Working coil and home appliance including same

Abstract

The present specification relates to a working coil and a home appliance including same. In one embodiment, the working coil may comprise: a plurality of first coil layers arranged along a first pattern and stacked in the vertical direction; and a plurality of second coil layers arranged along a second pattern and stacked in the vertical direction, the plurality of second coil layers being arranged in a layer different from that of the plurality of first coil layers. In one embodiment, the working coil may include a connection region and a non-connection region. In one embodiment, the connection region may include a via for electrically connecting at least one of coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers and at least one of coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers.

Description

Working coils and home appliances containing working coils

[0001] The present specification relates to a working coil and a home appliance including the working coil.

[0002]

[0003] Recently, various home appliances have been used to make life more convenient. Examples of these appliances include cooking appliances, refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, clothing care devices, and water purifiers.

[0004] Cooking appliances, a type of home appliance, are designed for cooking food. Installed in the kitchen, they cook food according to the user's preferences. These cooking appliances can be categorized in various ways, depending on the heat source, form, or type of fuel used.

[0005] Cooking appliances can be categorized by their cooking method. They can be categorized into open and closed types, based on the space in which the food is placed. Closed types include ovens and microwave ovens, while open types include cooktops and hobs.

[0006] Among open cooking appliances, cooktops are provided to heat food contained in a cooking vessel through at least one burner. These cooktops may be provided with electric burners or gas burners. Furthermore, cooktops may be implemented as standalone units or as oven ranges that include an oven beneath the cooktop.

[0007] An example of a cooktop equipped with an electric burner is an induction heater. An induction heater is a cooking appliance that performs cooking functions through induction heating. In an induction heater, when current is applied to a working coil, eddy currents are generated in the magnetic cooking vessel. These eddy currents act as resistance, heating the cooking vessel and cooking food.

[0008] These induction heating devices do not require gas combustion and therefore do not produce exhaust gases. Furthermore, by generating heat immediately within the container itself, induction heating devices minimize heat transfer through radiation or conduction, allowing for rapid heating of food.

[0009] Typically, in an induction heating device, the position where the cooking vessel is to be placed is marked on the top plate above the working coil, and the cooking vessel is heated by the working coil while placed on the marked position.

[0010] An induction heating device may include one or more working coils and a circuit board. The working coil serves to transmit electromagnetic force to the cooking vessel. Typically, the working coil may be formed by spirally winding a wire. The circuit board may serve to control the supply of induced current to the working coil.

[0011] Recently, instead of a working coil in the form of a spirally wound wire, a working coil in the form of a coil pattern formed on a circuit board is also used.

[0012] Of the costs and time required to manufacture an induction heating device, the production of the working coil accounts for a significant portion. Among these, the cost of the wire and the considerable time and expense involved in winding it are significant.

[0013] Instead of forming a working coil by winding a wire, if the working coil is formed by forming a coil-shaped pattern on a circuit board, the cost and time required for manufacturing the working coil can be reduced.

[0014] High-frequency power is applied to the working coil, which generates significant heat. In particular, in induction heating devices requiring high power, the high power applied results in significant heat generation in the working coil.

[0015] When forming a working coil by forming a coil-shaped pattern on a circuit board, the limited surface area of ​​the circuit board inevitably forces the coil pattern to be concentrated within a narrow area. Consequently, the circuit board on which the working coil is formed inevitably experiences a significant amount of heat relative to its surface area, which can lead to excessive temperature increases.

[0016] Meanwhile, induction heating devices have recently been developed that automatically recognize the size and position of a cooking vessel, even if it isn't positioned in a specific location, and perform heating appropriately. For these devices to heat more effectively, the number of working coils they contain must be increased.

[0017] Therefore, in the induction heating device of the above type, it is difficult to apply a working coil in the form of a coil pattern due to the problem of temperature rise caused by the concentration of the coil pattern.

[0018]

[0019] An object of the present specification is to provide a working coil having an improved structure so that temperature rise can be suppressed, and a home appliance including the working coil.

[0020] Another object of the present specification is to provide a working coil having an improved structure so as to increase the density of the area occupied by the working coil within the cooktop, and a home appliance including the working coil.

[0021] In addition, the purpose of the present specification is to provide a working coil having an improved structure so that the working coils can be arranged more densely while suppressing the temperature rise of the working coil, and a home appliance including the working coil.

[0022] In addition, the purpose of the present specification is to provide a working coil and a home appliance including the working coil having an improved structure so that the density of the area occupied by the working coil within the cooktop can be improved while the loss of the original plate used in manufacturing the coil substrate can be reduced.

[0023] In addition, the purpose of the present specification is to provide a working coil having an improved structure so that the connection structure between the working coil and the electric part can be simplified, and a home appliance including the working coil.

[0024] In addition, the purpose of the present specification is to provide a working coil having an improved structure so that a decrease in the cross-sectional area of ​​the pattern per turn of the working coil due to foil loss occurring during the formation of the coil pattern can be suppressed, and a home appliance including the working coil.

[0025] In addition, an object of the present specification is to provide a working coil and a home appliance including the working coil, which can reduce the proximity effect and skin effect of coil strands included in the working coil, thereby making the current distribution and magnetic flux density distribution of the working coil more uniform.

[0026] Additionally, the purpose of this specification is to reduce power loss occurring during the operation of home appliances and to increase power efficiency.

[0027] In addition, the purpose of this specification is to improve the phenomenon in which the temperature of a specific area of ​​a working coil becomes excessively higher than the temperature of other areas during the operation of a home appliance.

[0028] The purpose of this specification is not limited to the aforementioned purposes, and other purposes and advantages of this specification not mentioned herein will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of this specification described below. Furthermore, the purposes and advantages of this specification can be realized by the components and combinations thereof described in the claims.

[0029]

[0030] A working coil according to one embodiment may include a plurality of first coil layers arranged according to a first pattern and stacked in a vertical direction, and a plurality of second coil layers arranged according to a second pattern and arranged in a different layer from the plurality of first coil layers.

[0031] In one embodiment, the working coil may include a connected region and a non-connected region.

[0032] In one embodiment, the connection region may include a via electrically connecting at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers to at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers.

[0033] In one embodiment, each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers may be arranged in different traces in the non-connected region.

[0034] In one embodiment, each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers may be arranged on the same trace in the non-connected region.

[0035] In one embodiment, each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers can be parallel to each other in the non-connected region.

[0036] In one embodiment, each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers can intersect each other in the connection region.

[0037] In one embodiment, the connection region may include two or more via patterns.

[0038] In one embodiment, each via pattern may be arranged on a straight line orthogonal to a coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers or the plurality of second coil layers.

[0039] In one embodiment, each via pattern may be arranged on a straight line intersecting a coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers or the plurality of second coil layers at a predetermined angle.

[0040] In one embodiment, the working coil may include a plurality of coil turns.

[0041] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in each coil turn may be arranged on the same straight line.

[0042] In one embodiment, the via patterns included in each coil turn may be positioned at the same location as the vias included in other coil turns.

[0043] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in the nth coil turn may be arranged on a first straight line, and each via pattern included in the (n+1)th coil turn may be arranged on a second straight line. (Here, n is a positive integer.)

[0044] In one embodiment, the connected area and the non-connected area may be arranged alternately.

[0045] In one embodiment, the working coil is incorporated into a home appliance and is capable of heating an object.

[0046] A working coil according to one embodiment may include a plurality of first coil layers arranged in a first pattern and stacked in a vertical direction, a plurality of second coil layers arranged in a second pattern and stacked in a vertical direction and arranged in a different layer from the plurality of first coil layers, and a plurality of third coil layers arranged in a third pattern and stacked in a vertical direction and arranged in a different layer from the plurality of first coil layers and the plurality of second coil layers.

[0047] In one embodiment, the working coil may include a connected region and a non-connected region.

[0048] In one embodiment, the connection region may include a via electrically connecting at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers, at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers, and at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of third coil layers.

[0049] In one embodiment, each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers, each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers, and each coil strand included in the plurality of third coil layers may be arranged in the same trace in the non-connected region.

[0050] In one embodiment, the connection region may include a first connection region and a second connection region.

[0051] In one embodiment, the via may be formed at the nth coil turn in the first connection region (where n is a positive integer).

[0052] In one embodiment, the via may be formed at the (n+1)th coil turn in the second connection region, where n is a positive integer.

[0053] In one embodiment, at least one of each of the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers and at least one of each of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers can be electrically connected by the via in the first connection region.

[0054] In one embodiment, at least one of each of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers and at least one of each of the coil strands included in the plurality of third coil layers can be electrically connected by the via in the second connection area.

[0055] In one embodiment, each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers, each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers, and each coil strand included in the plurality of third coil layers may intersect with each other in the connection area.

[0056] In one embodiment, the connection region may include two or more via patterns.

[0057] In one embodiment, each via pattern may be arranged on a straight line orthogonal to a coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers, the plurality of second coil layers, or the plurality of third coil layers.

[0058] In one embodiment, each via pattern may be arranged on a straight line intersecting a coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers, the plurality of second coil layers, or the plurality of third coil layers at a predetermined angle.

[0059] In one embodiment, the working coil may include a plurality of coil turns.

[0060] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in the nth coil turn may be arranged on a first straight line, and each via pattern included in the (n+1)th coil turn may be arranged on a second straight line. (Here, n is a positive integer.)

[0061] In one embodiment, the connected area and the non-connected area may be arranged alternately.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first connection region and the non-connection region may be alternately arranged in the nth coil turn, and the second connection region and the non-connection region may be alternately arranged in the (n+1)th coil turn. (Here, n is a positive integer)

[0063] In one embodiment, the working coil is incorporated into a home appliance and is capable of heating an object.

[0064]

[0065] According to embodiments, a plurality of coil patterns stacked vertically are connected vertically to form a working coil in the form of a pattern coil, thereby increasing the length of the working coil in the vertical direction, thereby effectively increasing the pattern cross-sectional area per turn of the working coil.

[0066] According to embodiments, the temperature rise of the working coil can be effectively suppressed by suppressing an increase in the transverse size of the working coil and increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the pattern per turn of the working coil.

[0067] According to embodiments, the outer shape of the working coil formed in a polygonal shape similar to the outer shape of the cooktop is formed in a polygonal shape similar to the outer shape of the coil module, thereby effectively improving the density of the area occupied by the working coil within the cooktop.

[0068] According to embodiments, the heating efficiency of a home appliance can be improved by increasing the area of ​​the area where the heating target comes into contact with the working coil.

[0069] According to embodiments, a plurality of coil wires stacked vertically are vertically connected to form a working coil, and a horizontal twist structure and a vertical twist structure are formed in the working coil, thereby minimizing an increase in the horizontal size of the working coil while increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the pattern per turn of the working coil.

[0070] According to embodiments, by reducing the size of the working coil while lowering the density of the current flowing in the working coil, the working coils can be arranged more closely together than in a cooktop of the same standard, and the maximum output can be maintained for a longer period of time than in a cooktop of the same standard.

[0071] According to embodiments, using small, closely spaced working coils can provide not only improved heating efficiency but also higher output for a longer period of time.

[0072] According to embodiments, by making the coil assembly consist of a combination of a plurality of coil modules, not only can the loss of the plate used in manufacturing the coil module be reduced, but also the space required for arranging the control panel on the cooktop can be effectively secured.

[0073] According to embodiments, wiring for connecting the working coil and the sensing coil to the terminal portion is formed in a patterned form on the coil module itself, and the connection between the working coil and the sensing coil and the electrical portion can be made simply by connecting the terminal portion and the electrical portion. Accordingly, the connection structure between the working coil and the sensing coil and the electrical portion can be formed very simply.

[0074] According to the embodiments, not only can the connection work between the coil assembly and the electric part be performed easily and quickly, but also the space inside the cooktop where the coil assembly and the electric part are accommodated can be prevented from becoming complicated due to a large number of wires.

[0075] According to the embodiments, the proximity effect and skin effect of the coil strands included in the working coil are reduced, so that the current distribution and magnetic flux density distribution of the working coil can be made more uniform.

[0076] According to embodiments, power loss occurring during the operation of a home appliance can be reduced and power efficiency can be increased.

[0077] According to embodiments, a phenomenon in which the temperature of a specific region of a working coil becomes excessively higher than the temperature of another region during the operation of a home appliance can be improved.

[0078]

[0079] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a home appliance according to one embodiment.

[0080] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the cooktop illustrated in Figure 1 in isolation.

[0081] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing the lighting status of the indicator lights of the cooktop illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0082] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the exploded state of the cooktop illustrated in Figure 2.

[0083] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a state in which electric components are installed on the bottom surface of the supporter illustrated in Figure 4.

[0084] Fig. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the coil assembly illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0085] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the laminated structure of the coil module illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0086] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a first example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module.

[0087] Figure 9 is a drawing schematically showing an example of a state of cutting a circular plate for forming a first coil substrate portion.

[0088] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing a second example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module.

[0089] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0090] Fig. 12 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module illustrated in Fig. 10.

[0091] Fig. 13 is a plan view showing a third example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module.

[0092] Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a fourth example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module.

[0093] Fig. 15 is a plan view showing a fifth example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module.

[0094] Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a sixth example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module.

[0095] Fig. 17 is a plan view showing an example of a first coil substrate portion according to one embodiment.

[0096] Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil substrate portion illustrated in Fig. 17.

[0097] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the laminated structure of the first coil portion illustrated in Fig. 18.

[0098] Fig. 20 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement structure of a sensing coil.

[0099] Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of the “21” portion of Fig. 20, showing an example of the arrangement structure of the sensing coil relative to the working coil.

[0100] Figure 22 is an enlarged view of the first terminal illustrated in Figure 18.

[0101] Figure 23 is an enlarged view of the second terminal illustrated in Figure 18.

[0102] Fig. 24 is a plan view showing a seventh example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module.

[0103] Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a power supply-related configuration of a home appliance according to one embodiment.

[0104] Fig. 26 is a circuit diagram of a home appliance according to one embodiment.

[0105] Fig. 27 is a plan view showing an example of a working coil.

[0106] Fig. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the first embodiment.

[0107] Fig. 29 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the first embodiment.

[0108] FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set and the second coil layer set of the working coil according to the first embodiment.

[0109] Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a non-connected region of a coil pattern of a working coil according to the first embodiment.

[0110] Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the AA1-AA2 portion of the non-connected region of the coil pattern of the working coil according to the first embodiment.

[0111] Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the BB1-BB2 portion of the non-connected region of the coil pattern of the working coil according to the first embodiment.

[0112] Fig. 34 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the second embodiment.

[0113] Fig. 35 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the second embodiment.

[0114] Fig. 36 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set and the second coil layer set of the working coil according to the second embodiment.

[0115] Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a non-connected region of a coil pattern of a working coil according to a second embodiment.

[0116] Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the AA1-AA2 portion of the non-connected region of the coil pattern of the working coil according to the second embodiment.

[0117] Fig. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the BB1-BB2 portion of the non-connected region of the coil pattern of the working coil according to the second embodiment.

[0118] Fig. 40 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the third embodiment.

[0119] Fig. 41 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the third embodiment.

[0120] Fig. 42 is an enlarged view of a portion of the third coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the third embodiment.

[0121] FIG. 43 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set, the second coil layer set, and the third coil layer set of the working coil according to the third embodiment.

[0122] Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional view of a non-connected region of a coil pattern of a working coil according to a third embodiment.

[0123] Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the AA1-AA2 portion of the non-connected region of the coil pattern of the working coil according to the third embodiment.

[0124] Fig. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the BB1-BB2 portion of the non-connected region of the coil pattern of the working coil according to the third embodiment.

[0125] Fig. 47 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the fourth embodiment.

[0126] Fig. 48 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the fourth embodiment.

[0127] Fig. 49 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set and the second coil layer set of the working coil according to the fourth embodiment.

[0128] Fig. 50 is a cross-sectional view of a non-connected region of a coil pattern of a working coil according to the fourth embodiment.

[0129] Fig. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the AA1-AA2 portion of the non-connected region of the coil pattern of the working coil according to the fourth embodiment.

[0130] Fig. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the BB1-BB2 portion of the non-connected region of the coil pattern of the working coil according to the fourth embodiment.

[0131] Fig. 53 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit according to one embodiment.

[0132] FIG. 54 is a diagram showing the waveform of a resonance signal output from an output node of a sensing circuit according to one embodiment.

[0133] FIG. 55 is a diagram showing the waveform of a square wave output from a comparator of a sensing circuit according to one embodiment.

[0134]

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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 present in between.

[0143] 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.

[0144] When an appliance is placed on the floor, the direction in which the door is installed relative to the center of the appliance is defined as the front. Therefore, the direction in which the door opens and the appliance enters is the rear. Furthermore, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the appliance's forward-backward direction—that is, the width of the appliance when viewed from the front of the door—is defined as the left-right direction.

[0145] For convenience, the left-right direction can be considered the first direction. Then, the right can be considered one side of the first direction, and the left can be considered the other side of the first direction.

[0146] Additionally, the width direction of the above home appliance can be referred to as the lateral direction. Then, the right side can be referred to as one side of the lateral direction, and the left side can be referred to as the other side of the lateral direction.

[0147] Additionally, we can define the direction of gravity as downward, and the opposite direction of gravity as upward.

[0148] For convenience, we can refer to the directions facing forward and backward as the second direction. Then, the forward direction can be considered one side of the second direction, and the rear direction can be considered the other side of the second direction.

[0149] And, the above-mentioned up-down direction can be called the third direction. Then, the up direction can be said to be one side of the third direction, and the down direction can be said to be the other side of the third direction.

[0150] Additionally, the vertical direction described above can be called the vertical direction. Then, the horizontal direction can be included including the front-back direction and the left-right direction, that is, the first direction and the second direction.

[0151] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0152] [Overall structure of the home appliance]

[0153] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a home appliance according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the cooktop illustrated in FIG. 1 in isolation, and FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the lighting status of the indicator lights of the cooktop illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a home appliance according to one embodiment may include a cooktop (100). Furthermore, the home appliance according to one embodiment may further include an oven section (10). In this embodiment, the home appliance is exemplified as being provided in the form of an oven range.

[0155] According to one embodiment, a home appliance provided in the form of an oven range can provide both the functions of an oven, which is a sealed home appliance, and the functions of a cooktop, which is an open home appliance. Such a home appliance can include an oven section (10) and a cooktop (100).

[0156] A cooking chamber can be formed inside the oven section (10). In the oven section, food can be cooked while the inside of the cooking chamber is heated.

[0157] The oven section (10) may be provided with a heating section for heating the cooking chamber. The heating section may be provided with a heating device that uses gas fuel or with a heater that uses electricity.

[0158] In a home appliance, a door (11) that selectively opens and closes the cooking chamber may be provided in a pivotable manner. As an example, the door may be provided in a form that opens and closes the cooking chamber in a pull-down manner, with the upper portion pivoting up and down around the lower portion.

[0159] A control panel (13; hereinafter referred to as the "main control panel") may be provided on the front upper portion of the home appliance. The main control panel (13) may form part of the front exterior of the home appliance. The main control panel (13) may be provided with various switches for controlling the operation of the home appliance and a display for indicating the operating status of the home appliance.

[0160] A cooktop (100) may be placed on the upper side of the oven section (10). The cooktop is provided to heat food or a container containing food placed on the upper side of the cooktop (100).

[0161]

[0162] [Overall structure of the cooktop]

[0163] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the exploded state of the cooktop shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 5 is a drawing showing the state in which electrical components are installed on the bottom surface of the supporter shown in Fig. 4.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the cooktop (100) may include a case (110) and a top plate (120). In one embodiment, the exterior of the cooktop (100) may be formed by the case (110) and the top plate (120). The case (110) may be disposed below the top plate (120) and may form the front, back, side, and bottom surfaces of the cooktop. The top plate (120) may be disposed on the top of the cooktop (100) and may form the upper exterior surface of the cooktop (100).

[0165] A receiving space may be formed inside the case (110). The receiving space formed inside the case (110) may be opened upward. For 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).

[0166] In one embodiment, the case (110) may include a bottom portion (111). The bottom portion (111) forms the bottom surface of the case (110) and may define a lower boundary surface of the receiving space. The bottom portion (111) may be disposed on the lower side of the top plate (120) and may form a plane parallel to the top plate (120).

[0167] In addition, the case (110) may include a side wall portion (113). The side wall portion (113) may form the front, back, and both sides of the case (110), and may be formed in the form of a vertical wall extending upward from the edge of the bottom portion (111). This side wall portion (113) may define a horizontal boundary surface of the receiving space.

[0168] Additionally, the cooktop (100) may be equipped with a heating element for heating food to be cooked or a container containing food (hereinafter referred to as "heating target"). The heating element may be equipped with at least one burner. For example, the burner may be equipped in a form including an electric working coil or a heating coil.

[0169] In this embodiment, the cooktop (100) is exemplified as being provided in the form of an induction heating device. The burner of this cooktop (100) may include a working coil. The burner including the working coil may be operated by a high-frequency current applied by an inverter, thereby generating a strong magnetic field.

[0170] In this way, the magnetic field lines generated in the crater including the working coil generate eddy currents in the container, and as the eddy currents flow in the container, heat is generated, which can heat the container, and as the container is heated, the food contained in the container can be heated.

[0171] In addition, the cooktop (100) according to one embodiment may be equipped with a control panel (130). The control panel (130) may be placed on the top plate (120). The control panel (130) may be equipped with an operating unit including various switches for controlling the operation of the cooktop (100), and a display for displaying the operating status of the cooktop (100).

[0172] A cooktop (100) may be provided with a plurality of indicator lights (L). The indicator lights (L) may be displayed on the top plate (120) of the cooktop. These indicator lights (L) may display information related to the position of the food to be heated or the cooking vessel containing the food (hereinafter referred to as "heating target"), the heating status of the heating target, the temperature, etc.

[0173] A cooktop (100) according to one embodiment may include a coil assembly (140). The coil assembly (140) is provided to constitute a heating unit of the cooktop (100) and may be placed in a receiving space within the cooktop (100).

[0174] Additionally, the cooktop (100) may include a supporter (150). The supporter (150) may be placed on the lower side of the top plate (120). This supporter (150) may be placed in a space surrounded by the top plate (120) and the case (110), i.e., a receiving space.

[0175] The supporter (150) may form a frame within the cooktop (100) to support various internal components constituting the cooktop. 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 the case (110) turned upside down, but may be formed to be slightly smaller than the case (110).

[0176] In one embodiment, the receiving space may be formed inside the supporter (150), and may be formed as a space surrounded by the bottom portion (111) of the case (110) and the supporter (150). That is, various internal components constituting the cooktop (100) may be accommodated inside the supporter (150).

[0177] In one embodiment, the supporter (150) may also provide a coil base function. That is, a ferrite core (160) may be installed on the supporter (150), and the coil assembly (1000) may be installed on the upper side of the supporter (150) on which the ferrite core (160) is installed.

[0178] As an example, a ferrite core (160) may be formed by a combination of a plurality of ferrite modules (161) provided as separate parts. That is, the ferrite core (160) may be provided in a structure that can be separated into a plurality of ferrite modules (161).

[0179] In this embodiment, it is exemplified that each ferrite module (161) is provided so as to be respectively coupled to a supporter (150). To this end, a structure for fitting-fitting with the ferrite module (161) may be formed on the supporter (150). Each ferrite module (161) may be coupled to the supporter (150) by being fitted into this structure.

[0180] Each ferrite module (161) includes ferrite capable of forming a magnetic field around the ferrite module (161). As an example, each ferrite module (161) may be provided in a form in which the ferrite is insert-molded.

[0181] According to the ferrite core (160) formed by combining a plurality of ferrite modules (161) provided as described above, the work required to install the ferrite core (160) in the cooktop (100) can be reduced. In addition, the ferrite core (160) has an advantage in that, if a part of the ferrite core (160) is damaged, it can be repaired by replacing the ferrite module (161) of the corresponding part.

[0182] Each indicator light (L) can be implemented by a lighting module (180). The lighting module (180) is provided to emit light toward the light display area of ​​the top plate (120). As an example, the indicator light (L) can be implemented by light that the lighting module (180) shines on the light display area of ​​the top plate (120).

[0183] In this embodiment, the light display area is defined as an area where light emitted from the lighting module (180) can be recognized externally through the top plate (120), i.e., an area where light emitted from the lighting module (180) is illuminated on the top plate (120), and is a predetermined portion of the entire area of ​​the top plate (120).

[0184] As an example, the light display area may be a virtual area designated as a portion where light emitted from a lighting module (180) is to be illuminated on the top plate (120). In this case, the light display area is not a portion that is visibly displayed on the top plate (120) by a method such as performing a separate surface treatment on the surface of the top plate (120), but is merely a virtual area.

[0185] As another example, the light display area may be an area that is conspicuously displayed on the top plate (120), such as by performing a separate surface treatment on the surface of the top plate (120).

[0186] The lighting module (180) may include a light source. As an example, an LED may be used as the light source, but the type of light source applicable as the light source is not limited to LED.

[0187] The lighting module (180) may include multiple light sources, and each lighting module (180) may have multiple light sources arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-back direction. As an example, the lighting module (180) may be provided in a form in which multiple light sources are mounted on a PCB in the form of a PCB. The number of light sources per lighting module (180) and the front-back length of the PCB may be appropriately set according to the size and intensity of the lighting to be implemented through the lighting module (180).

[0188] In addition, a plurality of lighting modules (180) may be arranged on the cooktop, and the plurality of lighting modules (180) may be arranged laterally spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The number of lighting modules (180) and the interval between the lighting modules (180) may be appropriately set by considering the size and number of working coils, the interval between the working coils, etc.

[0189] At least a portion of the lighting module (180) may be placed between the supporter (150) and the bottom portion (111). As an example, the lighting module (180) may be placed in the receiving space. More specifically, the lighting module (180) may be placed in a space surrounded by the bottom portion (111) of the case (110) and the supporter (150).

[0190] Various electrical components can be installed inside the cooktop (100), i.e., in the receiving space. For example, a main PCB (171), a switching mode power supply (SMPS; 162), an inverter PCB (Inverter PCB; 163), a resonant PCB (Resonant PCB; 164), a noise filter (EMI filter; 165), a fan (176), etc. can be placed in the internal space of the cooktop (100).

[0191] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned electrical components are collectively referred to as an electrical unit (170). The electrical unit (170) may include at least one of a power processing unit and a coil control unit. The power processing unit is provided to supply power to the coil assembly (1000), and the power processing unit may include a switching mode power supply (SMPS; 162), a noise filter (EMI filter; 165), and the like. The coil control unit is provided to control the operation of the coil assembly (1000), and the coil control unit may include an inverter PCB (174), and the like.

[0192]

[0193] [Overall structure of the coil assembly]

[0194] Fig. 6 is a drawing schematically showing the configuration of the coil assembly illustrated in Fig. 4, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the laminated structure of the coil module illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0195] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the coil assembly (1000) may include a plurality of working coils (WC) arranged in a transverse direction. As an example, in the coil assembly (1000), a plurality of working coils (WC) may be arranged along a first direction, i.e., a lateral direction, and a plurality of working coils (WC) may also be arranged along a second direction, i.e., a front-back direction.

[0196] The coil assembly (140) may include at least one coil module (1001, 1003). In the present embodiment, the coil assembly (140) is exemplified as including a plurality of coil modules (1001, 1003).

[0197] As an example, the coil assembly (140) may include a plurality of coil modules (1001, 1003) arranged in a horizontal direction. For example, the coil assembly (140) may include a plurality of coil modules (1001, 1003) arranged in a first direction.

[0198] In each coil module (1001, 1003), a plurality of working coils (WC) may be arranged in a horizontal direction, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Each working coil (WC) may be provided in the form of a spiral coil formed in a pattern on a printed circuit board. That is, the working coil (142) may be provided in the form of a pattern formed on the coil module (1001, 1003).

[0199] Each coil module (1001, 1003) may include a coil substrate laminate (1010). The coil substrate laminate (1010) may include a plurality of first coil substrate portions (1100) that are laminated in a vertical direction.

[0200] Each first coil substrate portion (1100) may include a first coil portion (1120). As an example, the first coil portion (1120) may be formed as a result of a metal foil laminated on the surface of the first coil substrate portion (1100) being patterned into a spiral coil shape.

[0201] In one embodiment, a plurality of first coil substrate portions (1100) are stacked vertically to form one coil module (1001, 1003), and accordingly, a plurality of first coil portions (1120) can be stacked vertically. In addition, a plurality of first coil portions (1120) stacked vertically can be connected to each other vertically to form one working coil (WC), respectively.

[0202] Additionally, each first coil substrate portion (1100) may have a plurality of first coil portions (1120) arranged in a horizontal direction, and accordingly, the coil modules (1001, 1003) may include a plurality of working coils (WC) arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0203] In addition, the coil assembly (1000) according to one embodiment may include a sensing coil (SC) for detecting the presence of a heating target, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Each coil module (1001, 1003) may include a plurality of sensing coils (SC) arranged in a horizontal direction. As an example, in the coil assembly (1000), a plurality of sensing coils (SC) may be arranged along a first direction, i.e., a lateral direction, and a plurality of sensing coils (SC) may also be arranged along a second direction, i.e., a front-back direction.

[0204] Each sensing coil (SC) may be provided in the form of a spiral coil formed in a pattern on a printed circuit board. That is, the sensing coil (SC) may be provided in the form of a pattern formed on the coil module (1001, 1003).

[0205] In one embodiment, the coil substrate stack (1010) may include at least one second coil substrate portion (1200). The second coil substrate portion (1200) may be vertically stacked together with the first coil substrate portion (1100). That is, at least one second coil substrate portion (1200) and a plurality of first coil substrate portions (1100) may be vertically stacked to form one coil module (1001, 1003). Accordingly, in each coil module (1001, 1003), at least a portion of the working coil (WC) and the sensing coil (SC) may be vertically arranged.

[0206] Each second coil substrate portion (1200) may include a second coil portion (1220). As an example, the second coil portion (1220) may be formed as a result of a metal foil laminated on the surface of the second coil substrate portion (1200) being patterned into a spiral coil shape.

[0207] Each sensing coil (SC) may be formed by one second coil section (1220), or may be formed as a result of a plurality of second coil sections (1220) stacked vertically and connected vertically.

[0208] Additionally, each second coil substrate portion (1200) may have a plurality of second coil portions (1220) arranged horizontally, and accordingly, the coil modules (1001, 1003) may include a plurality of sensing coils (SC) arranged horizontally.

[0209] Additionally, the coil assembly (1000) according to one embodiment may further include a temperature sensor (TS). The temperature sensor (TS) is provided to measure the temperature of the heating target and may be placed on the second coil substrate portion (1200).

[0210] The temperature sensor (TS) may be positioned horizontally inside the sensing coil (SC). For example, the temperature sensor (TS) may be installed on the second coil substrate portion (1200), but may be positioned within an area surrounded by the sensing coil (SC).

[0211] This specification describes embodiments in which the coil assembly (1000) is used in home appliances. However, in other embodiments, the coil assembly (1000) may be applied to other devices requiring induction heating. For example, the coil assembly (1000) may be installed in a washing machine and used to heat a water tank, drum, or laundry tub inside the washing machine, or to heat wash water. As another example, the coil assembly (1000) may be installed in a water purifier and used to heat a hot water pipe or water tank. As another example, the coil assembly (1000) may be installed in a clothes dryer or clothes care device and used to heat air for drying clothes. As another example, the coil assembly (1000) may be installed in an electric kettle or rice cooker and used to heat liquid or food inside the device.

[0212]

[0213] [Coil module layout structure]

[0214] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a first example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module, and Fig. 9 is a drawing schematically showing an example of a state of cutting a disk for forming a first coil substrate portion. In addition, Fig. 10 is a plan view showing a second example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module, and Fig. 11 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module shown in Fig. 8, and Fig. 12 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module shown in Fig. 10. In addition, Fig. 13 is a plan view showing a third example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module, and Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a fourth example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module shown in Fig. Also, Fig. 15 is a plan view showing a fifth example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module, and Fig. 16 is a plan view showing a sixth example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module.

[0215] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 8, a coil assembly (1000) according to one embodiment includes a plurality of coil modules (1001, 1003), and the coil assembly (1000) may have a plurality of coil modules (1001, 1003) arranged along a horizontal direction. As an example, the coil assembly (1000) may have a plurality of coil modules (1001, 1003) arranged along a first direction.

[0216] As described above, the cooktop (100) according to one embodiment may include a control panel (130). The control panel (130) may be placed on the top plate (120), but may be placed in a forward-facing position.

[0217] For the first direction, the control panel (130) may be positioned approximately in the center of the coil assembly (1000). For the second direction, the control panel (130) may be positioned at a position biased toward the front side of the coil assembly (1000).

[0218] The coil assembly (1000) is disposed on the lower side of the top plate (120), but is not disposed on the lower side of the area occupied by the control panel (130) among the top plate (120). That is, the working coil (WC) is disposed only on the lower side of the area not occupied by the control panel (130) among the top plate (120), and is not disposed on the lower side of the area occupied by the control panel (130) among the top plate (120).

[0219] This coil assembly (1000) may include several types of coil modules (1001, 1003) of different sizes. In the present embodiment, the coil modules (1001, 1003) are exemplified as including a first coil module (1001) and a second coil module (1003). The first coil module (1001) includes a plurality of working coils (WC), and the second coil module (1003) may include a smaller number of working coils (WC) than the first coil module (1001).

[0220] In one embodiment, the first coil module (1001) and the second coil module (1003) may be arranged in the horizontal direction in the coil assembly (1000). In addition, with respect to the second direction, the length of the second coil module (1003) may be set shorter than the length of the first coil module (1001). That is, the second coil module (1003) may be provided in a form that is shorter in the second direction and includes a smaller number of working coils (WC) than the first coil module (1001).

[0221] In the coil assembly (1000), a pair of first coil modules (1001) and at least one second coil module (1003) may be arranged along a first direction. At this time, the pair of first coil modules (1001) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction. And, at least one second coil module (1003) may be arranged between the pair of first coil modules (1001).

[0222] For example, at least one second coil module (1003) may be positioned at the center of the coil assembly (1000) in the first direction, similar to the control panel (130). The at least one second coil module (1003) and the control panel (130) may be positioned on the same straight line in the second direction.

[0223] For the first direction, the control panel (130) may be arranged between a pair of first coil modules (1001). Also, for the second direction, the control panel (130) may be arranged at a position that is offset to one side from the second coil module (1003), for example, at the front side of the second coil module (1003). Accordingly, at least a portion of the control panel (130) may be arranged within an area surrounded by a pair of first coil modules (1001) and second coil modules (1003).

[0224] That is, the control panel (130) is positioned at a location where the visual information provided through the control panel (130) can be easily seen by the user, and at a location where the user can easily operate the control panel (130). This control panel (130) occupies a predetermined area on the upper surface of the cooktop (100).

[0225] In addition, since the working coil (WC) cannot be placed in the area occupied by the control panel (130) on the upper surface of the cooktop (100), the working coil (WC) must be placed in the remaining area excluding the area occupied by the control panel (130). Accordingly, the coil assembly (1000) including the working coils (WC) is placed in the area not occupied by the control panel (130) on the upper surface of the cooktop (100). For example, the horizontal outer shape of the coil assembly (1000) may be formed as a “concave” shape that is inverted upside down.

[0226] The coil assembly (1000) includes a coil module (1001, 1003) having a working coil (WC), and may include several types of coil modules (1001, 1003) having different lengths in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the coil assembly (1000) is exemplified as including two types of coil modules (1001, 1003), namely, a first coil module (1001) and a second coil module (1003).

[0227] As an example, the horizontal outer shape of the coil modules (1001, 1003) (hereinafter referred to as “outer shape of the coil module”) may be formed into a rectangle. That is, the outer shapes of the first coil module (1001) and the second coil module (1003) may each be formed into a rectangle.

[0228] For example, the shape of the second coil module (1003) may be formed as a rectangle with a different length in the second direction compared to the first coil module (1001). In addition, the second coil module (1003) and the control panel (130) may be arranged on the same straight line in the second direction, and the second coil module (1003) may be arranged on the rear side of the control panel (130).

[0229] Considering that the second coil module (1003) is arranged on the same straight line as the control panel (130) in the second direction, the second direction length of the second coil module (1003) is set shorter than the second direction length of the first coil module (1001).

[0230] As described above, the coil assembly (1000) is formed by a combination of a plurality of coil modules (1001, 1003) arranged in a horizontal direction, and each coil module (1001, 1003) may be formed in a rectangular shape. That is, the coil assembly (1000) may be formed by a combination of a plurality of coil modules (1001, 1003) formed in a rectangular shape, rather than by a single coil module formed in a shape in which a “concave” shape is inverted upside down.

[0231] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first coil substrate portion (1100) forming each coil module (1001, 1003) may be formed by a copper clad laminate (CCL), and each copper clad laminate forming each first coil substrate portion (1100) may be provided as a result of cutting a copper clad laminate original plate (B; hereinafter, referred to as “original plate”).

[0232] If the first coil substrate portion (1100) is formed in a "concave" shape or a shape that is an inverted "concave" shape, when manufacturing the first coil substrate portion (1100) by cutting the original plate (P), the loss of the original plate (P) that is cut off in order to secure the space for arranging the control panel (130) is bound to occur. That is, if the coil assembly (1000) is formed by one coil module (1001, 1003), a problem occurs in which the loss of the original plate (P) used in manufacturing the first coil substrate portion (1100) increases.

[0233] In contrast, when the coil assembly (1000) is formed by a combination of multiple coil modules (1001, 1003), it is possible for each coil module (1001, 1003) to be formed in a rectangular shape. That is, the coil assembly (1000) can be formed in a "concave" shape or a shape in which the "concave" shape is inverted upside down by a combination of several types of coil modules (1001, 1003) of different sizes, for example, a first coil module (1001) and a second coil module (1003).

[0234] Accordingly, when cutting the original plate (P) to manufacture the first coil substrate portion (1100), the original plate (P) can be cut into a rectangular shape, so that the loss of the original plate (P) used in manufacturing the first coil substrate portion (1100) can be effectively reduced.

[0235] In one embodiment, the working coil (WC) may be formed into a shape including a polygonal shape. For example, the transverse outer shape of the working coil (WC) (hereinafter referred to as the “outer shape of the working coil”) may be a polygonal shape.

[0236] As an example, the outer shape of the working coil (WC) may be approximately rectangular, and the horizontal outer shape of the cooktop (100) (hereinafter referred to as the “outer shape of the cooktop”) is also approximately close to a rectangle. Considering this, it is preferable that the horizontal outer shape of the coil modules (1001, 1003) (hereinafter referred to as the “outer shape of the coil module”) be rectangular.

[0237] Since the outer shape of the coil module (1001, 1003) is formed as a rectangle similar to the outer shape of the working coil (WC), the density of the area occupied by the working coil (WC) within the coil module (1001, 1003) can be effectively increased. In addition, since the outer shape of the coil module (1001, 1003) is formed as a rectangle similar to the outer shape of the cooktop (100), the density of the area occupied by the coil module (1001, 1003) within the cooktop (100) can be effectively increased.

[0238] That is, since the outer shape of the coil module (1001, 1003) is formed into a polygonal shape similar to the outer shape of the working coil (WC) and the outer shape of the cooktop (100), the density of the area occupied by the working coil (WC) within the cooktop (100) is effectively increased, and accordingly, the area of ​​the area where heating of the cooking object is possible within the cooktop (100) can be effectively increased.

[0239] Accordingly, the area of ​​the area where the heating target comes into contact with the working coil (WC) within the cooktop (100) can be increased, thereby effectively improving the heating efficiency of the cooktop (100).

[0240] Meanwhile, the length difference between the first coil module (1001) and the second coil module (1003) along the second direction can be adjusted by the number difference of the working coils (WC) along the second direction. For example, the first coil module (1001) and the second coil module (1003) can be provided with working coils (WC) of the same size and shape, and the number of working coils (WC) along the second direction in the second coil module (1003) can be set to be one or more less than the number of working coils (WC) along the second direction in the first coil module (1001).

[0241] In this way, by adjusting the number of working coils (WC), the lengths of the first coil module (1001) and the second coil module (1003) are set differently, so that even if the sizes of the coil modules (1001, 1003) change, there is no need to design the size and shape of the working coil (WC) differently accordingly. In other words, various types of coil modules (1001, 1003) having different lengths in the second direction can all be provided in a form that includes one type of working coil (WC).

[0242] Accordingly, not only can the cost and time required for designing a working coil (WC) be reduced, but also various types of coil modules (1001, 1003) having different second-direction lengths can be manufactured more easily and quickly at a lower cost.

[0243] In one embodiment, a control panel (130) and a second coil module (1003) may be arranged in the center of the first direction of the upper surface of the cooktop (100), and first coil modules (1001) may be arranged on both sides of the first direction of the upper surface of the cooktop (100).

[0244] As an example, the second direction length of the first coil module (1001) can be set to be almost similar to the second direction length of the upper surface of the cooktop (100). And the second direction length difference between the first coil module (1001) and the second coil module (1003) can be set to be greater than the second direction length of the working coil (WC).

[0245] Accordingly, while most of the area on the upper surface of the cooktop (100) can be filled with the working coil (WC), the area required for arranging the control panel (130) can be secured on the upper surface of the cooktop (100).

[0246] As an example, in a coil assembly (1000), a pair of first coil modules (1001) and one second coil module (1003) may be arranged along a first direction. At this time, the pair of first coil modules (1001) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction. In addition, one second coil module (1003) may be arranged between the pair of first coil modules (1001).

[0247] For example, one second coil module (1003) may be positioned at the center of the coil assembly (1000) in the first direction, similar to the control panel (130). This one second coil module (1003) and the control panel (130) may be positioned on the same straight line in the second direction.

[0248] At this time, the number of working coils (WC) included in each first coil module (1001) and the number of working coils (WC) included in each second coil module (1003) may be 8 and 6, respectively (see FIG. 8), or 6 and 4, respectively (see FIG. 11).

[0249] As another example, in a coil assembly (1000a) as illustrated in FIG. 10, two pairs of first coil modules (1001a) and one pair of second coil modules (1003a) may be arranged along the first direction. In this case, one pair of first coil modules (1001a) may be arranged on one side of one pair of second coil modules (1003a) in the first direction, and the other pair of first coil modules (1001a) may be arranged on the other side of one pair of second coil modules (1003a) in the first direction.

[0250] At this time, the number of working coils (WC) included in each first coil module (1001a) and the number of working coils (WC) included in each second coil module (1003a) may be 4 and 3, respectively (see FIG. 10), or 3 and 2, respectively (see FIG. 12).

[0251] As another example, in a coil assembly (1000d) as illustrated in FIG. 13, a pair of first coil modules (1001d) and a pair of second coil modules (1003d) may be spaced apart from each other along the first direction. And a pair of second coil modules (1003d) may be placed between a pair of first coil modules (1001d).

[0252] As another example, in a coil assembly (1000e) as illustrated in FIG. 14, two pairs of first coil modules (1001e) and two pairs of second coil modules (1003e) may be arranged along the first direction. In this case, one pair of first coil modules (1001e) may be arranged on one side of the two pairs of second coil modules (1003e) in the first direction, and another pair of first coil modules (1001e) may be arranged on the other side of the two pairs of second coil modules (1003e) in the first direction.

[0253] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 15, only one pair of first coil modules (1001f) may be arranged along the first direction, and as illustrated in FIG. 16, only two pairs of first coil modules (1001g) may be arranged along the first direction.

[0254]

[0255] [Structure of the working coil]

[0256] Fig. 17 is a plan view showing an example of a first coil substrate part according to one embodiment, Fig. 18 is an enlarged view showing a part of the first coil substrate part shown in Fig. 17, and Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a laminated structure of the first coil part shown in Fig. 18. In addition, Fig. 20 is a plan view showing an example of an arrangement structure of sensing coils, and Fig. 21 is an enlarged view showing a portion “21” of Fig. 20, which is a drawing showing an example of an arrangement structure of sensing coils relative to a working coil. In addition, Fig. 22 is an enlarged view showing the first terminal shown in Fig. 18, and Fig. 23 is an enlarged view showing the second terminal shown in Fig. 18.

[0257] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIGS. 17 to 19, the working coil (WC) may be formed by a conductor, more specifically, an electrical conductor, laminated in multiple layers. In this embodiment, the conductor is exemplified as a first coil portion (1120), more specifically, a coil pattern (Cp) to be described later, formed of a conductor.

[0258] A working coil (WC) can be formed as a result of first coil portions (1120) provided on each of a plurality of first coil substrate portions (1100) stacked vertically and connected to each other vertically. Each first coil substrate portion (1100) can include a core (1110) and a first coil portion (1120).

[0259] The core (1110) forms the skeleton of the first coil substrate portion (1100) and may be formed of an insulating material. As an example, the core (1110) may be formed of a prepreg material. In the present embodiment, the core (1110) is exemplified as being formed of a thermosetting prepreg, more specifically, a prepreg that is FR4.

[0260] The first coil portion (1120) may be arranged on each of the upper and lower sides of the core (1110). For example, each first coil substrate portion (1100) may be provided in a form in which one layer of the first coil portion (1120) is formed on each of the upper and lower sides of the core (1110).

[0261] As an example, the first coil portion (1120) may be provided in a patterned form on both upper and lower sides of the core (1110). For example, the first coil substrate portion (1100) may be formed by a copper-clad laminate including the core (1110) and copper foil laminated on both upper and lower sides of the core (1110). In this case, the first coil portion (1120) may be formed as a result of the foil laminated on the core (1110) being patterned into a coil shape.

[0262] In one embodiment, the working coil (WC) may be formed into a shape including a polygonal shape. For example, the transverse outer shape of the working coil (WC) (hereinafter referred to as the “outer shape of the working coil”) may be a polygonal shape.

[0263] Additionally, the working coil (WC) may be formed by a plurality of first coil substrate portions (1100) that are stacked vertically, as described above. The first coil substrate portion (1100) may include a pattern region (1101) and non-pattern regions (1103, 1105).

[0264] The pattern area (1101) corresponds to an area where the first coil portion (1120) of the first coil substrate portion (1100) is arranged. And the non-pattern areas (1103, 1105) correspond to an area where the first coil portion (1120) of the first coil substrate portion (1100) is not arranged. The pattern area (1101) and the non-pattern areas (1103, 1105) may be arranged on the same plane and may be arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0265] The non-patterned region (1103, 1105) may include a first non-patterned region (1103). In each working coil (WC), the first non-patterned region (1103) may be positioned at the horizontal center. In addition, the first non-patterned region (1103) may be positioned at the horizontal center of the first coil substrate portion (1100).

[0266] For example, the first non-patterned region (1103) may be arranged at the horizontal center of each working coil (WC) and the first coil substrate portion (1100). The patterned region (1101) may be arranged to surround the first non-patterned region (1103) from the horizontal outer side.

[0267] In this embodiment, the expression “center” does not mean the exact center, but means an area surrounded by a spirally wound working coil (WC), including the radial center of the working coil (WC) and its surroundings.

[0268] At least a portion of the first coil portion (1120) may surround the non-patterned region (1103, 1105) from the outer side in the horizontal direction. As an example, at least a portion of the first coil portion (1120) may surround the first non-patterned region (1103) from the outer side in the horizontal direction.

[0269] The first coil portion (1120) may include at least one coil pattern (Cp) arranged on the horizontal outer side of the first non-patterned area (1103). In each first coil portion (1120), each coil pattern (Cp) may be wound multiple times around the first non-patterned area (1103). The first coil portion (1120) may be formed by at least one coil pattern (Cp) provided in this form.

[0270] Each first coil portion (1120) may include a plurality of coil patterns (Cp). At this time, in each first coil portion (1120), a plurality of coil patterns (Cp) may be arranged at a predetermined interval from each other along the diameter direction of the working coil (WC).

[0271] As an example, each first coil section (1120) may include three to six coil patterns (Cp). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each coil section (112) may include more than six coil patterns (Cp).

[0272] In this embodiment, it is exemplified that each first coil portion (1120) includes three to six coil patterns (Cp). Accordingly, in each first coil portion (1120), three to six coil patterns (Cp) can be arranged along the diametric direction of the working coil (WC). The coil pattern (Cp) arranged in each first coil portion (1120) can be vertically connected to any one of the coil patterns (Cp) arranged in another first coil portion (1120) that is vertically adjacent.

[0273] Additionally, the first coil substrate portion (1100) may further include a second non-patterned region (1105). The second non-patterned region (1105), like the first non-patterned region (1103), corresponds to a region in which the first coil portion (1120) is not formed.

[0274] In the horizontal direction, the second non-patterned area (1105) may be arranged outside the first non-patterned area (1103). In the present embodiment, it is exemplified that the second non-patterned area (1105) is arranged outside the first non-patterned area (1103) in the first direction.

[0275] Additionally, in each first coil substrate portion (1100), the first non-patterned region (1103) and the second non-patterned region (1105) are not connected in the horizontal direction. With respect to the horizontal direction, at least a portion of the sensing coil (SC) may be arranged between the first non-patterned region (1103) and the second non-patterned region (1105). That is, at least a portion of the first coil portion (1120) may be arranged between the first non-patterned region (1103) and the second non-patterned region (1105).

[0276] In one embodiment, a plurality of second non-patterned regions (1105) may be arranged along the first direction for each working coil (WC). As an example, a pair of second non-patterned regions (1105) may be arranged for each working coil (WC). This pair of second non-patterned regions (1105) may be arranged on the outer side of the first non-patterned region (1103) in the first direction. That is, with respect to the first direction, the first non-patterned region (1103) may be arranged between a pair of second non-patterned regions (1105).

[0277] In one embodiment, a plurality of working coils (WC) may be arranged along a first direction. A plurality of second non-patterned regions (1105) provided to the plurality of working coils (WC) arranged in this manner may be arranged at equal intervals along the first direction.

[0278] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a second coil substrate portion (1200) is disposed above or below the first coil substrate portion (1100), and a sensing coil (SC) can be formed by the second coil substrate portion (1200). The sensing coil (SC) is disposed above or below the first coil substrate portion (1100), and is disposed in an area that overlaps the first coil substrate portion (1100) in the vertical direction.

[0279] In each coil module (1001, 1003), the sensing coil (SC) may be arranged on the vertical outer side of the working coil (WC), as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 7 and FIGS. 20 to 21. For example, in each coil module (1001, 1003), the sensing coil (SC) and the working coil (WC) may be arranged vertically.

[0280] In the horizontal direction, at least a portion of the sensing coil (SC) can be arranged in the second non-patterned region (1105). Thus, as a plurality of second non-patterned regions (1105) are arranged at equal intervals along the first direction, a plurality of sensing coils (SC) can be arranged at equal intervals along the first direction.

[0281] As described above, since a plurality of second non-patterned regions (1105) are arranged at equal intervals along the first direction, a plurality of sensing coils (SC) can be arranged at equal intervals along the first direction. In one embodiment, at least a portion of each sensing coil (SC) can be arranged in the second non-patterned region (1105). Accordingly, when several second non-patterned regions (1105) are arranged at equal intervals along the first direction, a plurality of sensing coils (SC) can be arranged at equal intervals along the first direction.

[0282] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor (TS) may be positioned transversely inside the sensing coil (SC). In the transverse direction, at least a portion of the temperature sensor (TS) may be positioned in the second non-patterned region (1105).

[0283] As an example, the temperature sensor (TS) may be placed in the second non-patterned area (1105). That is, the temperature sensor (TS) installed in the second coil substrate portion (1200) and the second non-patterned area (1105) formed in the first coil substrate portion (1100) may be placed to overlap in the vertical direction.

[0284] To this end, each sensing coil (SC) can be placed at a position where the entire temperature sensor (TS) can be placed in the second non-patterned area (1105), i.e., a position where the entire temperature sensor (TS) can overlap with the second non-patterned area (1105) in the vertical direction.

[0285] Meanwhile, each first coil portion (1120) may include a fourth terminal (1121) and a fifth terminal (1122), as illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 18 and FIGS. 22 to 23, respectively. The fourth terminal (1121) and the fifth terminal (1122) are provided to connect a plurality of coil patterns (Cp) arranged in a horizontal direction, i.e., a plurality of coil patterns (Cp) forming one first coil portion (1120).

[0286] In the horizontal direction, the fourth terminal (1121) may be arranged outside the first non-patterned area (1103) and the fifth terminal (1122), and at least a portion of the fifth terminal (1122) may be arranged to be in contact with the first non-patterned area (1103). Accordingly, in the horizontal direction, the second non-patterned area (1105) may be arranged between the fourth terminal (1121) and the fifth terminal (1122).

[0287] Additionally, based on the second non-pattern region (1105), the fourth terminal (1121) can be placed in a horizontal outer region of the first coil portion (1120), and the fifth terminal (1122) can be placed in a horizontal inner region of the first coil portion (1120).

[0288] As an example, the fourth terminal (1121) may be arranged at the outermost side in the horizontal direction of the first coil portion (1120), and the fifth terminal (1122) may be arranged at the innermost side in the horizontal direction of the first coil portion (1120). For example, the fourth terminal (1121) may be connected to the outermost end in the horizontal direction of the coil pattern (Cp). And the fifth terminal (1122) may be connected to the innermost end of the coil pattern (Cp).

[0289] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 20, the coil assembly (1000) according to one embodiment may further include a terminal portion (1020). The terminal portion (1020) may be connected to at least one of the fourth terminal (1121) and the fifth terminal (1122). A detailed description of the terminal portion (1020) will be provided later.

[0290]

[0291] [Working coil layout structure for each coil module]

[0292] As illustrated in FIG. 8, in each coil module (1001, 1003), a plurality of working coils (WC) may be arranged in a horizontal direction. For example, in each coil module (1001, 1003), a plurality of working coils (WC) may be arranged along a first direction and also in a second direction. That is, in each coil module (1001, 1003), a plurality of working coils (WC) may be arranged in a matrix form.

[0293] At this time, each working coil (WC) may be arranged to be spaced apart from other adjacent working coils (WC) in the first direction by a predetermined distance in the first direction, and may be spaced apart from other adjacent working coils (WC) in the second direction by a predetermined distance in the second direction.

[0294] In one embodiment, the length of the coil module (1001, 1003) in the first direction may be set shorter than the length of the coil module (1001, 1003) in the second direction. That is, each coil module (1001, 1003) may be formed into a rectangle, but may be formed into a rectangle in which the length in the second direction is longer than the length in the first direction.

[0295] In comparison, the length of the working coil (WC) in the second direction can be set shorter than the length of the working coil (WC) in the first direction. That is, each working coil (WC) can be formed into a rectangle, but can be formed into a rectangle in which the length in the first direction is longer than the length in the second direction.

[0296] In each coil module (1001, 1003) including these working coils (WC), the number of working coils (WC) arranged on the same straight line in the second direction is greater than the number of working coils (WC) arranged on the same straight line in the first direction.

[0297] In one embodiment, the first coil module (1001) may include a plurality of working coils (WC) arranged in an A column × B row configuration, and the second coil module (1003) may each include a plurality of working coils (WC) arranged in an A column × C row configuration. In this embodiment, a column is defined as a line in the first direction, and a row is defined as a line in the second direction.

[0298] As an example, the relationship between A, B, and C can be defined as follows:

[0299] A≥1, C≥2, B>C,

[0300] For example, in the first coil module (1001) and the second coil module (1003), one or more working coils (WC) may be arranged in the first direction and two or more in the second direction. In addition, in the first coil module (1001), one or more working coils (WC) may be arranged in the first direction and three or more in the second direction.

[0301] Accordingly, the number of working coils (WC) arranged on the same straight line in the first direction in the first coil module (1001) and the number of working coils (WC) arranged on the same straight line in the first direction in the second coil module (1003) may be set to be the same. In addition, the number of working coils (WC) arranged on the same straight line in the second direction in the second coil module (1003) may be set to be less than the number of working coils (WC) arranged on the same straight line in the second direction in the first coil module (1001).

[0302] As an example, when n first coil modules (1001) are arranged spaced apart along the first direction, n / 2 second coil modules (1003) can be arranged between a pair of first coil modules (1001) arranged at the innermost side in the first direction.

[0303] At this time, each first coil module (1001) may include 16 / n working coils (WC) arranged in a 4 / n column x 4 row format. And each second coil module (1003) may include 12 / n working coils (WC) arranged in a 4 / n column x 3 row format.

[0304] For example, when two first coil modules (1001) are arranged spaced apart along the first direction, one second coil module (1003) may be arranged between a pair of first coil modules (1001) arranged at the innermost side in the first direction. At this time, each of the first coil modules (1001) may include eight working coils (WC) arranged in a 2-column x 4-row configuration.

[0305] And each of the second coil modules (1003) may include six working coils (WC) arranged in a 2-column x 3-row configuration. In this case, the coil assembly (1000) may include a total of 22 working coils (WC).

[0306] As described above, the cooktop (100; see FIG. 3) is provided with a plurality of indicator lights (L; see FIG. 3), and the indicator lights (L) can be implemented by a lighting module (180; see FIG. 4). The lighting module (180) is arranged at the lower side of the coil assembly (1000), and light emitted from the lighting module (180) can pass through the coil assembly (1000) and illuminate the light display area of ​​the top plate (120).

[0307] In order to allow light emitted from the lighting module (180) to pass through the light display area of ​​the top plate (120), a through hole (h) may be provided in each coil module (1001, 1003). In each coil module (1001, 1003), the through hole (h) may pass through the coil module (1001, 1003) in the vertical direction, and each through hole (h) may be arranged between one row of working coils (WC) and one row of working coils (WC).

[0308] If, as illustrated in Fig. 10, four first coil modules (1001a) are arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction, two second coil modules (1003a) may be arranged between a pair of first coil modules (1001a) arranged at the innermost side in the first direction. In this case, each of the first coil modules (1001a) may include four working coils (WC) arranged in a 1-column × 4-row configuration.

[0309] When the coil assembly (1000a) is provided in the form described above, a space can be formed between each row of the coil assembly (1000a). This space can be used as a passage for passing light emitted from the lighting module (180) to the light display area of ​​the top plate (120).

[0310] That is, since each coil module (1001a, 1003a) is provided in a form that includes only one row of working coils (WC), there is no need to form a separate through hole in the coil assembly (1000a).

[0311] Also, considering that the size, display, or control panel size may vary for each model, the coil assembly (1000a) provided in the above form may be more advantageous for mass production than the coil assembly in the form illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0312] For example, according to the coil assembly (1000a) provided in the form described above, when producing multiple products with different sizes of displays or control panels, only the size of the second coil module (1003a) can be changed according to the size of the display or control panel, and the first coil module (1001a) can be used in common.

[0313] In addition, according to the coil assembly (1000a) provided in the form described above, only one row of each coil module (1001a, 1003a) needs to be repaired or replaced when necessary, so maintenance becomes easier and maintenance costs are reduced.

[0314] In addition, if each coil module (1001a, 1003a) is provided in a form including only one row of working coils (WC) as described above, the surface area of ​​the coil module (1001a, 1003a) can be relatively widened compared to a form in which each coil module includes two rows of working coils (WC), and air can flow into the space between each coil module (1001a, 1003a), thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the coil assembly (1000a).

[0315] In comparison, when two or more rows of working coils (WC) are arranged for each coil module (1001, 1003) as illustrated in FIG. 8, the number of coil modules (1001, 1003) to be assembled is reduced compared to the case where only one row of working coils (WC) is arranged for each coil module, so there is an advantage of reduced assembly work.

[0316] In addition, when two or more rows of working coils (WC) are arranged in each coil module (1001, 1003), the space required to form wiring between the working coils (WC) of two adjacent rows can be easily secured in the coil module (1001, 1003), so there is an advantage in that wiring design can be easily and efficiently performed.

[0317] And each second coil module (1003a) may include three working coils (WC) arranged in a 1-column x 3-row configuration. In this case, the coil assembly (1000a) may include a total of 22 working coils (WC).

[0318] As a second example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, each first coil module (1001b) may include 12 / n working coils (WC) arranged in a 4 / n column x 3 row configuration. And each second coil module (1003b) may include 8 / n working coils (WC) arranged in a 4 / n column x 2 row configuration.

[0319] For example, when two first coil modules (1001b) are spaced apart from each other along the first direction, one second coil module (1003b) may be placed between a pair of first coil modules (1001b) placed at the innermost side in the first direction. In this case, each of the first coil modules (1001b) may include six working coils (WC) arranged in a 2-column x 3-row configuration.

[0320] And each second coil module (1003b) may include four working coils (WC) arranged in a 2-column x 2-row configuration. In this case, the coil assembly (1000b) may include a total of 16 working coils (WC).

[0321] If, as illustrated in FIG. 12, four first coil modules (1001c) are arranged spaced apart along the first direction, two second coil modules (1003c) can be arranged between a pair of first coil modules (1001c) arranged at the innermost side in the first direction.

[0322] At this time, each first coil module (1001c) may include three working coils (WC) arranged in a 1-column x 3-row configuration. And each second coil module (1003c) may include two working coils (WC) arranged in a 1-column x 2-row configuration. In this case, the coil assembly (1000c) may include a total of 16 working coils (WC).

[0323] As a third example, as illustrated in Fig. 13, when two first coil modules (1001d) are spaced apart from each other along the first direction, two second coil modules (1003d) may be arranged between a pair of first coil modules (1001d) arranged at the innermost side in the first direction. At this time, each of the first coil modules (1001d) may include 10 working coils (WC) arranged in a 2-column × 5-row configuration.

[0324] And each of the second coil modules (1003d) may include six working coils (WC) arranged in a 2-column x 3-row configuration. In this case, the coil assembly (1000d) may include a total of 32 working coils (WC).

[0325] As a fourth example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, if four first coil modules (1001e) are arranged spaced apart along the first direction, four second coil modules (1003e) may be arranged between a pair of first coil modules (1001e) arranged at the innermost side in the first direction. In this case, each of the first coil modules (1001e) may include five working coils (WC) arranged in a 1-column × 5-row configuration.

[0326] And each second coil module (1003e) may include three working coils (WC) arranged in a 1-column x 3-row configuration. In this case, the coil assembly (1000e) may include a total of 32 working coils (WC).

[0327] As a fifth example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, when n first coil modules (1001f) are arranged spaced apart along the first direction, each first coil module (1001f) may include 16 / n working coils (WC) arranged in a 4 / n column × 4 row format.

[0328] For example, when two first coil modules (1001f) are spaced apart from each other along the first direction, each first coil module (1001f) may include eight working coils (WC) arranged in a two-column x four-row configuration. In this case, the coil assembly (1000f) may include a total of 16 working coils (WC).

[0329] If, as illustrated in FIG. 16, four first coil modules (1001g) are arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction, each first coil module (1001g) may include four working coils (WC) arranged in a 1-column × 4-row configuration. In this case, the coil assembly (1000g) may include a total of 16 working coils (WC).

[0330] In the example described above, the coil assembly may include working coils (WC) all having the same size and shape. Alternatively, the coil assembly may include multiple types of working coils (WC) having different sizes and shapes.

[0331] Fig. 24 is a plan view showing a seventh example of the arrangement structure of the first coil module and the second coil module.

[0332] As another example, the coil assembly (1000h) as illustrated in FIG. 24 may further include at least one of a third coil module (1005) and a fourth coil module (1007). The first coil module (1001) and the third coil module (1005) may be arranged on the same straight line in the second direction, and the second coil module (1003) and the fourth coil module (1007) may be arranged on the same straight line in the second direction.

[0333] Accordingly, for the first direction, a pair of first coil modules (1001) can be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first direction with the second coil module (1003) and the fourth coil module (1007) interposed therebetween.

[0334] Also, with respect to the second direction, the first coil module (1001) may be positioned more protruding to one side than the second coil module (1003), the third coil module (1005) may be positioned more offset to one side than the first coil module (1001), and the fourth coil module (1007) may be positioned more offset to one side than the second coil module (1003).

[0335] That is, the first coil module (1001) having a second direction length longer than the second coil module (1003) protrudes further forward than the second coil module (1003), the third coil module (1005) is positioned further forward than the first coil module (1001), and the fourth coil module (1007) can be positioned further forward than the second coil module (1003). It goes without saying that the third coil module (1005) is positioned further forward than the fourth coil module (1007).

[0336] The third coil module (1005) and the fourth coil module (1007) may be formed to have a smaller horizontal size than the first coil module (1001) and the second coil module (1003). To this end, the third coil module (1005) may include a working coil having a smaller horizontal size than the working coil provided to the first coil module (1001).

[0337] As described above, the control panel (130) may be positioned further forward than the second coil module (1003), and a pair of first coil modules (1001) may be positioned spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the control panel (130) interposed therebetween. In addition, a pair of third coil modules (1005) positioned on the front side of the pair of first coil modules (1001) may also be positioned spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the control panel (130) interposed therebetween.

[0338] For the first direction, the length of the third coil module (1005) may be set shorter than the length of the first coil module (1001). And for the second direction, the length of the third coil module (1005) may be set shorter than the length of the first coil module (1001). That is, the third coil module (1005) may be formed to have a shorter first direction length and a shorter second direction length than the first coil module (1001).

[0339] Additionally, the fourth coil module (1007) may be placed at the rear of the control panel (130). In the second direction, the fourth coil module (1007) may be placed between the control panel (130) and the second coil module (1003), and the length of the fourth coil module (1007) may be formed to be shorter than the length of the second coil module (1003).

[0340] As the third coil module (1005) and the fourth coil module (1007) are arranged in the above-described manner, the area in which the control panel (130) is to be arranged can be secured more widely. Accordingly, the control panel (130) can be spaced further apart from the coil modules (1001, 1003) in the horizontal direction, thereby reducing the influence of heat generated around the working coil (WC) on the control panel (130).

[0341]

[0342] [Power supply related configuration]

[0343] Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a power supply-related configuration of a home appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 26 is a circuit diagram of a home appliance according to one embodiment.

[0344] Referring to FIG. 25, a home appliance according to one embodiment may include a control panel (130), a driving circuit (300), a load circuit (350), a controller (500), and a sensing coil (SC).

[0345] The control panel (130) may be provided with a user interface including various icons for controlling the operation of the cooktop (100) by touch and a display for indicating the operation status of the cooktop (100). The user can input a desired heating level through the control panel (130).

[0346] The load circuit (350) may include at least one working coil, at least one capacitor, and at least one relay. Here, the at least one working coil, at least one capacitor, and at least one relay may be optionally connected in series or parallel.

[0347] The driving circuit (300) can supply a switching signal for driving an inverter included in the load circuit (350).

[0348] According to one embodiment, a home appliance may further include a current measuring circuit (400). The current measuring circuit (400) may measure a resonant current (Ir) and a resonant voltage (Vr) of the load circuit (350) when the inverter included in the load circuit (350) is driven. The controller (500) may calculate an input current applied to the load circuit (350) using the resonant current (Ir) and the resonant voltage (Vr). The controller (500) may calculate an output power value of the working coil based on the input current, and may determine an operating frequency of the inverter included in the load circuit (350) based on the calculated output power value and a heating level input through the control panel (130).

[0349] The controller (500) can supply a control signal corresponding to the determined driving frequency to the driving circuit (300). The driving circuit (300) can generate a switching signal according to the control signal supplied from the controller (500) and supply the switching signal to the load circuit (350).

[0350] The controller (500) can determine whether a container exists above the working coil using the sensing coil (SC). The controller (500) can supply current to the sensing coil (SC) for a predetermined period of time. Based on the resonance signal output by the sensing coil (SC) by the supply of current, the controller (500) can determine whether a container exists above the working coil or above which working coil the container exists.

[0351] In one embodiment, the controller (500) can determine container information including at least one of the container's location, material, shape, and size using a sensing coil (SC). The controller (500) can control at least one relay within the load circuit (350) so that at least one working coil corresponding to the container's location is activated according to the container's location.

[0352] Additionally, the controller (500) can determine or vary the switching frequency of the inverter depending on at least one of the material, shape, and size of the container.

[0353] Referring to FIG. 25, a home appliance according to one embodiment may include a rectifier circuit (Rc), a DC link capacitor (CD), an inverter (INV), a sensing coil (SC), a controller (500), a driving circuit (300), a working coil (WC), and a resonant capacitor (Cr).

[0354] A rectifier circuit (Rc) can rectify and output an input voltage supplied from an external power source (Ps). The rectifier circuit (Rc) may be a circuit including a plurality of diodes (e.g., a bridge circuit).

[0355] A DC link capacitor (CD) can smooth and output the voltage output from the rectifier circuit (Rc).

[0356] An inverter (INV) can output an alternating current using a voltage output from a direct current link capacitor (CD). In one embodiment, the inverter (INV) can include a first switching element (SW1) and a second switching element (SW2). The first switching element (SW1) and the second switching element (SW2) can be turned on and off by a first switching signal (S1) and a second switching signal (S2) supplied by a driving circuit (300). The first switching element (SW1) and the second switching element (SW2) can be alternately turned on and off. In another embodiment, the inverter (INV) can include two or more switching elements.

[0357] The controller (500) can determine whether a container exists above the working coil using the sensing coil (SC). The controller (500) can supply current to the sensing coil (SC) for a predetermined period of time. Based on the resonance signal output by the sensing coil (SC) by the supply of current, the controller (500) can determine whether a container exists above the working coil or above which working coil the container exists.

[0358] The controller (500) can determine the driving frequency of the inverter included in the load circuit (350) based on the output power value of the working coil (WC) and the heating level input through the control panel (130). The controller (500) can supply a control signal corresponding to the driving frequency of the inverter (INV) to the driving circuit (300). When the control signal is supplied to the driving circuit (300), the driving circuit (300) can output switching signals (S1, S2). When the first switching signal (S1) and the second switching signal (S2) are supplied to the inverter (INV), the first switching element (SW1) and the second switching element (SW2) can be alternately turned on and off. Accordingly, an alternating current can be output from the inverter (INV). When the alternating current output from the inverter (INV) is supplied to the working coil (WC), a container provided on top of the working coil (WC) can be heated.

[0359] A resonant capacitor (Cr) may be connected to one end of the working coil (WC). When an alternating current is supplied to the working coil (WC), a resonant phenomenon may occur between the working coil (WC), the resonant capacitor (Cr), and the container.

[0360] In Fig. 26, only one working coil (WC) and one resonant capacitor (Cr) are illustrated as examples. However, in other embodiments, the appliance may include multiple working coils and resonant capacitors.

[0361]

[0362] [Laminated structure of coil substrate laminate]

[0363] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, each coil module (1001, 1003) may be formed by a coil substrate laminate (1010). The coil substrate laminate (1010) may include a plurality of first coil substrate portions (1100) and at least one second coil substrate portion (1200) that are laminated in a vertical direction.

[0364] The first coil substrate portion (1100) may be formed in a form in which a core (1110) and a first coil portion (1120) are stacked vertically, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 19. The second coil substrate portion (1200) may be formed in a form in which a core (1210) and a second coil portion (1220) are stacked vertically. The core (1210) forms the skeleton of the second coil substrate portion (1200) and may be formed of a material identical or similar to that of the core (1110) of the first coil substrate portion (1100).

[0365] As an example, in the first coil substrate portion (1100), the first coil portion (1120) may be arranged on both upper and lower sides of the core (1110). For example, the first coil portion (1120) may be laminated on the upper and lower surfaces of the core (1110), respectively.

[0366] And in the second coil substrate portion (1200), the first coil portion (1120) may be arranged on one vertical side of the core (1210), that is, the lower side, and the second coil portion (1220) may be arranged on the other vertical side of the core (1210), that is, the upper side. For example, the first coil portion (1110) may be laminated on the lower surface of the core (1210), and the second coil portion (1220) may be laminated on the upper surface of the core (1210).

[0367] As another example, in the second coil substrate portion (1200), the second coil portion (1220) may be arranged on both upper and lower sides of the core (1210).

[0368] In this embodiment, the second coil substrate portion (1200) is exemplified as including a first coil portion (1120) and a second coil portion (1220), the first coil portion (1120) being arranged on the lower side of the core (1210), and the second coil portion (1220) being arranged on the upper side of the core (1210).

[0369] In one embodiment, the working coil (WC), more specifically, the coil substrate laminate (1010), may include six or more layers of first coil portions (1120). That is, the coil substrate laminate (1010) may include six or more layers of first coil portions (1120) that are connected vertically and integrally combined.

[0370] In order for the working coil (WC) to secure sufficient inductive power to heat the target object, the amount of conductor contained in the working coil (WC) must be sufficient. There is a limit to increasing the height of the coil pattern (Cp) to increase the amount of conductor contained in the working coil (WC).

[0371] Considering these points, increasing the number of coil patterns (Cp) per layer forming the working coil (WC) and increasing the number of layers of coil patterns (Cp) forming the working coil (WC) can be effective methods for increasing the amount of conductor included in the working coil (WC).

[0372] In one embodiment, three or more coil patterns (Cp) connected in parallel for each layer may be arranged along the diameter direction of the working coil (WC) to form a single coil line. In addition, three or more coil lines formed in this manner may be stacked in a vertically overlapping manner to form the working coil (WC).

[0373] Considering the winding spacing of coil patterns (Cp) and other design conditions, there is a limit to increasing the number of coil patterns (Cp) per layer. For example, increasing the number of coil patterns (Cp) per layer may increase the size of each working coil (WC), which may result in a problem of having to reduce the number of working coils (WC) placed in the home appliance.

[0374] In addition, when the width of the coil pattern (Cp) is reduced to increase the number of coil patterns (Cp) for each layer, the space required to secure the spacing between the coil patterns (Cp) increases, and thus, despite the increase in the number of coil patterns (Cp), the amount of conductor included in the working coil (WC) may be reduced.

[0375] In comparison, increasing the number of layers of the coil pattern (Cp) can be said to be a method that causes relatively fewer problems. That is, as the number of layers of the coil pattern (Cp) increases, the amount of conductor included in the working coil (WC) can also increase, and even if the number of layers of the coil pattern (Cp) increases, there is little concern that the number of working coils (WC) will decrease or the amount of conductor included in the working coil (WC) will decrease.

[0376] Considering these points, in the present embodiment, since three or more coil patterns (Cp) are arranged in each layer, three layers of coil patterns (Cp) are arranged in the vertical direction, and three layers of coil lines can be formed. In addition, as three layers of coil lines (e.g., first coil lines) are arranged, considering that three layers of coil lines (e.g., second coil lines) having different patterns from the coil lines must be arranged, it is preferable that the coil substrate laminate (1010) include six or more layers of coil lines.

[0377] Additionally, depending on design conditions, the amount of conductor included in the working coil (WC) can be more effectively increased by stacking the coil wire in eight or more layers. In the present embodiment, it is exemplified that the first coil portion (1120) is stacked in the vertical direction in eight to twelve layers. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first coil portion (1120) may be stacked in a number of layers exceeding twelve.

[0378] As an example, the coil module (1001, 1003) can be designed so that as the number of layers of the first coil part (1120) increases, the thickness of the first coil part (1120) of each layer decreases, and accordingly, despite the increase in the number of layers of the first coil part (1120), the increase in the overall thickness of the coil module (1001, 1003) can be suppressed to an appropriate level.

[0379] In addition, the coil substrate laminate (1010) may include at least one layer of second coil portions (1220). For example, the coil substrate laminate (1010) may include eight to twelve layers of first coil portions (1120) and one to two layers of second coil portions (1220) that are connected vertically and integrally combined.

[0380] Additionally, the coil substrate laminate (1010) may further include an insulating layer that is laminated vertically together with the first coil portion (1120). In each coil substrate laminate (1010), the coil portions (1120, 1220) and the insulating layer may be alternately arranged vertically.

[0381] In the first coil substrate portion (1100), the insulating layer may be formed by the core (1110). And in the second coil substrate portion (1200), the insulating layer may also be formed by the core (1210).

[0382] Additionally, the insulating layer may also be arranged between the coil substrate portions (1100, 1200). For example, the insulating layer may be arranged between a pair of first coil substrate portions (1100) that are vertically adjacent, and may also be arranged between the first coil substrate portion (1100) and the second coil substrate portion (1200). Additionally, the insulating layer may also be arranged between a pair of second coil substrate portions (1200) that are vertically adjacent.

[0383] As an example, the insulating layer disposed between the coil substrate portions (1100, 1200) as described above may be formed by an adhesive (1400). In one embodiment, a plurality of first coil substrate portions (1100) stacked vertically may be joined by an adhesive (1400), and the first coil substrate portion (1100) and the second coil substrate portion (1200) may also be joined by the adhesive (1400). In addition, a plurality of second coil substrate portions (1200) stacked vertically may also be joined by an adhesive (1400).

[0384] According to this, an insulating layer can be formed by cores (1110, 1210) provided in each of the first coil substrate portion and the second coil substrate portion (1100, 1200; hereinafter referred to as “coil substrate portions”), and an insulating layer can also be formed by adhesives (1400) placed between the coil substrate portions (1100, 1200).

[0385] The core (1110, 1210) may be arranged between a pair of first coil parts (1120) or second coil parts (1220) facing each other in the vertical direction, or between the first coil part (1120) and the second coil part (1220), to form an insulating layer therebetween. That is, the core (1110, 1210) may form an insulating layer inside the first coil substrate part (1100) or inside the second coil substrate part (1200).

[0386] And the adhesive (1400) can be placed between a pair of first coil parts (1120) facing each other in the vertical direction, a pair of second coil parts (1220) facing each other in the vertical direction, or a first coil part (1120) and a second coil part (1220) facing each other in the vertical direction to form an insulating layer therebetween. That is, the adhesive (1400) can form an insulating layer on the outside of the first coil substrate part (1100) or the second coil substrate part (1200).

[0387] In this way, either one of the first coil portion and the second coil portion (1120, 1220; hereinafter referred to as “coil portion”) and the insulating layer can be alternately arranged in the vertical direction. That is, the first coil portion (1120) and the insulating layer can be alternately arranged in the vertical direction, and the second coil portion (1220) and the insulating layer can be alternately arranged.

[0388] In addition, in a plurality of insulating layers arranged vertically, the cores (1110, 1210) and the adhesive (1400) may be arranged alternately vertically. For example, the coil parts (1120, 1220) and the insulating layers may be stacked vertically in the order of 'first coil part (1120)-core (1110)-first coil part (1120)-adhesive (1400)-first coil part (1120)' in the vertical direction.

[0389] In this embodiment, the coil substrate portions (1100, 1200) are exemplified as being formed by a copper-clad laminate including a core (1110, 1210) and a foil, respectively. Accordingly, the core (1110, 1210) may be formed by a thermosetting prepreg.

[0390] As an example, the core (1110, 1210) may be formed of a prepreg of FR4, and the coil portion (1120, 1220) may be formed as a result of a foil laminated to the core (1110, 1210) being patterned into a coil shape. The thickness of the first coil substrate portion (1100) or the second coil substrate portion (1200) may be adjusted by changing the thickness of the core (1110) or changing the thickness of the first coil portion (1120) or the second coil portion (1220).

[0391] Additionally, the adhesive (1400) may be formed of a prepreg material. For example, each adhesive (1400) may include a plurality of prepreg films laminated in a vertical direction. The thickness of the adhesive (1400) may be adjusted by varying the number of prepreg films laminated in a vertical direction.

[0392] The thickness of the adhesive (1400) may be set to be thicker than the thickness of the core (1110, 1210). In one embodiment, both the core (1110, 1210) and the adhesive (1400) are formed of prepreg, but the core (1110, 1210) is formed of a thermosetting prepreg, whereas the adhesive (1400) is formed of a non-thermosetting prepreg. Considering this, in the present embodiment, the adhesive (1400) is formed to be thicker than the core (1110, 1210), thereby maintaining the strength of the adhesive (1400) at a similar level to the strength of the core (1110, 1210), and enhancing the strength of the coil module (1001, 1003).

[0393] In addition, the thickness of the adhesive (1400) may be set to be thicker than the thickness of the coil portion (1120, 1220). As an example, the thickness of the adhesive (1400) may be set to be at least twice the thickness of the coil portion (1120, 1220). The adhesive (1400) formed in this manner may contribute to strengthening the strength of the coil portions (1120, 1220) arranged on both sides of the upper and lower directions of the adhesive (1400).

[0394] Meanwhile, the coil assembly (1000) according to one embodiment may further include outer layers (1300, 1350). The outer layers (1300, 1350) may be arranged on the upper and lower outer sides of the coil substrate laminate (1010). As an example, the outer layers (1300, 1350) may be arranged on the upper and lower sides of the coil substrate laminate (1010), respectively, and a pair of outer layers (1300, 1350) arranged in this manner may be stacked in the upper and lower directions together with the coil substrate laminate (1010). In this way, a pair of outer layers (1300, 1350) stacked in the upper and lower directions together with the coil substrate laminate (1010) may form the upper and lower ends of the coil modules (1001, 1003).

[0395] The above outer layer portions (1300, 1350) can be divided into a first outer layer portion (1300) and a second outer layer portion (1350). The first outer layer portion (1300), like the first coil portion (1120), can include a plurality of first coil portions (1120) arranged in a horizontal direction. And the second outer layer portion (1350), like the second coil portion (1220), can include a plurality of second coil portions (1220) arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0396] The first outer layer (1300) can form a working coil (WC) together with a plurality of first coil parts (1120) stacked in the vertical direction. In addition, the second outer layer (1350) can form a working coil (WC) together with the second coil part (1220). That is, the first outer layer (1300) can be vertically connected to the first coil part (1120), and the second outer layer (1350) can be vertically connected to the second coil part (1220).

[0397] The first outer layer (1300) may be positioned adjacent to the first coil substrate (1100). As an example, the first outer layer (1300) may be positioned below the first coil substrate (1100) and may be vertically connected to the first coil portion (1120). The first outer layer (1300) may form a working coil (WC) together with the first coil portion (1120).

[0398] The second outer layer (1350) may be positioned adjacent to the second coil substrate (1200). As an example, the second outer layer (1350) may be positioned on the upper side of the second coil substrate (1200) and may be vertically connected to the second coil portion (1220). The second outer layer (1350) may form a sensing coil (SC) together with the second coil portion (1220).

[0399] For example, a coil substrate laminate (1010) may be formed in a form in which a second coil portion (1220) is laminated on the upper side of a plurality of first coil portions (1120). In addition, this coil substrate laminate (1010) may be arranged between a first outer layer portion (1300) and a second outer layer portion (1350) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0400] In this case, the first outer layer (1300) disposed on the lower side of the first coil substrate (1100) forms the lower end of the coil module (1001, 1003), and can form a working coil (WC) together with the first coil portion (1120). In addition, the second outer layer (1350) disposed on the upper side of the second coil substrate (1200) forms the upper end of the coil module (1001, 1003), and can form a sensing coil (SC) together with the second coil portion (1220).

[0401] In one embodiment, each coil substrate portion (1100, 1200) has a pair of coil portions (1120, 1220) arranged vertically. That is, two layers of coil portions (1120, 1220) are formed for each coil substrate portion (1100, 1200). A coil substrate laminate (1010) formed by stacking a plurality of such coil substrate portions (1100, 1200) may include multiple layers of coil portions (1120, 1220), but may include even-numbered layers of coil portions (1120, 1220).

[0402] In addition, outer layers (1300, 1350) are respectively bonded to both sides in the upper and lower directions of the coil substrate laminate (1010) formed as described above, and accordingly, multiple layers of coil parts (1120, 1220) are arranged in each coil module (1001, 1003), and coil parts (1120, 1220) in even layers can be arranged.

[0403] The outer layer (1300, 1350) can be joined to the coil substrate laminate (1010) by an adhesive (1400) disposed between the coil portion (1120, 1220) and the outer layer (1300, 1350). The adhesive (1400) forms an insulating layer between the coil portion (1120, 1220) and the outer layer (1300, 1350) and can join the coil substrate laminate (1010) and the outer layer (1300, 1350).

[0404] As an example, an adhesive (1400) disposed between the first outer layer portion (1300) and the first coil substrate portion (1100) disposed at the bottom of the coil module (1001, 1003) forms an insulating layer between the first coil portion (1120) provided on the first coil substrate portion (1100) and the first coil portion (1120) provided on the first outer layer portion (1300), and can bond the first coil substrate portion (1100) and the first outer layer portion (1300).

[0405] In addition, the adhesive (1400) disposed between the second outer layer (1350) and the second coil substrate (1200) disposed on the top of the coil module (1001, 1003) forms an insulating layer between the second coil portion (1220) provided on the second coil substrate (1200) and the second coil portion (1220) provided on the second outer layer (1350), and can connect the first coil substrate portion (1100) and the outer layer portions (1300, 1350).

[0406] In this embodiment, a form in which a coil substrate laminate (1010) and a working coil (WC) and a sensing coil (SC) are formed by laminating units such as coil substrate portions (1100, 1200) and coil portions (1120, 1220) is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0407] As another example, a working coil (WC) and coil modules (1001, 1003) may be formed in a form in which conductors of each layer are sequentially stacked from the bottom layer without a separate substrate. In this case, the coil modules (1001, 1003) may be formed in a form in which conductors and adhesives (1400) for forming the working coil (WC) are alternately stacked in the vertical direction.

[0408] In addition, although it is expressed above that the coil module (1001, 1003) is formed in a laminated form with each part constituting the coil module (1001, 1003), such as the coil substrate part (1100, 1200), the coil part (1120, 1220), and the conductor, the coil module (1001, 1003) is formed in a form in which each part constituting the coil module (1001, 1003) is integrated.

[0409] That is, the coil module (1001, 1003) according to one embodiment is formed as an integral body and is not separated into each part constituting the coil module (1001, 1003) unless separate processing such as cutting or chemical treatment is performed.

[0410]

[0411] [Shape of the working coil]

[0412] Fig. 27 is a plan view showing an example of a working coil.

[0413] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 27, the working coil (WC) may be formed into a shape including a polygonal shape. For example, the horizontal outer shape of the working coil (WC) may be a polygonal shape. In other words, the shape of the working coil (WC) when viewed from above may be a polygonal shape.

[0414] For example, the outer shape of the working coil (WC) may be approximately rectangular. In addition, the outer shape of the coil module (1001, 1003) including the working coil (WC) may also be polygonal. In addition, the working coil (WC) may be formed by a conductor patterned on an insulating layer. For example, the working coil (WC) may be formed by a conductor patterned on an insulating layer rather than a Litz coil wound in a nearly circular shape.

[0415] By forming the working coil (WC) in a pattern shape in this way, the outer shape of the working coil (WC) can be easily formed into a polygonal shape, more specifically, into a roughly rectangular shape.

[0416] In addition, since the outer shape of the working coil (WC) is formed in this form, the working coil (WC) can occupy an area very close to the edge of the coil module (1001, 1003), so that the density of the area occupied by the working coil (WC) within the coil module (1001, 1003) can be effectively increased.

[0417] In addition, the horizontal outer shape of each first coil substrate portion (1100) provided to each working coil (WC) (hereinafter referred to as “outer shape of the first coil substrate portion”) may be a polygonal shape. For example, the outer shape of the first coil substrate portion (1100) may be approximately rectangular.

[0418] In addition, the horizontal outer shape of the core (1110) forming the skeleton of each first coil substrate portion (1100) (hereinafter referred to as “outer shape of the core”) may be a polygonal shape, similar to the shape of the coil modules (1001, 1003) and the first coil substrate portion (1100).

[0419] As an example, the working coil (WC) may be formed in a square spiral shape. For example, the working coil (WC) may be formed in a square spiral shape in which a first straight line (l1), which is a straight line in the first direction, and a second straight line (L2), which is a straight line in the second direction, are alternately connected to each other. In addition, the outer shape of the core (1110) of the first coil substrate portion (1100) forming the working coil (WC) may be formed in a square shape similar to the outer shape of the working coil (WC).

[0420] Accordingly, at least one of the plurality of outer edges of the working coil (WC) may include a straight line parallel to one of the plurality of outer edges of the core (1110) that is closest thereto. For example, the first straight line (L1) arranged at the frontmost side of the working coil (WC) may be formed as a straight line parallel to the front-side outer edge of the core (1110), and the second straight line (L2) arranged at the rightmost side of the working coil (WC) may be formed as a straight line parallel to the right-side outer edge of the core (1110).

[0421] By forming the outer shape of the core (1110) and the outer shape of the working coil (WC) in the above-described form, the working coil (WC) can occupy an area very close to the edge of the coil module (1001, 1003), and the density of the area occupied by the working coil (WC) within the coil module (1001, 1003) can be effectively increased.

[0422] Additionally, in one embodiment, each coil module (1001, 1003) may include a plurality of working coils (WC). That is, each coil module (1001, 1003) may include an assembly of a plurality of working coils (WC) arranged in a horizontal direction. For example, each coil module (1001, 1003) may be provided with an assembly of working coils (WC) including eight working coils (WC) arranged in a 2-column x 4-row configuration along the horizontal direction.

[0423] In one embodiment, the outer shape of the assembly of the working coils (WC) may be a polygonal shape. That is, the outer shape of each coil module (1001, 1003) and the outer shape of the assembly of the working coils (WC) provided to the coil modules (1001, 1003) may both be a polygonal shape.

[0424] As an example, the outer shape of a collection of working coils (WC) may be arranged in a square shape. That is, a plurality of working coils (WC) provided to each coil module (1001, 1003) may be arranged in a square shape.

[0425] As another example, the outer shape of the working coil (WCa) may be a hexagonal shape. For example, the working coil (WCa) may be formed in a hexagonal spiral shape. Accordingly, a plurality of working coils may be arranged in a honeycomb shape in the coil module (1001a). By arranging a plurality of working coils (WCa), each formed in a hexagonal spiral shape, in a honeycomb shape, the centers of all working coils (WCa) provided in the coil module (1001a) can all maintain the same distance. For example, all working coils (WCa) provided in the coil module (1001a) can be arranged so that the center distance from other adjacent working coils (WCa) is maintained at a specified value.

[0426] The working coil (WCa) provided in this form can provide an advantage in that the structural design of the coil assembly (1000) can be made easier so that the working coil (WCa) can perform both the function of detecting the presence of a heating target and the function of heating the heating target by making the center distances between adjacent working coils (WCa) the same.

[0427] As another example, the outer shape of the working coil may be circular or elliptical. For example, the working coil may be formed into a spiral shape similar to a circular or elliptical shape. Even in this case, the coil modules may be arranged so that the centers of all working coils provided in the coil module are equally spaced.

[0428]

[0429] [Example examples of coil patterns]

[0430] Fig. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the first embodiment. Fig. 29 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the first embodiment. Fig. 30 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set and the second coil layer set among the working coil according to the first embodiment. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the first embodiment. Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a portion AA1-AA2 of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the first embodiment. Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a portion BB1-BB2 of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the first embodiment.

[0431] As illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30, the working coil according to the first embodiment may include a plurality of coil turns (CT1, CT2). Although only two coil turns (CT1, CT2) included in the working coil are illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 30, the number of coil turns included in the working coil may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0432] Each coil turn (CT1, CT2) may include multiple coil strands. For example, the first coil turn (CT1) may include multiple coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4, us5, ..., ls1, ls2, ls2, ls4, ...). Similarly, the second coil turn (CT2) may also include multiple coil strands.

[0433] Additionally, each coil turn (CT1, CT2) may include multiple via patterns (V1, V2, ...). For example, the first coil turn (CT1) may include multiple via patterns (V1, V2, ...). Similarly, the second coil turn (CT2) may include multiple via patterns.

[0434] As illustrated in FIGS. 31 to 33, the working coil according to the first embodiment may include a first coil layer set including a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and a second coil layer set including a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0435] A plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) can be arranged according to a first pattern. A plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) can be stacked in a vertical direction.

[0436] The plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged according to a second pattern different from the first pattern. The plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be stacked in a vertical direction. The plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged below the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4).

[0437] Each coil layer may include multiple coil strands. For example, the first coil layer (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and the second coil layer (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may each include multiple coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4, us5, ..., ls1, ls2, ls2, ls4, ...).

[0438] Although only the cross-sectional view of the first coil turn (CT1) is shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, the second coil turn (CT2) may also have the same structure and pattern as the first coil turn (CT1).

[0439] FIGS. 31 to 33 illustrate embodiments in which the working coil includes four first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and four second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4). However, the number of each coil layer included in the working coil may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0440] Referring again to the drawing, the working coil according to the first embodiment may include a non-connected region (3001a, 3001b) and a connected region (3002).

[0441] The non-connected areas (3001a, 3001b) and the connected area (3002) may be arranged alternately. For example, although not shown in the drawing, another connected area may be arranged at one end of the non-connected area (3001a), and another connected area may be arranged at one end of the non-connected area (3001b).

[0442] Referring to FIGS. 28 to 31, in the non-connected region (3001a, 3001b), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may not be electrically connected to each other.

[0443] In one embodiment, each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be arranged on different traces in the non-connected regions (3001a, 3001b).

[0444] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 31, each of the coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4) included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) may be arranged on the first trace (TR1), the third trace (TR3), the fifth trace (TR5), and the seventh trace (TR7), respectively. In addition, each of the coil strands (ls1, ls2, ls3) included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be arranged on the second trace (TR2), the fourth trace (TR4), and the sixth trace (TR6).

[0445] According to this configuration, since the distance between each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) increases, the proximity effect between each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be reduced. Accordingly, the current distribution and magnetic flux density distribution of the working coil become more uniform, so that the power loss occurring during the driving of the home appliance can be reduced and the power efficiency can be increased. In addition, the phenomenon in which the temperature of a specific area of ​​the working coil becomes excessively higher than the temperature of another area during the driving of the home appliance can be improved.

[0446] As illustrated in FIG. 30, in the non-connected region (3001a, 3001b), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged to be parallel to each other.

[0447] As illustrated in FIG. 30, in the connection area (3002), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged to intersect with each other.

[0448] In the connection area (3002), each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be electrically connected to each other. In one embodiment, the connection area (3002) may include a via (VT1, VT2) that electrically connects at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0449] For example, referring to FIGS. 28 to 30, 32 and 33, the connection area (3002) may include a via pattern (V1, V2) electrically connected to at least one of the coil strands included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and a via (VT1, VT2) (e.g., a through via) electrically connecting the via pattern (V1, V2) electrically connected to at least one of the coil strands included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0450] According to this structure, each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be electrically connected while intersecting with each other in the connection area (3002). As a result, the entire coil pattern included in the working coil can have a twisted structure like a Litz coil. Accordingly, the skin effect and / or proximity effect between each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be reduced. Accordingly, the current distribution and magnetic flux density distribution of the working coil become more uniform, reducing power loss and increasing power efficiency during the operation of home appliances. Furthermore, the phenomenon of temperatures in certain areas of the working coil becoming excessively higher than those in other areas during the operation of home appliances can be improved.

[0451] As illustrated in FIG. 30, the connection area (3002) may include two or more via patterns (V1, V2). Accordingly, the connection area (3002) may include two or more vias (VT1, VT2).

[0452] In one embodiment, each via pattern may be arranged on a straight line intersecting at a predetermined angle with coil strands included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) or a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4). For example, in FIG. 30, the first via pattern (V1) and the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) are arranged on a straight line intersecting at a predetermined angle with coil strands arranged in the non-connected areas (3001a, 3001b).

[0453] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in each coil turn may be arranged on the same straight line. For example, in FIG. 30, the first via pattern (V1) included in the first coil turn (CT1) and the first via pattern included in the second coil turn (CT1) are arranged on the same straight line (AA1-AA2). Similarly, the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) and the second via pattern included in the second coil turn (CT2) are arranged on the same straight line (BB1-BB2).

[0454] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in each coil turn may be positioned at the same position as a via pattern included in another coil turn. For example, in FIG. 30, the first via pattern (V1) included in the first coil turn (CT1) and the first via pattern included in the second coil turn (CT1) are positioned at the same position. Similarly, the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) and the second via pattern included in the second coil turn (CT2) are positioned at the same position.

[0455] Fig. 34 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the second embodiment. Fig. 35 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the second embodiment. Fig. 36 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set and the second coil layer set among the working coil according to the second embodiment. Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the second embodiment. Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a portion AA1-AA2 of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the second embodiment. Fig. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a portion BB1-BB2 of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the second embodiment.

[0456] As illustrated in FIGS. 34 to 36, the working coil according to the second embodiment may include a plurality of coil turns (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4). Although only four coil turns (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4) included in the working coil are illustrated in FIGS. 34 to 36, the number of coil turns included in the working coil may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0457] Each coil turn (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4) may include multiple coil strands. For example, the first coil turn (CT1) may include multiple coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4, us5, ..., ls1, ls2, ls2, ls4, ...). Similarly, the second coil turn (CT2), the third coil turn (CT3), and the fourth coil turn (CT4) may also include multiple coil strands.

[0458] Additionally, each coil turn (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4) may include multiple via patterns (V1, V2, ...). For example, the first coil turn (CT1) may include multiple via patterns (V1, V2, ...), the second coil turn (CT2) may include multiple via patterns (V3, V4, ...), and so on. Similarly, the third coil turn (CT3) and the fourth coil turn (CT4) may also include multiple via patterns.

[0459] As illustrated in FIGS. 37 to 39, the working coil according to the second embodiment may include a first coil layer set including a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and a second coil layer set including a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0460] A plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) can be arranged according to a first pattern. A plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) can be stacked in a vertical direction.

[0461] The plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged according to a second pattern different from the first pattern. The plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be stacked in a vertical direction. The plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged below the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4).

[0462] Each coil layer may include multiple coil strands. For example, the first coil layer (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and the second coil layer (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may each include multiple coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4, us5, ..., ls1, ls2, ls2, ls4, ...).

[0463] Although only cross-sectional views of the first coil turn (CT1) and the second coil turn (CT2) are shown in FIGS. 37 to 39, the third coil turn (CT3) and the fourth coil turn (CT4) may also have the same structure and pattern as the first coil turn (CT1) and the second coil turn (CT2).

[0464] FIGS. 37 to 39 illustrate embodiments in which the working coil includes four first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and four second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4). However, the number of each coil layer included in the working coil may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0465] Referring again to the drawing, the working coil according to the second embodiment may include a non-connected region (3003a, 3003b) and a connected region (3004).

[0466] The non-connected areas (3003a, 3003b) and the connected area (3004) may be arranged alternately. For example, although not shown in the drawing, another connected area may be arranged at one end of the non-connected area (3003a), and another connected area may be arranged at one end of the non-connected area (3003b).

[0467] Referring to FIGS. 34 to 37, in the non-connected region (3003a, 3003b), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may not be electrically connected to each other.

[0468] In one embodiment, each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be arranged on the same trace in the non-connected region (3003a, 3003b).

[0469] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 37, each of the coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4) included in the first coil turn (CT1) of the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) may be arranged in the first trace (TR1), the third trace (TR3), the fifth trace (TR5), and the seventh trace (TR7), respectively. In addition, each of the coil strands (ls1, ls2, ls3) included in the first coil turn (CT1) of the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may also be arranged in the first trace (TR1), the third trace (TR3), the fifth trace (TR5), and the seventh trace (TR7), respectively.

[0470] As illustrated in FIG. 36, in the non-connected region (3003a, 3003b), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged to be parallel to each other.

[0471] As illustrated in FIG. 36, in the connection area (3004), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged to intersect with each other.

[0472] In the connection area (3004), each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be electrically connected to each other. In one embodiment, the connection area (3004) may include vias (VT1, VT2, VT3, VT4) that electrically connect at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0473] For example, referring to FIGS. 34 to 36, 38 and 39, the connection area (3004) may include a via pattern (V1, V2, V3, V4) electrically connected to at least one of the coil strands included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and a via (VT1, VT2, VT3, VT4) (e.g., a through via) electrically connected to the via pattern (V1, V2, V3, V4) electrically connected to at least one of the coil strands included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0474] According to this structure, each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be electrically connected while intersecting with each other in the connection area (3004). As a result, the entire coil pattern included in the working coil can have a twisted structure like a Litz coil. Accordingly, the skin effect and / or proximity effect between each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be reduced. Accordingly, the current distribution and magnetic flux density distribution of the working coil become more uniform, reducing power loss and increasing power efficiency during the operation of home appliances. Furthermore, the phenomenon of temperatures in certain areas of the working coil becoming excessively higher than those in other areas during the operation of home appliances can be improved.

[0475] As illustrated in FIG. 36, the connection area (3004) may include two or more via patterns (V1, V2, V3, V4). Accordingly, the connection area (3004) may include two or more vias (VT1, VT2, VT3, VT4).

[0476] In one embodiment, each via pattern may be arranged on a straight line orthogonal to coil strands included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) or a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4). For example, in FIG. 36, the first via pattern (V1) and the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) are arranged on a straight line (AA1-AA2) orthogonal to coil strands arranged in the non-connected areas (3003a, 3003b). Similarly, the third via pattern (V3) and the fourth via pattern (V4) included in the second coil turn (CT2) are arranged on a straight line (BB1-BB2) orthogonal to coil strands arranged in the non-connected areas (3003a, 3003b).

[0477] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in each coil turn may be arranged on the same straight line. For example, in FIG. 36, the first via pattern (V1) and the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) are arranged on the same straight line (AA1-AA2). Similarly, the third via pattern (V3) and the fourth via pattern (V4) included in the second coil turn (CT2) are arranged on the same straight line (BB1-BB2).

[0478] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in the nth coil turn may be positioned at the same position as a via pattern included in the (n+1)th coil turn. (Here, n is a positive integer) For example, in FIG. 30, the first via pattern (V1) and the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) are positioned at the same positions as the first via pattern and the second via pattern included in the third coil turn (CT3). Similarly, the third via pattern (V3) and the fourth via pattern (V4) included in the second coil turn (CT2) are positioned at the same positions as the third via pattern and the fourth via pattern included in the fourth coil turn (CT4).

[0479] Fig. 40 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the third embodiment. Fig. 41 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the third embodiment. Fig. 42 is an enlarged view of a portion of the third coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the third embodiment. Fig. 43 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set, the second coil layer set, and the third coil layer set among the working coil according to the third embodiment. Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional view of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the third embodiment. Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view of a portion AA1-AA2 of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the third embodiment. Fig. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the BB1-BB2 portion of the non-connected region of the coil pattern of the working coil according to the third embodiment.

[0480] As illustrated in FIGS. 40 to 43, the working coil according to the third embodiment may include a plurality of coil turns (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4). Although only four coil turns (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4) included in the working coil are illustrated in FIGS. 40 to 43, the number of coil turns included in the working coil may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0481] Each coil turn (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4) may include multiple coil strands. For example, the first coil turn (CT1) may include multiple coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4, us5, ..., ls1, ls2, ls2, ls4, ...). Similarly, the second coil turn (CT2), the third coil turn (CT3), and the fourth coil turn (CT4) may also include multiple coil strands.

[0482] Additionally, each coil turn (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4) may include multiple via patterns (V1, V2, ...). For example, the first coil turn (CT1) may include multiple via patterns (V1, V2, ...), the second coil turn (CT2) may include multiple via patterns (V3, V4, ...), and so on. Similarly, the third coil turn (CT3) and the fourth coil turn (CT4) may also include multiple via patterns.

[0483] As illustrated in FIGS. 40 to 43, a working coil according to a third embodiment may include a first coil layer set including a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), a second coil layer set including a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4), and a third coil layer set including a plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4).

[0484] A plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) can be arranged according to a first pattern. A plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) can be stacked in a vertical direction.

[0485] The plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged according to a second pattern different from the first pattern. The plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be stacked in a vertical direction. The plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged below the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4).

[0486] The plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) can be arranged according to a third pattern different from the first pattern and the second pattern. The plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) can be stacked in a vertical direction. The plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) can be arranged below the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0487] Each coil layer may include multiple coil strands. For example, the first coil layer (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), the second coil layer (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) and the third coil layer (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) may each include multiple coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4, us5, ..., ls1, ls2, ls2, ls4, ..., ms1, ms2, ms3, ms4, ...).

[0488] Although only cross-sectional views of the first coil turn (CT1) and the second coil turn (CT2) are shown in FIGS. 44 to 46, the third coil turn (CT3) and the fourth coil turn (CT4) may also have the same structure and pattern as the first coil turn (CT1) and the second coil turn (CT2).

[0489] FIGS. 44 to 46 illustrate embodiments in which the working coil includes four first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), four second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4), and four third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4). However, the number of each coil layer included in the working coil may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0490] Referring again to the drawings, the working coil according to the third embodiment may include non-connected regions (3005a, 3005b) and connected regions (3006a, 3006b).

[0491] The non-connected areas (3005a, 3005b) and the connected areas (3006a, 3006b) may be arranged alternately. For example, although not shown in the drawing, another connected area may be arranged at one end of the non-connected area (3005a), and another connected area may be arranged at one end of the non-connected area (3005b).

[0492] Referring to FIGS. 40 to 44, in the non-connected region (3005a, 3005b), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4), and each coil strand included in a plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) may not be electrically connected to each other.

[0493] In one embodiment, each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4), and each coil strand included in a plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) may be arranged on the same trace in the non-connected region (3005a, 3005b). However, in another embodiment, at least one of each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4), and each coil strand included in the plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) may be arranged in a different trace from the coil strands included in the other coil layers.

[0494] As illustrated in FIG. 44, in the non-connected region (3005a, 3005b), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4), and each coil strand included in a plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) can be arranged to be parallel to each other.

[0495] As illustrated in FIG. 43, in the connection area (3006a, 3006b), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4), and each coil strand included in a plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) can be arranged to intersect with each other.

[0496] In the connection area (3006a, 3006b), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4), and each coil strand included in a plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) can be electrically connected to each other. In one embodiment, the connection region (3006a, 3006b) may include a via (VT1, VT2, VT3, VT4) electrically connecting at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) to at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) and each of the coil strands included in the plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4).

[0497] For example, referring to FIGS. 40 to 43, 45 and 46, the connection area (3006a, 3006b) may include a via pattern (V1, V2, V3, V4) electrically connected to at least one of the coil strands included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and a via (VT1, VT2, VT3, VT4) (e.g., a through via) electrically connected to a via pattern (V1, V2, V3, V4) electrically connected to at least one of the coil strands included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0498] The connection region (3006a, 3006b) may include a first connection region (3006a) and a second connection region (3006b). In the first connection region (3006a), a via may be formed in the nth coil turn. In the second connection region (3006b), a via may be formed in the (n+1)th coil turn (wherein n is a positive integer). For example, in the first connection region (3006a), vias (VT1, VT2) may be formed in the 1st and 3rd coil turns, and in the second connection region (3006b), vias (VT3, VT4) may be formed in the 2nd and 4th coil turns.

[0499] According to this structure, each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4), and each coil strand included in a plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) can be electrically connected while intersecting with each other in the connection area (3006a, 3006b). As a result, the entire coil pattern included in the working coil can have a twisted structure like a Litz coil. Accordingly, the skin effect and / or proximity effect between each coil strand included in each of the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4), each coil strand included in each of the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4), and each coil strand included in each of the plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4) can be reduced. Accordingly, the current distribution and magnetic flux density distribution of the working coil become more uniform, so that the power loss occurring during the operation of the home appliance can be reduced and the power efficiency can be increased. In addition, the phenomenon in which the temperature of a specific region of the working coil becomes excessively higher than the temperature of another region during the operation of the home appliance can be improved.

[0500] As illustrated in FIG. 43, the connection areas (3006a, 3006b) may include two or more via patterns (V1, V2, V3, V4). Accordingly, the connection areas (3006a, 3006b) may include two or more vias (VT1, VT2, VT3, VT4).

[0501] In one embodiment, each via pattern may be arranged on a straight line orthogonal to coil strands included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) or a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) or a plurality of third coil layers (CL3-1, CL3-2, CL3-3, CL3-4). For example, in FIG. 43, the first via pattern (V1) and the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) are arranged on a straight line (AA1-AA2) orthogonal to coil strands arranged in the non-connected areas (3005a, 3005b). Similarly, the third via pattern (V3) and the fourth via pattern (V4) included in the second coil turn (CT2) are arranged on a straight line (BB1-BB2) orthogonal to the coil strands arranged in the non-connected area (3005a, 3005b).

[0502] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in each coil turn may be arranged on the same straight line. For example, in FIG. 43, the first via pattern (V1) and the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) are arranged on the same straight line (AA1-AA2). Similarly, the third via pattern (V3) and the fourth via pattern (V4) included in the second coil turn (CT2) are arranged on the same straight line (BB1-BB2).

[0503] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in the nth coil turn may be positioned at the same position as a via pattern included in the (n+1)th coil turn. (Here, n is a positive integer) For example, in FIG. 43, the first via pattern (V1) and the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) are positioned at the same positions as the first via pattern and the second via pattern included in the third coil turn (CT3). Similarly, the third via pattern (V3) and the fourth via pattern (V4) included in the second coil turn (CT2) are positioned at the same positions as the third via pattern and the fourth via pattern included in the fourth coil turn (CT4).

[0504] Fig. 47 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 48 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second coil layer set among the coil patterns of the working coil according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 49 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first coil layer set and the second coil layer set among the working coil according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 50 is a cross-sectional view of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 51 is a cross-sectional view of a portion AA1-AA2 of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 52 is a cross-sectional view of a portion BB1-BB2 of a non-connected area of ​​the coil pattern of the working coil according to the fourth embodiment.

[0505] As illustrated in FIGS. 47 to 52, the working coil according to the fourth embodiment may include a plurality of coil turns (CT1, CT2). Although only two coil turns (CT1, CT2) included in the working coil are illustrated in FIGS. 47 to 52, the number of coil turns included in the working coil may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0506] Each coil turn (CT1, CT2) may include multiple coil strands. For example, the first coil turn (CT1) may include multiple coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4, us5, ..., ls1, ls2, ls2, ls4, ...). Similarly, the second coil turn (CT2) may also include multiple coil strands.

[0507] Additionally, each coil turn (CT1, CT2) may include multiple via patterns (V1, V2, ...). For example, the first coil turn (CT1) may include multiple via patterns (V1, V2, ...). Similarly, the second coil turn (CT2) may include multiple via patterns.

[0508] As illustrated in FIGS. 50 to 52, the working coil according to the first embodiment may include a first coil layer set including a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and a second coil layer set including a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0509] A plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) can be arranged according to a first pattern. A plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) can be stacked in a vertical direction.

[0510] A plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be arranged according to a second pattern different from the first pattern. A plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be stacked in a vertical direction.

[0511] In one embodiment, the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be arranged alternately with each other. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 50 to 52, the second coil layer (CL2-1) may be arranged under the first coil layer (CL1-1), and the first coil layer (CL1-2) may be arranged under the second coil layer (CL2-1). In this manner, the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be arranged alternately with each other.

[0512] Although not shown, in another embodiment, a first coil layer (CL1-2) may be disposed under a first coil layer (CL1-1), and a second coil layer (CL2-1) and a second coil layer (CL2-2) may be disposed under the first coil layer (CL1-2). In addition, a first coil layer (CL1-3) and a first coil layer (CL1-4) may be stacked under the second coil layer (CL2-2).

[0513] Meanwhile, although not shown, the first coil layer and the second coil layer included in the working coil according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 34 to 39 may also be arranged alternately.

[0514] Also, although not shown, at least two coil layers among the first coil layer, the second coil layer, and the third coil layer included in the working coil according to the third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 40 to 46 may be arranged alternately with each other.

[0515] Each coil layer may include multiple coil strands. For example, the first coil layer (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and the second coil layer (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may each include multiple coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4, us5, ..., ls1, ls2, ls2, ls4, ...).

[0516] Although only the cross-sectional view of the first coil turn (CT1) is shown in FIGS. 50 to 52, the second coil turn (CT2) may also have the same structure and pattern as the first coil turn (CT1).

[0517] FIGS. 50 to 52 illustrate embodiments in which the working coil includes four first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and four second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4). However, the number of each coil layer included in the working coil may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0518] Referring again to the drawing, the working coil according to the fourth embodiment may include a non-connected region (3001a, 3001b) and a connected region (3002).

[0519] The non-connected areas (3001a, 3001b) and the connected area (3002) may be arranged alternately. For example, although not shown in the drawing, another connected area may be arranged at one end of the non-connected area (3001a), and another connected area may be arranged at one end of the non-connected area (3001b).

[0520] Referring to FIGS. 47 to 49, in the non-connected region (3001a, 3001b), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may not be electrically connected to each other.

[0521] In one embodiment, each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be arranged on different traces in the non-connected regions (3001a, 3001b).

[0522] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 50, each of the coil strands (us1, us2, us3, us4) included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) may be arranged on the first trace (TR1), the third trace (TR3), the fifth trace (TR5), and the seventh trace (TR7), respectively. In addition, each of the coil strands (ls1, ls2, ls3) included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be arranged on the second trace (TR2), the fourth trace (TR4), and the sixth trace (TR6).

[0523] According to this configuration, since the distance between each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) increases, the proximity effect between each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be reduced. Accordingly, the current distribution and magnetic flux density distribution of the working coil become more uniform, so that the power loss occurring during the driving of the home appliance can be reduced and the power efficiency can be increased. In addition, the phenomenon in which the temperature of a specific region of the working coil becomes excessively higher than the temperature of another region during the driving of the home appliance can be improved.

[0524] The coil layers of the working coil illustrated in FIGS. 47 to 52 can be manufactured by a micro-process. However, due to the nature of the micro-process, there may be cases where adjacent strands are accidentally joined or disconnected for unknown reasons. However, as described above, if a structure is applied in which the first coil layer and the second coil layer are alternately arranged and the first coil layer and the second coil layer are arranged on different traces, it becomes possible to advantageously respond to situations in which adjacent strands are joined or disconnected during the coil layer manufacturing process as described above. In particular, even if strands in some areas of the working coil are disconnected, the reliability of the working coil and the home appliance can be improved because there is another path through which current can flow in the same direction.

[0525] As illustrated in FIG. 49, in the non-connected region (3001a, 3001b), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged to be parallel to each other.

[0526] As illustrated in FIG. 49, in the connection area (3002), each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be arranged to intersect with each other.

[0527] In the connection area (3002), each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) may be electrically connected to each other. In one embodiment, the connection area (3002) may include a via (VT1, VT2) that electrically connects at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0528] For example, referring to FIGS. 47 to 49, 51 and 52, the connection area (3002) may include a via pattern (V1, V2) electrically connected to at least one of the coil strands included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and a via (VT1, VT2) (e.g., a through via) electrically connecting the via pattern (V1, V2) electrically connected to at least one of the coil strands included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4).

[0529] According to this structure, each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be electrically connected while intersecting with each other in the connection area (3002). As a result, the entire coil pattern included in the working coil can have a twisted structure like a Litz coil. Accordingly, the skin effect and / or proximity effect between each coil strand included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) and each coil strand included in a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4) can be reduced. Accordingly, the current distribution and magnetic flux density distribution of the working coil become more uniform, reducing power loss and increasing power efficiency during the operation of home appliances. Furthermore, the phenomenon of temperatures in certain areas of the working coil becoming excessively higher than those in other areas during the operation of home appliances can be improved.

[0530] As illustrated in FIG. 49, the connection area (3002) may include two or more via patterns (V1, V2). Accordingly, the connection area (3002) may include two or more vias (VT1, VT2).

[0531] In one embodiment, each via pattern may be arranged on a straight line intersecting at a predetermined angle with coil strands included in a plurality of first coil layers (CL1-1, CL1-2, CL1-3, CL1-4) or a plurality of second coil layers (CL2-1, CL2-2, CL2-3, CL2-4). For example, in FIG. 49, the first via pattern (V1) and the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) are arranged on a straight line intersecting at a predetermined angle with coil strands arranged in the non-connected areas (3001a, 3001b).

[0532] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in each coil turn may be arranged on the same straight line. For example, in FIG. 49, the first via pattern (V1) included in the first coil turn (CT1) and the first via pattern included in the second coil turn (CT1) are arranged on the same straight line (AA1-AA2). Similarly, the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) and the second via pattern included in the second coil turn (CT2) are arranged on the same straight line (BB1-BB2).

[0533] In one embodiment, each via pattern included in each coil turn may be positioned at the same position as a via pattern included in another coil turn. For example, in FIG. 30, the first via pattern (V1) included in the first coil turn (CT1) and the first via pattern included in the second coil turn (CT1) are positioned at the same position. Similarly, the second via pattern (V2) included in the first coil turn (CT1) and the second via pattern included in the second coil turn (CT2) are positioned at the same position.

[0534] Fig. 53 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit according to one embodiment. Fig. 54 is a diagram showing the waveform of a resonant signal output from an output node of a sensing circuit according to one embodiment. Fig. 55 is a diagram showing the waveform of a square wave output from a comparator of a sensing circuit according to one embodiment.

[0535] In one embodiment, the controller (500) may perform container detection using the sensing circuit illustrated in FIG. 53.

[0536] Referring to FIG. 53, a sensing circuit according to one embodiment may include a sensing coil (SC), a resonant capacitor (Cr2) connected in parallel with the sensing coil (SC), a switching element (SWt) connected to the sensing coil (SC) and the resonant capacitor (Cr2), and a comparator (360) that compares a resonant signal output from an output node (N) with a predetermined reference signal and outputs a square wave.

[0537] When the container detection starts, the controller (500) can turn on the switching element (SWt) for a predetermined charging time. Accordingly, the first power voltage (VR1) and the ground terminal are electrically connected, and voltage can be applied to the sensing coil (SC) and the resonant capacitor (Cr2).

[0538] When a predetermined charging time has elapsed, the controller (500) can turn off the switching element (SWt). Accordingly, a resonance phenomenon may occur due to the sensing coil (SC) and the resonance capacitor (Cr2).

[0539] When a resonance phenomenon occurs due to the sensing coil (SC) and the resonance capacitor (Cr2), a resonance signal can be output through the output node (N). Fig. 54 is a diagram showing the waveform of a resonance signal output from the output node of a sensing circuit according to one embodiment.

[0540] In one embodiment, the sensing circuit may further include a DC blocking unit (350) for removing a DC component from the resonant signal output from the output node (N). In another embodiment, the DC blocking unit (350) may be omitted.

[0541] The resonance signal output from the output node (N) can be input to the comparator (360). The comparator (360) can output a square wave by comparing the resonance signal with a reference signal defined by the second power voltage (VR2). Fig. 55 is a diagram showing the waveform of the square wave output from the comparator of the sensing circuit according to one embodiment.

[0542] More specifically, the comparator (360) can compare the voltage magnitude of the reference signal generated by the second power voltage (VR2) with the voltage magnitude of the resonance signal output from the output node (N), and output a square wave according to the comparison result. For example, if the voltage magnitude of the resonance signal output from the output node (N) is greater than or equal to the voltage magnitude of the reference signal, the comparator (CP) can output a signal having a voltage magnitude of a first level (e.g., 5 V), and if the voltage magnitude of the resonance signal is less than the voltage magnitude of the reference signal, the comparator (CP) can output a signal having a voltage magnitude of a second level (e.g., 0 V).

[0543] The controller (500) can count the number of waveforms of the square wave output from the comparator (360) and determine whether a container exists above the sensing coil (SC) based on the counted number of waveforms of the square wave.

[0544] When a container exists above the sensing coil (SC), the impedance of the sensing coil (SC) and the resonant capacitor (Cr2) remains relatively high compared to when the container does not exist. Therefore, the resonant signal can be attenuated for a relatively short time and then disappear. Conversely, when there is no container above the sensing coil (SC), the impedance of the sensing coil (SC) and the resonant capacitor (Cr2) remains relatively low compared to when the container exists. Therefore, the resonant signal can be attenuated for a relatively long time and then disappear.

[0545] Ultimately, the number of waveforms of the square wave output by the comparator (360) when there is no container above the sensing coil (SC) is greater than the number of waveforms of the square wave output by the comparator (360) when there is a container above the sensing coil (SC).

[0546] Accordingly, the controller (500) can determine that a container exists above the sensing coil (SC) if the number of counted square wave waveforms is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value. Conversely, the controller (500) can determine that a container does not exist above the sensing coil (SC) if the number of counted square wave waveforms exceeds a predetermined reference value. The reference value may be set differently depending on the embodiment.

[0547] In one embodiment, the controller (500) can sequentially perform container detection for each sensing coil (SC). Accordingly, while container detection is performed for one sensing coil (SC), the remaining sensing coils (SC) can be maintained in a discharged state.

[0548] Although the present specification has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, the present specification is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, even if the effects resulting from the configuration of the present specification have not been explicitly described and explained while describing the embodiments of the present specification, the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. In the working coil, The above working coil is A plurality of first coil layers arranged according to a first pattern and stacked in a vertical direction; and A plurality of second coil layers are arranged according to a second pattern and are stacked in a vertical direction and are arranged in a different layer from the plurality of first coil layers, The above working coil is Includes connected and unconnected areas, The above connection region includes a via that electrically connects at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers and at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers. Working coil.

2. In paragraph 1, Each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers are arranged in different traces in the non-connected region. Working coil.

3. In paragraph 1, Each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers are arranged in the same trace in the non-connected region. Working coil.

4. In paragraph 1, Each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers are parallel to each other in the non-connected region. Working coil.

5. In paragraph 1, Each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers and each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers intersect each other in the connection area. Working coil.

6. In paragraph 1, The above connection area includes two or more via patterns, Each via pattern is arranged on a straight line perpendicular to the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers or the plurality of second coil layers. Working coil.

7. In paragraph 1, The above connection area includes two or more via patterns, Each via pattern is arranged on a straight line intersecting the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers or the plurality of second coil layers at a predetermined angle. Working coil.

8. In paragraph 1, The above working coil comprises a plurality of coil turns, Each via pattern included in each coil turn is arranged on the same straight line. Working coil.

9. In paragraph 1, The above working coil comprises a plurality of coil turns, The via pattern included in each coil turn is placed in the same location as the vias included in other coil turns. Working coil.

10. In paragraph 1, The above working coil comprises a plurality of coil turns, Each via pattern included in the nth coil turn is arranged on the first straight line, Each via pattern included in the (n+1)th coil turn is arranged on the second straight line. Working coil. (where n is a positive integer) 11. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned connection area and the above-mentioned non-connection area are arranged alternately. Working coil.

12. In paragraph 1, The first coil layer and the second coil layer are arranged alternately in the vertical direction. Working coil.

13. In paragraph 1, The above working coil is It is included in the home appliance and heats the object. Working coil.

14. In the working coil, The above working coil is A plurality of first coil layers arranged according to a first pattern and stacked in a vertical direction; A plurality of second coil layers arranged according to a second pattern and stacked in a vertical direction and arranged in a different layer from the plurality of first coil layers; and A plurality of third coil layers are arranged and stacked in a vertical direction according to a third pattern and are arranged in a different layer from the plurality of first coil layers and the plurality of second coil layers, The above working coil is Includes connected and unconnected areas, The above connection region includes a via that electrically connects at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers, at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers, and at least one of the coil strands included in the plurality of third coil layers. Working coil.

15. In paragraph 14, Each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers, each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers, and each coil strand included in the plurality of third coil layers are arranged in the same trace in the non-connected region. Working coil.

16. In paragraph 14, The above connection area is comprising a first connection area and a second connection area, The via is formed in the nth coil turn in the first connection area, The via is formed in the (n+1)th coil turn in the second connection area. Working coil. (where n is a positive integer) 17. In paragraph 16, At least one of each of the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers and at least one of each of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers are electrically connected by the via in the first connection area. Working coil.

18. In paragraph 16, At least one of each of the coil strands included in the plurality of second coil layers and at least one of each of the coil strands included in the plurality of third coil layers are electrically connected by the via in the second connection area. Working coil.

19. In paragraph 14, Each coil strand included in the plurality of first coil layers, each coil strand included in the plurality of second coil layers, and each coil strand included in the plurality of third coil layers intersect each other in the connection area. Working coil.

20. In paragraph 14, The above connection area includes two or more via patterns, Each via pattern is arranged on a straight line orthogonal to the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers, the plurality of second coil layers, or the plurality of third coil layers. Working coil.

21. In paragraph 14, The above connection area includes two or more via patterns, Each via pattern is arranged on a straight line intersecting the coil strands included in the plurality of first coil layers or the plurality of second coil layers or the plurality of third coil layers at a predetermined angle. Working coil.

22. In paragraph 14, The above working coil comprises a plurality of coil turns, Each via pattern included in the nth coil turn is arranged on the first straight line, Each via pattern included in the (n+1)th coil turn is arranged on the second straight line. Working coil. (where n is a positive integer) 23. In paragraph 14, The above-mentioned connection area and the above-mentioned non-connection area are arranged alternately. Working coil.

24. In paragraph 16, In the above nth coil turn, the first connection region and the non-connection region are alternately arranged, In the above (n+1)th coil turn, the second connection region and the non-connection region are alternately arranged. Working coil. (where n is a positive integer) 25. In paragraph 14, At least two of the first coil layer, the second coil layer and the third coil layer are arranged alternately in the vertical direction. Working coil.

26. In paragraph 14, The above working coil is It is included in the home appliance and heats the object. Working coil.

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