Home appliance

Abstract

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

Description

home appliances

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

[0002]

[0003] Induction ranges, which utilize induction heating technology, are gaining recognition as next-generation cooking appliances that can replace gas ranges due to their high heating efficiency, fast heating speed, stability, and convenience. Induction cooktops feature heating coils made of Ritz wire, which heat induction-specific containers by placing them on designated burner locations. This method has the disadvantage of requiring containers to be placed in a specific location, and any slight misalignment reduces heating efficiency.

[0004] Accordingly, research and development are underway for "All Free" induction heating technology. This technology enables heating of induction containers in various locations without requiring a fixed area on the induction heating plate. It also offers the advantage of being able to heat containers of various sizes and multiple containers with three or more zones.

[0005] As a prior art document, there is US Patent No. 11,013,071 (May 18, 2021, hereinafter, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 includes a multiplexer for sequentially receiving detection results from multiple container sensors and a microprocessor for processing the detection results from the multiple container sensors.

[0006] However, since Patent Document 1 uses a multiplexer to receive container information as a single input, it has the disadvantage of increasing detection time in the case of multiple container sensors. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 has the disadvantage of requiring N input pins for receiving detection signals from the N container sensors and N output pins for driving the multiple container sensors when N container sensors are provided.

[0007] Due to this, Patent Document 1 has the disadvantage of increasing complexity due to an increase in the number of circuit components and allocation of microprocessor input and output pins for each of the multiple container sensors.

[0008]

[0009] In order to increase the demand for positional freedom for ease of use in induction heating cooktops, improve power control performance through container location information, and increase ease of use through the use of UI / UX, accurate container location information is required, and for this purpose, multiple container detection sensors are required.

[0010] In the case where each detection circuit is configured for each container detection sensor among the existing container detection method circuits, the complexity increases due to an increase in the number of circuit parts, allocation of processor pins for each detection coil, etc., and in the case where signals from multiple detection coils are sequentially processed in one detection circuit, there is a problem that the total detection time increases as the number of detection coils increases.

[0011] The present invention provides a home appliance capable of simultaneously driving a plurality of container detection coils by modularizing a plurality of container detection sensors.

[0012] The present invention provides a home appliance capable of processing multiple container detection signals simultaneously.

[0013] The present invention provides a home appliance capable of reducing the number of circuit components and reducing the number of processor pin assignments per sensing coil.

[0014] The present invention provides a home appliance that simplifies the connection structure and secures space for component placement by reducing signal wiring between a container detection sensor and a controller.

[0015] The present invention provides a home appliance capable of reducing the overall time for detecting a container.

[0016] The present invention provides a home appliance capable of minimizing an increase in the overall container detection time even when the number of detection coils increases.

[0017] The present invention provides a home appliance capable of determining the material and presence of a container mounted on a cooktop.

[0018] The present invention provides a home appliance capable of reducing noise caused by resonant current and detection errors when detecting a cooking vessel.

[0019] The problems to be solved according to one embodiment of this specification are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0020]

[0021] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention operates multiple container detection coils simultaneously by modularizing multiple container detection sensors.

[0022] Specifically, the home appliance modulates the inputs of at least two or more container detection sensors into a single unit, thereby simultaneously driving at least two detection coils with a single driving signal.

[0023] In addition, the home appliance outputs at least two container detection signals simultaneously by modularizing the outputs of at least two container detection sensors into a single unit.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance includes a top plate of a cooktop, a plurality of heating coils for heating a container mounted on the top plate using electromagnetic induction, a plurality of detection coils for detecting a container mounted on the top plate, and a plurality of container detection sensors for detecting a container mounted on the top plate, wherein the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into at least two units and operate simultaneously.

[0025]

[0026] The present invention can drive at least two detection coils simultaneously with a single drive signal by modularizing at least two or more container detection sensors into a single unit.

[0027] In addition, the present invention can process and output at least two container detection signals simultaneously through modularization in which at least two or more container detection sensors are combined into one unit.

[0028] In addition, the present invention can contribute to the simplification of processes such as masking, printing, and etching by forming a heating coil pattern and a sensing coil pattern into an integrated PCB pattern coil assembly formed of multiple layers.

[0029] In addition, the present invention can reduce the number of input wiring, output wiring, and circuit components by modularizing a plurality of container detection sensors.

[0030] In addition, the present invention can reduce the number of allocations of output pins of a controller for outputting driving signals for driving a plurality of detection coils and input pins of a controller for receiving container detection signals from a plurality of container detection sensors by modularizing a plurality of container detection sensors.

[0031] In addition, the present invention can simplify the electrical connection structure between components and secure component placement space by reducing signal wiring for input / output between the container detection sensor and the controller.

[0032] In addition, the present invention can reduce the overall time for detecting a container by modularizing the container detection sensor.

[0033] In addition, the present invention can minimize the increase in the overall container detection time even if the number of detection coils increases due to a design change by modularizing the container detection sensor.

[0034] The present invention can determine not only the presence or absence of a container installed on a cooktop but also the material of the container by driving a detection coil by adjusting the oscillation frequency.

[0035] The present invention can reduce noise caused by resonant current and decrease detection errors by detecting a container during a detection period that includes the zero crossing point of the input voltage.

[0036] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0037]

[0038] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a disassembled state of a cooktop in a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a plan view of the cooktop illustrated in Figure 1 and the configuration of the PCB pattern coil assembly.

[0040] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the arrangement structure of the heating coil and detection coil illustrated in Figure 2.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing the structure of a multilayer sensing coil PCB on which the sensing coils illustrated in Fig. 2 are arranged.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates a detailed circuit of the detection output circuit in the container detection sensor illustrated in Figure 6.

[0045] Figure 8 is a diagram showing modularization of the driving signal and detection output circuit.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the operation of multiple container detection sensors illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0047] Figure 10 is a diagram showing modularization of a driving signal, an oscillation driving circuit, and a detection output circuit.

[0048] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the container detection point of the container detection sensor illustrated in Figure 7.

[0049]

[0050] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0051] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms and with various modifications. However, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substitutions or additions of the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment.

[0053] The attached drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the components may be expressed in an exaggerated size or thickness for convenience of understanding, etc., but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be construed as being limited due to this.

[0054] The terminology used in this specification is only used to describe specific implementations or examples and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification. In other words, it should be understood that terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" in the specification do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0055] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0056] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0057] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only positioned directly above that other component, but that there may also be other components intervening there.

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0059] For example, embodiments of the heating coil assembly are described herein in which the heating coil assembly is used in a cooking appliance. However, in other embodiments, the heating coil assembly may be applied to other appliances requiring induction heating.

[0060] For example, a heating coil assembly may be mounted on a washing machine and used to heat the water tank, drum, or wash tub inside the washing machine, or to heat the wash water.

[0061] As another example, the heating coil assembly may be mounted on a water purifier and used to heat a hot water pipe or tank.

[0062] As another example, the heating coil assembly may be mounted on a clothes dryer or clothes care appliance and used to heat the air for drying clothes.

[0063] As another example, a heating coil assembly may be mounted on an electric kettle or rice cooker and used to heat liquid or food inside the appliance.

[0064]

[0065] [Overall structure of an induction heating cooktop]

[0066] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an exploded state of an induction heating cooktop (100) in a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a home appliance may be an oven range type in which a cooktop (100) is positioned on the upper side and an oven section is positioned on the lower side. The present invention is not limited thereto, and may be configured as a home appliance in which a cooktop (100) is provided alone.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, a home appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an induction heating cooktop (100). The induction heating cooktop (100) may include a case (110) and a top plate (120).

[0069] According to the present embodiment, the exterior of the cooktop (100) can be formed by a case (110) and a top plate (120). The case (110) is placed below the top plate (120) and can form the front, back, side, and bottom surfaces of the cooktop (100). The top plate (120) is placed on the top of the cooktop (100) and can form the upper exterior surface of the cooktop (100). The top plate (120) can be formed of ceramic glass for holding a cooking vessel.

[0070] A receiving space may be formed inside the case (110). The receiving space formed inside the case (110) may be opened upward. As an example, the case (110) may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open upper side. Various internal components constituting the cooktop (100) may be accommodated in the receiving space surrounded by the top plate (120) and the case (110).

[0071] Additionally, a PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be placed on the lower side of the top plate (120) in the cooktop (100). The PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be formed integrally with at least one heating coil for heating the cooking vessel through induction heating and at least one detection coil for detecting the cooking vessel.

[0072] For example, the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be configured in multiple pieces depending on the size of the top plate (120) of the cooktop (100). For example, if the top plate (120) is divided into three left areas, a center area, and a right area, three PCB pattern coil assemblies (140) may be placed on the lower side of the corresponding areas. Each of the PCB pattern coil assemblies (140) may be formed in a different size appropriate for the sizes of the left area, the center area, and the right area. Each of the PCB pattern coil assemblies (140) corresponding to each area may be driven independently.

[0073] The PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be formed as an integrated unit including a heating coil for induction heating, a detection coil for container detection, a temperature sensor for temperature detection, and a terminal for connection with other components. The PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be divided into a plurality of unit blocks. For example, one heating coil may be arranged in one unit block. For example, at least two detection coils may be arranged in one unit block. For example, two detection coils may be arranged between one unit block and another unit block, straddling two unit blocks.

[0074] In addition, a supporter (150) may be placed on the lower side of the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) in the cooktop (100). The supporter (150) may form a framework inside the cooktop (100) to support various internal components constituting the cooktop (100). As an example, the supporter (150) may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open lower side. For example, the supporter (150) may be formed in a shape that is roughly a case (110) turned upside down, but may be formed to have a size slightly smaller than the case (110).

[0075] According to the present embodiment, the accommodation space can be formed inside the supporter (150), and can be formed as a space surrounded by the bottom of the case (110) and the supporter (150). Various internal components constituting the cooktop (100) can be accommodated inside the supporter (150).

[0076] For example, the inside of the supporter (190) may accommodate a resonance PCB assembly (160) in which capacitors used for resonance or oscillation are mounted, an inverter PCB assembly (170) in which switching elements for applying current to a heating coil for induction heating are mounted, a fan (180) for cooling the heat of internal components, an EMI filter (190) for filtering and blocking various noises mixed in the power supply, and a control PCB assembly in which a controller for controlling the overall operation of the cooktop (100) and circuits for container detection are mounted.

[0077] According to the present embodiment, the supporter (150) can also provide a base function of the PCB pattern coil assembly (140). More specifically, a ferrite core can be installed on the upper side of the supporter (150), the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) can be installed on the upper side of the ferrite core, and a top plate (120) can be installed on the upper side of the PCB pattern coil assembly (140).

[0078] In addition, the cooktop (100) may be equipped with a control panel (130). The control panel (130) may be arranged on an area of ​​the upper surface of the top plate (120). The control panel (130) may be equipped with a user interface (UI) including a control icon for controlling the operation of the cooktop (100) by touch and a display for indicating the operating status of the cooktop (100).

[0079]

[0080] [PCB pattern coil assembly]

[0081] Fig. 2 is a drawing showing a plan view of the cooktop (100) illustrated in Fig. 1 and the configuration of the PCB pattern coil assembly (140). Fig. 3 is a drawing showing the arrangement structure of the heating coil (142) and the detection coil (143) illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cooktop (100) may include a case (110), a supporter (150), and a PCB pattern coil assembly (140). The PCB pattern coil assembly (140) is provided to configure a heating coil (142) for induction heating of the cooktop (100) and a detection coil (143) for detecting a cooking vessel, and may be placed in a receiving space inside the cooktop (100).

[0083] A supporter (150) may be placed on the upper part of the case (110), a PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be placed on the upper part of the supporter (150), and a top plate (120) may be placed on the upper part of the PCB pattern coil assembly (140).

[0084] The PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may include a plurality of PCB pattern coil assemblies (140) depending on the size and shape of the cooktop (100). In the present embodiment, the cooktop (100) is divided into a left region, a center region, and a right region, and is exemplified by including three PCB pattern coil assemblies (140). Each PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may include a plurality of heating coils (142) and a plurality of sensing coils (143).

[0085] Each PCB pattern coil assembly (140) can be divided into a plurality of unit blocks (141). The plurality of unit blocks (141) can be arranged in a matrix form. For example, at least one heating coil (142) can be arranged in one unit block (141). For example, at least two sensing coils (143) can be arranged in one unit block (141). In addition, at least two sensing coils (143) can be arranged between one unit block (141) and another unit block (141) to span two unit blocks.

[0086] Each heating coil (142) and sensing coil (143) formed on the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be arranged in a pattern shape on the substrate. For example, the heating coil (142) may be formed in a polygonal, for example, square, rectangular, or hexagonal pattern. Alternatively, the heating coil (142) may be formed in a circular pattern. For example, the sensing coil (143) may be formed in a circular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal pattern.

[0087] Additionally, the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be formed with at least one heating coil terminal (145), at least one sensing coil terminal (146), at least one heating coil wiring (147), at least one sensing coil wiring (148), and at least one via. The heating coil terminal (145) is electrically connected to the heating coil (142) through the heating coil wiring (147) and is electrically connected to the resonant PCB assembly (160) and the inverter PCB assembly (170). The sensing coil terminal (146) is electrically connected to the sensing coil (143) through the sensing coil wiring (148) and is electrically connected to the resonant PCB assembly (160) and the control PCB assembly.

[0088] In this way, not only a heating coil (142) but also a detection coil (143) can be formed in the unit block (141) of the PCB pattern coil assembly (140). In the unit block (141), a plurality of detection coils (143) are arranged along the front-back direction, and a plurality of detection coils (143) are also arranged in the lateral direction.

[0089] The PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may include a PCB having a heating coil (142) patterned thereon (hereinafter referred to as a “heating coil PCB”) and a PCB having a sensing coil (143) patterned thereon (hereinafter referred to as a “sensing coil PCB”). The PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be formed in a form in which the heating coil PCB and the sensing coil PCB are stacked vertically. For example, the heating coil PCB may be formed in a form in which 10 to 12 layers are stacked, and the heating coils (142) between the layers may be electrically connected through vias. For example, the sensing coil PCB may be formed in a form in which two layers are stacked, and the sensing coils (143) between the layers may be electrically connected through vias.

[0090] Additionally, at least one of the heating coil PCB and the sensing coil PCB may be provided in a form in which coils are patterned on both sides of the substrate. In the present embodiment, it is exemplified that the heating coil (142) is patterned on both sides of the heating coil PCB, and the sensing coil (143) is patterned on both sides of the sensing coil PCB.

[0091] Each sensing coil (143) may be arranged to overlap with each heating coil (142) forming region, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Additionally, each sensing coil (143) may be arranged to overlap between two adjacent heating coil (142) forming regions.

[0092] In this embodiment, it is exemplified that two detection coils (143) are respectively arranged inside each heating coil (142) formation area, and two detection coils (143) are respectively arranged between two heating coils (142) adjacent in the front-back direction. In addition, a temperature sensor (144) may be provided in the PCB pattern coil assembly (140). For example, the temperature sensor (144) may be arranged at the center of each detection coil (143).

[0093] As an example, the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be provided in a form in which a heating coil (142), a detection coil (143), and a temperature sensor (144) are integrally formed. For example, the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be formed in a form in which a heating coil PCB provided with a heating coil (142) and a detection coil PCB provided with a detection coil (143) and a temperature sensor (144) are laminated. The PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may be provided in a form including one or more pattern coil PCBs.

[0094] For example, an integrated PCB pattern coil assembly (140) may include heating coil patterns arranged in a ten-layer structure, sensing coil patterns arranged in a two-layer structure, and an insulating material disposed between each heating coil pattern and each sensing coil pattern to insulate them. The insulating material may be formed by curing a prepreg composed of a thermosetting resin and glass fiber, which are generally used to form a printed circuit board. For example, an applicable thermosetting resin is preferably an epoxy resin series, and specifically, FR-4 may be applied.

[0095] In this way, the insulating material formed through the prepreg can be placed between each heating coil pattern arranged in a layered structure to insulate them, and can be placed between each sensing coil pattern to insulate them. In addition, the insulating material can be configured to fill in areas where patterns are not formed, such as the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern, to form a layered structure of individual layers.

[0096] Therefore, based on the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern, the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) can have a layered structure having a total of 12 layers from the first layer forming the uppermost side in the vertical direction to the 12th layer forming the lowermost layer.

[0097] In this way, the heating coil pattern and the sensing coil pattern according to the embodiment of the present invention are formed as an integrated PCB pattern coil assembly formed of multiple layers, thereby contributing to the simplification of processes such as masking, printing, and etching.

[0098] In this way, the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) has a structure in which a plurality of heating coils (142) for induction heating using a pattern printed on the PCB and a plurality of detection coils (143) for detecting a cooking vessel placed on a ceramic glass are formed as an integral part. Meanwhile, the number of heating coils (142) and detection coils (143) can be determined according to the size of the cooktop (100).

[0099] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing the structure of a multilayer sensing coil PCB on which the sensing coils illustrated in Fig. 2 are arranged.

[0100] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the sensing coil PCB can be laminated in multiple layers. In this embodiment, a structure in which the sensing coil PCB is laminated in two layers is exemplified.

[0101] A plurality of sensing coils (143) may be arranged on each layer of the sensing coil PCB. For example, the sensing coil PCB of each layer may include at least one heating coil terminal (145), at least one heating coil wire (147), at least one sensing coil terminal (146), at least one sensing coil wire (148), at least one via (149), and at least one temperature sensor (144).

[0102] The heating coil terminal (145) is electrically connected to the heating coil wiring (147), and the heating coil wiring (147) can be electrically connected to the heating coil (142) of the heating coil PCB through a via. In addition, the sensing coil terminal (146) is electrically connected to the sensing coil (143) through the sensing coil wiring (148), and the sensing coil (143) can be electrically connected to the sensing coil (143) of another layer through a via (149).

[0103] In this embodiment, the sensing coil (143) pattern may be printed on the PCB in a circular shape. Alternatively, the sensing coil (143) pattern may be printed on the PCB in a polygonal shape including a circular shape. The sensing coil (143) pattern may be configured as one layer (1 Layer) or multiple layers (2 Layers or more) of the entire PCB coil. When configured as multiple layers, the sensing coils (143) between layers may be electrically connected through vias (149) of the PCB. In addition, a heating coil wiring (147) connected to a heating coil terminal (145) may be located on the layer of the sensing coil (143), and may be configured separately from the heating coil (143).

[0104] In this way, in the present embodiment, the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) is configured as an integrated structure in which the heating coil (142) and the sensing coil (143) are configured as one component using a multilayer PCB substrate, and the sensing coil (143) can be configured in a circular or polygonal shape using one or more layers.

[0105] The detection coil (143) may be placed adjacent to a plurality of heating coils (142) or may be placed on the heating coil (142). In addition, the detection coils (143) may be placed at equal intervals in the vertical and left-right straight lines.

[0106]

[0107] [Container Detection Sensor]

[0108] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 illustrates a circuit of a container detection sensor in a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 illustrates a detailed circuit of a detection output circuit in the container detection sensor illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0109] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a container detection sensor (200) and a controller (500).

[0110] The container detection sensor (200) detects a cooking container placed on the top plate (120) of the cooktop (100) and provides a container detection signal based on the detection to the controller (500).

[0111] The controller (500) controls the operation of the container detection sensor (200) and determines container information including at least one of the location, material, shape, and size of the container based on the container detection signal received from the container detection sensor (200).

[0112] The container detection sensor (200) includes a container detection circuit (200a) and a detection output circuit (200b). The container detection circuit (200a) stores oscillation energy in a detection coil (143) or outputs an oscillation signal that freely resonates according to a driving signal (DS) of a controller (500). The detection output circuit (200b) filters the DC component from the oscillation signal received from the container detection circuit (200a), compares the filtered oscillation signal with a reference signal, and outputs a container detection signal according to the comparison result to the controller (500).

[0113] In this embodiment, the container detection circuit (200a) includes a detection coil (143), an oscillation circuit (220), and an oscillation driving circuit (210).

[0114] The sensing coil (143) is electromagnetically coupled to the container when the container is placed on the top plate (120) of the cooktop (100) and has an equivalent resistance (Req) and an equivalent inductance (Leq). As described above, the sensing coil (143) is formed in multiple pieces in the PCB pattern coil assembly (140) together with the heating coil (142) using a pattern printed on the PCB.

[0115] The oscillation circuit (220) is electrically connected to the detection coil (143) and generates an oscillation signal that resonates with an oscillation frequency determined by the inductance of the detection coil (143) and the capacitance of the oscillation capacitor. The oscillation circuit (220) may be connected in parallel with the detection coil (143). The oscillation circuit (220) may include at least one oscillation capacitor. In the present embodiment, the oscillation circuit (220) is exemplified as including two oscillation capacitors (Ca, Cb).

[0116] The oscillation circuit (220) may include a first oscillation capacitor (Ca), a second oscillation capacitor (Cb), and a control switch (SW2). The first oscillation capacitor (Ca) is connected in parallel with the detection coil (143), the second oscillation capacitor (Cb) is connected in parallel with the first oscillation capacitor (Ca), and the control switch (SW2) is connected in parallel with the first oscillation capacitor (Ca) and in series with the second oscillation capacitor (Cb). The control switch (SW2) is used to adjust the oscillation frequency.

[0117] The adjustment switch (SW2) can be turned on or off under the control of the controller (500). When the adjustment switch (SW2) is turned off, the oscillation frequency is determined by the inductance of the detection coil (143) and the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor (Ca). The oscillation frequency at which the adjustment switch (SW2) is turned on is determined by the inductance of the detection coil (143) and the capacitances of the first oscillation capacitor (Ca) and the second oscillation capacitor (Cb).

[0118] This oscillation circuit (220) adjusts the oscillation frequency of the oscillation signal by adjusting the capacitance value according to the switching of the adjustment switch (SW2). This oscillation frequency adjustment can improve the performance of the container material discrimination by increasing the variation ratio of the equivalent resistance (Req) according to the container material when the container detection sensor (200) discriminates the container material, for example, between a magnetic container and a non-magnetic container, or between a ferromagnetic container and a weakly magnetic container.

[0119] The oscillation driving circuit (210) includes a driving switch (SW1), and drives the detection coil (143) and the oscillation circuit (220) so that the detection coil (143) stores oscillation energy or the oscillation circuit (220) outputs an oscillation signal to the detection output circuit (200b) according to the driving of the driving switch (SW1).

[0120] When the driving switch (SW1) of the oscillation driving circuit (210) is turned on, the oscillation energy by the power voltage (Vdd) is stored in the detection coil (143). When the driving switch (SW1) is turned off, the oscillation energy stored in the detection coil (143) freely resonates through the oscillation circuit (220) and is output as an oscillation signal that freely resonates with an oscillation frequency.

[0121] In this embodiment, the oscillation driving circuit (210) is exemplified as including a first resistor (R1), a first diode (D1), a driving switch (SW1), a second resistor (R2), a third resistor (R3), a first capacitor (C1), and a second capacitor (C2).

[0122] The first resistor (R1) has one end connected to the power supply voltage (Vdd) terminal and the other end connected to the detection coil (143) and the oscillator circuit (220). The first resistor (R1) acts as a current limiting resistor and lowers the power supply voltage (Vdd). The first diode (D1) has an anode electrode connected to the detection coil (143) and the oscillator circuit (220), and a cathode electrode connected to the driving switch (SW1). The first diode (D1) transmits power from the detection coil (143) and the oscillator circuit (220) to the driving switch (SW1), and blocks noise, such as surge power, that may be introduced from the driving switch (SW1).

[0123] The driving switch (SW1) has a first electrode connected to the cathode electrode of the first diode (D1), a second electrode connected to a ground voltage, and a gate electrode connected to a terminal that receives a driving signal (DS). The driving switch (SW1) is turned on or off according to the driving signal (DS) received from the controller (500).

[0124] The second resistor (R2) is connected between the terminal receiving the driving signal (DS) and the gate electrode of the driving switch (SW1), and the third resistor (R3) and the first capacitor (C1) are connected in parallel between the gate electrode of the driving switch (SW1) and the ground voltage terminal. The second resistor (R2), the third resistor (R3), and the first capacitor (C1) maintain the potential level of the driving signal (DS) at the turn-on level of the driving switch (SW1) when the driving signal (DS) is received from the controller (500).

[0125] The second capacitor (C2) has one side connected to the anode electrode of the first diode (D1), the sensing coil (143), and the oscillation circuit (220), and the other side connected to the output node of the oscillation driving circuit (210). This second capacitor (C2) has the function of filtering the DC component from the freely resonating oscillation signal.

[0126] The oscillation drive circuit (210) configured in this manner stores oscillation energy in the detection coil (143) when the drive switch (SW1) is turned on, and provides a freely resonant oscillation signal to the detection output circuit (200b) when the drive switch (SW1) is turned off.

[0127] In this embodiment, the detection output circuit (200b) includes a DC blocking circuit (230) and a comparison circuit (240), as illustrated in FIG. 7. The DC blocking circuit (230) blocks a DC signal included in an oscillation signal and adjusts the time constant of the oscillation signal, thereby outputting the adjusted oscillation signal to the comparison circuit (240). The comparison circuit (240) compares the adjusted oscillation signal with a reference signal, and outputs a container detection signal according to the comparison result to the controller (500).

[0128] In this embodiment, the DC blocking circuit (230) includes a fourth resistor (R4), a third capacitor (C3), a first inductor (L1), a fourth capacitor (C4), a second diode (D2), and a third diode (D3).

[0129] In the DC blocking circuit (230) of the present embodiment, one side of the fourth resistor (R4) is connected to the output terminal of the oscillation driving circuit (210) and the other side is connected to the third capacitor (C3). The third capacitor (C3) has one side connected to the fourth term (R4) and the other side connected to the negative input terminal (-) of the comparator (241). The first inductor (L1) has one side connected to the first power voltage (Vdd1) terminal and the other side connected to the other side of the third capacitor (C3). The fourth capacitor (C4) has one side connected to the first power voltage (Vdd1) terminal and the other side connected to the ground voltage terminal. The second diode (D2) has its anode connected to the ground voltage terminal and its cathode connected to the node between the third capacitor (C3) and the negative input terminal (-) of the comparator (241). The third diode (D3) has its anode connected to the node between the third capacitor (C3) and the negative input terminal (-) of the comparator (241) and its cathode connected to the second power supply voltage (Vdd2) terminal. The second power supply voltage (Vdd2) is set to a level lower than the first power supply voltage (Vdd1).

[0130] In this embodiment, the comparison circuit (240) includes a comparator (241), a fifth resistor (R5), a sixth resistor (R6), and a seventh resistor (R2).

[0131] In the comparison circuit (240) of the present embodiment, the negative input terminal (-) of the comparator (241) is connected to the third capacitor (C3) of the DC blocking circuit (230) and the positive input terminal (+) is connected to the first power voltage (Vdd1) terminal. The fifth resistor (R5) is connected between the first power voltage (Vdd1) terminal and the positive input terminal (+) of the comparator (241). The sixth resistor (R6) is connected between the positive input terminal (+) of the comparator (241) and the output terminal of the comparator (241). The seventh resistor (R2) is connected between the first power voltage (Vdd1) terminal and the output terminal of the comparator (241).

[0132] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the modularization of the driving signal and detection output circuit. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the modularization of the driving signal, the oscillation driving circuit, and the detection output circuit.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, a plurality of oscillator drive circuits (210) are connected to a controller (500) through a single input wire so that at least two or more are driven simultaneously as a single unit.

[0134] For example, if a cooktop is equipped with 16 detection coils (143), it can be exemplified that the oscillation drive circuit (210) and the oscillation circuit (220) are modularized into four units. The four oscillation drive circuits (210) can be connected to the controller (500) through one input wire, and can simultaneously drive the four detection coils (143) in response to the same driving signal (DS) applied through the one input wire. That is, the present embodiment is connected between the controller (500) and the oscillation drive circuit (210) through four input wires (INL1, INL2, INL3, INL4). This present embodiment can sequentially drive all 16 detection coils (143) in units of four through the four input wires (INL1, INL2, INL3, INL4).

[0135] A plurality of detection output circuits (200b) of a plurality of container detection sensors (200) are connected to a controller through at least two output wires so that at least two or more container detection signals are simultaneously output as a single unit.

[0136] For example, if a cooktop is equipped with 16 detection coils (143), it can be exemplified that the detection output circuit (200b) is modularized into four units. The four detection output circuits (200b) can be connected to the controller (500) through four output wires (OUTL1, OUTL2, OUTL3, OUTL4), and four container detection signals can be output simultaneously through the four output wires (OUTL1, OUTL2, OUTL3, OUTL4). That is, the present embodiment can sequentially output all 16 container detection signals in four units through the four output wires (OUTL1, OUTL2, OUTL3, OUTL4).

[0137] In this way, the present embodiment can reduce the number of input wiring, output wiring, and circuit components by modularizing a plurality of container detection sensors (200). In addition, the present embodiment can reduce the number of allocations of output pins of the controller (500) for outputting a driving signal (DS) for driving a plurality of detection coils (143) and input pins of the controller (500) for receiving container detection signals from a plurality of container detection sensors (200) by modularizing a plurality of container detection sensors (200).

[0138] The controller (500) determines at least one of the position and material of the container based on the number of pulses of the container detection signal output from the detection output circuit (200b). For example, the oscillation signal has a difference in the degree of attenuation due to the equivalent resistance (Req) that varies depending on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the detection coil (143) and the material of the container. The controller (500) determines at least one of the position and material of the container based on the change in the container detection signal according to the varying oscillation signal.

[0139] In this embodiment, the controller (500) turns off the adjustment switch (SW2) of the oscillation circuit (220) of the container detection sensor (200), and determines the container of the first material based on the number of pulses of the container detection signal according to the change in the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency determined by the inductance of the detection coil (143) and the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor (Ca) through the turning off of the adjustment switch (SW2). As an example, the container of the first material may be exemplified as a ferromagnetic or magnetic cooking container.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment, the controller (500) turns on the adjustment switch (SW2) of the oscillation circuit (220) of the container detection sensor (200), and determines the container of the second material based on the number of pulses of the container detection signal according to the variation of the oscillation signal that resonates at the second oscillation frequency determined by the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor (Ca) and the second oscillation capacitor (Cb) connected in parallel with the inductance of the detection coil (143) through the turning on of the adjustment switch (SW2). For example, the second oscillation frequency has a lower frequency value than the first oscillation frequency. The container of the second material may be exemplified as a weakly magnetic or non-magnetic cooking container.

[0141] In this embodiment, the container detection sensor (200) can use an oscillation signal that resonates at a first oscillation frequency to detect a ferromagnetic container, and can use an oscillation signal that resonates at a second oscillation frequency lower than the first oscillation frequency to detect a weakly magnetic container. The container detection sensor (200) can periodically perform a process of detecting a container position and a container material by using an oscillation signal that resonates at the first oscillation frequency or the second oscillation frequency.

[0142]

[0143] [Overall operation of the container detection sensor]

[0144] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the operation of the multiple container detection sensors shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the container detection time of the container detection sensor shown in Fig. 7.

[0145] The operation of the container detection sensor (200) of the present invention is described over time as follows. First, the container detection sensor (200) turns on the drive switch (SW1) connected to the detection coil (143). Then, a certain amount of energy from the power voltage (Vdd) is stored in the detection coil (143).

[0146] After a certain period of time, the container detection sensor (200) turns off the drive switch (SW1). Then, an oscillation signal resonating at a first oscillation frequency determined by the first oscillation capacitor (Ca) of the oscillation circuit (220) connected in parallel with the detection coil (143) is output. At this time, the oscillation signal generates a difference in the degree of attenuation due to the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the detection coil (143) and the equivalent resistance (Req) that varies depending on the container material.

[0147] Here, the first oscillation frequency is given by the mathematical formula is calculated by. Here, C represents the capacitance value of the first oscillation capacitor (Ca), and Leq represents the equivalent inductance of the sensing coil (143). The difference in the degree of attenuation by the equivalent resistance (Req) of the sensing coil (143) is expressed by the mathematical formula is calculated by. For example, an oscillating signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency is used to detect a ferromagnetic container.

[0148] Next, the container detection sensor (200) filters the DC signal from the oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency, compares the filtered oscillation signal with a reference signal, and outputs a container detection signal based on the comparison result to the controller (500).

[0149] In this embodiment, the controller (500) determines the container position and the degree of ferromagnetism based on a container detection signal corresponding to a change in an oscillation signal resonating at a first oscillation frequency. Thereafter, the controller (500) can drive the heating coil at the corresponding position with an appropriate power for the ferromagnetic container.

[0150] Next, the container detection sensor (200) turns on the adjustment switch (SW2) of the oscillation circuit (220) to connect the first oscillation capacitor (Ca) and the second oscillation capacitor (Cb) in parallel, thereby forming an equivalent capacitance.

[0151] Next, the container detection sensor (200) turns on the drive switch (SW1) connected to the detection coil (143). Then, a certain amount of energy from the power voltage (Vdd) is stored in the detection coil (143).

[0152] After a certain period of time, the container detection sensor (200) turns off the drive switch (SW1). Then, an oscillation signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency determined by the first oscillation capacitor (Ca) and the second oscillation capacitor (Cb) connected in parallel with the detection coil (143) is output. At this time, the oscillation signal generates a difference in the degree of attenuation due to the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the detection coil (143) and the equivalent resistance (Req) that varies depending on the container material.

[0153] Here, the second oscillation frequency is given by the mathematical formula is calculated by. Here, C represents the capacitance value of the first oscillation capacitor (Ca) and the second oscillation capacitor (Cb) connected in parallel, and Leq represents the equivalent inductance of the sensing coil (143). The difference in the degree of attenuation by the equivalent resistance (Req) of the sensing coil (143) is expressed by the mathematical formula is calculated by. For example, an oscillating signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency is used to detect a weakly magnetic container.

[0154] The container detection sensor (200) filters a DC signal from an oscillation signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency, compares the filtered oscillation signal with a reference signal, and outputs a container detection signal based on the comparison result to the controller (500).

[0155] The controller (500) determines the container location and the degree of weak magnetic material based on a container detection signal corresponding to a change in an oscillation signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency. Thereafter, the controller (500) can drive the heating coil at the corresponding location with an appropriate power for the weak magnetic material container.

[0156] These container detection operations can be performed periodically when the cooktop is powered on, before induction heating, and during induction heating operations.

[0157] As illustrated in FIG. 9, while at least one target container detection sensor detects a container using a freely resonating oscillation signal, the remaining container detection sensors discharge the energy charged in the detection coil (143). The first period (T1) represents a period for charging the oscillation energy in the detection coil. The second period (T2) represents a period for detecting and determining at least one of the position, size, and material of the container using the freely resonating oscillation signal. The third period (T3) represents a discharge period for discharging the voltage induced in the detection coil.

[0158] During the detection period for detecting a cooking vessel placed on the cooktop, all of the plurality of vessel detection sensors (200) store the oscillation energy in the detection coil (143) by turning on the drive switch (SW1) during the first period (T1).

[0159] After a certain period of time, during a second period (T2), the target sensor among the plurality of container detection sensors (200) generates an oscillation signal that freely resonates by turning off the drive switch (SW1). At this time, the oscillation signal has a difference in the degree of attenuation due to the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the detection coil and the equivalent resistance that varies depending on the material of the container. Then, the controller (500) determines at least one of the position, size, and material of the container based on the container detection signal according to the oscillation signal that varies depending on the presence or absence of the container and the material.

[0160] After a certain period of time, the remaining sensors keep the driving switch (SW1) turned on for a third period (T3), so the energy according to the voltage induced in the detection coil (143) is discharged to the ground through the driving switch (SW1).

[0161] In this way, the container detection sensor (200) detects the container by changing the oscillation frequency of the oscillation signal, and the controller (500) determines container information including at least one of the location, material, shape, and size of the container by using the container detection signal according to the change in the equivalent resistance (Req) of each container material according to the oscillation frequency.

[0162] The size of the equivalent resistance (Req) fluctuation ratio may vary depending on the container material according to the oscillation frequency. As the value of the equivalent resistance (Req) fluctuation ratio increases, the performance of identifying the container can be improved. Therefore, the container detection sensor (200) detects the container by adjusting the oscillation frequency during the detection period.

[0163] For example, the container detection sensor (200) can detect a container made of a ferromagnetic material such as cast iron or clad using a first oscillation frequency that is higher than a second oscillation frequency that is used to detect a weakly magnetic material container, and can detect a container made of a weakly magnetic material using a second oscillation frequency that is lower than the first oscillation frequency that is used to detect a ferromagnetic material container.

[0164] Data on the variation ratio of equivalent resistance (Req) by container material according to the oscillation frequency can be stored in memory. The controller (500) can determine the container material by comparing the data determined based on the container detection signal with the data on the variation ratio of equivalent resistance by container material stored in the memory.

[0165] In this embodiment, the controller (500) can simultaneously drive at least several of the plurality of container detection sensors as a group.

[0166] In this embodiment, the controller (500) is exemplified as operating four container detection sensors simultaneously, but is not limited thereto. The number of container detection sensors (200) operating simultaneously may vary depending on the size of the top plate (120) of the cooktop (100) or the number of detection coils (143).

[0167] Each container detection sensor (200) includes a container detection circuit (200a) and a detection output circuit (200b). The container detection circuits (200a) of each container detection sensor (200) can be grouped into multiple groups of four. The container detection circuits (200a) within a group can be operated simultaneously to detect containers.

[0168] Additionally, in this embodiment, the container detection circuit (200a) of each group can share four detection output circuits (200b). The four detection output circuits (200b) can be sequentially connected to the container detection circuits (200a) of each group. For example, when the container detection circuit (200a) of the first group is driven, the four detection output circuits (200b) can be connected to the container detection circuits (200a) of the first group, and the connection with the detection output circuits (200b) of the remaining groups can be cut off.

[0169] Thereafter, when the container detection circuit (200a) of the second group is driven, the four detection output circuits (200b) are connected to the container detection circuit (200a) of the second group, and the connection with the detection output circuits (200b) of the remaining groups can be blocked. In this way, the four detection output circuits (200b) are sequentially connected to each group, so that the oscillation signal of each group can be output as a container detection signal.

[0170] In this embodiment, the controller (500) controls the container detection circuits (200a) of four target container detection sensors so that the oscillation energy charged in the four detection coils (143) of one group freely resonates. Then, the controller (500) controls the container detection circuits (200a) of the remaining container detection sensors so that the oscillation energy stored in the detection coils (143) of the remaining groups is discharged.

[0171] Additionally, in this embodiment, the controller (500) sequentially receives container detection signals of each group from four detection output circuits (200b), and determines container information including at least one of the location, material, shape, and size of the container based on the container detection signals.

[0172] In this embodiment, when there are 16 container detection sensors (200) in the cooktop (100), the controller (500) can drive the 16 container detection sensors (200) with 4 input pins and receive container detection signals from the 16 container detection sensors (200) with 4 output pins.

[0173] In this way, the present embodiment can reduce the number of input and output pins of the controller (500), thereby reducing the number of wires connected between elements. This can secure space inside the cooktop (100).

[0174] The controller (500) provides a driving signal (DS) to all container detection sensors (200) for turning on the driving switch (SW1) of the oscillation driving circuit (210) during the first period (T1). The oscillation driving circuit (210) of all container detection sensors (200) is driven so that oscillation energy is stored in each detection coil (143) by turning on the driving switch (SW1).

[0175] After the first time period has elapsed, the controller (500) provides a driving signal (DS) to the target container detection sensor for turning off the driving switch (SW1) of the oscillation driving circuit (210) of the target container detection sensor for a second period (T2). Then, the controller (500) provides a driving signal (DS) to the remaining container detection sensors for keeping the driving switch (SW1) of the oscillation driving circuit (210) of the remaining container detection sensors turned on for a third period (T3).

[0176] The target container detection sensor may be defined as a sensor that is driven to detect a container. The remaining container detection sensors may be defined as sensors that are on standby while the target container detection sensor detects a container. The first period (T1) may be set as the time from when the drive switch (SW1) of the oscillation drive circuit (210) is turned on until the generated energy is stored in the detection coil (143) and discharged.

[0177] Under the control of the controller (500), the oscillation circuit (220) of the target container detection sensor generates an oscillation signal that freely resonates by turning off the drive switch (SW1) of the oscillation drive circuit (210) during a second period (T2). At this time, the controller (500) can determine container information including at least one of the position, material, shape, and size of the container based on the container detection signal according to the oscillation signal that varies depending on the presence or absence of the container and the material.

[0178] And, according to the control of the controller (500), the oscillation circuit (220) of the remaining container detection sensors discharges the oscillation energy stored in the remaining detection coils (143) to the ground through the drive switch (SW1) by turning on the drive switch (SW1) for a third period (T3). The drive switch (SW1) of the oscillation drive circuit (210) of the remaining container detection sensors can be maintained turned on for a second period of time. Here, the second period (T2) and the third period (T3) can be set as the time required for the target container detection sensor to detect a container and output a container detection signal and for the controller (500) to determine a container based on the container detection signal.

[0179] The oscillation signal freely resonates while the driving switch (SW1) is turned off, and the container detection signal can be output in the form of pulses. At this time, the container detection signal can be output in different numbers of pulses depending on the oscillation signal having a difference in the degree of attenuation due to the equivalent resistance that varies depending on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the container and the detection coil and the material of the container.

[0180] In this embodiment, the controller (500) can determine where the container is seated on the top plate, the size of the container, and the material of the container based on the container detection signal output in the form of such pulses.

[0181] In this embodiment, the controller (500) can adjust the oscillation frequency by controlling the adjustment switch (SW2) of the oscillation circuit (220) to detect the container with an oscillation signal that resonates at at least two oscillation frequencies.

[0182] The controller (500) can turn off the adjustment switch (SW2) of the oscillation circuit (220) so that an oscillation signal resonating at a first oscillation frequency determined by the inductance of the detection coil (143) and the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor (Ca) is output.

[0183] In addition, the controller (500) can turn on the adjustment switch (SW2) of the oscillation circuit (220) so that an oscillation signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency determined by the capacitance of the first oscillation capacitor (Ca) and the second oscillation capacitor (Ca) connected in parallel with the inductance of the detection coil (143) is output. Here, the first oscillation frequency is set to have a value greater than the second oscillation frequency. The oscillation signal resonating at the first oscillation frequency is used to detect a ferromagnetic container, and the oscillation signal resonating at the second oscillation frequency is used to detect a weakly magnetic container.

[0184] The controller (500) can control a UI for driving at least one heating coil among a plurality of heating coils (142) based on the determined position or size of the container to be illuminated, displayed, or recognized by the user on the control panel (130). In addition, the controller (500) can adjust the intensity of the power applied to the heating coil (142) differently depending on the material of the container. In addition, the controller (500) can control a UI for heating with an appropriate intensity of power based on the material of the container to be illuminated, displayed, or recognized by the user on the control panel (130).

[0185] In the present embodiment, the detection period may be set to a period including the zero crossing point of the input voltage applied to the heating coil (142), as illustrated in FIG. 11. For example, the detection period may be set to a period when the input voltage is less than the reference voltage and greater than zero. This embodiment can reduce noise caused by resonant current and decrease detection errors by detecting the container during the detection period including the zero crossing point of the input voltage.

[0186] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a top plate of a cooktop, a plurality of heating coils for heating a container mounted on the top plate using electromagnetic induction, a plurality of detection coils for detecting a container mounted on the top plate, and a plurality of container detection sensors for detecting a container mounted on the top plate, wherein at least two of the plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into one unit and operate simultaneously.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the container detection sensor is connected to a controller via one input wire and can drive at least two detection coils simultaneously in response to a drive signal applied via the input wire.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the container detection sensor is connected to the controller through at least two output wires, and can simultaneously output at least two container detection signals through the at least two output wires.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the container detection sensor includes an oscillating circuit and can detect the container using an oscillating signal that resonates at an oscillating frequency determined by an inductance of a detection coil and a capacitance of the oscillating circuit.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the oscillation circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, and at least one of the plurality of capacitors is connected to the sensing coil to adjust the oscillation frequency.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the container detection sensor can detect a container of a first material using an oscillation signal resonating at a first oscillation frequency, and can detect a container that is a weaker magnetic material than the first material using an oscillation signal resonating at a second oscillation frequency having a lower value than the first oscillation frequency.

[0192] In one embodiment, while at least two of the plurality of container detection sensors simultaneously detect containers, the remaining container detection sensors discharge energy stored in their detection coils.

[0193] According to one embodiment, a plurality of container detection sensors can detect a container during a detection period that includes a zero crossing point of an input voltage applied to a heating coil.

[0194] In one embodiment, the detection period may be set to a period when the input voltage is less than the reference voltage and greater than or equal to zero.

[0195] According to one embodiment, a plurality of container detection sensors may include an oscillation circuit including at least one capacitor and generating an oscillation signal that resonates at an oscillation frequency determined by a detection coil and the at least one capacitor, an oscillation driving circuit including a driving switch and driving the driving switch so that oscillation energy is stored in the detection coil or the oscillation signal freely resonates according to switching of the driving switch, and a detection output circuit that filters a DC component from the oscillation signal, compares the filtered oscillation signal with a reference signal, and outputs a container detection signal according to a comparison result.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the oscillation circuit may include a first oscillation capacitor connected in parallel with the sensing coil, a second oscillation capacitor connected in parallel with the first oscillation capacitor, and an adjustment switch that selectively connects the second oscillation capacitor in parallel with the first oscillation capacitor according to a switching operation to adjust the capacitance of the oscillation circuit.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the oscillator drive circuit may include a first resistor having one end connected to a power supply voltage terminal and the other end connected to a sensing coil and an oscillator circuit, a first diode having an anode electrode connected to the sensing coil and the oscillator circuit and a cathode electrode connected to a driving switch, and a driving switch having a first electrode connected to a cathode electrode of the first diode, a second electrode connected to a ground voltage terminal, and a gate electrode connected to a terminal that receives a driving signal.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the oscillator drive circuit may further include a second resistor connected between a terminal receiving a drive signal and a gate electrode of the drive switch, a third resistor and a first capacitor connected in parallel between the gate electrode of the drive switch and a ground voltage terminal, and a second capacitor having one end connected to the anode electrode of the first diode and the other end connected to a detection output circuit.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the detection output circuit may include a DC blocking circuit that blocks a DC signal included in an oscillation signal, adjusts a time constant of the oscillation signal, and outputs an adjusted oscillation signal, and a comparison circuit that compares the adjusted oscillation signal with a reference signal and outputs a container detection signal according to the comparison result.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the DC blocking circuit may include a fourth resistor having one end connected to an output terminal of an oscillator driving circuit and the other end connected to a third capacitor, a third capacitor having one end connected to the other end of the fourth term and the other end connected to an input terminal of a comparison circuit, a first inductor having one end connected to a first power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the other end of the third capacitor, a fourth capacitor having one end connected to the first power voltage terminal and the other end connected to a ground voltage terminal, a second diode having an anode electrode connected to the ground voltage terminal and a cathode electrode connected to a node between the third capacitor and the comparison circuit, and a third diode having an anode electrode connected to the node between the third capacitor and the comparison circuit and a cathode electrode connected to the second power voltage terminal.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the comparison circuit may include a comparator having a negative input terminal connected to a third capacitor of a DC blocking circuit and a positive input terminal connected to a first power voltage terminal, a fifth resistor connected between the first power voltage terminal and the positive input terminal, a sixth resistor connected between the positive input terminal of the comparator and an output terminal of the comparator, and a seventh resistor connected between the first power voltage terminal and an output terminal of the comparator.

[0202] According to one embodiment, a plurality of oscillator drive circuits in a plurality of container detection sensors can be connected to a controller via a single input wire so as to simultaneously drive at least two of them as a single unit.

[0203] According to one embodiment, a plurality of detection output circuits in a plurality of container detection sensors may be connected to a controller through at least two output wires so that at least two of the detection output circuits simultaneously output container detection signals as a single unit.

[0204] According to one embodiment, a plurality of heating coils and a plurality of sensing coils can be formed in a PCB pattern coil assembly formed of a plurality of PCB layers.

[0205] In one embodiment, a sensing coil pattern may be formed on at least two layers of a plurality of PCB layers, and a heating coil pattern may be formed on other layers where a sensing coil pattern is not formed.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the PCB pattern coil assembly may further include a supporter for supporting the lower side.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the supporter may be formed in a hexahedral shape with an open lower side.

[0208] According to one embodiment, a plurality of ferrite cores may be installed on the upper side of the supporter, and a PCB pattern coil assembly may be installed on the upper side of the plurality of ferrite cores.

[0209] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Top plate; A heating coil that heats a container mounted on the top plate using electromagnetic induction; and It comprises a plurality of container detection sensors that detect the container mounted on the top plate, A home appliance in which at least two of the above-mentioned plurality of container detection sensors are modularized into one unit and operated simultaneously.

2. In paragraph 1, A home appliance in which the above container detection sensor is connected to a controller through one input wire and drives at least two detection coils simultaneously in response to a driving signal applied through the input wire.

3. In paragraph 2, A home appliance in which the container detection sensor is connected to the controller through at least two output wires and outputs at least two container detection signals simultaneously through the at least two output wires.

4. In paragraph 1, A home appliance in which the container detection sensor includes an oscillation circuit and detects the container using an oscillation signal that resonates at an oscillation frequency determined by the inductance of the detection coil and the capacitance of the oscillation circuit.

5. In paragraph 4, A home appliance, wherein the above oscillation circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, and at least one of the plurality of capacitors is connected to the sensing coil to adjust the oscillation frequency.

6. In paragraph 5, The above container detection sensor, Detecting a container of the first material using an oscillating signal resonating at the first oscillating frequency, A home appliance that detects a container having a weaker magnetic property than the first material by using an oscillation signal that resonates at a second oscillation frequency having a lower value than the first oscillation frequency.

7. In paragraph 1, A home appliance in which at least two of the plurality of container detection sensors simultaneously detect the container while the remaining container detection sensors discharge energy stored in the detection coil.

8. In paragraph 1, A home appliance in which the plurality of container detection sensors detect a container during a detection period that includes a zero crossing point of the input voltage applied to the heating coil.

9. In paragraph 8, A home appliance in which the above detection period is set to a period when the input voltage is less than the reference voltage and greater than zero.

10. In paragraph 1, The above multiple container detection sensors, An oscillating circuit comprising at least one capacitor and generating an oscillating signal that resonates at an oscillating frequency determined by a sensing coil and the at least one capacitor; An oscillation driving circuit including a driving switch, and driving the driving switch so that oscillation energy is stored in the sensing coil or the oscillation signal freely resonates according to the switching of the driving switch; and A home appliance, comprising a detection output circuit that filters the DC component from the oscillation signal, compares the filtered oscillation signal with a reference signal, and outputs a container detection signal according to the comparison result.

11. In paragraph 10, The above oscillator circuit A first oscillating capacitor connected in parallel with the above sensing coil; a second oscillation capacitor connected in parallel with the first oscillation capacitor; and A home appliance comprising an adjustment switch that adjusts the capacitance of the oscillation circuit by selectively connecting the second oscillation capacitor in parallel with the first oscillation capacitor according to a switching operation.

12. In paragraph 10, The above oscillation driving circuit A first resistor whose first end is connected to the power supply voltage terminal and whose other end is connected to the sensing coil and the oscillator circuit; A first diode having an anode electrode connected to the sensing coil and the oscillating circuit and a cathode electrode connected to the driving switch; and An electrical appliance comprising a driving switch, wherein a first electrode is connected to a cathode electrode of the first diode, a second electrode is connected to a ground voltage terminal, and a gate electrode is connected to a terminal that receives a driving signal.

13. In paragraph 12, The above oscillation driving circuit comprises a second resistor connected between a terminal receiving the driving signal and the gate electrode of the driving switch; A third resistor and a first capacitor connected in parallel between the gate electrode of the above driving switch and the ground voltage terminal; and A home appliance further comprising a second capacitor, one end of which is connected to the anode electrode of the first diode and the other end of which is connected to the detection output circuit.

14. In paragraph 10, The above detection output circuit A DC blocking circuit that blocks a DC signal included in the above oscillation signal and adjusts the time constant of the oscillation signal to output an adjusted oscillation signal; and A home appliance, comprising a comparison circuit that compares the adjusted oscillation signal and a reference signal and outputs a container detection signal according to the comparison result.

15. In paragraph 14, The above DC blocking circuit A fourth resistor, one side of which is connected to the output terminal of the above-mentioned oscillator drive circuit and the other side is connected to the third capacitor; A third capacitor having one side connected to the other side of the fourth clause and the other side connected to the input terminal of the comparison circuit; A first inductor having one end connected to the first power voltage terminal and the other end connected to the other end of the third capacitor; A fourth capacitor having one side connected to the first power voltage terminal and the other side connected to the ground voltage terminal; A second diode having an anode electrode connected to a ground voltage terminal and a cathode electrode connected to a node between the third capacitor and the comparison circuit; and A home appliance comprising a third diode, the anode electrode of which is connected to a node between the third capacitor and the comparison circuit, and the cathode electrode of which is connected to a second power voltage terminal.

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