Coil unit and induction cooker

Abstract

To efficiently heat an object to be heated.SOLUTION: A coil unit according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of coils arranged in a first heating area and a second heating area where an object to be heated is heated. The second heating area is provided around the first heating area, has a fan shape, and has a plurality of coil arrangement areas defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center toward the outer periphery of the second heating area and an outer peripheral line defining the outer periphery of a circular arc portion of the second heating area. A coil arranged in the second heating area has a plurality of coil pieces arranged in the plurality of respective coil arrangement areas, and each of the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating area has a coil wire arranged along adjacent two boundary lines of the plurality of boundary liens defining the plurality of coil arrangement areas. The coil wires each have a first coil wire part arranged along the adjacent two boundary lines and the outer peripheral line and a second coil wire part arranged inside the first coil wire part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a coil unit and an induction heating cooker.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an induction heating cooker including a plurality of heating coils.

[0003] The induction heating cooker described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of heating coils, a plurality of power circuit units, a control circuit unit, and a direction switching means. The plurality of heating coils are wound on a plane. The plurality of power circuit units supply high-frequency currents to the respective heating coils. The control circuit unit controls the high-frequency currents supplied by the respective power circuit units to the respective heating coils. The direction switching means switches between a heating mode in which the high-frequency currents flow in the same direction and a heating mode in which the high-frequency currents flow in opposite directions in adjacent regions of the respective heating coils.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, in an induction heating cooker, it has been required to heat an object to be heated more efficiently.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and provide a coil unit and an induction heating cooker capable of efficiently heating an object to be heated. <A

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A coil unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure is In a plan view, the device comprises a plurality of coils arranged in a first heating region and a second heating region for heating an object to be heated. The aforementioned second heating region is In a plan view, it is provided around the first heating region and has a fan shape, In a plan view, the second heating region has a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center toward the outer periphery, and an outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of the arc portion of the second heating region. The coil arranged in the second heating region has, in a plan view, a plurality of coil pieces arranged in each of the plurality of coil arrangement regions, Each of the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region has a coil wire that, in a plan view, is positioned along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines that define the plurality of coil arrangement regions. The aforementioned coil wire is A first coil wire portion is arranged along the two adjacent boundary lines and the outer circumference line in a plan view, In a plan view, a second coil wire portion is positioned inside the first coil wire portion, It has.

[0008] An induction cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises one or more coil units according to the aforementioned aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a coil unit and an induction cooker that can efficiently heat an object to be heated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of an example of an induction heating cooker according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of an example of a coil unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic enlarged view of the coil pieces that make up the coil unit. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the coil unit of Modification 1. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the coil unit of Modification 2. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the coil unit of Modification 3. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of an example of the coil unit of Embodiment 2 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a plan view of the coil unit of Modification 4. [Figure 9] It is a schematic view of an example of the induction cooker of Embodiment 3 according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a schematic enlarged view of the coil unit arranged in the third region of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a schematic view of the induction cooker of Modification 5. [Figure 12] [[ID=二十六]]It is a schematic enlarged view of the coil units arranged in the third region and the fourth region of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a schematic enlarged view of the coil piece of Modification 6. [Figure 14] It is a schematic enlarged view of the coil piece of Modification 7. [Figure 15] It is a schematic enlarged view of the coil piece of Modification 8. [Figure 16] It is a schematic enlarged view of the coil piece of Modification 9. [Figure 17] It is a plan view of the first coil of Modification 10.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] A coil unit according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises, in a plan view, a plurality of coils arranged in a first heating region and a second heating region for heating an object to be heated, wherein the second heating region, in a plan view, is provided around the first heating region and has a fan shape, and comprises a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined in a plan view by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center of the second heating region toward the outer circumference and an outer circumference line defining the outer circumference of the arc portion of the second heating region, wherein the coils arranged in the second heating region each comprises a plurality of coil pieces arranged in the plurality of coil arrangement regions, and each of the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region has a coil wire arranged in a plan view along two adjacent boundary lines of the plurality of boundary lines defining the plurality of coil arrangement regions.

[0012] In a coil unit according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of boundary lines of the second heating region are straight lines, and the coil wires of the second heating region may be arranged in plan view along two adjacent boundary lines and the outer perimeter line connecting the two boundary lines.

[0013] In a coil unit according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of coil arrangement regions of the second heating region may have substantially the same shape in a plan view, and the plurality of coil pieces of the second heating region may have substantially the same shape in a plan view.

[0014] In a coil unit according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the first heating region has a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center of the first heating region toward the outer periphery in a plan view, and an outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of the first heating region, and the coil arranged in the first heating region has a plurality of coil pieces, each of which is arranged in the plurality of coil arrangement regions, and each of the plurality of coil pieces in the first heating region may have a coil wire arranged along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines defining the plurality of coil arrangement regions in a plan view.

[0015] In a coil unit according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of boundary lines of the first heating region are straight lines, and the coil wires of the first heating region may be arranged in plan view along two adjacent boundary lines and the outer perimeter line connecting the two boundary lines.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the coil unit may have substantially the same shape in plan view as the plurality of coil arrangement regions of the first heating region, and the plurality of coil pieces of the first heating region may have substantially the same shape in plan view.

[0017] In a coil unit according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of coil pieces in the first heating region may have substantially the same shape as the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region.

[0018] In the coil unit of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the first heating region may have a circular shape in plan view.

[0019] In a coil unit according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of coil pieces arranged in the first heating region and the plurality of coil pieces arranged in the second heating region may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a line passing through the center of the first heating region and the center of the second heating region in a plan view.

[0020] In a coil unit according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a third heating region having a fan shape is provided around the second heating region in a direction in which the first heating region and the second heating region are aligned, and the third heating region has a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined in plan view by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center of the third heating region toward the outer circumference and an outer circumference line defining the outer circumference of the arc portion of the third heating region, and the coils arranged in the third heating region have a plurality of coil pieces arranged in the plurality of coil arrangement regions, respectively in plan view, and each of the plurality of coil pieces in the third heating region may have a coil wire arranged in plan view along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines defining the plurality of coil arrangement regions.

[0021] In a coil unit according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of coil arrangement regions of the third heating region may have substantially the same shape in a plan view, and the plurality of coil pieces of the third heating region may have substantially the same shape in a plan view.

[0022] In a coil unit according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of coil arrangement regions of the third heating region may have substantially the same shape in a plan view, and the plurality of coil pieces of the third heating region may have substantially the same shape in a plan view.

[0023] In a coil unit according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of coil pieces in the third heating region may have substantially the same shape as the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region.

[0024] In a coil unit according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of coil pieces arranged in the second heating region and the plurality of coil pieces arranged in the third heating region may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a line passing through the center of the second heating region and the center of the third heating region in a plan view.

[0025] An induction cooker according to a 15th aspect of the present disclosure comprises one or more coil units from any of the 1st to 14th aspects.

[0026] In an induction cooker according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of coil units include a plurality of first coil units arranged at intervals in a plan view and located in a first region and a second region for heating an object to be heated, the induction cooker further includes a second coil unit located in a third region provided between the first region and the second region in a plan view, the second coil unit includes one or more coil pieces, the one or more coil pieces may have substantially the same shape as the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region.

[0027] In an induction cooker according to a 17th aspect of the present disclosure, the third region has a triangular shape in plan view, and each of the plurality of coil pieces in the third region may have a coil wire that is arranged along two adjacent lines of three lines that define the third region in plan view.

[0028] In an induction cooker according to an 18th aspect of the present disclosure, in a plan view, the vertex of the triangle of the third region may be located between the first region and the second region.

[0029] An embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions, etc., do not necessarily correspond to those of reality.

[0030] (Embodiment 1) [Overall structure] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an induction heating cooker 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The XYZ coordinate system shown in the figure is for the purpose of aiding understanding the invention and does not limit the invention. The X-axis direction indicates the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction indicates the depth direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the vertical direction.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the induction cooker 100 is a cooker that induces heating of a cooking container C containing the object to be cooked T. In this specification, the cooking container C is described as an example of an object to be heated. The object to be heated is not limited to the cooking container C, but can be any object to be induction heated.

[0032] The induction cooker 100 has a top plate 3 on which a cooking container C is placed, made of, for example, heat-resistant glass, and a housing 4 attached to the underside of the top plate 3. Multiple coil units 1 and 2 are mounted inside the housing 4. Each of the multiple coil units 1 and 2 is positioned below the top plate 3 and induces heating of the cooking container C placed on the opposite portion of the top plate 3. In other words, each of the multiple coil units 1 and 2 functions as an induction heating coil unit.

[0033] Coil unit 1 will be described later. Coil unit 2 is a different coil unit from coil unit 1, and may consist of one coil or multiple coils.

[0034] The induction cooker 100 includes a control unit that controls the coil units 1 and 2. The control unit includes, for example, a memory that stores a program and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In the control unit, the processor executes the program stored in the memory.

[0035] [Coil Unit] The coil unit 1 will be described below using Figures 2 and 3.

[0036] Figure 2 is a plan view of an example of a coil unit 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the coil unit 1 comprises a plurality of coils 5A and 5B. The plurality of coils 5A and 5B are arranged in a first heating region S10 and a second heating region S20 for heating an object to be heated, in a plan view. In this specification, the coil 5A arranged in the first heating region S10 is referred to as the first coil 5A, and the coil 5B arranged in the second heating region S20 is referred to as the second coil 5B. In this specification, "plan view" means viewing from the vertical direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction.

[0037] The first heating region S10 is a region having a center C1 in a plan view, and is the region where the first coil 5A is arranged. In this embodiment, the first heating region S10 has a circular shape in a plan view. The first heating region S10 may be a region in a plan view where the cooking container C shown on the upper surface of the top plate 3 is arranged. Alternatively, it may be a region smaller than the region in a plan view where the cooking container C shown on the upper surface of the top plate 3 can be arranged.

[0038] The first heating region S10 has a plurality of first coil arrangement regions S11 to S16. The plurality of first coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 are arranged radially and adjacent to each other with respect to the center C1 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. Specifically, the plurality of first coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 are defined by a plurality of first boundary lines L11 to L16 that extend radially from the center C1 of the first heating region S10 toward the outer periphery in a plan view, and a first outer periphery line L10 that defines the outer periphery of the first heating region S10.

[0039] The multiple first boundary lines L11 to L16 are arranged radially at equal intervals with respect to the center C1 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The multiple first boundary lines L11 to L16 are straight lines extending from the center C1 of the first heating region S10 toward the outer circumference in a plan view. The angles between two adjacent boundary lines L11 to L16 are approximately the same. As a result, in a plan view, the multiple first coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 have approximately the same shape and dimensions. In this specification, "approximately" means an error of 10% or less, preferably an error of 5% or less.

[0040] Each of the multiple first coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 has a sector shape in plan view. In this specification, a "sector shape" is defined in plan view by two straight lines (radii) extending from the center of a circle toward the outer circumference and by an arc connecting the two straight lines.

[0041] In this embodiment, the plurality of first boundary lines consist of six first boundary lines L11 to L16, and the angle between two adjacent first boundary lines is 60 degrees. As a result, the first heating region S10 is divided into six first coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 that have substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions in a plan view.

[0042] The second heating region S20 is a region located around the first heating region S10 in a plan view, and is the region where the second coil 5B is positioned. The second heating region S20 is located further back than the first heating region S10 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction). In a plan view, the second heating region S20 has a fan shape with a center C2. In the second heating region S20, the central angle formed by two straight lines extending from the center C2 of the circle toward the outer circumference is, for example, 180° or more and 300° or less. In this embodiment, the central angle is 240°. In the second heating region S20, the two straight lines extending from the center C2 of the circle toward the outer circumference correspond to the second boundary lines L21 and L25. In a plan view, the second outer circumference line L20 of the arc is not provided between the second boundary lines L21 and L25. Therefore, in a plan view, the second heating region S20 is not provided between the second boundary lines L21 and L25.

[0043] The second heating region S20 is provided so as to surround a part of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. Specifically, the second heating region S20 is positioned around the first heating region S10 such that, in a plan view, the two second boundary lines L21 and L25 that define the second heating region S20 are positioned around the first outer circumference line L10 of the first heating region S10. In other words, in a plan view, the first heating region S10 is positioned between the second boundary lines L21 and L25 that define the outer circumference of the second heating region S20, in the portion where the second heating region S20 is not provided.

[0044] The second heating region S20 has a plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24. In a plan view, the plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 are arranged radially and adjacent to each other with respect to the center C2 of the second heating region S20. Specifically, the plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 are defined by a plurality of second boundary lines L21 to L25 that extend radially from the center C2 of the second heating region S20 toward the outer periphery in a plan view, and a second outer periphery line L20 that defines the outer periphery of the arc portion of the second heating region S20.

[0045] The multiple second boundary lines L21 to L25 are arranged radially at equal intervals from the center C2 of the second heating region S20 in a plan view. The multiple second boundary lines L21 to L25 are straight lines extending from the center C2 of the second heating region S20 toward the outer circumference in a plan view. The angles formed by two adjacent second boundary lines L21 to L25 are approximately the same. As a result, in a plan view, the multiple second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 have approximately the same shape and dimensions.

[0046] In this embodiment, the plurality of second boundary lines consist of five second boundary lines L21 to L25, and the angle between two adjacent second boundary lines is 60 degrees. As a result, the second heating region S20 is divided into four second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 that have substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions in a plan view.

[0047] The first coil 5A, positioned in the first heating region S10, includes a plurality of first coil pieces 10A. These plurality of first coil pieces 10A are each positioned within a plurality of first coil placement regions S11 to S16 in a plan view. Specifically, in the first heating region S10, one first coil piece 10A is positioned within one first coil placement region. As a result, the plurality of first coil pieces 10A are positioned radially and adjacently within the first heating region S10 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the first coil 5A has six first coil pieces 10A.

[0048] Next, the detailed configuration of the first coil piece 10A will be explained using Figure 3.

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged view of the first coil piece 10A. Figure 3 shows the first coil piece 10A placed in the first coil placement area S11. Note that the first coil pieces 10A placed in the first coil placement areas S12 to S16 have the same configuration as the first coil piece 10A placed in the first coil placement area S11, so their description is omitted.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the first coil piece 10A has a first coil wire 11A that is wound and arranged in the first coil arrangement region S11.

[0051] In a plan view, the first coil wire 11A is arranged along two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and L12 from among a plurality of first boundary lines L11 to L16. Specifically, in a plan view, within the first coil arrangement region S11, the first coil wire 11A is arranged along two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and L12 and a first outer circumference line L10 connecting the two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and L12, and is wound inward.

[0052] The first coil wire 11A is arranged in a frame shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, since the first coil arrangement region S11 is formed in a fan shape in a plan view, the outer shape of the first coil wire 11A is formed in a fan shape in a plan view.

[0053] The first coil wire 11A is formed of, for example, a conductive material.

[0054] The first coil wire 11A has a first coil wire section 20, a second coil wire section 30, and a third coil wire section 40. The first coil wire section 20, the second coil wire section 30, and the third coil wire section 40 are integrally formed. The first coil wire section 20, the second coil wire section 30, and the third coil wire section 40 have approximately the same wire diameter. Each of the first coil wire section 20, the second coil wire section 30, and the third coil wire section 40 is constructed by twisting together multiple metal wires and winding them multiple times. For example, the first coil wire section 20, the second coil wire section 30, and the third coil wire section 40 are made by twisting together about 20 copper wires with a diameter of 0.2 mm and winding them about 10 times. Note that the diameter of the metal wire is not limited to 0.2 mm and may be set as appropriate. For example, the diameter of the metal wire may be appropriately selected within the range of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the material of the metal wire is not limited to copper; for example, aluminum or a copper-aluminum clad material may also be used. Also, the number of wires bundled together (i.e., the so-called number of cores) is not limited to 20, but may be selected as appropriate. For example, the number of cores may be selected as appropriate within the range of 5 to 50. Also, the number of turns is not limited to 10, but may be set as appropriate. For example, the number of turns may be selected as appropriate within the range of 5 to 20.

[0055] The first coil wire section 20 is arranged along two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and L12 and the first outer circumference line L10 in a plan view. The first coil wire section 20 is the outermost part of the first coil wire 11A located on the first coil piece 10A in a plan view. The first coil wire section 20 is formed in a frame shape in a plan view. The outer shape of the first coil wire section 20 is formed in a fan shape in a plan view.

[0056] Specifically, the first coil wire section 20 has straight sections 21 and 22, a curved section 23, and connecting sections 24, 25, and 26. The straight section 21 is a straight coil section arranged along the first boundary line L11. The straight section 22 is a straight coil section arranged along the first boundary line L12. The curved section 23 is a curved coil section arranged along the first outer circumference line L10. The connecting section 24 is a coil section that connects one end of the straight section 21 and one end of the straight section 22 near the center C1 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The connecting section 24 is located at the corner where two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and L12 intersect in a plan view. The connecting section 25 is a coil section that connects the other end of the straight section 21 and one end of the curved section 23 near the first outer circumference line L10 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The connecting portion 25 is located at the corner where two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and the first outer circumference line L10 intersect in a plan view. The connecting portion 26 is a coil portion that connects the other end of the straight portion 22 and the other end of the curved portion 23 on the first outer circumference line L10 side of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The connecting portion 26 is located at the corner where two adjacent first boundary lines L12 and the first outer circumference line L10 intersect in a plan view. The connecting portions 24, 25, and 26 have, for example, a U-shaped curve.

[0057] In this specification, "arranged along the first boundary line L11 or L12" means, unless otherwise specified, that there are no other components obstructing the space between the first boundary line L11 or L12 and the first coil wire 11A, and that the first coil wire 11A extends in substantially the same direction as the first boundary line L11 or L12. The same applies to "arranged along the first outer circumference line L10."

[0058] The second coil wire section 30 is positioned along the inside of the first coil wire section 20 in a plan view. The second coil wire section 30 is formed in a frame shape along the inside of the first coil wire section 20 in a plan view. The outer shape of the second coil wire section 30 is formed in a fan shape in a plan view.

[0059] Specifically, the second coil wire section 30 has straight sections 31 and 32, a curved section 33, and connecting sections 34, 35, and 36. The straight section 31 is a straight coil portion arranged along the straight section 21 of the first coil wire section 20. The straight section 32 is a straight coil portion arranged along the straight section 22 of the first coil wire section 20. The curved section 33 is a curved coil portion arranged along the curved section 23 of the first coil wire section 20. The connecting section 34 is a coil portion that connects one end of the straight section 31 and one end of the straight section 32 near the center C1 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The connecting section 35 is a coil portion that connects the other end of the straight section 31 and one end of the curved section 33 near the first outer circumference line L10 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The connecting portion 36 is a coil portion that connects the other end of the straight portion 32 and the other end of the curved portion 33 near the first outer circumference line L10 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The connecting portions 34, 35, and 36 have, for example, a U-shaped curve.

[0060] The third coil wire section 40 is positioned along the inside of the second coil wire section 30 in a plan view. The third coil wire section 40 is formed in a frame shape along the inside of the second coil wire section 30 in a plan view. The outer shape of the third coil wire section 40 is formed in a fan shape in a plan view.

[0061] Specifically, the third coil wire section 40 has straight sections 41 and 42, a curved section 43, and connecting sections 44, 45, and 46. The straight section 41 is a straight coil portion arranged along the straight section 31 of the second coil wire section 30. The straight section 42 is a straight coil portion arranged along the straight section 32 of the second coil wire section 30. The curved section 43 is a curved coil portion arranged along the curved section 33 of the second coil wire section 30. The connecting section 44 is a coil portion that connects one end of the straight section 41 and one end of the straight section 42 near the center C1 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The connecting section 45 is a coil portion that connects the other end of the straight section 41 and one end of the curved section 43 near the first outer circumference line L10 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The connecting portion 46 is a coil portion that connects the other end of the straight portion 42 and the other end of the curved portion 43 near the first outer circumference line L10 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The connecting portions 44, 45, and 46 have, for example, a U-shaped curved form.

[0062] In this embodiment, the straight sections 21, 31, and 41 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The straight sections 22, 32, and 42 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The curved sections 23, 33, and 43 are arranged facing each other.

[0063] Thus, the first coil 5A positioned in the first heating region S10 has a plurality of first coil pieces 10A, each positioned in a plurality of first coil positioning regions S11 to S16. Each of the plurality of first coil pieces 10A has a first coil wire 11A positioned along a plurality of first boundary lines L11 to L16 and a first outer circumference line L10 that define the plurality of first coil positioning regions S11 to S16 in a plan view.

[0064] The second coil 5B, located in the second heating region S20, has a plurality of second coil pieces 10B. The plurality of second coil pieces 10B are each located within a plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 in a plan view. Specifically, in the second heating region S20, one second coil piece 10B is located within one second coil arrangement region. As a result, the plurality of second coil pieces 10B are arranged radially and adjacently within the second heating region S20 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the second coil 5B has four second coil pieces 10B.

[0065] The second coil piece 10B is substantially the same as the first coil piece 10A described above.

[0066] Each of the multiple second coil pieces 10B has a second coil wire 11B that is wound and arranged in each of the multiple second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24.

[0067] In a plan view, the second coil wire 11B is positioned along two adjacent second boundary lines among the multiple second boundary lines L21 to L25. Specifically, in a plan view, the second coil wire 11B is positioned along two adjacent second boundary lines and a second outer perimeter line L20 connecting the two adjacent second boundary lines, and is wound inward.

[0068] In this embodiment, the multiple second coil pieces 10B have substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions in a plan view. Furthermore, the second coil pieces 10B have substantially the same shape and dimensions as the first coil piece 10A. That is, each of the multiple second coil pieces 10B has a fan shape in a plan view.

[0069] As shown in Figure 2, in a plan view, the multiple first coil pieces 10A arranged in the first heating region S10 and the multiple second coil pieces 10B arranged in the second heating region S20 are arranged symmetrically. Specifically, the multiple first coil pieces 10A and the multiple second coil pieces 10B are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line CL1 passing through the center C1 of the first heating region S10 and the center C2 of the second heating region S20.

[0070] Furthermore, in a plan view, several first coil pieces 10A located in the first heating region S10 are arranged to straddle line CL1. On the other hand, in a plan view, the second coil pieces 10B located in the second heating region S20 are arranged not to straddle line CL1. In the example shown in Figure 2, two first coil pieces 10A located in the first coil arrangement regions S11 and S14 of the first heating region S10 are arranged to straddle line CL1. On the other hand, in a plan view, line CL1 is located between two second coil pieces 10B located in the two second coil arrangement regions S22 and S23 of the second heating region S20. Line CL1 extends along the second boundary line L23, while also extending in a direction that intersects with the first boundary lines L11 to L16.

[0071] [effect] The coil unit 1 according to Embodiment 1 can achieve the following effects.

[0072] The coil unit 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure comprises, in a plan view, a plurality of coils 5A, 5B arranged in a first heating region S10 and a second heating region S20 for heating an object to be heated. The second heating region S20 is provided around the first heating region S10 in a plan view and has a fan shape. The second heating region S20 also has a plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 defined in a plan view by a plurality of second boundary lines L21 to L25 that extend radially from the center C2 of the second heating region S20 toward the outer circumference, and a second outer circumference line L20 that defines the outer circumference of the arc portion of the second heating region S20. The coil 5B arranged in the second heating region S20 has a plurality of second coil pieces 10B arranged in the plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24, respectively, in a plan view. Each of the multiple second coil pieces 10B has a second coil wire 11B that, in a plan view, is positioned along two adjacent second boundary lines L21 to L25 that define the multiple second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24.

[0073] This configuration allows for efficient heating of the object to be heated. The coil unit 1 allows heating of the object in both the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20. For example, an object placed across both the first and second heating regions S10 can be heated, reducing areas that are difficult to heat. This reduces uneven heating and allows for efficient heating of the object.

[0074] Furthermore, in a plan view, the second heating region S20 is divided into multiple second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 by multiple second boundary lines L21 to L25 and a second outer circumference line L20. In each of the multiple second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24, the second coil wires 11B that constitute the second coil piece 10B are arranged along two adjacent second boundary lines. This makes it possible to reduce the gaps between the multiple second coil pieces 10B and to reduce variations in the gaps. As a result, it is possible to reduce the areas that are difficult to heat among the multiple second coil pieces 10B. In addition, because the gaps between the multiple second coil pieces 10B can be reduced, it is possible to improve the heating efficiency of the coil unit 1 while achieving miniaturization.

[0075] Furthermore, the heating of multiple second coil pieces 10B can be individually controlled by the control unit. For example, in a plan view, two second coil pieces 10B positioned in the center of the second heating region S20, or two second coil pieces 10B positioned outside the center of the second heating region S20, can be used for heating to concentrate heating on any location of the object to be heated. Alternatively, all second coil pieces 10B positioned in the second heating region S20 can be used for heating to heat the object to be heated uniformly.

[0076] The multiple second boundary lines L21 to L25 are straight lines. The second coil wire 11B is positioned along two adjacent second boundary lines and a second outer perimeter line L20 connecting the two second boundary lines in a plan view. This configuration allows for an increase in the area of ​​the second coil piece 10B positioned in each of the multiple second coil arrangement areas S21 to S24 of the second heating region S20 in a plan view. As a result, the area heated by the second coil piece 10B in the second heating region S20 can be increased.

[0077] Multiple second coil placement regions S21 to S24 have substantially the same shape in a plan view, and multiple second coil pieces 10B have substantially the same shape in a plan view. With this configuration, multiple second coil pieces 10B can be evenly arranged within the second heating region S20 in a plan view. In addition, the spacing between multiple second coil pieces 10B can be reduced, further reducing uneven heating and enabling more efficient heating. Furthermore, the manufacturing of the coil unit 1 becomes easier and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0078] The first heating region S10 has a plurality of first coil placement regions S11 to S16 defined by a plurality of first boundary lines L11 to L16 that extend radially from the center C1 of the first heating region S10 toward the outer periphery in a plan view, and a first outer periphery line L10 that defines the outer periphery of the first heating region. The coil 5A placed in the first heating region S10 has a plurality of first coil pieces 10A that are each placed in the plurality of first coil placement regions S11 to S16. Each of the plurality of first coil pieces 10A has a first coil wire 11A that is placed along two adjacent first boundary lines L11 to L16 that define the plurality of first coil placement regions S11 to S16 in a plan view. With this configuration, the object to be heated can be heated more efficiently. Specifically, uneven heating can be reduced even in the first heating region S10.

[0079] Furthermore, similar to the multiple second coil pieces 10B, the gaps between the multiple first coil pieces 10A can be reduced, and variations in the gaps can be decreased. As a result, the areas that are difficult to heat between the multiple first coil pieces 10A can be reduced. In addition, because the gaps between the multiple first coil pieces 10A can be reduced, the heating efficiency of the coil unit 1 can be improved while achieving miniaturization.

[0080] Furthermore, similar to the heating of the multiple second coil pieces 10B, the heating of the multiple first coil pieces 10A can be individually controlled by the control unit. For example, in the first heating region S10, it is possible to concentrate heating on any location of the object to be heated, or to heat the entire object to be heated uniformly.

[0081] The multiple first boundary lines L11 to L16 are straight lines, and the first coil wire 11A is arranged in a plan view along two adjacent first boundary lines and a first outer circumference line L10 connecting the two first boundary lines. With this configuration, the area of ​​the first coil piece 10A, which is arranged in each of the multiple first coil arrangement areas S11 to S16 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view, can be enlarged. As a result, the area heated by the first coil piece 10A in the first heating region S10 can be enlarged.

[0082] Multiple first coil placement regions S11 to S16 have substantially the same shape in a plan view, and multiple first coil pieces 10A have substantially the same shape in a plan view. With this configuration, multiple first coil pieces 10A can be evenly arranged within the first heating region S10 in a plan view. In addition, the spacing between multiple first coil pieces 10A can be reduced, further reducing uneven heating and enabling more efficient heating. Furthermore, the manufacturing of the coil unit 1 becomes easier and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0083] Multiple first coil pieces 10A have substantially the same shape as multiple second coil pieces 10B. This configuration makes it easier to manufacture the coil unit 1 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0084] The first heating region S10 has a circular shape in plan view. This configuration allows for more efficient heating of the object to be heated.

[0085] In a plan view, the multiple first coil pieces 10A located in the first heating region S10 and the multiple second coil pieces 10B located in the second heating region S20 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line CL1 passing through the center C1 of the first heating region S10 and the center C2 of the second heating region S20. This configuration allows for more efficient heating of the object to be heated.

[0086] The induction cooker 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure includes the coil unit 1 described above. With this configuration, the induction cooker 100 can achieve the same effects as the coil unit 1 described above.

[0087] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first coil 5A, which is arranged in the first heating region S10, is composed of a plurality of coil pieces 10A, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The first coil 5A may be composed of one or more coils arranged within the first heating region S10 in a plan view. For example, the first coil 5A may be composed of a single annular coil arranged along the first outer circumference line L10 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. Alternatively, the first coil 5A may be composed of a plurality of circular or elliptical coils arranged within the first heating region S10 in a plan view.

[0088] In this embodiment, an example in which the first heating region S10 is circular in plan view has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first heating region S10 may be rectangular, elliptical, or regular polygonal in plan view. When the first heating region S10 is rectangular in plan view, the center C1 of the first heating region S10 is the intersection of the diagonals. When the first heating region S10 is elliptical in plan view, the center C1 of the first heating region S10 is the intersection of the major axis and the minor axis. When the first heating region S10 is a regular polygon in plan view, the center C1 of the first heating region S10 is the center of the inscribed circle that is tangent to all the outer sides constituting the regular polygon.

[0089] In this embodiment, an example in which the second heating region S20 is fan-shaped in plan view has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second heating region S20 may have a polygonal shape or a shape in which a part of an ellipse is cut out in plan view.

[0090] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the second heating region S20 is located further back than the first heating region S10 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction), but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second heating region S20 may be located in front of the first heating region S10 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction). Alternatively, the second heating region S20 may be located to the side of the first heating region S10 in the left-right direction (X-direction).

[0091] In this embodiment, an example in which there are six first coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. Similarly, an example in which there are six first coil pieces 10A has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of first coil arrangement regions may be between three and eight. The number of first coil pieces 10A may be between three and eight. With such a configuration, it is possible to improve heating efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0092] In this embodiment, an example in which there are four second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. Similarly, an example in which there are four second coil pieces 10B has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of second coil arrangement regions may be between two and six. The number of second coil pieces 10B may be between two and six. With such a configuration, it is possible to improve heating efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0093] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which multiple first coil placement regions S11 to S16 have substantially the same shape and dimensions, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, multiple first coil placement regions S11 to S16 may have different shapes and / or different dimensions.

[0094] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which multiple second coil placement regions S21 to S24 have substantially the same shape and dimensions, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, multiple second coil placement regions S21 to S24 may have different shapes and / or different dimensions.

[0095] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first coil piece 10A has substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions as the second coil piece 10B, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first coil piece 10A may have a different shape and / or different dimensions from the second coil piece 10B.

[0096] In this embodiment, the thickness of the first coil wire section 20, the second coil wire section 30, and the third coil wire section 40 are all the same, but at least one of the thicknesses may be different from the others. The thicker the coil wire section, the more turns can be added, and the greater the heating energy can be. Therefore, in areas where it is necessary to increase thermal efficiency, increasing the thickness of the coil wire section can increase the overall heating efficiency of the first heating area S10 and the second heating area S20. It is also possible to increase the heating energy by increasing the width of the coil wire section, but if the width of the coil wire section is increased, it may become difficult to bend it sharply to conform to the shape of the first coil arrangement area and the second coil arrangement area. Therefore, increasing the thickness of the coil wire section rather than its width makes manufacturing easier.

[0097] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the multiple first boundary lines L11 to L16 are straight lines extending from the center C1 of the first heating region S10 toward the outer circumference in a plan view, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the multiple first boundary lines L11 to L16 may be curves extending from the center C1 of the first heating region S10 toward the outer circumference in a plan view.

[0098] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the multiple second boundary lines L21 to L25 are straight lines extending from the center C2 of the second heating region S20 toward the outer circumference in a plan view, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the multiple second boundary lines L21 to L25 may be curves extending from the center C2 of the second heating region S20 toward the outer circumference in a plan view.

[0099] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first coil wire 11A and the second coil wire 11B have a first coil wire section 20, a second coil wire section 30, and a third coil wire section 40, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first coil wire 11A and the second coil wire 11B may not include the second coil wire section 30 and the third coil wire section 40, and may consist only of the first coil wire section 20. Alternatively, the first coil wire 11A and the second coil wire 11B may not include the third coil wire section 40, and may consist only of the first coil wire section 20 and the second coil wire section 30.

[0100] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first coil wire portion 20, the second coil wire portion 30, and the third coil wire portion 40 are formed as a single unit, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first coil wire portion 20, the second coil wire portion 30, and the third coil wire portion 40 may be formed from separate members.

[0101] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which, in a plan view, a plurality of first coil pieces 10A and a plurality of second coil pieces 10B are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line CL1 passing through the center C1 of the first heating region S10 and the center C2 of the second heating region S20, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in a plan view, the plurality of first coil pieces 10A and a plurality of second coil pieces 10B do not have to be arranged symmetrically with respect to CL1.

[0102] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which, in a plan view, a plurality of first coil pieces 10A arranged in the first heating region S10 are positioned to straddle the line CL1, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0103] In this embodiment, an example in which the coil unit 1 is applied to an induction cooker 100 has been described, but it is not limited to this. The coil unit 1 may be applied to devices other than the induction cooker 100.

[0104] The following describes a modified version of Embodiment 1.

[0105] (Variation 1) Figure 4 is a plan view of coil unit 1A of modified example 1. As shown in Figure 4, in coil unit 1A, in a plan view, the multiple first coil pieces 10A of the first coil 5AA, which is placed in the first heating region S10, are arranged so as not to straddle the line CL1. In a plan view, the multiple first coil pieces 10A are positioned on either side of the line CL1.

[0106] In a plan view, line CL1 is located between two first coil pieces 10A positioned in two first coil arrangement regions S11 and S12, and between two first coil pieces 10A positioned in two first coil arrangement regions S14 and S15. Line CL1 extends along the first boundary lines L12, L15 and the second boundary line L23. Specifically, in a plan view, the multiple first coil pieces 10A of the coil unit 1A are positioned 30 degrees offset from the multiple first coil pieces 10A of Embodiment 1. As a result, the multiple first coil pieces 10A and the multiple second coil pieces 10B are evenly separated by line CL1 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) and are positioned symmetrically with respect to line CL1.

[0107] In this way, the position of the first coil piece 10A located in the first heating region S10 may be changed. This allows for a change in the combination of the multiple first coil pieces 10A located in the first heating region S10 and the multiple second coil pieces 10B located in the second heating region S20, thereby changing the position for uniform heating and concentrated heating.

[0108] In the example shown in Figure 4, when the object to be heated is positioned across the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20, the object to be heated can be heated uniformly by driving the two first coil pieces 10A positioned in the first coil placement regions S11 and S12 of the first heating region S10 and the four second coil pieces 10B in the second heating region S20.

[0109] (Modification 2) Figure 5 is a plan view of the coil unit 1B of the modified example 2. As shown in Figure 5, the coil unit 1B is provided with a third heating region S30 that has a fan shape and is located around the second heating region S20 in the direction in which the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20 are aligned (Y-axis direction). In the modified example 2, the third heating region S30 has the same shape and dimensions as the second heating region S20.

[0110] The third heating region S30 is located further back than the second heating region S20 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction).

[0111] In a plan view, the third heating region S30 has a plurality of third coil arrangement regions S31 to S34 defined by a plurality of third boundary lines L31 to L35 that extend radially from the center C3 of the third heating region S30 toward the outer circumference, and a third outer circumference line L30 that defines the outer circumference of the arc portion of the third heating region S30.

[0112] The third coil 5C, located in the third heating region S30, has a plurality of third coil pieces 10C, which are located in a plurality of third coil arrangement regions S31 to S34, respectively, in a plan view.

[0113] Each of the multiple third coil pieces 10C has a third coil wire 11C that, in a plan view, is positioned along two adjacent third boundary lines L31 to L35 that define the multiple third coil arrangement regions S31 to S34.

[0114] The multiple third coil arrangement regions S31 to S34 have substantially the same shape and dimensions in a plan view, and the multiple third coil pieces 10C have substantially the same shape and dimensions in a plan view. Furthermore, the multiple third coil pieces 10C have substantially the same shape and dimensions as the multiple second coil pieces 10B.

[0115] In a plan view, the multiple second coil pieces 10B located in the second heating region S20 and the multiple third coil pieces 10C located in the third heating region S30 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line CL1 passing through the center C2 of the second heating region S20 and the center C3 of the third heating region S30.

[0116] This configuration allows for an even wider heating area, enabling more efficient heating of the object to be heated. Furthermore, by individually controlling the multiple first to third coil pieces 10A to 10C located in the first to third heating areas S10 to S30, the object to be heated, which spans multiple heating areas, can be heated more efficiently.

[0117] The third heating region S30 may have a different shape and / or dimensions from the second heating region S20. Also, the third coil piece 10C may have a different shape and / or dimensions from the second coil piece 10B.

[0118] Furthermore, the multiple third coil arrangement regions S31 to S34 may have different shapes and / or dimensions in a plan view, and the multiple third coil pieces 10C may have different shapes and / or dimensions in a plan view.

[0119] (Variation 3) Figure 6 is a plan view of the coil unit 1C of the modified example 3. As shown in Figure 6, in the coil unit 1C, a plurality of first coil pieces 10A, a plurality of second coil pieces 10B, and a plurality of third coil pieces 10C are arranged so as not to straddle line CL1. Line CL1 is a line that, in a plan view, passes through the center C1 of the first heating region S10, the center C2 of the second heating region S20, and the center C3 of the third heating region S30.

[0120] Multiple first coil pieces 10A, multiple second coil pieces 10B, and multiple third coil pieces 10C are evenly separated by line CL1 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). That is, the multiple first coil pieces 10A are arranged symmetrically with respect to line CL1 in a plan view. The multiple second coil pieces 10B are arranged symmetrically with respect to line CL1 in a plan view. The multiple third coil pieces 10C are arranged symmetrically with respect to line CL1 in a plan view.

[0121] This allows for more efficient heating of the object to be heated. For example, an object to be heated that spans both the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20 can be heated evenly and efficiently using the two first coil pieces 10A in the first heating region S10 and the four second coil pieces 10B in the second heating region S20. Alternatively, an object to be heated that spans both the second heating region S20 and the third heating region S30 can be heated evenly and efficiently using the two second coil pieces 10B in the second heating region S20 and the four third coil pieces 10C in the third heating region S30.

[0122] (Embodiment 2) A coil unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will now be described.

[0123] Embodiment 2 will primarily describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 2, components identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0124] Figure 7 is a plan view of an example of a coil unit 1D according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0125] Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that, in a plan view, the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A are spaced apart, and the third heating region S30A and the fourth heating region S40 are provided between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A in a plan view. Furthermore, Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that, in a plan view, the second heating region S20A has a circular shape.

[0126] As shown in Figure 7, the coil unit 1D comprises a plurality of coils 5A to 5D arranged in a first heating region S10, a second heating region S20A, a third heating region S30A, and a fourth heating region S40, respectively, in a plan view, for heating an object to be heated.

[0127] In a plan view, the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A are spaced apart from each other.

[0128] The second heating region S20A has a circular shape with a center C2 in a plan view, and is the region where the second coil 5B is arranged. The second heating region S20A has a plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S26. The plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S26 are arranged radially and adjacent to each other with respect to the center C2 of the second heating region S20A in a plan view. Specifically, the plurality of second coil arrangement regions S21 to S26 are defined by a plurality of second boundary lines L21 to L26 that extend radially from the center C2 of the second heating region S20A toward the outer periphery in a plan view, and a second outer periphery line L20A that defines the outer periphery of the second heating region S20A.

[0129] In this embodiment, the second heating region S20A has substantially the same shape and dimensions as the first heating region S10 in a plan view. Furthermore, in a plan view, the distance between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A is smaller than the diameter of the first heating region S10 and / or the diameter of the second heating region S20A.

[0130] A second coil piece 10B is placed in each of the multiple second coil placement regions S21 to S26.

[0131] The third heating region S30A is located between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A in a plan view. In a plan view, the third heating region S30A is defined by a first line L31A, a second line L32A that intersects with the first line L31A, and a third line L33A that connects the first line L31A and the second line L32A.

[0132] In this embodiment, the first line L31A and the second line L32A are straight lines. The third line L33A is an arc-shaped line in plan view. The third heating region S30A has a fan shape in plan view.

[0133] In a plan view, the third heating region S30A is smaller than the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A. Specifically, the third heating region S30A has substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions as one of the first coil placement regions S11 or one of the second coil placement regions S21.

[0134] In a plan view, the intersection point P1 where the first line L31A and the second line L32A intersect is located between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A. As a result, in the third heating region S30A, at least the region including the intersection point P1 is located between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A in a plan view.

[0135] A third coil 5C is located in the third heating region S30A. The third coil 5C is composed of one third coil piece 10C. In a plan view, the third coil piece 10C has third coil wires 11C arranged along the first line L31A, the second line L32A, and the third line L33A.

[0136] The fourth heating region S40 is located in a plan view between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A, and facing the third heating region S30A. Specifically, in a plan view, the fourth heating region S40 is located facing the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A in a direction (X-axis direction) that intersects with the direction in which they are aligned (Y-axis direction).

[0137] A fourth coil 5D is positioned in the fourth heating region S40. The fourth coil 5D is composed of one fourth coil piece 10D. In a plan view, the fourth coil piece 10D has fourth coil wires 11D arranged along the fourth line L41, the fifth line L42, and the sixth line L43.

[0138] In this embodiment, the fourth line L41 and the fifth line L42 are straight lines. The sixth line L43 is an arc-shaped line in plan view. The fourth heating region S40 has a fan shape in plan view.

[0139] In a plan view, the intersection point P2 where the fourth line L41 and the fifth line L42 intersect is located between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A. As a result, in the fourth heating region S40, at least the region including the intersection point P2 is located between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A in a plan view.

[0140] In this embodiment, the fourth heating region S40 and the fourth coil piece 10D have substantially the same shape and dimensions as the third heating region S30A and the third coil piece 10C. Furthermore, the intersection points P1 and P2 coincide in a plan view and lie on the line CL1 passing through the center C1 of the first heating region S10 and the center C2 of the second heating region S20A. The third heating region S30A and the fourth heating region S40 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the line CL1 in a plan view.

[0141] [effect] The coil unit 1D according to Embodiment 2 can achieve the following effects.

[0142] The coil unit 1D according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of coils 5A to 5C arranged in a first heating region S10, a second heating region S20A, and a third heating region S30A for heating an object to be heated, in a plan view. In a plan view, the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A are spaced apart from each other. The third heating region S30A is located between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A in a plan view. In a plan view, the third heating region S30A is defined by a first line L31A, a second line L32A intersecting the first line L31A, and a third line L33A connecting the first line L31A and the second line L32A.

[0143] This configuration allows for efficient heating of the object to be heated. In the coil unit 1D, a third heating region S30A is provided in the space between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A, defined by the first line L31A, the second line L32A, and the third line L33A. This allows the third heating region S30A to be provided in areas that are difficult to heat, thereby expanding the heating range. As a result, uneven heating is reduced, and the object to be heated can be heated efficiently.

[0144] The third coil 5C, positioned in the third heating region S30A, includes a coil piece 10C having coil wires 11C arranged along the first line L31A, the second line L32A, and the third line L33A in a plan view. This configuration allows for more efficient heating of the object to be heated.

[0145] The first line L31A and the second line L32A are straight lines. In a plan view, the intersection point P1 where the first line L31A and the second line L32A intersect is located between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A. With this configuration, in a plan view, it is easy to provide a third heating region S30A between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A. For example, if the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A are circular in a plan view, the third heating region S30A can be provided so as to insert the intersection point P1 between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A. This reduces the space between the first heating region S10 and the third heating region S30A, and between the second heating region S20A and the third heating region S30A. As a result, the areas that are difficult to heat are reduced, and the object to be heated can be heated more efficiently.

[0146] In a plan view, a fourth heating region S40 is provided between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A, facing the third heating region S30A. The multiple coils include a fourth coil 5D located in the fourth heating region S40. In a plan view, the fourth heating region S40 is defined by a fourth line L41, a fifth line L42 intersecting the fourth line L41, and a sixth line L43 connecting the fourth line L41 and the fifth line L42. This configuration allows for a further expansion of the heating region, enabling more efficient heating of the object to be heated.

[0147] The fourth coil 5D, positioned in the fourth heating region S40, includes a fourth coil piece 10D having a fourth coil wire 11D arranged along the fourth line L41, the fifth line L42, and the sixth line L43 in a plan view. This configuration allows for more efficient heating of the object to be heated.

[0148] The fourth line L41 and the fifth line L42 are straight lines. In a plan view, the intersection point P2 where the fourth line L41 and the fifth line L42 intersect is located between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A. This configuration makes it easier to create a fourth heating region S40 between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A in a plan view. Furthermore, the space between the first heating region S10 and the third heating region S30A, and between the second heating region S20A and the third heating region S30A can be reduced. As a result, the areas that are difficult to heat are reduced, and the object to be heated can be heated more efficiently.

[0149] The first heating region S10 has a circular shape with center C1 in a plan view, and the second heating region S20A has a circular shape with center C2 in a plan view. In a plan view, the intersection point P1 where the first line L31A and the second line L32A intersect, and the intersection point P2 where the fourth line L41 and the fifth line L42 intersect, are located on the line CL1 passing through the center C1 of the first heating region S10 and the center C2 of the second heating region S20A. With this configuration, uneven heating can be further reduced and the object to be heated can be heated more efficiently.

[0150] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A are circular in shape in a plan view, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A may be elliptical, polygonal, or the like in a plan view.

[0151] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the second heating region S20A has substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions as the first heating region S10, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The second heating region S20A may have a different shape and / or dimensions from the first heating region S10.

[0152] In this embodiment, an example in which the third heating region S30A has a fan shape in a plan view has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the third heating region S30A may have a triangular shape in a plan view.

[0153] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a fourth heating region S40 is provided between the first heating region S10 and the second heating region S20A, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the fourth heating region S40 may not be provided.

[0154] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the third heating region S30A and the fourth heating region S40 are arranged symmetrically with respect to line CL1 in a plan view, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the third heating region S30A and the fourth heating region S40 do not have to be arranged symmetrically with respect to line CL1 in a plan view.

[0155] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the fourth heating region S40 and the fourth coil piece 10D have substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions as the third heating region S30A and the third coil piece 10C, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the fourth heating region S40 and the fourth coil piece 10D may have different shapes and / or dimensions from the third heating region S30A and the third coil piece 10C.

[0156] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which one third coil piece 10C and one fourth coil piece 10D are arranged in the third heating region S30A and the fourth heating region S40, respectively, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, one or more third coil pieces 10C and one or more fourth coil pieces 10D may be arranged in the third heating region S30A and the fourth heating region S40, respectively.

[0157] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first line L31A, the second line L32A, the fourth line L41, and the fifth line L42 are straight lines, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first line L31A, the second line L32A, the fourth line L41, and / or the fifth line L42 may be curved lines.

[0158] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the third line L33A and the sixth line L43 are arc-shaped lines, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the third line L33A and / or the sixth line L43 may be straight lines.

[0159] A modified example of Embodiment 2 will be described below.

[0160] Figure 8 is a plan view of the coil unit 1E of the modified example 4. As shown in Figure 8, in the coil unit 1E, a plurality of first coil pieces 10A, a plurality of second coil pieces 10B, a third coil piece 10C, and a fourth coil piece 10D are arranged so as not to straddle line CL1. Line CL1 is a line that, in a plan view, passes through the center C1 of the first heating region S10, the center C2 of the second heating region S20A, the intersection P1 of the third heating region S30A, and the intersection P2 of the fourth heating region S40.

[0161] Multiple first coil pieces 10A and multiple second coil pieces 10B are evenly divided by line CL1. That is, the multiple first coil pieces 10A are arranged symmetrically with respect to line CL1 in a plan view. The multiple second coil pieces 10B are arranged symmetrically with respect to line CL1 in a plan view.

[0162] The third coil piece 10C and the fourth coil piece 10D are arranged symmetrically with respect to line CL1 in a plan view.

[0163] This allows for more efficient heating of the object to be heated. For example, an object to be heated that spans the first heating region S10, the second heating region S20A, the third heating region S30A, and the fourth heating region S40 can be heated evenly and efficiently using the two first coil pieces 10A in the first heating region S10, the two second coil pieces 10B in the second heating region S20, one third coil piece 10C, and one fourth coil piece 10D.

[0164] (Embodiment 3) A third embodiment of the induction heating cooker according to the present invention will be described.

[0165] Embodiment 3 will primarily describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 3, components identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0166] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an example of an induction heating cooker 100A according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a schematic enlarged view of the coil unit 2 located in the third region S103 of Figure 9.

[0167] Embodiment 3 describes an induction cooker 100A equipped with the coil unit 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0168] As shown in Figure 9, the induction cooker 100A comprises a top plate 3 and a plurality of coil units 1 and 2 positioned below the top plate 3. In this specification, coil unit 1 is referred to as the first coil unit 1, and coil unit 2 is referred to as the second coil unit 2.

[0169] The top plate 3 has a rectangular shape in plan view. In plan view, the first exhaust port 6A and the second exhaust port 6B are provided on the rear side of the top plate 3 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction).

[0170] The first exhaust port 6A and the second exhaust port 6B are located in the rear corner portion of the top plate 3 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed from above. The first exhaust port 6A and the second exhaust port 6B are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0171] The top plate 3 is provided with a first region S101, a second region S102, and a third region S103. The first region S101, the second region S102, and the third region S103 are regions on which the object to be heated is placed and which heat the object to be heated. In other words, the first region S101, the second region S102, and the third region S103 are regions in which, in a plan view, a plurality of coil units 1 and 2 for induction heating the object to be heated are arranged.

[0172] In a plan view, the first region S101 and the second region S102 are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, in a plan view, the first region S101 and the second region S102 are spaced apart in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0173] In a plan view, the first region S101 and the second region S102 have a roughly rectangular shape with a longitudinal direction in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) and a short direction in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). For example, in a plan view, the distance between the first region S101 and the second region S102 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) is smaller than the dimension of the short side (X-axis direction) of the first region S101 and the second region S102.

[0174] In this embodiment, the first region S101 and the second region S102 have substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions in a plan view.

[0175] The first coil unit 1 is located in the first region S101 and the second region S102, respectively. The third region S103 is located between the first region S101 and the second region S102 in a plan view.

[0176] As shown in Figure 10, the third region S103 is defined in plan view by a first line L101, a second line L102 that intersects the first line L101, and a third line L103 that connects the first line L101 and the second line L102.

[0177] In this embodiment, the first line L101, the second line L102, and the third line L103 are straight lines. The third region S103 has a triangular shape in plan view.

[0178] In a plan view, the intersection point P10 where the first line L101 and the second line L102 intersect is located between the first region S101 and the second region S102. The intersection point P10 is the vertex of the triangle in the third region S103 in a plan view. The intersection point P10 is oriented in a direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the first region S101 and the second region S102 are aligned (X-axis direction). As a result, in a plan view, at least the region of the third region S103 that includes the intersection point P10 is located between the first region S101 and the second region S102.

[0179] The third region S103 is located at the rear of the top plate 3 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed from above. Specifically, in a plan view, a portion of the third region S103 is located between the first exhaust port 6A and the second exhaust port 6B.

[0180] A second coil unit 2 is located in the third region S103. The coil unit 2 includes a plurality of coil pieces 10E, each having coil wires 11E arranged along two adjacent lines from among the first line L101, the second line L102, and the third line L103 in a plan view. The plurality of coil pieces 10E have substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions.

[0181] Multiple coil pieces 10E can be individually controlled by a control unit.

[0182] In this embodiment, three coil pieces 10E are arranged in the third region S103. Furthermore, the coil pieces 10E have substantially the same shape as the first coil piece 10A and / or the second coil piece 10B.

[0183] [effect] The induction heating cooker 100A according to Embodiment 3 can achieve the following effects.

[0184] The induction heating cooker 100A according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure comprises a top plate 3 on which an object to be heated is placed, and a plurality of coil units 1 and 2. In a plan view, the plurality of coil units 1 and 2 are arranged in a first region S101, a second region S102, and a third region S103 that heat an object to be heated placed on the top plate 3. In a plan view, the first region S101 and the second region S102 are spaced apart from each other. In a plan view, the third region S103 is located between the first region S101 and the second region S102. In a plan view, the third region S103 is defined by a first line L101, a second line L102 that intersects the first line L101, and a third line L103 that connects the first line L101 and the second line L102.

[0185] This configuration allows for efficient heating of the object to be heated. In the induction cooker 100A, a third region S103 is provided in the space between the first region S101 and the second region S102, defined by the first line L101, the second line L102, and the third line L103. This allows the third region S103 to be provided in areas that are difficult to heat, thereby expanding the heating range. As a result, uneven heating is reduced, and the object to be heated can be heated efficiently.

[0186] The second coil unit 2, located in the third region S103, includes a plurality of coil pieces 10E, each having a coil wire 11E arranged along two adjacent lines from the first line L101, the second line L102, and the third line L103. This configuration allows for smaller gaps between the plurality of coil pieces 10E located in the third region S103, thereby enabling more efficient heating of the object to be heated.

[0187] The first line L101 and the second line L102 are straight lines. In a plan view, the intersection point P10 where the first line L101 and the second line L102 intersect is located between the first region S101 and the second region S102. This configuration makes it easier to create a third region S103 between the first region S101 and the second region S102 in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the third region S103 can be created so as to insert the intersection point P10 between the first region S101 and the second region S102. As a result, the area that is difficult to heat can be reduced, and the object to be heated can be heated more efficiently.

[0188] The third region S103 has a triangular shape in plan view. Furthermore, in plan view, the vertex P10 of the triangle in the third region S103 is oriented in a direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the first region S101 and the second region S102 are aligned (X-axis direction). This configuration makes it easier to create the third region S103 between the first region S101 and the second region S102 in plan view. In addition, the space between the first region S101 and the second region S102 can be effectively utilized, and the heating area can be expanded.

[0189] The top plate 3 has a left-right direction (X-axis direction) and a depth direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the left-right direction in a plan view. The first region S101 and the second region S102 are spaced apart in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the top plate 3 in a plan view. The third region S103 is located at the back of the top plate 3 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) in a plan view. With this configuration, the third region S103 can be provided in the back of the top plate 3 in the depth direction, allowing for efficient use of space while expanding the heating area.

[0190] In a plan view, a first exhaust port 6A and a second exhaust port 6B are provided on the rear side of the top plate 3 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction). The first exhaust port 6A and the second exhaust port 6B are spaced apart in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the top plate 3. In a plan view, a portion of the third region S103 is provided between the first exhaust port 6A and the second exhaust port 6B. With this configuration, the heating area can be expanded while effectively utilizing the space by providing a portion of the third region S103 between the first exhaust port 6A and the second exhaust port 6B.

[0191] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the coil unit 1 of Embodiment 1 is arranged in the first region S101 and the second region S102, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, any coil unit may be arranged in the first region S101 and the second region S102.

[0192] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first region S101 and the second region S102 are spaced apart in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first region S101 and the second region S102 may be spaced apart in the depth direction (Y-axis direction).

[0193] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first region S101 and the second region S102 have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The shape and dimensions of the first region S101 and the second region S102 in plan view may be changed according to the shape and dimensions of the coil unit. In addition, the second region S102 may have a different shape and / or dimensions from the first region S101. For example, the first region S101 and the second region S102 may have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape in plan view.

[0194] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the third region S103 is located on the rear side of the top plate 3 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed from above, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the third region S103 may be located on the front side of the top plate 3 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed from above. Alternatively, if the first region S101 and the second region S102 are arranged with a gap between them in the depth direction (Y-axis direction), the third region S103 may be located on the left or right side of the top plate 3 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) when viewed from above.

[0195] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the third region S103 has a triangular shape in plan view, but it is not limited to this. The third region S103 may also have a shape defined by three lines: the first line L101, the second line L102, and the third line L103. For example, the third region S103 may have a sector shape in plan view.

[0196] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which multiple coil pieces 10E are arranged in the third region S103 in a plan view, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, one or more coil pieces 10E may be arranged in the third region S103.

[0197] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the coil piece 10E constituting the second coil unit 2, which is located in the third region S103, has substantially the same shape and substantially the same dimensions as the first coil piece 10A and / or the second coil piece 10, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the coil piece 10E may have a different shape and / or dimensions from the first coil piece 10A and the second coil piece 10.

[0198] A modified example of Embodiment 3 will be described below.

[0199] (Variation 5) Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the induction heating cooker 100B of the modified example 5. Figure 12 is a schematic enlarged view of the coil units 2A and 2B located in the third region S103A and fourth region S104 of Figure 11.

[0200] As shown in Figure 11, in the induction cooker 100B, a third region S103A and a fourth region S104 are provided between the first region S101 and the second region S102 in a plan view.

[0201] The third region S103A and the fourth region S104 are arranged facing each other in a plan view. Specifically, the third region S103A and the fourth region S104 are arranged facing each other in a direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the first region S101 and the second region S102 are aligned (X-axis direction).

[0202] The fourth region S104 is located further back than the third region S103A in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the top plate 3.

[0203] As shown in Figure 12, the third region S103A is defined in plan view by a first line L101A, a second line L102A that intersects with the first line L101A, and a third line L103A that connects the first line L101A and the second line L102A.

[0204] The coil unit 2A located in the third region S103A includes one coil piece 10E. The coil piece 10E has coil wires 11E arranged along the first line L101A, the second line L102A, and the third line L103A in a plan view.

[0205] The first line L101A and the second line L102A are straight lines. The third line L103A is an arc-shaped line in plan view. The third region S103A has a sector shape in plan view. Therefore, the coil piece 10E also has a sector shape in plan view.

[0206] The intersection point P11 where the first line L101A and the second line L102A intersect is located between the first region S101 and the second region S102. Furthermore, the intersection point P10 lies on line CL2, which is drawn along the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first region S101 and the second region S102 are aligned (the X-axis direction) (the Y-axis direction).

[0207] In a plan view, the fourth region S104 is defined by the fourth line L104, the fifth line L105 which intersects the fourth line L104, and the sixth line L106 which connects the fourth line L104 and the fifth line L105.

[0208] The coil unit 2B located in the fourth region S104 includes one coil piece 10F. In a plan view, the coil piece 10F has coil wires 11F arranged along the fourth line L104, the fifth line L105, and the sixth line L106. Therefore, in a plan view, the coil piece 10F has a fan shape.

[0209] The fourth line L104 and the fifth line L105 are straight lines. The sixth line L106 is an arc-shaped line in plan view. The fourth region S104 has a sector shape in plan view. Therefore, the coil piece 10F also has a sector shape in plan view.

[0210] The intersection point P12 where the fourth line L104 and the fifth line L105 intersect lies on line CL2, which is drawn along the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first region S101 and the second region S102 are aligned (the X-axis direction) (the Y-axis direction).

[0211] In a plan view, the third line L103A of the third region S103A and the sixth line L106 of the fourth region S104 face each other. Specifically, in a plan view, the third region S103A and the fourth region S104 are arranged symmetrically in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the top plate 3.

[0212] The third region S103A and the fourth region S104 have substantially the same shape and dimensions in a plan view. The third region S103A and the fourth region S104 have substantially the same shape and dimensions as the first coil arrangement regions S11 to S16 and / or the second coil arrangement regions S21 to S24 in a plan view. In addition, the coil pieces 10E and 10F have substantially the same shape and dimensions as the first coil piece 10A and / or the second coil piece 10B.

[0213] The coil piece 10E located in the third region S103A and the coil piece 10F located in the fourth region S104 can be individually controlled by the control unit.

[0214] Even with this configuration, the object to be heated can be heated efficiently. Furthermore, the heating range can be expanded, reducing uneven heating and allowing for more efficient heating of the object.

[0215] Furthermore, the third region S103A and the fourth region S104 are not limited to a sector shape in plan view, but may, for example, have a triangular shape. Also, the third region S103A and the fourth region S104 may have different shapes and / or dimensions from each other.

[0216] As described above, the above embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that are modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate.

[0217] For example, the coil unit and induction cooker described in Embodiments 1 to 3 can use the modified coil piece described below. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first coil piece 10A described in Embodiment 1.

[0218] (Experimental variation 6) Figure 13 is a schematic enlarged view of the coil piece 10AA of modified example 6. As shown in Figure 13, in the coil piece 10AA, the coil wire 11AA is composed of a first coil wire section 20 and a second coil wire section 30A. In a plan view, the wire width W2 of the second coil wire section 30A is larger than the wire width W1 of the first coil wire section 20.

[0219] The second coil wire section 30A has straight sections 31A, 32A, a curved section 33A, and connecting sections 34A, 35A, 36A. The straight sections 31A, 32A, the curved section 33A, and the connecting sections 34A, 35A, 36A are the same as the straight sections 31, 32, the curved section 33, and the connecting sections 34, 35, 36 of Embodiment 1, except that their line widths differ in plan view.

[0220] In a plan view, a gap SP1 is formed between the first coil wire section 20 and the second coil wire section 30A on the center C1 side of the first heating region S10. Specifically, in a plan view, the wire width W2 of the second coil wire section 30A is larger than the wire width W1 of the first coil wire section 20, so the radius of curvature of the connecting section 34A is larger than the radius of curvature of the connecting section 24. For this reason, in a plan view, a gap SP1 is formed between the connecting section 24 and the connecting section 34A, which are located on the center C1 side of the first heating region S10. In a plan view, the gap SP1 is large enough to accommodate electronic components such as ferrite or a temperature sensor.

[0221] With this configuration, the coil piece 10AA can be manufactured more easily compared to Embodiment 1, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0222] (Example 7) Figure 14 is a schematic enlarged view of the coil piece 10AB of the modified example 7. As shown in Figure 14, in the coil piece 10AB, the third coil wire portion 40B is located on the central side of the inner region enclosed by the second coil wire portion 30 in a plan view.

[0223] In a plan view, the third coil wire section 40B is not positioned along the inside of the second coil wire section 30, but rather is positioned towards the center of the inner region enclosed by the second coil wire section 30. Specifically, the third coil wire section 40B is formed in a roughly triangular frame shape in a plan view.

[0224] The third coil wire section 40B has straight sections 41B, 42B, 43B and connecting sections 44B, 45B, 46B. The third coil wire section 40B is the same as the third coil wire section 40 of Embodiment 1, except for the straight section 43B and its position.

[0225] In a plan view, the straight sections 41B, 42B, and 43B of the third coil wire section 40B are not positioned along the straight sections 31, 32, and curved section 33 of the second coil wire section 30. Specifically, in a plan view, the connecting sections 44B, 45B, and 46B of the third coil wire section 40B are positioned close to the center of the straight sections 31, 32, and curved section 33 of the second coil wire section 30, respectively. As a result, in a plan view, the straight sections 41B, 42B, and 43B of the third coil wire section 40B are positioned further away from the connecting sections 44B, 45B, and 46B than from the straight sections 31, 32, and curved section 33 of the second coil wire section 30, respectively.

[0226] In a plan view, the straight sections 41B, 42B, and 43B of the third coil wire section 40B extend in directions that intersect with the straight sections 31, 32, and curved section 33 of the second coil wire section 30, respectively. Specifically, in a plan view, the straight section 41B extends away from the straight section 31 toward the outer periphery of the first heating region S10. In a plan view, the straight section 42B extends away from the straight section 32 toward the outer periphery of the first heating region S10. In a plan view, the straight section 43B is located toward the center C1 of the first heating region S10 and extends in directions that intersect with the straight sections 31 and 32.

[0227] In a plan view, since the third coil wire portion 40B is not positioned along the inside of the second coil wire portion 30, a gap SP2 is formed between the second coil wire portion 30 and the third coil wire portion 40B on the center C1 side of the first heating region S10. In a plan view, the gap SP2 is large enough to accommodate electronic components such as ferrite or a temperature sensor.

[0228] This configuration allows for a reduction in the area in the first heating region S10 where the coil wire 11AB is not located, as seen from a plan view. This reduces uneven heating and enables efficient heating.

[0229] (Variation 8) Figure 15 is a schematic enlarged view of the coil piece 10AC of modified example 8. As shown in Figure 14, in the coil piece 10AC, the second coil wire portion 30C is positioned further away from the first coil wire portion 20 as it moves from the center C1 of the first heating region S10 toward the outer circumference in a plan view. The third coil wire portion 40C is positioned on the outer circumference side of the center C1 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view.

[0230] The second coil wire section 30C has straight sections 31C, 32C, 33C and connecting sections 34C, 35C, 36C. The second coil wire section 30C is the same as the second coil wire section 30 of Embodiment 1, except for the straight sections 31C, 32C, 33C.

[0231] In a plan view, the straight sections 31C and 32C of the second coil wire section 30C are positioned further away from the straight sections 21 and 22 of the first coil wire section 20 as the distance from the center C1 of the first heating region S10 toward the outer periphery increases. That is, in a plan view, the distance between the straight section 21 and the straight section 31C, and the distance between the straight section 22 and the straight section 32C, increase as the distance from the center C1 of the first heating region S10 toward the outer periphery.

[0232] The third coil wire section 40C has straight sections 41C, 42C, 43C and connecting sections 44C, 45C, 46C. In plan view, the wire width W13 of the third coil wire section 40C is greater than the wire width W11 of the first coil wire section 20 and the wire width W12 of the second coil wire section 30C. In plan view, the third coil wire section 40C is formed in a roughly oval frame shape.

[0233] The third coil wire section 40C is positioned on the outer periphery of the center C1 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. As a result, a gap SP3 is formed between the second coil wire section 30C and the third coil wire section 40C on the center C1 side of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. In a plan view, the gap SP3 is large enough to accommodate electronic components such as ferrite or a temperature sensor.

[0234] With this configuration, in a plan view, the coil wires 11AC can be densely packed near the center of the first heating region S10, while also being distributed outwards from the center C1 of the first heating region S10. This allows for the concentration of magnetic flux near the center of the first heating region S10, as well as the uniform generation of magnetic flux from the center C1 outwards.

[0235] (Extreme variation 9) Figure 16 is a schematic enlarged view of the coil piece 10AD of modified example 9. As shown in Figure 16, in the coil piece 10AD, the first coil arrangement region S11 is divided into a first arrangement region S111 and a second arrangement region S112. The coil piece 10AD also has a first coil wire 11DA arranged in the first arrangement region S111 and a second coil wire 11DB arranged in the second arrangement region.

[0236] The first arrangement region S111 is the region formed on the side of the center C1 of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. The second arrangement region S112 is the region positioned outside the first arrangement region S111 in a plan view. The first arrangement region S111 and the second arrangement region S112 are separated in a plan view by an intermediate line L17 that connects two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and L12 between the center C1 of the first heating region S10 and the first outer circumference line L10.

[0237] Specifically, the first arrangement region S111 is defined in plan view by two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and L12 and an intermediate line L17. The second arrangement region S112 is defined in plan view by two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and L12, a first outer perimeter line L10 and an intermediate line L17. The first arrangement region S111 has a roughly triangular shape. The second arrangement region S112 has a roughly trapezoidal shape.

[0238] The first coil wire 11DA is arranged in a plan view along two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and L12 and an intermediate line L17 within the first arrangement region S111. The first coil wire 11DA has straight sections 61, 62, and 63, and connecting sections 64, 65, and 66. The straight sections 61, 62, and 63 are arranged in a plan view along the first boundary lines L11, L12 and the intermediate line L17, respectively. Connecting section 64 connects one end of straight section 61 to one end of straight section 62. Connecting section 65 connects the other end of straight section 61 to one end of straight section 63. Connecting section 65 connects the other end of straight section 62 to the other end of straight section 63. Connecting sections 64, 65, and 66 have, for example, a U-shaped curve. The first coil wire 11DA is formed in a roughly triangular frame shape in a plan view.

[0239] In a plan view, the second coil wire 11DB is positioned within the second arrangement region S112 along two adjacent first boundary lines L11 and L12, the first outer perimeter line L10, and the intermediate line L17. The second coil wire 11DB has a first coil wire section 20D, a second coil wire section 30D, and a third coil wire section 40D. The first coil wire section 20D, the second coil wire section 30D, and the third coil wire section 40D are the same as the first coil wire section 20, the second coil wire section 30, and the third coil wire section 40 of Embodiment 1, except that in a plan view, the first coil wire section 20D is positioned along the intermediate line L17. In a plan view, the second coil wire 11DB is formed in the shape of a substantially trapezoidal frame.

[0240] The first coil wire 11DA and the second coil wire 11DB are not connected. Therefore, in the coil piece 10AD, partial heating can be performed by the first coil wire 11DA, partial heating can be performed by the second coil wire 11DB, and overall heating can be performed by the first coil wire 11DA and the second coil wire 11DB.

[0241] With this configuration, the intensity of heating can be adjusted between the central and outer edges of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. Specifically, in a plan view, partial heating can be performed near the center of the first heating region S10 by the first coil wire 11DA located in the first arrangement region S111. In addition, in a plan view, partial heating can be performed near the outer edge of the first heating region S10 by the second coil wire 11DB located in the second arrangement region S112. Furthermore, in a plan view, overall heating can be performed across the entire first heating region S10 by the first coil wire 11DA and the second coil wire 11DB.

[0242] (Variation 10) Figure 17 is a plan view of the first coil 5G of the modified example 10. As shown in Figure 17, the first heating region S10 has four first coil arrangement regions S11 to S14 in plan view. The four first coil arrangement regions S11 to S14 are defined in plan view by four first boundary lines L11 to L14 that extend radially from the center C1 of the first heating region S10 toward the outer periphery, and by a first outer periphery line L10 that defines the outer periphery of the first heating region S10. In the first coil 5G, four coil pieces 10G are each arranged in one of the four first coil arrangement regions S11 to S14.

[0243] In coil piece 10G, the wire width of the coil wire 11G is larger in a plan view compared to Embodiment 1. In coil piece 10G, a gap SP4 is formed between the outer coil wire portion and the inner coil wire portion on the center C1 side of the first heating region S10 in a plan view. For example, a temperature sensor can be placed in the gap SP4.

[0244] Even with this configuration, the effects of this disclosure can be achieved.

[0245] Furthermore, the coil piece of the modified example described above is applicable to coil pieces placed in the second heating region S20 and / or the third heating region S30, etc.

[0246] Although the present invention has been fully described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, as long as they do not fall outside that scope. [Industrial applicability]

[0247] The coil unit of this disclosure is applicable to induction cookers and other devices that utilize electromagnetic induction. For example, the coil unit of this disclosure can be used as a power supply coil unit for a contactless power supply device. In this case, the coil unit can improve power supply efficiency rather than heating efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0248] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Coil Unit 2, 2A, 2B Coil Unit 3. Top plate 4 cabinets 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G (left) 5AA coil 6A First exhaust port 6B Second exhaust port 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G coil pieces 10AA, 10AB, 10AC, 10AD coil pieces 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G coil wire 11AA, 11AB, 11AC, 11AD, 11DA, 11DB coil wire 20,20D First coil wire section 21,22 Straight section 23 Curved section 24, 25, 26 Connection parts 30, 30A, 30C, 30D Second coil wire section 31,31A,31C Straight section 32,32A,32C Straight section 33,33A curved part 33C Straight section 34, 34A, 34C connection section 35, 35A, 35C connection section 36, 36A, 36C connection section 40, 40B, 40C, 40D Third coil wire section 41,41B,41C Straight section 42,42B,42C Straight section 43 Curved section 43B,43C Straight section 44, 44B, 44C connection section 45, 45B, 45C connection section 46, 46B, 46C connection section 61, 62, 63 Straight section 64, 65, 66 Connection parts 100,100A, 100B induction cooker C1,C2,C3 center CL1,CL2 line L10 First Outer Line L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16 First boundary lines L17 Intermediate Line L20, L20A Second outer line L21, L22, L23, L24, L25, L26 Second boundary lines L30 Third Outer Line L31, L32, L33, L34, L35 Third Boundary Line L31A, L32A, L33A line L41, L42, L43 lines L101, L102, L103, L104, L105, L106 lines L101A, L102A, L103A Line P1,P2,P10,P11,P12 intersection S10,S20,S20A,S30,S30A,S40 heating area S11, S12, S13, S14, S15, S16 First coil arrangement area S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, S26 Second coil arrangement area S31, S32, S33, S34 Third coil arrangement area S111,S112 Placement area S101,S102,S103,S103A,S104 area SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 gap W1, W2, W11, W12, W13 line width

Claims

1. In a plan view, the device comprises a plurality of coils arranged in a first heating region and a second heating region for heating an object to be heated. The aforementioned second heating region is In a plan view, it is provided around the first heating region and has a fan shape, In a plan view, the second heating region has a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center toward the outer periphery, and an outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of the arc portion of the second heating region. The coil arranged in the second heating region has, in a plan view, a plurality of coil pieces arranged in each of the plurality of coil arrangement regions, Each of the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region has a coil wire that, in a plan view, is positioned along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines that define the plurality of coil arrangement regions. The aforementioned coil wire is A first coil wire portion is arranged along the two adjacent boundary lines and the outer circumference line in a plan view, In a plan view, a second coil wire portion is positioned inside the first coil wire portion, It has, The first coil wire section and the second coil wire section are each parts formed by bundling multiple metal wires together and winding them while making contact multiple times. The wire width of the first coil wire section and the wire width of the second coil wire section are different. Coil unit.

2. In a plan view, comprising a plurality of coils arranged in a first heating region and a second heating region for heating an object to be heated, The aforementioned second heating region is In a plan view, it is provided around the first heating region and has a fan shape, In a plan view, the second heating region has a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center toward the outer periphery, and an outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of the arc portion of the second heating region. The coil arranged in the second heating region has, in a plan view, a plurality of coil pieces arranged in each of the plurality of coil arrangement regions, Each of the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region has a coil wire that, in a plan view, is positioned along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines that define the plurality of coil arrangement regions. The aforementioned coil wire is A first coil wire portion is arranged along the two adjacent boundary lines and the outer circumference line in a plan view, In a plan view, a second coil wire portion is positioned inside the first coil wire portion, It has, Each of the aforementioned plurality of coil arrangement regions, in a plan view, The first arrangement region formed on the central side of the second heating region, A second arrangement area is located outside the first arrangement area, It has, The first arrangement region is defined in plan view by two adjacent boundary lines and an intermediate line connecting the two adjacent boundary lines between the center of the second heating region and the outer perimeter line. The second arrangement region is defined in plan view by the two adjacent boundary lines, the outer perimeter line, and the intermediate line. Each of the aforementioned plurality of coil pieces is In a plan view, a first coil wire is arranged within the first arrangement area and along the two adjacent boundary lines and the intermediate line, In a plan view, a second coil wire is arranged within the second arrangement region and along the two adjacent boundary lines, the outer perimeter line, and the intermediate line, It has, The second coil wire has the first coil wire portion and the second coil wire portion. Coil unit.

3. In a plan view, comprising a plurality of coils arranged in a first heating region and a second heating region for heating an object to be heated, The aforementioned second heating region is In a plan view, it is provided around the first heating region and has a fan shape, In a plan view, the second heating region has a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center toward the outer periphery, and an outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of the arc portion of the second heating region. The coil arranged in the second heating region has, in a plan view, a plurality of coil pieces arranged in each of the plurality of coil arrangement regions, Each of the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region has a coil wire that, in a plan view, is positioned along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines that define the plurality of coil arrangement regions. The aforementioned coil wire is A first coil wire portion is arranged along the two adjacent boundary lines and the outer circumference line in a plan view, In a plan view, a second coil wire portion is positioned inside the first coil wire portion, It has, The first heating region has a circular shape in plan view. Coil unit.

4. In a plan view, comprising a plurality of coils arranged in a first heating region and a second heating region for heating an object to be heated, The aforementioned second heating region is In a plan view, it is provided around the first heating region and has a fan shape, In a plan view, the second heating region has a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center toward the outer periphery, and an outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of the arc portion of the second heating region. The coil arranged in the second heating region has, in a plan view, a plurality of coil pieces arranged in each of the plurality of coil arrangement regions, Each of the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region has a coil wire that, in a plan view, is positioned along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines that define the plurality of coil arrangement regions. The aforementioned coil wire is A first coil wire portion is arranged along the two adjacent boundary lines and the outer circumference line in a plan view, In a plan view, a second coil wire portion is positioned inside the first coil wire portion, It has, In the direction in which the first heating region and the second heating region are aligned, a third heating region having a fan shape is provided around the second heating region, The third heating region has, in a plan view, a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center of the third heating region toward the outer periphery, and an outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of the arc portion of the third heating region. The coil arranged in the third heating region has, in a plan view, a plurality of coil pieces arranged in each of the plurality of coil arrangement regions, Each of the plurality of coil pieces in the third heating region has a coil wire that, in a plan view, is positioned along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines that define the plurality of coil arrangement regions. Coil unit.

5. The second coil wire portion is arranged along the inside of the first coil wire portion in a plan view. A coil unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The coil wire further has a third coil wire portion that is located inside the second coil wire portion in a plan view. The third coil wire portion is arranged along the inside of the second coil wire portion in a plan view. The coil unit according to claim 5.

7. The wire width of the first coil wire section and the wire width of the second coil wire section are different. The coil unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

8. The wire width of the second coil wire section is greater than the wire width of the first coil wire section. The coil unit according to claim 1 or 7.

9. In a plan view, a gap is formed between the first coil wire portion and the second coil wire portion on the central side of the second heating region. The coil unit according to claim 8.

10. The gap is further provided with ferrite. The coil unit according to claim 9.

11. Each of the aforementioned plurality of coil arrangement regions, in a plan view, The first arrangement region formed on the central side of the second heating region, A second arrangement area is located outside the first arrangement area, It has, The first arrangement region is defined in plan view by two adjacent boundary lines and an intermediate line connecting the two adjacent boundary lines between the center of the second heating region and the outer perimeter line. The second arrangement region is defined in plan view by the two adjacent boundary lines, the outer perimeter line, and the intermediate line. Each of the aforementioned plurality of coil pieces is In a plan view, a first coil wire is arranged within the first arrangement area and along the two adjacent boundary lines and the intermediate line, In a plan view, a second coil wire is arranged within the second arrangement region and along the two adjacent boundary lines, the outer perimeter line, and the intermediate line, It has, The second coil wire has the first coil wire portion and the second coil wire portion. The coil unit according to any one of claims 3 or 4.

12. The first arrangement region has a substantially triangular shape in plan view, The second arrangement region has a roughly trapezoidal shape in plan view. The coil unit according to claim 11.

13. The plurality of boundary lines of the second heating region are straight lines, In a plan view, the coil wire of the second heating region is arranged along the two adjacent boundary lines and the outer perimeter line connecting the two boundary lines. A coil unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The plurality of coil arrangement regions in the second heating region have substantially the same shape in a plan view. The plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region have substantially the same shape in a plan view. A coil unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The first heating region has a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center of the first heating region toward the outer periphery in a plan view, and an outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of the first heating region. The coil placed in the first heating region has a plurality of coil pieces, each of which is placed in the plurality of coil placement regions. Each of the plurality of coil pieces in the first heating region has a coil wire that, in a plan view, is positioned along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines that define the plurality of coil arrangement regions. A coil unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The plurality of boundary lines of the first heating region are straight lines, The coil wire of the first heating region is arranged in a plan view along the two adjacent boundary lines and the outer perimeter line connecting the two boundary lines. The coil unit according to claim 15.

17. The plurality of coil arrangement regions in the first heating region have substantially the same shape in a plan view. The plurality of coil pieces in the first heating region have substantially the same shape in a plan view. The coil unit according to claim 15 or 16.

18. The plurality of coil pieces in the first heating region have substantially the same shape as the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region. The coil unit according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

19. The first heating region has a circular shape in plan view. A coil unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2 or 4.

20. In the direction in which the first heating region and the second heating region are aligned, a third heating region having a fan shape is provided around the second heating region, The third heating region has, in a plan view, a plurality of coil arrangement regions defined by a plurality of boundary lines extending radially from the center of the third heating region toward the outer periphery, and an outer periphery line defining the outer periphery of the arc portion of the third heating region. The coil arranged in the third heating region has, in a plan view, a plurality of coil pieces arranged in each of the plurality of coil arrangement regions, Each of the plurality of coil pieces in the third heating region has a coil wire that, in a plan view, is positioned along two adjacent boundary lines among the plurality of boundary lines that define the plurality of coil arrangement regions. A coil unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

21. The plurality of coil arrangement regions in the third heating region have substantially the same shape in a plan view. The plurality of coil pieces in the third heating region have substantially the same shape in a plan view. The coil unit according to claim 4 or 20.

22. The plurality of coil pieces in the third heating region have substantially the same shape as the plurality of coil pieces in the second heating region. The coil unit according to claim 20 or 21.

23. An induction cooker comprising one or more coil units as described in any one of claims 1 to 22.

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