may be partially arranged in the working coils, and the remaining part may be arranged in the coil boundary portion 1412 between the working coils. Accordingly, the first hole 271 and the second hole 281 may also be partially formed at positions corresponding to the working coils, and the remaining part may be formed at positions corresponding to the coil boundary portion 1412.

[0292] The first hole 271 and the second hole 281 may be provided in a shape corresponding to the shape of the thermistor 320. For example, when the thermistor 320 is formed in a rectangular shape, the first hole 271 and the second hole 281 may also be formed in a rectangular shape correspondingly. The area of the first hole 271 and the second hole 281 may be formed larger than the area of the thermistor 320, so that the thermistor 320 can be easily inserted into the first hole 271 and the second hole 281.

[0293] When the coil substrate 140, the first heat insulating material 270, and the second heat insulating material 280 are assembled, the thermistor 320 coupled to the upper surface of the coil substrate 140 is inserted into the first hole 271 and the second hole 281 formed in the first heat insulating material 270 and the second heat insulating material 280, and may be in contact with the thermal pad 330 arranged above it, or may be arranged very closely even without contact.

[0294] With such a structure, while the first heat insulating material 270 and the second heat insulating material 280 block heat transferred from the heated object to the coil substrate 140, the thermistor 320 coupled to the coil substrate 140 is arranged in the first hole 271 and the second hole 281, and heat is transferred from the thermal pad 330 to the thermistor 320, whereby the temperature of the heated object can be accurately measured.

[0295] Of course, since the thermistor 320 measures temperature by receiving heat transferred from the heat insulating pad, it can indirectly measure the temperature of the heated object. For example, if the electric range stores and holds information about the temperature value that decreases when passing through the cover plate 120, the temperature of the heated object can be measured more accurately by correcting the decreased temperature value based on the temperature actually measured by the thermistor 320.

[0296] As mentioned above, the first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 may be provided in various embodiments with different lamination orders and number of layers. This will be explained.

[0297] As an embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the first insulating material 270 is positioned above the coil substrate 140, the second insulating material 280 is positioned above the first insulating material 270, and the thermal pad 330 is positioned above the second insulating material 280 and may be provided to close the upper end of the second hole 281.

[0298] In such a structure, the coil substrate 140, first insulation material 270, second insulation material 280, and thermal pad 330 may be arranged sequentially from bottom to top in the electric range. The thermal pad 330 may be arranged so as to be adhered to the lower surface of the cover plate 120 and the upper surface of the second insulation material 280.

[0299] In such a case, a second insulation material 280 made of a material resistant to external impact may be placed between the first insulation material 270 and the cover plate 120, which is made of a rigid material, to prevent direct contact between them.

[0300] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first insulation material 270, which is made of a relatively brittle material, from colliding with the cover plate 120 and being damaged by external impact.

[0301] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the electric range may include a second insulating material 280 placed between the coil substrate 140 and the first insulating material 270 in the laminated structure described above.

[0302] By placing the second insulation material 280 between the coil substrate 140 and the first insulation material 270, and by the second insulation material 280 protecting the first insulation material 270, damage to the first insulation material 270 by the supporter 130 connecting the coil substrate 140 can be effectively suppressed.

[0303] In another embodiment, the second insulating material 280 may be positioned above the coil substrate 140, the first insulating material 270 may be positioned above the second insulating material 280, and the thermal pad 330 may be positioned above the first insulating material 270 and provided to close the upper end of the first hole 271.

[0304] In such a structure, the coil substrate 140, second insulation material 280, first insulation material 270, and thermal pad 330 may be arranged sequentially from bottom to top in the electric range.

[0305] Since the first insulation material 270, which has higher insulation performance than the second insulation material 280, is positioned opposite the cover plate 120, the first insulation material 270 can effectively block heat transfer from the cover plate 120 to the inside of the electric range.

[0306] In this case, the thermal pad 330 may be placed between the cover plate 120 and the first insulation material 270, with its upper and lower surfaces adhering to the cover plate 120. This allows the thermal pad 330 to buffer the first insulation material 270 in contact with the cover plate, thereby preventing the first insulation material 270 from colliding with the cover plate 120 and being damaged.

[0307] On the other hand, the second insulation material 280, which is placed between the first insulation material 270 and the coil substrate 140, protects the first insulation material 270, thereby effectively preventing damage to the first insulation material 270 from being caused by the coil substrate 140 and the supporter 130 to which the coil substrate 140 is connected.

[0308] Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the electric range facing 26-26 in Figure 21. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the electric range facing 27-27 in Figure 21. For clarity, the cover plate 120 is also shown in Figures 26 and 27. Figure 28 is an enlarged view of portions 28(a) and 28(b) in Figure 26.

[0309] Figure 29 is a perspective view of Figure 28. For clarity, the cover plate 120 is omitted from the illustration in Figure 29.

[0310] Figures 26 and 27 show a structure in which the coil substrate 140, first insulation material 270, second insulation material 280, and thermal pad 330 are stacked in that order, as shown in Figure 18 as an example.

[0311] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the thermal pad 330 may be positioned between the cover plate 120 and the second insulation material 280, so as to close the upper end of the second hole 281 formed in the second insulation material 280.

[0312] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the thermistor 320 may be inserted into a first hole 271 formed in the first insulation material 270 and a second hole 281 formed in the second insulation material 280, and positioned to face the thermal pad 330. The first insulation material 270 and the second insulation material 280 can block heat transferred from the heated object to areas other than the first hole 271 and the second hole 281.

[0313] Therefore, the heat generated in the object being heated may be transferred to the thermistor 320 via the thermal pad 330. The thermistor 320 can indirectly measure the temperature of the object being heated from the transferred heat.

[0314] Referring to Figure 28, the thermistor 320 may include a body 320a and electrodes 320b. The body 320a may be equipped with a temperature sensing chip inside. The electrodes 320b may be provided as a pair located on both sides of the body 320a and electrically connected to the sensing chip.

[0315] Referring to Figure 29, the body 320a may have a hexahedral shape with curved surfaces formed at approximately angles. The electrodes 320b are arranged on both sides of the body 320a and may have a substantially disc shape.

[0316] A pair of sensor pads (P_s) and a pair of electrodes 320b printed on the upper surface of the coil substrate 140 may be connected, for example, by soldering 320c.

[0317] The solder joint 320c adheres to the outer surface of the electrode 320b and the upper surface of the sensor pad (P_s), thereby electrically connecting the electrode 320b and the sensor pad (P_s). As long as the electrode 320b and the sensor pad (P_s) can be electrically connected, the shape of the solder joint 320c can be varied.

[0318] If the distance between electrode 320b and sensor pad (P_s) is somewhat far and it is difficult to connect them by soldering alone, lead wires can be provided to connect electrode 320b and sensor pad (P_s), and electrode 320c can be soldered to these lead wires to firmly connect electrode 320b and sensor pad (P_s).

[0319] If excessive heat is transferred from the heated object to the thermistor 320, the solder joint 320c may melt, which could cause the thermistor 320 to be damaged or malfunction.

[0320] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first insulating material 270 and the second insulating material 280 can block heat from being transmitted from the heated object to areas other than the first hole 271 and the second hole 281 where the thermistor 320 is located.

[0321] On the other hand, when the working coil 140a on the coil substrate 140 operates, considerable heat can be generated on the coil substrate 140. In such a case, if the body 320a of the thermistor 320 is in contact with the coil substrate 140, or in a position very close to the coil substrate 140, the temperature of the heat generated on the coil substrate 140 can be measured.

[0322] Since the thermistor 320 is used to measure the heat transferred from the object being heated, measuring the temperature of the coil substrate 140 may reduce the accuracy of the thermistor 320's temperature measurement. Therefore, it is necessary to sufficiently separate the body 320a of the thermistor 320 from the upper surface of the coil substrate 140 to prevent the thermistor 320 from measuring the temperature of the coil substrate 140.

[0323] Therefore, in the portion of the coil substrate 140 corresponding to the body 320a of the thermistor 320, a recessed groove (G_th) that is recessed downwards may be formed on the upper part of the coil substrate 140. The shape of the recessed groove (G_th) corresponds to the shape of the body 320a, but its cross-sectional area may be larger than that of the body 320a. By providing the recessed groove (G_th), the body 320a of the thermistor 320 is sufficiently separated from the coil substrate 140 in the vertical direction, and does not follow the temperature of the coil substrate 140, but measures the temperature due to the heat transmitted from the heated object, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature measurement.

[0324] In another embodiment, a hole may be formed through the coil substrate 140 at a position and shape corresponding to the recessed groove (G_th). In yet another embodiment, a space can be formed in which the hole and groove are combined to separate the body 320a of the thermistor 320 and the coil substrate 140 from each other.

[0325] Multiple thermal pads 330 and multiple thermistors 320 can be in contact with each other, at least some of them. Due to machining tolerances, assembly tolerances, etc., it is possible that not all of the thermistors 320 will be in contact with the thermal pads 330, but at least some of them can be in contact with each other.

[0326] However, even if the thermal pad 330 and thermistor 320 do not come into contact with each other, they are positioned very close to each other, so the error in temperature measurement due to non-contact can be significantly reduced.

[0327] On the other hand, as mentioned above, when the thermal pad 330 and the thermistor 320 come into contact with each other, the thermal pad 330 can be deformed by the external force. Therefore, even if the thermistor 320 collides with the thermal pad 330, the thermal pad 330 will deform, mitigating the impact on the thermistor 320, thus effectively preventing damage to the thermistor 320.

[0328] Figure 30 is an exploded view showing a temperature sensing unit 2515-1, which is a temperature sensing device according to another embodiment, and a sensor holder 2519 that supports it. Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 attached to an electric range. Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view showing the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 and the sensor holder 2519 coupled together.

[0329] Figure 30 shows an example in which an insertion hole (H_th) having a circular cross-section is formed through the coil substrate 140 so that a temperature sensing unit 2515-1 having a circular cross-section can be inserted at least partially.

[0330] The present invention is not limited thereto, but below, the explanation will be based on an insertion hole (H_th) having a circular cross-section, as shown.

[0331] The cross-sectional area of ​​the insertion hole (H_th) may be formed to be even larger than the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature sensing unit 2515-1.

[0332] As will be described later, the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 may be formed on the protruding surface portion 2515b-13 of the sensor body 2515b-1.

[0333] Therefore, by setting the cross-sectional area of ​​the insertion hole (H_th) to be even larger than the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature sensing unit 2515-1, the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 may be inserted into the insertion hole (H_th) without interference with or contact with the coil substrate 140.

[0334] On the other hand, the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 may be configured to be indirectly supported in the insertion hole (H_th) of the coil substrate 140, while being separated from the coil substrate 140 via the sensor holder 2519.

[0335] As described later, the radial outer end of the sensor holder 2519 is coupled to the edge of the insertion hole (H_th), and the sensor body 2515b-1 of the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 is coupled to the radial inner end of the sensor holder 2519. This arrangement allows the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 to be separated from the insertion hole (H_th) and the coil substrate 140, minimizing the conduction of heat generated by the working coil 140a to the temperature sensing unit 2515-1, and enabling the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 to track the temperature of the cover plate 120.

[0336] The temperature sensing unit 2515-1 may be positioned in the same location as the thermistor 320 described above in the electric range. Below, with reference to Figures 30 to 32, an exemplary detailed configuration of the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 and sensor holder 2519 according to the present invention will be described.

[0337] Referring to Figures 30 to 32, the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 may include a sensing chip 2515a-1 that generates an output signal associated with the sensed temperature, a sensor body 2515b-1 that houses the sensing chip 2515a-1, and a pair of lead cables 2515c-1 that are electrically connected to the sensing chip 2515a-1, spaced apart from each other via the sensor body 2515b-1, and each electrically connected to the sensing chip 2515a-1.

[0338] Figures 30 to 32 show, as an example, a temperature sensing unit 2515-1 which is positioned on the sensing chip 2515a-1 in close proximity to the upper end surface 2515b-11 that serves as the temperature sensing surface, as part of the interior of the sensor body 2515b-1 which has a roughly cylindrical shape.

[0339] One end of the pair of lead cables 2515c-1 may extend through the lower end surface 2515b-12 of the sensor body 2515b-1 into the interior of the sensor body 2515b-1 and be electrically connected to the sensing chip 2515a-1. The other end of the pair of lead cables 2515c-1 may extend through the ferrite core module 27, as shown, and be electrically connected to the main board 170 described above.

[0340] Similar to thermistor 320, temperature sensing unit 2515-1 can sense the temperature of cover plate 120 and indirectly measure the temperature of the object to be heated. To easily sense the temperature of cover plate 120, the upper end surface 2515b-11 of sensor body 2515b-1, which serves as the temperature sensing surface, may be positioned in direct contact with or very close to the thermal pad 330.

[0341] On the other hand, as mentioned above, when the thermal pad 330 and the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 come into contact with each other, the thermal pad 330 can be deformed by the external force. Therefore, even when the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 collides with the thermal pad 330, the thermal pad 330 deforms, mitigating the impact on the temperature sensing unit 2515-1, thereby effectively preventing damage to the temperature sensing unit 2515-1.

[0342] Also, similar to the case of thermistor 320, the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 may be placed in positions corresponding to the first hole 271 and the second hole 281.

[0343] On the other hand, the sensor body 2515b-1 may include a protruding surface portion 2515b-13 that is formed between the upper end surface 2515b-11 and the lower end surface 2515b-12, and is even closer to the upper end surface 2515b-11.

[0344] As shown, the protruding surface portion 2515b-13 may be provided in a cylindrical shape that protrudes radially outward, having a larger outer diameter than the upper and lower ends of the sensor body 2515b-1.

[0345] In this way, the protruding surface portion 2515b-13 is formed to have an outer diameter even larger than the outer diameter of the lower end of the sensor body 2515b-1. As will be described later, after the lower end of the sensor body 2515b-1 is coupled to the sensor coupling portion 2519a of the sensor holder 2519, it can act as a stopper to prevent the sensor body 2515b-1 from moving downward or detaching from the sensor holder 2519.

[0346] Furthermore, the electric range may further include a sensor holder 2519 that supports the temperature sensing unit 2515-1, separated from the coil substrate 140.

[0347] The sensor holder 2519 may include a sensor coupling portion 2519a into which the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 is inserted and coupled at least partially; a substrate coupling portion 2519b coupled to the insertion hole (H_th) of the coil substrate 140; and a bridge portion 2519c positioned between the sensor coupling portion 2519a and the substrate coupling portion 2519b to connect the sensor coupling portion 2519a and the substrate coupling portion 2519b.

[0348] The sensor coupling portion 2519a is inserted upwards into the lower end of the aforementioned sensor body 2515b-1, and in the inserted state, it is elastically and detachably coupled to the lower end of the sensor body 2515b-1, thereby preventing the sensor body 2515b-1 from detaching.

[0349] As described above, the sensor coupling portion 2519a may be formed to have a hollow cylindrical shape, corresponding to the shape of the lower end of the cylindrical sensor body 2515b-1.

[0350] At this time, after the lower end of the sensor body 2515b-1 is inserted, the inner diameter of the sensor coupling portion 2519a may be formed to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the lower end of the sensor body 2515b-1 so that it can be elastically coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the sensor body 2515b-1.

[0351] Therefore, when the lower end of the sensor body 2515b-1 is inserted, the sensor coupling portion 2519a may elastically bond to the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the sensor body 2515b-1 while undergoing elastic deformation.

[0352] Thus, to facilitate elastic bonding, the sensor coupling portion 2519a may be formed of an elastic material, and preferably, a material capable of predetermined elastic deformation, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, can be selected.

[0353] On the other hand, the substrate bonding portion 2519b is elastically and detachably bonded to the edge of the insertion hole (H_th) of the coil substrate 140, and plays a role in preventing the sensor holder 2519 from detaching from the coil substrate 140.

[0354] Corresponding to the shape of the insertion hole (H_th) having a circular cross-section, the substrate bonding portion 2519b may be formed to have a ring shape with a predetermined radial width.

[0355] In this case, a ring-shaped gripping groove 2519b-1 may be formed in the sensor coupling portion 2519a, which is concavely recessed toward the radially inward direction, so that it can elastically bond to the edge of the insertion hole (H_th).

[0356] The vertical width of the catch groove 2519b-1 may be formed to be slightly smaller than the vertical thickness of the coil substrate 140.

[0357] Therefore, when the edge of the insertion hole (H_th) is inserted into the groove 2519b-1, the substrate bonding portion 2519b may elastically bond to the edge of the insertion hole (H_th) while undergoing elastic deformation.

[0358] On the other hand, in order to prevent the locking groove 2519b-1 from detaching from the insertion hole (H_th) after being elastically coupled to it, the outer diameter of the locking groove 2519b-1 may be set to be larger than the diameter of the insertion hole (H_th), and the inner diameter of the hooking groove 2519b-1 may be set to be smaller than or the same as the diameter of the insertion hole (H_th).

[0359] This effectively prevents the substrate coupling portion 2519b from detaching in the vertical and horizontal directions while coupled to the insertion hole (H_th), as shown in Figures 31 and 32.

[0360] Thus, to facilitate elastic bonding, the substrate bonding portion 2519b may be formed of an elastic material, similar to the sensor bonding portion 2519a described above. Preferably, a material capable of predetermined elastic deformation, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, can be selected.

[0361] On the other hand, the bridge section 2519c plays the role of connecting the sensor coupling section 2519a and the substrate coupling section 2519b.

[0362] As shown, the bridge portion 2519c may be formed in the shape of a plate-like ring, with its radially inner end integrally connected to the outer circumferential surface of the sensor coupling portion 2519a and its radially outer end integrally connected to the inner circumferential surface of the substrate coupling portion 2519b.

[0363] Therefore, the radial width of the bridge portion 2519c can correspond to the distance between the sensor coupling portion 2519a and the substrate coupling portion 2519b.

[0364] Furthermore, the bridge portion 2519c may be configured such that, with the temperature sensing portion 2515-1 connected to the sensor coupling portion 2519a and the substrate coupling portion 2519b connected to the edge of the insertion hole (H_th), it acts as a pressing force that pushes the upper end surface 2515b-11 of the sensor body 2515b-1 toward the cover plate 120.

[0365] Therefore, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, the bridge portion 2519c may be formed in the shape of a conical surface with an upward slope, progressing from the radial outer end toward the radial inner end.

[0366] In other words, by configuring the bridge portion 2519c in a conical shape, when the temperature sensing portion 2515-1 is positioned below the cover plate 120, the bridge portion 2519c can perform a function similar to a disc spring, generating a restoring force that acts to press the upper end surface of the sensor body 2515b-1 toward the cover plate 120.

[0367] To allow restoring force due to elastic deformation to act easily, the bridge portion 2519c may be formed of an elastic material, similar to the sensor coupling portion 2519a and substrate coupling portion 2519b described above. Preferably, a material capable of predetermined elastic deformation, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber, can be selected.

[0368] In another embodiment, the bridge portion 2519c of the sensor holder 2519 may be provided with at least one ventilation hole formed through it in the vertical direction.

[0369] These ventilation holes effectively prevent overheating of the coil substrate 140, and further improve the phenomenon in which the temperature sensing unit 2515-1 tracks the temperature of the coil substrate 140 due to the heat generated by the working coil 140a.

[0370] On the other hand, since the sensor holder 2519 is provided in a cylindrical shape, the first hole 271 and the second hole 281 may be formed in a circular shape in plan view to correspond to this.

[0371] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to the illustrative drawings, but it is clear that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications can be made by an ordinary person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described in the embodiments described above, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by such configuration should also be recognized.

[0372] [Claims when filing an international application] [Claim 1] It's a microwave oven, The case and, A cover plate is coupled to the upper end of the case, and the object to be heated is positioned on its upper surface. The supporter housed in the aforementioned case, A coil substrate is provided, which is located on top of the supporter and is spaced apart from each other, and on which a working coil is printed, An electric range comprising a first insulating material disposed between the supporter and the cover plate. [Claim 2] The electric range according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of thermistors arranged at least one position on the upper surface of the working coil or at the coil boundary between a plurality of working coils, and spaced apart from each other. [Claim 3] A plurality of these are provided, positioned at locations corresponding to the thermistor and spaced apart from one another. The electric range according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the multiple thermal pads are arranged to be in contact with the lower surface of the cover plate. [Claim 4] The second insulating material is disposed between the supporter and the cover plate and is positioned at least one location above or below the first insulating material. The first insulating material is provided with a first hole formed at a position corresponding to the thermistor, into which at least a portion of the thermistor is inserted. The electric range according to claim 3, wherein the second insulating material is formed at a position corresponding to the thermistor and the first hole, and includes a second hole into which at least a portion of the thermistor is inserted. [Claim 5] The first insulating material is placed on the upper side of the coil substrate, The second insulation material is placed above the first insulation material. The electric range according to claim 4, wherein the thermal pad is positioned above the second insulating material and is provided to close the upper end of the second hole. [Claim 6] The electric range according to claim 5, further comprising a second insulating material disposed between the coil substrate and the first insulating material. [Claim 7] The second insulating material is positioned above the coil substrate, The first insulation material is placed above the second insulation material. The electric range according to claim 4, wherein the thermal pad is positioned above the first insulating material and is provided to close the upper end of the first hole. [Claim 8] The electric range according to claim 4, wherein the first and second insulating materials are arranged to be separated from each other in the lateral direction, and are integrally formed in the vertical direction, and a plurality of working coils, which are arranged to be separated in the vertical direction, are provided such that one of the first and second insulating materials covers all of them. [Claim 9] The thermistor is positioned vertically at the coil boundary between the multiple working coils. The electric range according to claim 8, wherein some of the first holes and some of the second holes are formed at positions corresponding to coil boundaries between a plurality of working coils. [Claim 10] A main board is coupled to the lower surface of the supporter and comprises a control unit for controlling the electric range, A SMPS substrate is coupled to the lower surface of the supporter and supplies electricity to the electric range, An EMI filter is coupled to the lower surface of the supporter to suppress electromagnetic interference generated by electricity, The electric range according to claim 1, further comprising an inverter board coupled to the lower surface of the supporter and for applying a resonant current to the working coil. [Claim 11] A blower fan is attached to the lower surface of the supporter and positioned at a distance from the substrate, The electric range according to claim 1, further comprising: a heat sink disposed below the support and having its longitudinal direction parallel to the air discharge direction of the blower fan. [Claim 12] The coil substrate has the working coil printed in multiple layers. The electric range according to claim 2, wherein the thermistor is integrally coupled with the coil substrate. [Claim 13] A support plate is provided, which is positioned below the supporter and supports the supporter. The electric range according to claim 1, wherein the support plate is formed of an electrically insulating material. [Claim 14] It is an electric microwave oven, The case and, A cover plate is coupled to the upper end of the case, and the object to be heated is positioned on its upper surface. The upper supporter housed in the aforementioned case, A coil substrate is provided, which is located on top of the upper supporter and is spaced apart from each other, and on which a working coil is printed, A first insulating material is disposed between the upper support and the cover plate, An electric range comprising: a second insulating material disposed between the upper supporter and the cover plate, and positioned at least one location above or below the insulating material. [Claim 15] A plurality of thermistors are provided, each positioned at least one location on the upper surface of the working coil or at the coil boundary between a plurality of working coils, and spaced apart from the others. A plurality of these are provided, positioned at locations corresponding to the thermistor and spaced apart from one another. The electric range according to claim 14, further comprising: a plurality of thermal pads, at least some of which are arranged to be in contact with the lower surface of the cover plate.

Claims

1. It's a microwave oven, The case and, A cover plate is coupled to the upper end of the case, and the object to be heated is positioned on its upper surface. The supporter housed in the aforementioned case, A coil substrate is provided, which is located on top of the supporter and is spaced apart from each other, and on which a working coil is printed, An electric range comprising a first insulating material disposed between the supporter and the cover plate.

2. The electric range according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of thermistors arranged at least one position on the upper surface of the working coil or at the coil boundary between a plurality of working coils, and spaced apart from each other.

3. A plurality of these are provided, positioned at locations corresponding to the thermistor and spaced apart from one another. The electric range according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the multiple thermal pads are arranged to be in contact with the lower surface of the cover plate.

4. The second insulating material is disposed between the supporter and the cover plate and is positioned at least one location above or below the first insulating material. The first insulating material is provided with a first hole formed at a position corresponding to the thermistor, into which at least a portion of the thermistor is inserted. The electric range according to claim 3, wherein the second insulating material is formed at a position corresponding to the thermistor and the first hole, and includes a second hole into which at least a portion of the thermistor is inserted.

5. The first insulating material is placed on the upper side of the coil substrate, The second insulation material is placed above the first insulation material. The electric range according to claim 4, wherein the thermal pad is positioned above the second insulating material and is provided to close the upper end of the second hole.

6. The electric range according to claim 5, further comprising a second insulating material disposed between the coil substrate and the first insulating material.

7. The second insulating material is positioned above the coil substrate, The first insulation material is placed above the second insulation material. The electric range according to claim 4, wherein the thermal pad is positioned above the first insulating material and is provided to close the upper end of the first hole.

8. The electric range according to claim 4, wherein the first and second insulating materials are arranged to be separated from each other in the lateral direction, and are integrally formed in the vertical direction, and a plurality of working coils, which are arranged separately in the vertical direction, are provided such that one of the first and second insulating materials covers all of them.

9. The thermistor is positioned vertically at the coil boundary between the multiple working coils. The electric range according to claim 8, wherein some of the first holes and some of the second holes are formed at positions corresponding to coil boundaries between a plurality of working coils.

10. A main board is coupled to the lower surface of the supporter and comprises a control unit for controlling the electric range, A SMPS substrate is coupled to the lower surface of the supporter and supplies electricity to the electric range, An EMI filter, coupled to the lower surface of the supporter, suppresses electromagnetic interference generated by electricity. The electric range according to claim 1, further comprising an inverter board coupled to the lower surface of the supporter and applying a resonant current to the working coil.

11. A blower fan is attached to the lower surface of the supporter and positioned at a distance from the substrate, The electric range according to claim 1, further comprising: a heat sink disposed below the support and having its longitudinal direction parallel to the air discharge direction of the blower fan.

12. The coil substrate has the working coil printed in multiple layers. The electric range according to claim 2, wherein the thermistor is integrally coupled with the coil substrate.

13. A support plate is provided, which is positioned below the supporter and supports the supporter. The electric range according to claim 1, wherein the support plate is formed of an electrically insulating material.

14. It is an electric microwave oven, The case and, A cover plate is coupled to the upper end of the case, and the object to be heated is positioned on its upper surface. The upper supporter housed in the aforementioned case, A coil substrate is provided, which is located on top of the upper supporter and is spaced apart from each other, and on which a working coil is printed, A first insulating material is placed between the upper support and the cover plate, An electric range comprising: a second insulating material disposed between the upper supporter and the cover plate, and positioned at least one location above or below the insulating material.

15. A plurality of thermistors are provided, each positioned at least one location on the upper surface of the working coil or at the coil boundary between a plurality of working coils, and spaced apart from the others. A plurality of these are provided, positioned at locations corresponding to the thermistor and spaced apart from one another. The electric range according to claim 14, comprising a plurality of thermal pads, at least some of which are arranged to be in contact with the lower surface of the cover plate.

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