Cooking apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooking apparatus configured such that a signal processing unit, capable of collectively signal-processing output signals of a plurality of temperature sensors integrally formed in a coil circuit board module and transmitting same to a main circuit board module, is integrally provided in a temperature sensing circuit, and not in the main circuit board, thereby enabling the configuration of the main circuit board module to be simplified.

Description

Cooking appliances

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance, and more particularly, to a cooking appliance in which a signal processing unit capable of collectively processing output signals of a plurality of temperature sensors formed integrally on a coil circuit board module and transmitting them to a main circuit board module is configured to be integrally provided on a temperature sensing circuit rather than on the main circuit board, thereby simplifying the configuration of the main circuit board module.

[0002]

[0003] Cooking appliances are a type of home appliance used for cooking food. They are installed in kitchens and cook food according to the user's preferences. These cooking appliances can be categorized in various ways based on the heat source, form, or type of fuel used.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Among open cooking appliances, a cooktop may be provided with at least one burner to heat a food item contained in a cooking vessel.

[0006] These cooktops may be provided with an electric burner or with a gas burner.

[0007] Additionally, the cooktop may be implemented as a standalone unit or as an oven range that includes an oven beneath the cooktop.

[0008] An example of a cooktop with an electric burner is an induction cooker.

[0009] An induction cooking appliance is a cooking device that performs cooking functions using induction heating. In an induction cooking appliance, when high-frequency power is applied to a working coil, a magnetic field can be formed around the working coil.

[0010] Eddy currents are generated in the magnetic cooking container due to the generated magnetic field, and food can be cooked by the cooking container that is heated by acting as resistance to these eddy currents.

[0011] These induction cookers do not require gas combustion and therefore do not produce exhaust gases. Furthermore, by generating heat immediately within the container itself, induction cookers minimize heat transfer through radiation or conduction, allowing for rapid heating of food.

[0012] A conventional induction heating cooktop is configured to form individual burners by twisting a plurality of Litz wires to form a working coil and winding the working coil in a spiral shape in multiple layers.

[0013] At this time, each crater must be equipped with a coil frame to maintain and support the winding shape of the working coil.

[0014] Therefore, the vertical size of each burner, which is the sum of the vertical size of the working coil wound in a multi-layer structure and the vertical size of the coil frame, cannot help but occupy a considerably large proportion of the vertical size of the entire cooktop.

[0015] Due to the limitations in the size of the individual burners that make up a cooktop like this, conventional cooktops inevitably had limitations in increasing the output of each burner.

[0016] In addition, when constructing a cooktop with multiple burners, conventional cooktops have spatial limitations in that there is very little space for installing other components or parts, and therefore the total number of burners that can be installed on the cooktop is inevitably very limited.

[0017] As an alternative to the Litz wire-type working coil, a technology for a cooktop has been developed that forms a burner by forming the working coil in a spiral multilayer pattern on a printed circuit board. (Prior Document 001, Design and Optimization of Small Inductors on Extra-Thin PCB for Flexible Cooking Surfaces / IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. 53, NO. 1, JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017)

[0018] The cooktop disclosed in prior art document 001 can be configured to form a burner by forming a single or multiple layer working coil pattern wound in a spiral shape on a single printed circuit board.

[0019] In this way, the cooktop disclosed in prior art document 001 has the advantage that the vertical size of the cooktop can be significantly reduced compared to a conventional cooktop since the working coil patterns forming the burner are integrally formed on a single printed circuit board, thereby improving vertical space utilization, and the number of burners can be significantly increased compared to a conventional cooktop, thereby improving horizontal space utilization.

[0020]

[0021] The cooktop disclosed in the aforementioned prior art document 001 has a problem in that the temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the container or the temperature of the top plate on which the container is placed is not provided on the printed circuit board on which the working coil pattern is formed, and thus the temperature of the container or the top plate cannot be effectively detected.

[0022] In addition, the cooktop disclosed in prior art document 001 has a problem in that, if a temperature sensor is to be placed at a location other than the printed circuit board where the working coil pattern is formed, additional space must be secured between the printed circuit board and the top plate for the temperature sensor to be installed.

[0023] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art, and the first object of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance in which a temperature sensing circuit including a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a top plate is integrally provided on a coil circuit board module on which a working coil pattern is formed, thereby preventing deterioration in space utilization due to the addition of a temperature sensor, and minimizing manufacturing cost and manufacturing time as the temperature sensing circuit is integrally formed on the coil circuit board module.

[0024] In addition, the present invention has a second purpose of providing a cooking appliance in which a signal processing unit capable of processing output signals of a plurality of temperature sensors integrally formed in a coil circuit board module and transmitting them to a main circuit board module is integrally provided in a temperature sensing circuit rather than in the main circuit board, thereby simplifying the configuration of the main circuit board module.

[0025] In addition, the present invention has a third object to provide a cooking appliance in which a multiplexer, a signal amplifier, a signal conversion element, and a pattern electrically connecting them, which constitute a signal processing unit, are arranged in a dummy area where no other pattern is formed, thereby improving space utilization for the dummy area, increasing rigidity for the dummy area, and reducing the proportion of insulating material, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0026] The purposes of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other purposes and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0027]

[0028] A cooking appliance according to the present invention comprises: a top plate on which a container is mounted; and a coil circuit board module disposed below the top plate and having a working coil pattern to which high-frequency power is applied to generate a magnetic field to heat the container; wherein the coil circuit board module has a temperature sensing circuit for detecting the temperature of the top plate, and the temperature sensing circuit is formed integrally with the coil circuit board module.

[0029] Additionally, the temperature sensing circuit may include a plurality of temperature sensors mounted on the coil circuit board module.

[0030] Additionally, the plurality of temperature sensors may be mounted on the upper surface of the coil circuit board module facing the top plate.

[0031] Additionally, the temperature sensing circuit may further include a multiplexer electrically connected to the plurality of temperature sensors and selecting and outputting an output signal of any one of the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0032] Additionally, the multiplexer can be mounted on the top or bottom surface of the coil circuit board module.

[0033] Additionally, the multiplexer may be positioned at a position that does not overlap with the working coil pattern in the vertical direction.

[0034] Additionally, the temperature sensing circuit may further include a pull-up element or a pull-down element connected to the output terminal of the multiplexer.

[0035] Additionally, the pull-up element or pull-down element may be integrated into the multiplexer.

[0036] Additionally, the temperature sensing circuit may further include a microcomputer connected to the output terminal of the multiplexer and converting an output signal of the selected temperature sensor.

[0037] In addition, the output signal of the selected temperature sensor becomes a resistance-based data signal determined according to the temperature of the top plate, and the microcomputer can convert the resistance-based data into a temperature-based data signal.

[0038] Additionally, the microcomputer can be mounted on the top or bottom surface of the coil circuit board module.

[0039] Additionally, the microcomputer can be placed at a position that does not overlap with the working coil pattern in the vertical direction.

[0040] Additionally, the temperature sensing circuit may further include a signal amplification element connected to the output terminal of the multiplexer.

[0041] Additionally, the signal amplification element may be integrated into the microcomputer.

[0042] In addition, the coil circuit board module further includes a container sensing circuit that detects whether the container is seated, and the container sensing circuit can be formed integrally with the coil circuit board module.

[0043] In addition, the container sensing circuit includes a sensing coil pattern formed by being wound in a spiral shape to detect whether the container is settled, and the temperature sensor can be placed on the coil circuit board module in a state surrounded by the sensing coil pattern when viewed from the top plate.

[0044] In addition, the main circuit board module for determining whether to supply high-frequency power to the working coil pattern is further included, and the coil circuit board module may be provided with a low-power connector for integrally connecting the temperature sensing circuit and the container sensing circuit to the main circuit board module side.

[0045] Additionally, the low-power connector can be fixed to the lower surface of the coil circuit board module.

[0046]

[0047] The present invention is configured so that a temperature sensing circuit including a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a top plate is integrally provided on a coil circuit board module on which a working coil pattern is formed, thereby preventing deterioration in space utilization due to the addition of a temperature sensor, and has the effect of minimizing manufacturing cost and manufacturing time as the temperature sensing circuit is integrally formed on the coil circuit board module.

[0048] In addition, the present invention is configured so that a signal processing unit capable of processing output signals of a plurality of temperature sensors in batches and transmitting them to a main circuit board module is included in the temperature sensing circuit, thereby enabling the commonization of the coil circuit board module regardless of the specifications of the product to which it is applied, and minimizing changes in settings or circuit configuration for the main circuit board module depending on the specifications of the product, thereby having the effect of simplifying the configuration of the main circuit board module.

[0049] In addition, the present invention has the effect of improving space utilization of the dummy area by arranging the multiplexer, signal amplifier element, signal conversion element, and the pattern electrically connecting them, which constitute the signal processing unit, in a dummy area where no other pattern is formed.

[0050] In addition, the present invention has the effect of reducing manufacturing costs by increasing rigidity of the dummy area and reducing the proportion of insulating material by arranging the multiplexer, signal amplifier element, signal conversion element, and the pattern electrically connecting them that constitute the signal processing unit in a dummy area where no other pattern is formed.

[0051] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0052]

[0053] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 is a plan view of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0055] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the cooking appliance illustrated in Fig. 1, showing a state in which the indicator line is lit.

[0056] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cooktop of the cooking appliance illustrated in Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 4.

[0058] Figure 6 is a plan view of the cooktop illustrated in Figure 4, and is a view looking down at the top plate.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the layered structure of the first coil circuit board module illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the first layer constituting the layered structure of the first coil circuit board module illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 8.

[0061] Fig. 10 is a plan view of the second layer constituting the layered structure of the first coil circuit board module illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0062] Figure 11 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 8, showing patterns formed in the first to twelfth layers.

[0063] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the third to seventh layers constituting the layered structure of the first coil circuit board module illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0064] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the 8th to 12th layers constituting the layered structure of the first coil circuit board module illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0065] Fig. 14(a) is a plan view illustrating a part of the first type pattern illustrated in Fig. 12, and Fig. 14(b) is a plan view illustrating a part of the second type pattern illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0066] Figure 15(a) is a partial enlarged view of Figure 14(a), and Figure 15(b) is a partial enlarged view of Figure 14(b).

[0067] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a structure in which the first type pattern constituting the third to seventh layers shown in FIG. 4 and the second type pattern constituting the eighth to twelfth layers are collectively connected through working coil via holes.

[0068] Fig. 17(a) is a partial enlarged view of Fig. 14(a), and Fig. 17(b) is a partial enlarged view of Fig. 14(b), which are partial enlarged views for explaining the common terminal of the first type pattern and the common terminal of the second type pattern, respectively.

[0069] Fig. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a temperature sensor is mounted on a first coil circuit board module with the sensor body of the temperature sensor in contact with the upper surface of the first coil circuit board module.

[0070] Fig. 19 is a partially enlarged view of the vertical cross-section of the cooktop illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0071] Figure 20 is a plan view showing a state in which a first coil circuit board module is placed on a substrate supporter.

[0072] Figure 21 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating the connection relationship between a signal processing unit and a main circuit board module according to the present invention.

[0073] Fig. 22 is a partial enlarged view of Fig. 20, showing a structure in which a signal processing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is placed in an installation area.

[0074] FIG. 23 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 20, showing a structure in which a signal processing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention is arranged inside a crater.

[0075]

[0076] 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 a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention is judged to 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0079] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0080] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0081] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0082] Additionally, the singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consist of" or "comprises" should not be construed to necessarily include all of the various components or various steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0083] 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.

[0084] [Overall structure of the cooking appliance]

[0085] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of a cooktop (20) constituting the cooking appliance (1) shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from above.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a cooktop (20) and an oven section (10) disposed below the cooktop (20).

[0087] In this way, the cooking appliance (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention may be an oven range type in which a cooktop (20) is arranged on the upper side and an oven section (10) is arranged on the lower side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be configured as a cooking appliance (1) in which a cooktop (20) is provided alone. Hereinafter, a cooking appliance (1) configured as an oven range type as illustrated will be described as an example.

[0088] The cooking appliance (1) of the embodiment of the present invention can provide both the function of an oven, which is a closed cooking means, and the function of a cooktop, which is an open means, by being provided in the form of an oven range.

[0089] A cooking chamber may be formed inside an oven section (10) that serves as a sealed cooking device. In the oven section (10), food may be cooked as the interior of the cooking chamber is heated.

[0090] For this purpose, although not shown, the oven section (10) may be equipped with a heating unit that heats the interior of the cooking chamber. The heating unit may be a heating device that uses gas fuel or electricity.

[0091] The oven section (10) of the cooking appliance (1) may be provided with a rotatably-mounted door (11) that selectively opens and closes the cooking chamber.

[0092] For example, the door (11) may be provided in the oven section (10) in a form that opens and closes the cooking chamber in a pull-down manner in which the upper part rotates in the up-and-down direction with the lower part as the center.

[0093] A control panel (30) for operating the oven section (10) and cooktop (20) may be provided on the upper front surface of the cooking appliance (1).

[0094] As it is placed on the front surface of the cooking appliance (1), the control panel (30) can form a part of the front surface appearance of the cooking appliance (1).

[0095] Such a control panel (30) may be provided with multiple switches for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance (1) and a display (31) for displaying the operating status of the cooking appliance (1).

[0096] In addition, as illustrated, a plurality of knobs (32) may be further provided on the control panel (30) of the cooking appliance (1). That is, the control panel (30) provided on the upper front surface of the cooking appliance (1) may be provided with a plurality of knobs (32) for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance (1) together with a display (31).

[0097] Each knob (32) may be provided in a form that can be rotated. These knobs (32) may be provided so that either one of the oven section (10) and the cooktop (20) can be operated, or they may be provided so that both the oven section (10) and the cooktop (20) can be operated.

[0098] By operating the knob provided as described above, one of a number of preset cooking modes can be selected, or a heating temperature or heating stage can be selected.

[0099] In addition, the control panel (30) of the cooking appliance (1) according to the present embodiment may further include a knob ring (33). The knob ring (33) may be positioned radially outside the knob (32). For example, the knob ring (33) may be provided in a ring shape that surrounds the knob (32) radially outside.

[0100] The knob ring (33) can play a role in supporting the knob (32) and in finishing the outer appearance of the knob (32) to improve the outer appearance quality of the cooking appliance (1).

[0101] In addition, the knob ring (33) of this embodiment can simultaneously serve as a timer operation switch and a function of indicating the timer time and the intensity of the fire.

[0102] The knob ring (33) is installed so as to be independently rotatable relative to the knob (32), and the timer time can be set through the rotation operation of the knob ring (33) installed in this manner.

[0103] Meanwhile, as described above, a cooktop (20) may be placed on the upper side of the oven section (10).

[0104] The cooktop (20) is installed on the upper surface of the cooktop (20) and can perform the function of heating food or a container containing food.

[0105] For this purpose, the cooktop (20) may include a top plate (21) that forms the upper surface of the cooktop (20) and on which a container containing food is placed.

[0106] Additionally, a heating unit for heating a container containing food may be provided inside the cooktop (20) below the top plate (21).

[0107] The heating unit may be configured to include at least one burner. For example, the burner constituting the heating unit may be provided in the form of a working coil that converts supplied electric power into magnetic power or a heating coil that converts supplied electric power into thermal energy.

[0108] The cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be equipped with an induction heating method.

[0109] To this end, the burner of the cooktop (20) may be configured to include a working coil. The burner including the working coil in this way can generate a strong magnetic field by being operated by a high-frequency current generated and supplied by an inverter.

[0110] In this way, the magnetic field generated from the burner including the working coil generates an eddy current in a container containing a metal component, and as the eddy current flows in the container, heat is generated, which can heat the container, and as the container is heated, food contained in the container can be heated.

[0111] However, the working coil applied to conventional induction heating cooktops was generally formed by twisting a number of electrically conductive wires to form a cable and winding the cable in a spiral shape.

[0112] However, as described later, the working coil constituting the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured as a plurality of patterns formed by being spirally stacked on a printed circuit board.

[0113] As such, the working coil of the cooking device (1) according to the present invention may be referred to as a working coil pattern since it has a structure formed by laminating on a printed circuit board.

[0114] The detailed configuration of the heating unit having a working coil pattern is described below with reference to Fig. 3 and below.

[0115] [Overall composition of the cooktop]

[0116] The configuration of a cooktop (20) constituting a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 below.

[0117] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the cooktop (20) viewed from the top with the indicator line (L) lit, Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cooktop (20) shown in Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a plan view of the inside of the cooktop (20) shown in Fig. 3.

[0118] First, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, similar to the oven section (10) described above, the cooktop (20) according to the present embodiment may be equipped with a control panel (22).

[0119] As shown, the control panel (22) of the cooktop (20) is placed on the top plate (21), but may be placed in a position tilted toward the front for the convenience of the user.

[0120] This control panel (22) may be equipped with various switches for controlling the operation of the cooktop (20) and a display panel (221) for displaying the operating status of the cooktop (20).

[0121] As described below, when it is detected that a container is placed on the upper surface (21a) of the top plate (21) through the sensing coil pattern (2514) constituting the container sensing circuit, an icon corresponding to the container may be displayed on the display panel (221) of the control panel (22) provided on the cooktop (20). For example, the icon may be provided in a form corresponding to the size and shape of the container, and may be placed at a position of the display panel (221) corresponding to the position of the cooking appliance (1).

[0122] The user can select a container that is the target of the icon by pressing the displayed icon, and perform an operation to control the operation of the cooking appliance (1) with respect to the selected container.

[0123] For example, a user can select a container to be manipulated by pressing an icon, and then select a desired heating temperature for that container.

[0124] When heating of the container is started through the operation of the control panel (22) in this way, as shown in Fig. 3, the start of heating of the container can be indicated on the top plate (21) through the indication line (L).

[0125] As shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of display lines (L) may be provided on the top plate (21) of the cooktop (20).

[0126] The display line (L) can visually convey information related to the location of the container, the heating status of the container, temperature, etc. to the user by displaying it in the form of a light-emitting area on the top plate (21).

[0127] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a total of seven display lines (L) are provided. These display lines (L) may be conveniently referred to as first to seventh display lines (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7) from the left side based on the top plate (21). The present invention is not limited thereto, but for convenience, the following description will be based on an embodiment in which a total of seven display lines (L) are provided as illustrated.

[0128] These indicator lines (L) can be a light-emitting area formed such that the width in the left-right direction is much smaller than the width in the front-back direction, as shown.

[0129] In order for each display line (L) to be formed in the form of a light-emitting area, the display line (L) can be implemented by a light source module (23) placed on a substrate supporter (26) described below, below the top plate (21).

[0130] The light source module (23) can be configured to include a plurality of light source elements (231) that generate visible light and a light source circuit board (232) on which the plurality of light source elements (231) are mounted.

[0131] A plurality of light source elements (231) can be arranged to irradiate visible light toward the lower surface of the top plate (21), and the incident visible light can be irradiated to the lower surface of the top plate (21) by passing through a light transmitting hole formed through the substrate supporter (26), a light transmitting slit hole (H_sl) formed in each coil circuit board module constituting the heating unit (25), and a gap formed between adjacent coil circuit board modules, as described later.

[0132] The light source module (23) may be configured to include a plurality of light source elements (231) that receive power and generate visible light, and a light source circuit board (232) on which the plurality of light source elements (231) are mounted.

[0133] The light source element (231) may be applied without limitation to any means capable of receiving power and generating a predetermined amount of visible light, and may be, for example, an LED element. The present invention is not limited thereto, but the following description will be based on an embodiment in which an LED element is applied as the light source element (231).

[0134] As shown, in correspondence with each linearly extending display line (L), each light source circuit board (232) can be linearly extended along the front-back direction, and on each light source circuit board (232), a plurality of light source elements (231) can be linearly arranged and placed so as to have equal or unequal intervals along the front-back direction.

[0135] In addition, as described above, a plurality of light source modules (23) may be provided so that visible light can be independently irradiated to the first to seventh display lines (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7), and these plurality of light source modules (23) may be conveniently referred to as the first to seventh light source modules (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, 23f, 23g) from the left with respect to the top plate (21).

[0136] Corresponding to the first to seventh display lines (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7), the first to seventh light source modules (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, 23f, 23g) can be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction at a predetermined interval.

[0137] As described below, the spacing between adjacent display lines (L) and the spacing between adjacent light source modules (23) can be formed to have a width equal to or slightly larger than the left-right width of the working coil pattern (2512) constituting the heating unit (25).

[0138] Meanwhile, as illustrated, the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a bottom case (24) that forms the front side, the rear side, the front side, both sides, and the lower side of the exterior of the cooktop (20).

[0139] The bottom case (24) can be formed with the upper surface entirely open, and the top plate (21) described above can be combined to the open upper surface.

[0140] As shown in Fig. 3, a fastening bracket (211) for coupling to a bottom case (24) may be provided on the lower surface of the top plate (21) at a position corresponding to the upper end of the bottom case (24).

[0141] As the top plate (21) is connected to the upper side of the bottom case (24) in this way, the internal space surrounded by the top plate (21) and the bottom case (24) can accommodate a number of internal components that constitute the cooktop (20).

[0142] Additionally, the bottom case (24) may be provided with a plurality of mount brackets (241) integrally or separately.

[0143] The mount bracket (241) is placed in the internal space of the cooktop (20) and can be formed to protrude upward from the lower surface of the mount bracket (241) toward the electrical components.

[0144] These mount brackets (241) can support various electrical components (28) constituting the cooktop (20) from the lower side, thereby limiting the occurrence of sagging of components such as the main circuit board module (281), SMPS circuit board module (282), inverter circuit board module (283), resonant circuit board module (284), EMI filter module (285), etc., and supporting them.

[0145] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4, an intake hole (242) and an exhaust hole (243) can be formed in the vertical direction through which air can flow in and out for cooling various electrical components constituting the cooktop (20) on the lower surface (24a) of the bottom case (24).

[0146] Meanwhile, the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a heating unit (25) having a working coil that heats a container by induction heating, and as described above, the working coil may be formed by a plurality of working coil patterns (2512) that are formed by being spirally stacked on a printed circuit board.

[0147] Considering that a plurality of working coil patterns (2512) are laminated in a plurality of layered structures to form a crater, a printed circuit board formed by laminating working coil patterns (2512) can be referred to as a coil circuit board module.

[0148] In addition, as described below, a plurality of working coil patterns (2512), a plurality of sensing coil patterns (2514), a plurality of lead patterns (2513), a plurality of dummy patterns, etc., which constitute the coil circuit board module, can be formed in a manner similar to a method of manufacturing a pattern of a general printed circuit board. Therefore, taking this into consideration, the components referred to as patterns below can be referred to by various terms such as a conductive portion, a copper portion, a thin film portion, a printed portion, etc.

[0149] In addition, similar to a general printed circuit board having a multi-layer structure, the coil circuit board module of the present invention may be provided with a working coil via hole (H_v1), a sensing coil via hole (H_v2), and a temperature sensor via hole (H_v3) for electrically connecting patterns arranged on different layers to each other, and a plurality of dummy via holes that are not electrically connected to other patterns. Similar to the prior art, the via holes may be formed in a through-hole formed in the coil circuit board module through a physical or chemical deposition method or a coating method, and thus may be referred to by various terms such as a conductive coating portion or a conductive deposition portion.

[0150] Meanwhile, the coil circuit board module constituting the heating unit (25) may be provided in multiple units in consideration of manufacturing convenience and efficiency.

[0151] FIGS. 4 and 6 illustrate an embodiment of a cooktop (20) having a heating element (25) including a total of three coil circuit board modules. The present invention is not limited thereto, but will be described below based on an embodiment in which three coil circuit board modules are provided as illustrated.

[0152] The three coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) are referred to in order from the left as the first coil circuit board module (251), the second coil circuit board module (252), and the third coil circuit board module (253).

[0153] Each coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253) may be formed with a plurality of burners (2511) for heating the container.

[0154] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the first coil circuit board module (251) and the third coil circuit board module (253) may each be provided with eight burners (2511), and the second coil circuit board module (252) may be provided with six burners (2511). As described below, the number of burners (2511) and the size of the burners (2511) may be set differently depending on the size and output of the cooktop (20). Hereinafter, an embodiment in which eight first coil circuit board modules (251) and the third coil circuit board module (253) are each provided with eight burners (2511), and the second coil circuit board module (252) is provided with six burners will be described as an example.

[0155] In addition, although the shape and size of each burner (2511) are shown as being the same in FIG. 6, this is merely exemplary, and similarly, the shape and size of the burner (2511) may be set differently depending on the size and output of the cooktop (20).

[0156] In each coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253), a working coil pattern (2512) forming a plurality of craters (2511) can be formed by stacking multiple layers.

[0157] In addition, each coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253) may have a sensing coil pattern (2514) formed in a laminated manner to constitute a container sensing circuit as a means for detecting whether a container is seated at a specific location on the upper surface (21a) of the top plate (21).

[0158] Additionally, each coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253) may be integrally equipped with a temperature sensing circuit for detecting the temperature of each top plate (21), and the temperature sensing circuit may include a temperature sensor (2515).

[0159] At this time, as described later, the working coil pattern (2512), the sensing coil pattern (2514) constituting the container sensing circuit, and the temperature sensor (2515) constituting the temperature sensing circuit can be provided in a form that is integrated into each coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253). Therefore, the heating unit (25) of the cooktop (20) according to the present invention can reduce the vertical size of the cooktop (20) as the vertical width of the heating unit (25) is significantly reduced compared to the prior art, so that the space utilization can be significantly improved, and the manufacturing process of the cooktop (20) can be significantly simplified.

[0160] The working coil pattern (2512) and the sensing coil pattern (2514) may be provided in a form that extends in a spiral shape and is stacked in the vertical direction.

[0161] At this time, as described later, the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) may be formed in a form in which the working coil pattern (2512) is stacked in 10 to 12 layers and the sensing coil pattern (2514) is stacked in 2 layers in the vertical direction, respectively. Accordingly, each coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253) may have a layered structure having 12 to 14 layers.

[0162] Meanwhile, each sensing coil pattern may be placed inside an area occupied by a working coil pattern (2512) forming an individual crater (2511), or may be placed in an area between an adjacent pair of working coil patterns (2512).

[0163] In this embodiment, considering the efficiency and accuracy of container detection, a pair of sensing coil patterns (2514) may be placed inside the area occupied by each working coil pattern (2512), and a pair of sensing coil patterns (2514) may be placed in the area between adjacent pairs of working coil patterns (2512), as described below.

[0164] Meanwhile, the temperature sensor (2515) constituting the temperature sensing circuit for detecting the temperature of the top plate (21) can be placed at the center of each sensing coil pattern (2514).

[0165] Details regarding the working coil pattern (2512), sensing coil pattern (2514), and temperature sensor (2515) constituting the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) are described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0166] Meanwhile, the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a substrate supporter (26).

[0167] The substrate supporter (26) is installed inside the cooktop (20) and serves to support the internal components.

[0168] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) and the ferrite core module (27) can be mounted on the upper side of the substrate supporter (26). Accordingly, the substrate supporter (26) functions as a coil base on which a conventional working coil and a ferrite core are mounted.

[0169] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, several electrical components (28) constituting the cooktop (20) can be installed on the lower side of the substrate supporter (26).

[0170] These electrical components (28) may include a main circuit board module (281), an SMPS circuit board module (switching mode power supply, 282), an inverter circuit board module (283), a resonant circuit board module (284), an EMI filter module (285), a blower fan module (286), a light source module (23), etc.

[0171] These electric components (28) can be placed in the space formed between the lower surface (24a) of the bottom case (24) and the substrate supporter (26) as the lower side of the substrate supporter (26).

[0172] For example, to effectively accommodate these components (28), the substrate supporter (26) may have an inverted box shape configured so that the lower surface facing the bottom case (24) is entirely open.

[0173] Accordingly, the main circuit board module (281), SMPS circuit board module (switching mode power supply, 282), inverter circuit board module (283), resonant circuit board module (284), EMI filter module (285), blower fan module (286), and light source module (23) can be assembled to the board supporter (26) in a manner of being stacked in a receiving space formed inside the board supporter (26).

[0174] In this way, as the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) are mounted on the upper surface (21a) of the board supporter (26) and the electrical component (28) is mounted on the lower surface of the board supporter (26) as the interior of the board supporter (26), the wiring structure between the electrical component (28) and the wiring structure between the electrical component (28) and the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) can be significantly simplified and streamlined.

[0175] In particular, in the case of the conventional cooktop (20), it had a structure that required disassembly of almost all components in the reverse order of the assembly process in order to repair the inverter circuit board, which is the main cause of failure and malfunction.

[0176] In contrast, the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured so that the electrical components (28) such as the inverter circuit board module (283) can be easily accessed by disassembling only the bottom case (24) while the bottom case (24) is turned over so that it faces upward, thereby having the effect of allowing easy repair or replacement of a faulty electrical component (28).

[0177] In this regard, the assembly process of the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described.

[0178] As shown in Fig. 5, first, a plurality of ferrite core modules (27) can be assembled on the upper surface (261) of the substrate supporter (26).

[0179] The ferrite core module (27) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured by combining multiple ferrite cores into a modular structure. This is in consideration of the possibility of cracking or magnetic field loss when a ferrite core is applied that is formed as a single body and has a relatively large volume.

[0180] By modularizing multiple ferrite cores in this way to form a ferrite core module (27) and installing it on a substrate supporter (26), the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly process can be simplified.

[0181] For example, the ferrite core module (27) can be manufactured using an insert injection molding method. By manufacturing the ferrite core module (27) using an insert injection molding method, a separate jig for fixing the ferrite core unit during assembly of the cooktop (20) as in the past can be omitted.

[0182] In addition, by modularizing the ferrite core in this way to form a plurality of ferrite core modules (27), it has the advantage of being able to be repaired by simply replacing some of the ferrite cores even if they are damaged.

[0183] Meanwhile, when the arrangement of a plurality of ferrite core modules (27) on the upper surface (261) of the substrate supporter (26) is completed, the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) can be installed on the upper side of the ferrite core module (27).

[0184] Next, with the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) installed, the board supporter (26) can be flipped upside down and assembly of the electric components (28) can proceed.

[0185] As described above, several electrical components (28) can be installed and assembled on the lower surface of the substrate supporter (26). At this time, these electrical components (28) can be installed and assembled on the substrate supporter (26) in an upside-down state.

[0186] Meanwhile, the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an insulating material (291) disposed on the upper side of the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) between the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) and the top plate (21).

[0187] The insulation (291) is placed on the upper surface (21a) of the top plate (21) and serves to minimize the heat generated from the container heated by the working coil pattern (2512) from being transferred to the working coil pattern (2512).

[0188] To perform this insulation function, the insulation material (291) can be arranged in the form of a pad that entirely covers the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253).

[0189] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the insulation material (291) may be provided divided into a plurality of pads.

[0190] More specifically, each insulation material (291) can be divided into a plurality of pads so as to have a left-right width corresponding to the left-right width of the crater (2511) formed on the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253).

[0191] In this way, by dividing the insulation material (291) into multiple pieces and arranging them, a predetermined gap can be formed between adjacent insulation materials (291), and visible light generated from the aforementioned light source module (23) passing through the predetermined gap can be irradiated to the lower surface of the top plate (21), so that the aforementioned display line (L) can be displayed on the top plate (21).

[0192] Meanwhile, the insulation material (291) can additionally perform the role of electrically insulating between the working coil pattern (2512) or sensing coil pattern (2514) formed on the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) and the top plate (21).

[0193] In this case, the insulation material (291) can be made of a material having both insulation performance and insulating performance.

[0194] Meanwhile, although not shown, in order to further improve the insulation performance of the insulation material (291), an insulation material may be added between the insulation material (291) and the top plate (21) on the upper side of the insulation material (291). For example, the insulation material may be a mica sheet having a thickness thinner than the vertical thickness of the insulation material (291).

[0195] [Detailed configuration of the coil circuit board module]

[0196] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 16, the detailed configuration of the coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253) of the cooktop (20) constituting the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0197] As described above, embodiments of the present invention may be configured to include first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253).

[0198] At this time, the first to third coil circuit board modules (251, 252, 253) can be configured substantially the same except for the number of working coil patterns (2512) and the number of sensing coil patterns (2514) constituting the crater (2511).

[0199] Therefore, the following description will be based on the first coil circuit board module (251), and unless otherwise stated, the contents described below can be applied almost identically to the second coil circuit board module (252) and the third coil circuit board module (253).

[0200] First, as described above, the first coil circuit board module (251) can be formed by stacking multiple working coil patterns (2512) forming a plurality of craters (2511) in multiple layers.

[0201] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first coil circuit board module (251) may be configured to include working coil patterns (2512) arranged in a ten-layered structure, sensing coil patterns (2514) arranged in a two-layered structure, and an insulating material disposed between each working coil pattern (2512) and each sensing coil pattern (2514) and insulating them. The insulating material may be formed by curing a prepreg composed of a thermosetting resin and glass fiber, which are generally used to form a printed circuit board. An epoxy resin series is preferably applicable as an exemplary applicable thermosetting resin, and specifically, FR-4 may be applied.

[0202] In this way, the insulating material formed through the prepreg can be placed between each of the working coil patterns (2512) arranged in a layered structure to insulate them, and can be placed between each of the sensing coil patterns (2514) to insulate them. In addition, the insulating material can be configured to fill in areas where patterns are not formed, such as the working coil pattern (2512), the sensing coil pattern (2514), and the lead coil pattern (2513), and can serve to form a layered structure of individual layers.

[0203] Therefore, based on the working coil pattern (2512) and the sensing coil pattern (2514), the first coil circuit board module (251) can have a layered structure having a total of 12 layers from the first layer (251a) forming the top layer to the 12th layer (251l) forming the bottom layer in the vertical direction.

[0204] At this time, a first sensing coil pattern (2514a) constituting a sensing coil pattern (2514) may be arranged on the first layer (251a) of the first coil circuit board module (251) having a 12-layer structure.

[0205] In addition, a lead pattern (2513) may be arranged on the first layer (251a) to electrically connect the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) to a signal processing unit (2518) described later, or to electrically connect the working coil pattern (2512) arranged on the third to twelfth layers (251c, 251d, 251e, 251f, 251g, 251h, 251i, 251j, 251k, 251l) to a high-power terminal (2516) to which high-frequency power is supplied.

[0206] Here, the lead pattern (2513) can be divided into a first lead pattern (2513a) that electrically connects the working coil pattern (2512) arranged in the third to twelfth layers (251c, 251d, 251e, 251f, 251g, 251h, 251i, 251j, 251k, 251l) to a high-power terminal (2516), and a second lead pattern (2513b) that electrically connects the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) to a low-power connector of the signal processing unit (2518) and constitutes a container sensing circuit.

[0207] In addition, although not shown in FIG. 7, the first layer (251a) may further include a temperature sensor (2515) for detecting the temperature of the top plate (21), a high-power terminal (2516) to which high-frequency power is supplied from the inverter circuit board module (283), a signal processing unit (2518) for processing an output signal of the temperature sensor (2515), and a third lead pattern (2513c) for electrically connecting the temperature sensor (2515) and the signal processing unit (2518). At this time, the third lead pattern (2513c) and the signal processing unit (2518) may form a temperature sensing circuit together with the temperature sensor (2515).

[0208] Meanwhile, a second sensing coil pattern (2514b) constituting a sensing coil pattern (2514) and a second lead pattern (2513b) constituting a container sensing circuit by electrically connecting the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) to a low-power connector of a signal processing unit (2518) may be arranged on a second layer (251b) of the first coil circuit board module (251).

[0209] That is, in order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of detection for the container, the sensing coil pattern (2514) may be divided and arranged into a first sensing coil pattern (2514a) arranged in the first layer (251a) and a second sensing coil pattern (2514b) arranged in the second layer (251b).

[0210] At this time, as described later, the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) are configured to be connected in series through a sensing coil via hole (H_v2) extending through the first layer (251a) and the second layer (251b), so that they can function as one sensing coil pattern (2514).

[0211] Meanwhile, a second sensing coil pattern (2514b) constituting the sensing coil pattern (2514) may be arranged on the second layer (251b) of the first coil circuit board module (251).

[0212] As described below, the working coil pattern (2512) provided on the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first type pattern (2512a) and a second type pattern (2512b) in which the traveling direction or winding direction of individual pattern strands (2512a-1, 2512b-1) are formed in opposite directions so that a magnetic field can be applied evenly to the container.

[0213] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a working coil pattern (2512) may be formed in the third to seventh layers (251c, 251d, 251e, 251f, 251g), for example, and a first type pattern (2512a) configured such that the progress direction or winding direction of the individual pattern strands (2512a-1) becomes the first direction may be arranged.

[0214] In addition, for example, the 8th to 12th layers (251h, 251i, 251j, 251k, 251l) may be configured to have a working coil pattern (2512) formed, and a second type pattern (2512b) configured such that the progress direction or winding direction of the individual pattern strands (2512b-1) is in the second direction.

[0215] At this time, as illustrated, the first lead pattern (2513a) formed on the first layer (251a), the first type pattern (2512a) arranged on the third to seventh layers (251c, 251d, 251e, 251f, 251g), and the second type pattern (2512b) arranged on the eighth to twelfth layers (251h, 251i, 251j, 251k, 251l) can be configured to be connected in batches through a working coil via hole (H_v1) continuously formed to penetrate from the first layer (251a) to the twelfth layer (251l).

[0216] Accordingly, among the plurality of craters described below, a plurality of first type patterns (2512a) and a plurality of second type patterns (2512b) forming a specific crater can be connected in series through a working coil via hole (H_v1).

[0217] Meanwhile, although not shown, an insulating material may be additionally formed on the upper side of the first layer (251a) and on the lower side of the 12th layer (251l).

[0218] Meanwhile, the layered structure of the first coil circuit board module (251) illustrated in FIG. 7 is merely exemplary.

[0219] That is, the layered structure may be modified so that the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) is placed on a layer other than the second layer (251b), such as the sixth layer (251f) or seventh layer (251g) which is an intermediate layer, or on the twelfth layer (251l) which is the lowest layer.

[0220] In addition, FIG. 7 illustrates that the first type pattern (2512a) is arranged continuously from the third layer (251c) to the seventh layer (251g), and the second type pattern (2512b) is arranged continuously from the eighth layer (251h) to the twelfth layer (251l); however, the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) may be modified to alternately and repeatedly arrange.

[0221] Such variations are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the following description will be made based on the layered structure of the first coil circuit board module (251) as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0222] The first coil circuit board module (251) having such a multi-layered structure can be formed by printing the shape of the working coil pattern (2512), which becomes the second type pattern (2512b), by masking it on a copper film, removing unnecessary parts through etching to form a pattern, and coating an insulating material on the formed pattern to form the 12th layer (251l), which becomes the lowest layer.

[0223] The thickness of the copper foil applied in this embodiment may be in the range of 0.13 mm to 0.15 mm, and preferably 0.14 mm.

[0224] Therefore, if no additional surface treatment is performed during the lamination process, the vertical thickness of the individual pattern formed through the copper film can be 0.13 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0225] Additionally, the thickness of the insulating material applied in this embodiment may be in the range of 0.09 mm to 0.11 mm, and preferably 0.1 mm.

[0226] After the 12th layer (251l), which is the lowest layer, is formed in this way, a multi-layered structure as shown in Fig. 7 can be formed by repeating the same process as the formation method of the 12th layer (251l) thereon.

[0227] Therefore, when the formation of the first coil circuit board module (251) is completed with a total of 12 layers, the vertical thickness of the first coil circuit board module (251) can be in the range of 2.7 mm to 3.3 mm, and preferably 3 mm.

[0228] A method for manufacturing a multilayer printed circuit board for forming a first coil circuit board module (251) having such a shape and structure can be applied using means already known in the art, and therefore, a description of the specific manufacturing method will be omitted below.

[0229] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the planar structures of the first layer (251a) and the second layer (251b) of the first coil circuit board module (251) having a multilayer structure, respectively.

[0230] In this embodiment, the first coil circuit board module (251) may be configured to have a rectangular shape in which the width in the front-back direction is greater than the width in the left-right direction based on the state in which it is placed on the cooktop (20).

[0231] In response to this, the first layer (251a), which is the uppermost layer, and the second layer (251b), which is the next upper layer, can be configured to have a rectangular shape in which the width in the front-back direction is greater than the width in the left-right direction.

[0232] As described above, in the first layer (251a), a first sensing coil pattern (2514a) forming the first layer among the sensing coil patterns (2514) arranged in two layers may be arranged, and in the second layer (251b), a second sensing coil pattern (2514b) forming the second layer among the sensing coil patterns (2514) arranged in two layers may be arranged.

[0233] At this time, as shown, the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) can be wound in a different shape from the working coil pattern (2512).

[0234] That is, the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) can be wound in a circular spiral shape. For example, the number of turns of the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) can be set to be 18, and the outer diameter can have a range of 32 mm to 34 mm, preferably a range of 33 mm. In addition, the width of the individual pattern strands constituting the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) can be a range of 0.27 mm to 0.33 mm, preferably 0.3 mm.

[0235] As described below, the working coil pattern (2512) is wound in a square spiral shape.

[0236] Additionally, the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) are arranged so that a region partially overlaps with the working coil pattern (2512) in the vertical direction.

[0237] Therefore, due to such overlapping areas, there is a possibility that malfunction or detection error of the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) may occur.

[0238] In this way, by winding the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) in a circular spiral shape, interference with the working coil pattern (2512) wound in a square spiral shape can be minimized, and the possibility of malfunction and detection errors of the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) can be minimized.

[0239] Meanwhile, the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) may be wound so that a starting point is not formed at the center of the circular spiral. That is, a first central internal region may be formed at the center of the circular spiral shape, where the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) are not formed.

[0240] A temperature sensor (2515) may be mounted in the central inner region of the first sensing coil pattern (2514a), as described later. In order to distinguish it from the central inner region formed on the inner side of the working coil pattern (2512) described later, the central inner region of the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) is hereinafter referred to as a first central inner region.

[0241] The specific configuration regarding placement of the temperature sensor (2515) is described later with reference to FIG. 11.

[0242] In this embodiment, the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0243] More specifically, the plurality of first sensing coil patterns (2514a) and the plurality of second sensing coil patterns (2514b) may include patterns that are arranged entirely within a specific crater and patterns that are arranged across a pair of adjacent craters (2511).

[0244] For example, in an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the first coil circuit board module (251) has a total of eight craters (2511), a total of 28 first sensing coil patterns (2514a) and a total of 28 second sensing coil patterns (2514b) may be provided.

[0245] However, this is merely an example, and the number of first sensing coil patterns (2514a) may be adjusted and provided differently depending on the size of the individual crater (2511) and the size of the first coil circuit board module (251). The present invention is not limited thereto, but the following description will be made based on an embodiment in which 28 first sensing coil patterns (2514a) and second sensing coil patterns (2514b) are provided on the first coil circuit board module (251).

[0246] The first sensing coil patterns (2514a) arranged at different locations can be configured to have substantially the same number of turns, and similarly, the second sensing coil patterns (2514b) arranged at different locations can be configured to have the same number of turns.

[0247] A sensing coil via hole (H_v2) may be formed at a starting point or an ending point of a first sensing coil pattern (2514a), and the sensing coil via hole (H_v2) may be connected to an ending point or a starting point of a second sensing coil pattern (2514b). Through this, the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) may be connected in series to form one sensing coil pattern (2514).

[0248] A starting point or an ending point that is not connected to a sensing coil via hole (H_v2) can be electrically connected to a low-power connector of a signal processing unit (2518) provided in the first layer (251a) through a second lead pattern (2513b) formed in the first layer (251a) or the second layer (251b), as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0249] Meanwhile, the signal processing unit (2518) can be electrically connected to a temperature sensor (2515) to be described later via a third lead pattern (2513c). As illustrated in FIG. 9, the third lead pattern (2513c) can be formed on the second layer (251b).

[0250] In the case where a total of 28 sensing coil patterns (2514) are provided as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, a total of four signal processing units (2518) may be provided, and a pair of signal processing units (2518) may be formed adjacent to each other at the center of the rear edge of the first layer (251a), and another pair of signal processing units (2518) may be arranged adjacent to each other at the center of the front edge of the first layer (251a).

[0251] For example, based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, among a pair of signal processing units (2518) arranged at the leading edge of the first layer (251a), a left signal processing unit (2518) may be assigned a group of six sensing coil patterns (2514) arranged on the left side among a plurality of sensing coil patterns (2514) that are divided left and right and arranged toward the rear from the leading edge of the first layer (251a), and a temperature sensor (2515) arranged on each of them, and a right signal processing unit (2518) may be assigned a group of six sensing coil patterns (2514) arranged on the right side among a plurality of sensing coil patterns (2514) that are arranged toward the rear from the leading edge of the first layer (251a), and a temperature sensor (2515) arranged on each of them.

[0252] In the same manner, a group of sensing coil patterns (2514) and a temperature sensor (2515) can be assigned to a pair of signal processing units (2518) positioned at the rear edge of the first layer (251a).

[0253] In this way, by arranging the two pairs of signal processing units (2518) at positions that are maximally spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction, the structure of the second lead pattern (2513b) that connects the individual sensing coil pattern (2514) to the low-power connector of the signal processing unit (2518) and the third lead pattern (2513c) that connects the individual temperature sensor (2515) to the signal processing unit (2518) can be simplified, and their lengths can be minimized.

[0254] In addition, adjacent to each signal processing unit (2518), a low-power terminal (not shown) for signal transmission and reception for transmitting an electrical signal output to the signal processing unit (2518) to the aforementioned main circuit board module (281) and a board connector (not shown) mounted on the low-power terminal may be mounted together at the front edge and the rear edge of the first layer (251a).

[0255] Meanwhile, a first lead pattern (2513a) for transmitting high-frequency power to each of the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) constituting the working coil pattern (2512) may be formed in the first layer (251a), as described later.

[0256] As illustrated, each first lead pattern (2513a) can be configured to be divided into multiple pattern strands.

[0257] Accordingly, the first lead pattern (2513a) is formed by dividing into multiple pattern strands, so that power loss that may occur due to the skin effect when high-frequency power is applied can be minimized.

[0258] Meanwhile, considering the efficiency of power supply, a plurality of pattern strands may be concentrated at one end and the other end of the first lead pattern (2513a) to form a common lead terminal (2513a1).

[0259] A common lead terminal (2513a1) formed at one end of the first lead pattern (2513a) can be connected to a high-power terminal (2516) formed at the front edge and the rear edge of the first layer (251a), respectively.

[0260] Meanwhile, the first lead pattern (2513a) may be arranged inside the first layer (251a) from one end and may extend toward a common lead terminal (2513a1) formed at the other end.

[0261] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a pair of working coil patterns (2512) arranged adjacent to each other can be configured to be supplied with high-frequency power through three high-power terminals (2516) and three first lead patterns (2513a).

[0262] That is, if high-frequency power is supplied to each working coil pattern (2512) through a pair of high-power terminals (2516) and a pair of first lead patterns (2513a), two pairs of high-power terminals (2516) and two pairs of first lead patterns (2513a) must be allocated to one pair of working coil patterns (2512).

[0263] The present invention is configured so that high-frequency power is supplied to a pair of working coil patterns (2512) through three high-power terminals (2516) and three first lead patterns (2513a) arranged adjacent to each other, thereby minimizing the number of high-power terminals (2516) and the number of first lead patterns (2513a), and thus simplifying the circuit configuration.

[0264] This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 9.

[0265] FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 8, showing the detailed configuration of a high-power terminal (2516) and a first lead pattern (2513a) for supplying power to a pair of working coil patterns (2512) arranged adjacent to the left rear side based on the state illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0266] Based on the illustrated state, the leftmost high-power terminal (2516) is referred to as the first high-power terminal (2516a), the middle high-power terminal (2516) is referred to as the second high-power terminal (2516b), and the rightmost high-power terminal (2516) is referred to as the third high-power terminal (2516c).

[0267] In addition, the first lead pattern (2513a) connected to the first high-power terminal (2516a) is referred to as the 1-1 lead pattern (2513a-1), the first lead pattern (2513a) connected to the second high-power terminal (2516b) is referred to as the 1-2 lead pattern (2513a-2), and the first lead pattern (2513a) connected to the third high-power terminal (2516c) is referred to as the 1-3 lead pattern (2513a-3).

[0268] As illustrated, the first high-power terminal (2516a) can be electrically connected to the external common terminal of the working coil pattern (2512) positioned further rearward among the pair of working coil patterns (2512) through the first-1 lead pattern (2513a-1).

[0269] Hereinafter, the external common terminal of the working coil pattern (2512) is referred to as the second common terminal (2512a-3, 2512b-3), and the internal common terminal of the working coil pattern (2512) is referred to as the first common terminal (2512a-2, 2512b-2).

[0270] As described below, the first common terminals (2512a-2, 2512b-2) include a first common terminal (2512a-2) of a first type pattern (2512a) and a first common terminal (2512b-2) of a second type pattern (2512b), and the first common terminal (2512a-2) of the first type pattern (2512a) and the first common terminal (2512b-2) of the second type pattern (2512b) may be connected in series through a working coil via hole (H_v1). As described below, the first common terminal (2512a-2) of the first type pattern (2512a) and the first common terminal (2512b-2) of the second type pattern (2512b) may be formed at positions where they vertically overlap each other.

[0271] Likewise, the second common terminals (2512a-3, 2512b-3) include the second common terminal (2512a-3) of the first type pattern (2512a) and the second common terminal (2512b-3) of the second type pattern (2512b), and the second common terminal (2512a-3) of the first type pattern (2512a) and the second common terminal (2512b-3) of the second type pattern (2512b) can be connected in series through the working coil via hole (H_v1). As described below, the second common terminal (2512a-3) of the first type pattern (2512a) and the second common terminal (2512b-3) of the second type pattern (2512b) can be formed at positions where they vertically overlap each other.

[0272] At this time, the common lead terminal (2513a1) formed at the other end of the 1-1 lead pattern (2513a-1) can be formed at a position that vertically overlaps with the second common terminal (2512a-3, 2512b-3) of the working coil pattern (2512) arranged at the rear, and can be connected in series with the second common terminal (2512a-3, 2512b-3) of the working coil pattern (2512) through the working coil via hole (H_v1).

[0273] Meanwhile, as illustrated, the second high-power terminal (2516b) can be electrically connected to the second common terminal (2512a-3, 2512b-3) of the working coil pattern (2512) positioned further forward among a pair of working coil patterns (2512) through the first-second lead pattern (2513a-2).

[0274] At this time, the common lead terminal (2513a1) formed at the other end of the first-second lead pattern (2513a-2) can be formed at a position that vertically overlaps the second common terminal (2512a-3, 2512b-3) of the working coil pattern (2512) arranged in the front, and can be connected in series with the second common terminal (2512a-3, 2512b-3) of the working coil pattern (2512) through the working coil via hole (H_v1).

[0275] Additionally, the third high-power terminal (2516c) can be electrically connected to the first common terminal (2512a-2, 2512b-2) of a pair of working coil patterns (2512) simultaneously through the first-third lead pattern (2513a-3).

[0276] That is, as illustrated, the 1-3 lead pattern (2513a-3) has a common lead terminal (2513a1) formed at the other end, and a common lead terminal (2513a1) may be additionally provided at an intermediate position between one end and the other end.

[0277] A common lead terminal (2513a1) formed at the other end of the 1-3 lead pattern (2513a-3) can be electrically connected to the first common terminal (2512a-2, 2512b-2) of the working coil pattern (2512) positioned at the front among a pair of working coil patterns (2512) through a working coil via hole (H_v1).

[0278] In addition, the common lead terminal (2513a1) formed at the middle position of the 1-3 lead pattern (2513a-3) can be electrically connected to the first common terminal (2512a-2, 2512b-2) of the working coil pattern (2512) positioned at the rear among a pair of working coil patterns (2512) through a working coil via hole (H_v1).

[0279] That is, the 1-3 lead pattern (2513a-3) can be configured to act as a common lead pattern capable of simultaneously supplying power to a pair of working coil patterns (2512).

[0280] Accordingly, when only the rear working coil pattern (2512) is driven, power is supplied to the first high-power terminal (2516a) and the third high-power terminal (2516c) and power to the second high-power terminal (2516b) is blocked, when only the front working coil pattern (2512) is driven, power is supplied to the second high-power terminal (2516b) and the third high-power terminal (2516c) and power to the first high-power terminal (2516a) is blocked, and when a pair of working coil patterns (2512) are driven simultaneously, power is supplied to all of the first to third high-power terminals (2516c). The driving of a pair of working coil patterns (2512) can be controlled.

[0281] Meanwhile, based on the state illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of edge notches (2517) may be formed at the front edge and rear edge of the first layer (251a).

[0282] The edge notch (2517) serves to provide a mating space into which a connector (not shown) that supplies high-frequency power to the high-power terminal (2516) can be fitted.

[0283] As illustrated, the individual high-power terminals (2516) may be arranged in a split configuration with the edge notches (2517) interposed therebetween so that the connectors can be connected to the high-power terminals (2516) while being fitted into the edge notches (2517).

[0284] In this way, the edge notch (2517) serves to provide a space into which a connector, which will be described later, can be coupled. Therefore, the edge notch (2517) may be referred to as a connector connection portion, edge portion, cut portion, opening portion, etc., considering its function and shape. In order to reduce manufacturing costs through component commonality, connectors having the same shape and structure can be coupled to each edge notch (2517). To this end, each edge notch (2517) may be formed to have the same shape and size.

[0285] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the edge notch (2517) can be formed entirely from the first layer (251a) of the first coil circuit board module (251) through the second layer (251b) to the twelfth layer (251l).

[0286] Additionally, a screw hole (H_sc) may be formed through the first coil circuit board module (251). The screw hole (H_sc) may be formed through the first layer (251a) to the twelfth layer (251l) in the same manner as the edge notch (2517).

[0287] A fastening means such as a screw bolt not shown can be connected to the aforementioned substrate supporter (26) through the screw hole (H_sc), and through this, the first coil circuit board module (251) can be firmly connected to the aforementioned substrate supporter (26).

[0288] For example, the screw holes (H_sc) can be placed on the four corner sides so as not to cause interference with the patterns constituting the first coil circuit board module (251).

[0289] Additionally, a ground terminal for grounding the first coil circuit board module (251) can be formed in the first layer (251a) around the screw hole (H_sc).

[0290] Meanwhile, the first coil circuit board module (251) may be provided with a light-transmitting slit hole (H_sl) formed penetrating from the first layer (251a) to the twelfth layer (251l).

[0291] The aforementioned light source module (23) can be placed below the light projection slit hole (H_sl), and visible light generated from the light source module (23) can pass through the light projection slit hole (H_sl) and be irradiated to the lower surface of the top plate (21). Through this, a linearly extending display line (L) can be formed on the top plate (21).

[0292] In order to implement a linearly extended display line (L), the light-transmitting slit hole (H_sl) can be linearly extended corresponding to the shape of the display line (L).

[0293] However, as shown in Fig. 8, in order to prevent the rigidity of the first coil circuit board module (251) from rapidly decreasing, the light transmitting slit hole (H_sl) may be formed by being divided into multiple pieces, and the divided light transmitting slit holes (H_sl) may be arranged linearly.

[0294] Additionally, a connecting portion may be provided between the divided light-transmitting slit holes (H_sl) to connect them.

[0295] The light-transmitting slit hole (H_sl) can be formed through a process of punching the relevant part after the lamination process of the circuit board module is completed.

[0296] Alternatively, for projection of visible light generated from the light source module (23), the two coil circuit board modules may be spaced apart so that a predetermined gap is formed between the two completely separated coil circuit board modules. This allows for the omission of a separate punching fixing or slit hole process for the coil circuit board modules.

[0297] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, the relative arrangement position of the sensing coil pattern (2514) and the arrangement and arrangement structure of the temperature sensor (2515) will be described.

[0298] Fig. 11 is a partially enlarged view of a plan view of the first coil circuit board module (251) as viewed from above, in which the sensing coil pattern (2514) and the working coil pattern (2512) are illustrated together for the purpose of explaining and understanding their relative positions. However, in the present embodiment, the sensing coil pattern (2514) and the working coil pattern (2512) are actually arranged on different layers, so the sensing coil pattern (2514) and the working coil pattern (2512) cannot be observed together.

[0299] As described above, the individual sensing coil patterns (2514) wound in a circular spiral shape can be arranged so that a region partially overlaps with the working coil patterns (2512) wound in a square spiral shape in the vertical direction.

[0300] At this time, some of the plurality of sensing coil patterns (2514) may be entirely arranged within a single crater (2511) formed through the working coil pattern (2512), and other some of the plurality of sensing coil patterns (2514) may be arranged across an adjacent pair of craters (2511).

[0301] Fig. 11(a) illustrates a state in which a sensing coil pattern (2514) is arranged entirely within a working coil pattern (2512), and Fig. 11(b) illustrates a state in which a sensing coil pattern (2514) is arranged between a pair of adjacent working coil patterns (2512).

[0302] First, as described later, a working coil pattern (2512) formed by stacking a plurality of first type patterns (2512a) and a plurality of second type patterns (2512b) can be wound multiple times to have a square spiral shape.

[0303] For example, the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) constituting the working coil pattern (2512) can be wound a total of 9 times. That is, they can be wound to have a total of 9 turns. Here, each turn of the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) can be defined as meaning a state in which they are wound helically by 1 turn. That is, the number of turns can mean a state in which the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) are wound helically by 9 turns and the number of turns.

[0304] Additionally, for example, six to five pattern strands (2512a-1, 2512b-1) can be tied together to form one turn.

[0305] At this time, as shown, the interval between each turn forming the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) is maintained approximately constant, but the horizontal interval between the third turn and the fourth turn can be formed to be much larger.

[0306] Internal clearance (D1) can be formed through the horizontal gap formed relatively larger in this way.

[0307] In addition, as shown in Fig. 11(b), an external gap (D2) that is a front-back gap similar to the internal gap (D1) can be formed between a pair of working coil patterns (2512) that are arranged adjacently along the front-back direction based on the state in which the first coil circuit board module (251) is arranged.

[0308] The internal clearance (D1) and the external clearance (D2) can be formed to have the same size, and for example, the internal clearance (D1) and the external clearance (D2) can have a range of 3.8 mm to 4.2 mm, and preferably, 4 mm.

[0309] As illustrated, the sensing coil pattern (2514) can be arranged so that the center point is located at the inner clearance (D1) and the outer clearance (D2).

[0310] Preferably, when the center point of the sensing coil pattern (2514) is located at the internal clearance (D1) as in Fig. 11(a), the center point of the sensing coil pattern (2514) may roughly coincide with the middle position between the third turn and the fourth turn.

[0311] In addition, preferably, when the center point of the sensing coil pattern (2514) is located at the external clearance (D2) as in FIG. 11(b), the center point of the sensing coil pattern (2514) may roughly coincide with the middle position between a pair of adjacently arranged working coil patterns (2512).

[0312] In addition, as described above, the first sensing coil pattern (2514a) and the second sensing coil pattern (2514b) each have an area in which no pattern is formed inside, through which a first central inner area (2514c) can be formed on the inner side of the sensing coil pattern (2514).

[0313] As illustrated, the first central inner region (2514c) of the sensing coil pattern (2514) may have a disk shape, and the diameter of the inner region of the disk shape may be formed to be equal to or slightly smaller than the size of the inner clearance (D1) and the outer clearance (D2).

[0314] In this way, the internal clearance (D1) and external clearance (D2) of the working coil pattern (2512) and the first central internal region (2514c) of the sensing coil pattern (2514) can provide a space in which a temperature sensor (2515) can be mounted.

[0315] As illustrated, a temperature sensor (2515) for detecting the temperature of the top plate (21) may be mounted on the first layer (251a) as the first central inner region (2514c) of each sensing coil pattern (2514). At this time, the size of the internal clearance (D1) and the external clearance (D2) and the diameter of the sensing coil pattern (2514) may be formed to be larger than the size of the temperature sensor (2515), i.e., the longitudinal width.

[0316] Through this, when viewed from the top plate (21), individual temperature sensors (2515) can be placed in the first layer (251a) so as to belong to the first central inner region (2514c) as a position surrounded by each sensing coil pattern (2514).

[0317] Additionally, in order to prevent interference with the sensing coil pattern (2514), the temperature sensor (2515) may be positioned at a location where vertical overlap with the sensing coil pattern (2514) does not occur, as shown inside the first central inner region (2514c).

[0318] Meanwhile, as an example, a temperature sensor (2515) may be a SMD (Surface Mounted Devices) type sensor in the form of a chip that is relatively small, easy to mount on the first layer (251a), and has excellent detection capability.

[0319] The SMD type temperature sensor (2515) may be configured, for example, with a sensor body, a thermistor disposed on the sensor body, and a pair of electrodes exposed on the upper surface of the first coil circuit board module (251).

[0320] This temperature sensor (2515) can be mounted on the top surface of the first coil circuit board module (251). That is, the temperature sensor (2515) can be attached and fixed to the top surface of the first coil circuit board module (251).

[0321] More specifically, the first coil circuit board module (251) may be provided with a pair of conductive sensor pads (not shown) for attachment of a temperature sensor (2515), and a pair of electrodes of the temperature sensor (2515) may be attached to each of the pair of sensor pads.

[0322] At this time, a pair of electrodes of the temperature sensor (2515) can be electrically connected and attached to a corresponding pair of pads, respectively, through various physical and chemical methods such as welding, soldering, and adhesive.

[0323] However, in the case where the SMD type temperature sensor (2515) is attached and mounted on the upper surface of the first coil circuit board module (251), there is a very high possibility that it will be affected by heat generated from the working coil pattern (2512).

[0324] In order to minimize the influence of heat generation from such a working coil pattern (2512), it is necessary to place it as far away as possible from the working coil pattern (2512) in the horizontal direction.

[0325] As locations where the influence of such heat generation can be minimized, an area where the first central inner region (2514c) of the sensing coil pattern (2514) and the internal clearance (D1) overlap, and an area where the first central inner region (2514c) of the sensing coil pattern (2514) and the external clearance (D2) overlap can be selected.

[0326] Although FIG. 11 illustrates that the temperature sensor (2515) is positioned at a position where the center point of the temperature sensor (2515) and the center point of the first central inner region (2514c) of the sensing coil pattern (2514) roughly coincide, this is merely exemplary, and the influence of heat generation of the working coil pattern (2512) can be minimized simply by positioning the temperature sensor (2515) at any position in the region where the first central inner region (2514c) of the sensing coil pattern (2514) overlaps with the internal clearance (D1), and in the region where the first central inner region (2514c) of the sensing coil pattern (2514) overlaps with the external clearance (D2).

[0327] In addition, by configuring the temperature sensor (2515) to be placed in an area where the first central inner region (2514c) of the sensing coil pattern (2514) overlaps with the internal clearance (D1), and an area where the first central inner region (2514c) of the sensing coil pattern (2514) overlaps with the external clearance (D2), a space for installing a third lead pattern (2513c) that electrically connects the temperature sensor (2515) and the signal processing unit (2518), and a temperature sensor via hole (H_v3) through which the temperature sensor (2515) and the third lead pattern (2513c) are connected can be effectively secured.

[0328] At this time, as described above, the SMD type temperature sensor (2515) may be formed with a first electrode and a second electrode, each of which constitutes a pair of electrodes at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the first layer (251a) may be provided with a pair of sensor pads that are soldered to each of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0329] As illustrated, in the present embodiment, the direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode provided at both ends of the temperature sensor (2515) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other may be arranged in a direction parallel to the direction in which the working coil pattern (2512) is arranged adjacent to the temperature sensor (2515) or may be arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the working coil pattern (2512) is arranged.

[0330] That is, when the temperature sensor (2515) is arranged in the region of the first gap (D1) as illustrated in Fig. 11(a), the individual pattern strands (2512a-1, 2512b-1) of the working coil pattern (2512) arranged adjacent to both sides of the temperature sensor (2515) proceed along the front-back direction. Accordingly, the direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode of the temperature sensor (2515) arranged in the region of the first gap (D1) are arranged spaced apart from each other may be the front-back direction or the left-right direction intersecting the front-back direction.

[0331] In addition, when the temperature sensor (2515) is arranged in the area of ​​the second gap (D2) as illustrated in FIG. 11(b), the individual pattern strands (2512a-1, 2512b-1) of the working coil pattern (2512) arranged adjacent to both sides of the temperature sensor (2515) advance along the left-right direction. Accordingly, the direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode of the temperature sensor (2515) arranged in the area of ​​the second gap (D2) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other may be the left-right direction or the front-back direction intersecting the left-right direction.

[0332] At this time, a pair of sensor pads corresponding to the first electrode and the second electrode of the temperature sensor (2515) arranged in the area of ​​the first gap (D1), and the first electrode and the second electrode of the temperature sensor (2515) arranged in the area of ​​the second gap (D2) can be arranged with the same direction as these.

[0333] Through this, the third lead pattern (2513c) for transmitting an electrical signal generated from the temperature sensor (2515) to the signal processing unit (2518) can be extended toward the signal processing unit (2518) without interference with the working coil pattern (2512) or with interference with the working coil pattern (2512) being minimized.

[0334] More specifically, the portion where the third lead pattern (2513c) overlaps with the sensing coil pattern (2514) and extends across the sensing coil pattern (2514) may be provided in any one of the third to seventh layers (251c, 251d, 251e, 251f, 251g) on ​​which the first type pattern (2512a) is formed, or may be provided in any one of the eighth to twelfth layers (251h, 251i, 251j, 251k, 251l) on which the second type pattern (2512b) is formed.

[0335] By way of example, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, a third lead pattern (2513c) may be provided in any one of the 8th to 12th layers (251h, 251i, 251j, 251k, 251l) on which a second type pattern (2512b) is formed, and the third lead pattern (2513c) formed in any one of the 8th to 12th layers (251h, 251i, 251j, 251k, 251l) may extend parallel to the pattern strand (2512b-1) of the second type pattern (2512b) within the first gap (D1) and the second gap (D2).

[0336] Through this, the third lead pattern (2513c) can be extended while effectively avoiding the working coil pattern (2512).

[0337] The remaining portion of the third lead pattern (2513c) can be formed on the first layer (251a) or the second layer (251b) that does not cause interference with the working coil pattern (2512), as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0338] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) constituting the working coil pattern (2512) will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17.

[0339] Figure 12 illustrates the planar structure of the third layer (251c) of the first coil circuit board module (251) having a multi-layer structure.

[0340] The configuration of the third layer (251c) of the first coil circuit board module (251) described below can be applied equally to the fourth to seventh layers (251d, 251e, 251f, 251g) unless otherwise described.

[0341] Referring to FIG. 12, a first type pattern (2512a) of a working coil pattern (2512) consisting of a total of eight pieces can be arranged on a third layer (251c) of a first coil circuit board module (251) so as to form a total of eight craters (2511).

[0342] As illustrated, one first type pattern (2512a) can be assigned to one crater (2511), and the size of each first type pattern (2512a) can be formed to be the same so that the size of each crater (2511) can be formed to be the same.

[0343] At this time, for example, eight craters (2511) can be arranged in a grid shape, and accordingly, the first type pattern (2512a) can be arranged in a grid shape.

[0344] Accordingly, as the first type pattern (2512a) is arranged in a grid shape like this, a heating area can be evenly formed inside the third layer (251c) by being configured to be wound in a square spiral shape.

[0345] Meanwhile, in a case where a plurality of first type patterns (2512a) are arranged in a grid shape, the second type patterns (2512b) can be arranged symmetrically.

[0346] That is, a plurality of first type patterns (2512a) can be arranged in a left-right symmetrical shape centered on the light-transmitting slit hole (H_sl), which becomes the left-right center line of the third layer (251c).

[0347] In addition, a plurality of first type patterns (2512a) may be arranged to have a front-back symmetry shape centered on the front-back center line of the third layer (251c). In the illustrated embodiment, the front-back center line of the third layer (251c) may be defined as an imaginary horizontal line that divides a total of eight craters (2511) into four craters (2511) in the front and four craters (2511) in the rear along the front-back direction.

[0348] By arranging a plurality of first type patterns (2512a) in a symmetrical manner, the length of the first lead pattern (2513a) for supplying high-frequency power to the individual third layer (251c) can be minimized, and the structure of the first lead pattern (2513a) can be simplified.

[0349] Figure 13 illustrates the planar structure of the eighth layer (251h) of the first coil circuit board module (251) having a multi-layer structure.

[0350] The configuration of the 8th layer (251h) of the first coil circuit board module (251) described below can be equally applied to the 9th to 12th layers (251i, 251j, 251k, 251l) unless otherwise described.

[0351] As illustrated in FIG. 13, a second type pattern (2512b) of a working coil pattern (2512) consisting of a total of eight pieces can be arranged on the eighth layer (251h) of the first coil circuit board module (251) so as to form a total of eight craters (2511).

[0352] As illustrated, one second type pattern (2512b) can be assigned to one crater (2511), and the size of each second type pattern (2512b) can be formed to be the same so that the size of each crater (2511) can be formed to be the same.

[0353] At this time, the second type pattern (2512b) can be arranged in a grid shape, similar to the first type pattern (2512a).

[0354] In addition, similarly to the first type pattern (2512a) described above, a plurality of second type patterns (2512b) may be arranged to have a left-right symmetrical shape centered on the light-transmitting slit hole (H_sl), and a plurality of second type patterns (2512b) may be arranged to have a front-back symmetrical shape centered on the front-back center line of the third layer (251c).

[0355] Figure 14 illustrates a first type pattern (2512a) and a second type pattern forming one identical crater (2511).

[0356] The first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) illustrated in FIG. 14 can be arranged in a layered structure along the vertical direction as described above so as to form the same crater (2511).

[0357] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) constituting the working coil pattern (2512) can be wound to have a square spiral shape from the first common terminal (2512a-2, 2512b-2) formed on the inside to the second common terminal (2512a-3, 2512b-3) formed on the outside as described above.

[0358] For example, it can be wound a total of 9 times from the first common terminal (2512a-2, 2512b-2) to the second common terminal (2512a-3, 2512b-3). That is, it can be wound to have 9 turns.

[0359] As illustrated, the first common terminals (2512a-2, 2512b-2) may be formed at positions eccentric outward from the center of the crater (2511). That is, an area in which the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) are not formed may be formed in the center of the crater (2511). This is to prevent overheating that may occur due to heat generated by individual pattern strands (2512a-1, 2512b-1) being concentrated in the center of the crater (2511). Although not illustrated, a means for preventing overheating on the center side of the crater (2511) may be additionally provided in the form of a via hole on the center side of the crater (2511).

[0360] Additionally, as described above, the spacing between each turn forming the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) is maintained approximately constant, but an internal clearance (D1) for placement of a temperature sensor (2515) may be formed between the third turn and the fourth turn.

[0361] Meanwhile, for example, the first type pattern (2512a) may be formed by binding six pattern strands (2512a-1) to form one turn, and the second type pattern (2512b) may be formed by binding five pattern strands (2512b-1) to form one turn.

[0362] The widths of the individual pattern strands (2512a-1, 2512b-1) constituting the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) can be formed identically in a range of 0.27 mm to 0.33 mm, preferably 0.3 mm.

[0363] However, although the first type pattern (2512a) has six individual pattern strands (2512a-1) that constitute one turn, the ninth turn from the first turn does not proceed with only six individual pattern strands (2512a-1).

[0364] Likewise, the second type pattern (2512b) has five individual pattern strands (2512b-1) that constitute one turn, but the ninth turn does not proceed from the first turn with only five individual pattern strands (2512b-1).

[0365] That is, the first type pattern (2512a) can be arranged by dividing a plurality of pattern strands (2512a-1) in such a way that when one turn is completed while progressing from the first turn to the ninth turn, one of the six individual pattern strands (2512a-1) is stopped and a new individual pattern strand (2512a-1) is newly progressed.

[0366] Similarly, the second type pattern (2512b) can be arranged by dividing multiple pattern strands (2512b-1) in such a way that when one turn is completed while progressing from the first turn to the ninth turn, one of the five individual pattern strands (2512b-1) is stopped and a new individual pattern strand (2512b-1) is newly progressed.

[0367] By configuring the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) to be formed through a plurality of divided individual pattern strands (2512a-1, 2512b-1) in this way, it is possible to achieve the effect of a bundle of wires being bundled similar to the Litz wire applied to conventional cooktops.

[0368] At this time, the starting point and the ending point of the individual pattern strand (2512a-1) of the first type pattern (2512a) arranged to form a new turn as illustrated in FIG. 15, and the starting point and the ending point of the individual pattern strand (2512b-1) of the second type pattern (2512b) arranged to form a new tube in the same manner can be connected in series through the working coil via hole (H_v1).

[0369] At this time, the working coil via hole (H_v1) connecting the starting point and the ending point of the individual pattern strand (2512a-1) of the first type pattern (2512a) to the starting point and the ending point of the individual pattern strand (2512b-1) of the second type pattern (2512b) can be configured to collectively connect the individual pattern strands (2512a-1, 2512b-1) arranged in each layer by penetrating the entirety from the third layer (251c) to the twelfth layer (251l), as illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0370] However, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the individual pattern strands (2512a-1) constituting the first type pattern (2512a) and the individual pattern strands (2512b-1) constituting the second type pattern (2512b) may be configured to extend in opposite directions.

[0371] For example, individual pattern strands (2512a-1) constituting a first type pattern (2512a) may extend along a first direction (W1), and individual pattern strands (2512b-1) constituting a second type pattern (2512b) may extend along a second direction (W2) opposite to the first direction (W1).

[0372] As illustrated by way of example, the first direction (W1) can be clockwise, and the second direction (W2) can be counterclockwise.

[0373] Therefore, when high-frequency power is supplied through the same working coil via hole (H_v1), currents having opposite directions may flow in the individual pattern strands (2512a-1) of the first type pattern (2512a) and the individual pattern strands (2512b-1) of the second type pattern (2512b), which are electrically connected simultaneously to the same working coil via hole (H_v1), and magnetic fields having opposite directions may be formed.

[0374] As magnetic fields in opposite directions are formed in the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) in this way, a magnetic field dispersion effect similar to a conventional twisted Litz wire can be created.

[0375] Accordingly, the magnetic field generated from the first type pattern (2512a) and the second type pattern (2512b) is evenly transmitted to the container without being concentrated on a specific part of the container, thereby improving the heating efficiency and heating effect for the container.

[0376] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 17, a plurality of working coil via holes (H_v1) may be formed in the first common terminal (2512a-2) of the first type pattern (2512a) and the first common terminal (2512b-2) of the second type pattern (2512b) to minimize loss due to resistance.

[0377] These multiple working coil via holes (H_v1) can be formed to penetrate the entire layer from the first layer (251a) to the twelfth layer (251l) so as to be electrically connected to the first lead pattern (2513a) formed on the first layer (251a).

[0378] As a common working coil via hole (H_v1) is formed through the entire layer in this way, heat generated by individual working coil patterns (2512) can be effectively released from the first coil circuit board module (251) through the working coil via hole (H_v1). That is, the working coil via hole (H_v1) can function as a ventilation hole that prevents overheating of the first coil circuit board module (251).

[0379] Although not shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of working coil via holes (H_v1) may be formed to penetrate the entire area from the first layer (251a) to the twelfth layer (251l) in the second common terminal (2512a-3) of the first type pattern (2512a) and the second common terminal (2512b-3) of the second type pattern (2512b), similarly to the first common terminals (2512a-2, 2512b-2).

[0380] [Detailed structure of the temperature sensor, temperature sensing circuit, and signal processing unit]

[0381] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 23 below, the detailed structure of a temperature sensing circuit (C1) provided in a cooktop (20) of a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment and another embodiment of the present invention, a temperature sensor (2515) constituting the temperature sensing circuit (C1), and a signal processing unit (2518) that processes an output signal of the temperature sensor (2515) will be described.

[0382] As described above, the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is integrally provided with a temperature sensing circuit (C1) for detecting the temperature of the top plate (21), and the temperature sensing circuit (C1) may include a plurality of temperature sensors (2515) each of which is arranged at different locations.

[0383] As illustrated in FIG. 18, each temperature sensor (2515) can be mounted on the top surface of the coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253) surrounded by a sensing coil pattern (2514) so ​​as to effectively detect the temperature of the top plate (21) at different locations.

[0384] That is, each temperature sensor (2515) may be mounted on a coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253), and may be positioned on the upper surface of the coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253) facing the top plate (21).

[0385] At this time, as described above, each temperature sensor (2515) may be applied with an SMD type thermistor to facilitate integration into the coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253) through mounting on the coil circuit board module (251, 252, 253).

[0386] In Fig. 18, a state in which an SMD type thermistor applied as an individual temperature sensor (2515) is mounted on a first coil circuit board module (251) is illustrated. Hereinafter, as illustrated, a state in which the temperature sensor (2515) is placed on the first coil circuit board module (251) will be described as an example, and the configuration described below can be equally applied to a second coil circuit board module (252) and a third coil circuit board module (253) that are not described otherwise.

[0387] Referring to FIG. 18, a temperature sensor (2515) that is an SMD type thermistor may be configured to include a sensing chip (2515a) that generates an output signal containing information related to a sensed temperature, a sensor body (2515b) that houses the sensing chip (2515a) therein, and a first electrode (2515c) and a second electrode (2515d) that are spaced apart from each other with the sensor body (2515b) interposed therebetween and electrically connected to the sensing chip (2515a), respectively.

[0388] FIG. 18 illustrates an SMD type thermistor having a configuration in which a sensing chip (2515a) is arranged inside a sensor body (2515b) having a square pillar shape, and a first electrode (2515c) and a second electrode (2515d) are arranged at each end of the sensor body (2515b) based on the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor (2515).

[0389] At this time, the first electrode (2515c) and the second electrode (2515d) may be provided in the shape of a cylinder or a disk that protrudes from the longitudinal ends of the sensor body (2515b) in a direction away from the sensor body (2515b). The first electrode (2515c) and the second electrode (2515d) may be directly soldered and connected to the sensor pad formed on the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251), respectively.

[0390] As described above, the sensor pad is connected to the third lead pattern (2513c) that constitutes the temperature sensing circuit (C1), and the output signal of the first electrode (2515c) or the second electrode (2515d) can be transmitted to the signal processing unit (2518) through the sensor pad and the third lead pattern (2513c).

[0391] However, the SMD type thermistor provided as the temperature sensor (2515) in the present invention can be configured in various shapes and formats and applied to the present invention as is already known in the art. The present invention is not limited thereto, but the following description will be made based on the configuration of the SMD type thermistor illustrated as an example.

[0392] The temperature sensor (2515) can be an SMD type thermistor having a microchip shape for easy mounting on the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251) as described above and easy placement in the central inner area (2514c) of the sensing coil pattern (2514).

[0393] For example, the temperature sensor (2515) may be an SMD type thermistor having a longitudinal width of about 3.2 mm from the end surface of the first electrode (2515c) to the end surface of the second electrode (2515d) and a transverse width and vertical width of about 1.65 mm.

[0394] In particular, the sensor body (2515b) of the temperature sensor (2515) that acts as a temperature sensing surface may have a size such that the longitudinal width (Ws_l) is approximately 2.3 mm and the transverse width (Ws_t) is approximately 1.65 mm.

[0395] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 18, when the temperature sensor (2515) is mounted on the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251), a part of the outer surface of the sensor body (2515b) that acts as a temperature sensing surface, i.e., the lower surface based on the illustrated state, may be arranged to be in direct contact with the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251).

[0396] At this time, as described above, an insulating material (291) may be placed between the first coil circuit board module (251) and the top plate (21).

[0397] As shown, an opening may be formed in the insulation material (291) to prevent interference with the temperature sensor (2515) so that the temperature of the top plate (21) can be easily detected.

[0398] In addition, the upper surface of the sensor body (2515b) of the temperature sensor (2515) can directly contact the lower surface (21b) of the top plate (21) to detect the temperature of the top plate (21), or can indirectly detect the temperature of the lower surface (21b) of the top plate (21) through an insulating material (292) as shown.

[0399] In this way, the individual temperature sensor (2515) can generate an electrical output signal containing data regarding the temperature of the top plate (21) detected by the sensing chip (2515a) and output it through the first electrode (2515c) or the second electrode (2515d). The output signal of the first electrode (2515c) or the second electrode (2515d) can be transmitted to the main circuit board module (281) or the inverter circuit board module (283) via the third lead pattern (2513c).

[0400] However, since the individual temperature sensor (2515) is configured as an SMD type thermistor as described above, the electrical output signal of the individual temperature sensor (2515) can be a resistance-based data signal determined according to the temperature of the top plate (21).

[0401] In this way, the output signal of the individual temperature sensor (2515) becomes an unprocessed or unconverted resistance-based data signal, and the main circuit board module (281) is in a state where it cannot directly read the corresponding resistance-based data signal.

[0402] Therefore, a signal processing unit (2518) must be provided between the individual temperature sensor (2515) and the main circuit board module (281) to convert the output signal of the individual temperature sensor (2515) into a temperature-based data signal.

[0403] A cooktop (20) of a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that a signal processing unit (2518) for converting an output signal of an individual temperature sensor (2515) is integrally provided in a first coil circuit board module (251) rather than in a main circuit board module (281) or an inverter circuit board module (283).

[0404] As the signal processing unit (2518) is integrated into the first coil circuit board module (251), the signal processing unit (2518) can form a temperature sensing circuit (C1) together with a plurality of temperature sensors (2515).

[0405] The signal processing unit (2518) processes output signals transmitted from multiple temperature sensors (2515) in batches and ultimately transmits them to the main circuit board module (281) or the inverter circuit board module (283).

[0406] Therefore, it may be desirable for the signal processing unit (2518) to be positioned at a position where interference occurs as little as possible with respect to the working coil pattern (2512) constituting the crater (2511) and the sensing coil pattern (2514) constituting the container sensing circuit (C2).

[0407] The location where interference can be avoided in this way may be the edge portion that forms the frame of the first coil circuit board module (251), particularly the location close to the front edge and rear edge where the high-power terminal (2516) is formed and where it is easy to avoid the working coil pattern (2512).

[0408] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical direction of the rear edge (251s2) side of the first coil circuit board module (251), and FIG. 20 shows a plan view taken from above of the rear edge (251s2) side of the first coil circuit board module (251).

[0409] First, referring to FIG. 19, a substrate supporter (26) is placed below the first coil circuit board module (251), and the first coil circuit board module (251) can be supported by the substrate supporter (26) by being mounted on the upper surface (261) of the substrate supporter (26).

[0410] As described above, the main circuit board module (281), SMPS circuit board module (282), inverter circuit board module (283), resonant circuit board module (284), EMI filter module (285), blower fan module (286), and light source module (23) constituting the electric component (28) can be fixed to the lower surface (262) inside the board supporter (26).

[0411] At this time, the working coil pattern (2512) constituting the crater (2511) should be placed as close to the top plate (21) as possible so that the heat generation efficiency for the container can be maintained at its maximum.

[0412] Based on the illustrated embodiment, the top plate (21) can have a vertical thickness of approximately 4 mm.

[0413] In addition, as described above, when the working coil pattern (2512) is arranged in a 10-layer structure in the vertical direction and the first coil circuit board module (251) has a total of 12-layer structures, the first coil circuit board module (251) can have a vertical thickness of approximately 3 mm.

[0414] At this time, in order to achieve maximum heat generation efficiency of the working coil pattern (2512), the vertical gap (GH1) formed between the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251) and the lower surface (21b) of the top plate (21) may be in the range of 2.7 mm or more and 3.3 mm or less, and preferably may be set to be 3 mm.

[0415] As the vertical gap (GH1) between the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251) and the lower surface (21b) of the top plate (21) is formed to be quite narrow, a situation may arise where there is insufficient free space for arranging the signal processing unit (2518).

[0416] In particular, considering the height of the low-power connector (2518g) constituting the signal processing unit (2518) and the size of the flat cable (not shown) connected to the low-power connector (2518g), as described later, it may be very difficult to place the signal processing unit (2518) between the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251) and the lower surface (21b) of the top plate (21).

[0417] Considering the vertical gap (GH1) between the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251) and the lower surface (21b) of the top plate (21), it is preferable that the signal processing unit (2518) be placed on the lower surface (251v) of the first coil circuit board module (251) adjacent to the rear edge (251s2).

[0418] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and as described later, it is also possible to configure the remaining signal processing unit (2518) excluding the low-power connector (2518g) to be placed on the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251).

[0419] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 20, a plurality of high-power terminal patterns (2516) as terminals for supplying high-frequency power to the working coil pattern (2512) can be integrally formed on the first coil circuit board module (251) together with the working coil pattern (2512).

[0420] As illustrated, these multiple high-power terminal patterns (2516) can be formed close to the front edge and the rear edge (251s2) of the first coil circuit board module (251), and can be arranged along the extension direction of the front edge and the rear edge (251s2), respectively.

[0421] In the embodiment, the high-power terminal pattern (2516) is shown as being formed on the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251), but alternatively, it may be formed on the lower surface (251v) of the first coil circuit board module (251), or the high-power terminal pattern (2516) may be formed on the upper surface (251t) and the lower surface (251v) of the first coil circuit board module (251), respectively, depending on the embodiment.

[0422] Meanwhile, the high-power terminal pattern (2516) is configured to be applied with high-frequency power having an effective value of approximately 20 A or more. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to apply a connector having a simple insertion method, such as a conventional board connector, to the high-power terminal pattern (2516).

[0423] Accordingly, it can be configured so that high-frequency power is transmitted to the high-power terminal pattern (2516) through a high-power connector (254) which is connected at one end to the high-power terminal pattern (2516) of the first coil circuit board module (251) and electrically connected at the other end to the inverter of the inverter circuit board module (283) via a power cable. As illustrated, the board supporter (26) may be provided with a plurality of first through-holes (263) formed along the upper surface (261) and the lower surface (262) so that the lower end of the high-power connector (254) to which the power cable is connected can be inserted and passed through. In FIG. 20, a second aperture (264) may be additionally formed adjacent to the first aperture (263) and having a larger open area than the first aperture (263), and the second aperture (264) may function to allow a low-power connector (2518g) described later to be directly inserted therein or a flat cable connected to the low-power connector (2518g) to pass therethrough.

[0424] At this time, as illustrated, the signal processing unit (2518) of the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be placed in a dummy area formed in the lateral direction of the high-power terminal pattern (2516) to which the high-power connector (254) is connected.

[0425] The first coil circuit board module (251) can be formed in a plurality of locations as dummy areas in which metal or conductors, such as patterns or via holes, are not arranged or filled, while proceeding in the up-down direction from the upper surface (251t) to the lower surface (251v).

[0426] Therefore, since no patterns or via holes are formed, these dummy areas can be filled only with an insulating material formed from a thermosetting resin containing glass fibers.

[0427] In particular, as an example, a dummy area formed between a high-power terminal pattern (2516) and a low-power connector (2518g) described later, which is adjacent to the rear edge (251s2) of the first coil circuit board module (251) among a plurality of dummy areas, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, can be selected as an installation area (A1) where a signal processing unit (2518) according to an embodiment of the present invention is placed, as it can be an area where mutual interference and influence from the working coil pattern (2512) and the sensing coil pattern (2514) are minimized.

[0428] In the installation area (A1), as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a multiplexer (2518a), a pull-up / pull-down element (2518b), a signal amplifier element (2518c), a microcomputer (2518f), and a connection pattern (2518d) that electrically connects them, which constitute a signal processing unit (2518), can be placed.

[0429] Accordingly, by forming an installation area (A1) in a position that does not overlap with the working coil pattern (2512), sensing coil pattern (2514), lead pattern (2513) and other via holes constituting the first coil circuit board module (251) in the vertical direction and arranging the signal processing unit (2518) in the installation area (A1), the signal processing unit (2518) can be arranged in a state where interference and influence on the components of the first coil circuit board module (251) are minimized.

[0430] In addition, by configuring the installation area (A1) to be defined in the dummy area, the usability of the area of ​​the first coil circuit board module (251) can be improved.

[0431] Furthermore, as the signal processing unit (2518) is positioned, the rigidity of the dummy area formed only by the insulating material can be reinforced, and the proportion of the insulating material can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0432] FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary detailed arrangement structure of a signal processing unit (2518) constituting a temperature sensing circuit (C1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0433] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a multiplexer of a signal processing unit (2518) constituting a temperature sensing circuit (C1) can be placed in the installation area (A1).

[0434] As described above, the upper surface (251t) of the first coil circuit board module (251) may be provided with a plurality of temperature sensors (2515) positioned at different locations.

[0435] For example, in the case where 14 temperature sensors (2515) are provided on the first coil circuit board module (251) as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, a common input via hole (H_v311) functioning as the first input terminal for the 7 temperature sensors (2515) based on the first coil circuit board module (251) and a first via hole group (H_v31) functioning as the final output terminal can be placed and arranged adjacent to the rear edge (251s2) of the first coil circuit board module (251). The via holes arranged in two rows together with the first via hole group (H_v31) constitute a container sensing circuit (C2) and can be the first via hole group (H_v21) of the sensing coil via holes (H_v2) that function as the initial input terminal and output terminal of seven sensing coil patterns (2514) based on the first coil circuit board module (251). In addition, the via holes additionally arranged on the right side of these first via hole groups (H_v21, H_v31) constitute a temperature sensing circuit (C1) and a container sensing circuit (C2) and correspond to the second via hole group (H_v22, H_v32) that serves as an intermediate terminal.

[0436] That is, seven temperature sensors (2515) are commonly connected to a single common input via hole (H_v311), and the output signals of the seven temperature sensors (2515) can be ultimately output through seven first via hole groups (H_v31) that are individually allocated to each other via the third lead pattern (2513c).

[0437] The multiplexer (2518a) is electrically connected to the first via hole group (H_v31) of the seven temperature sensors (2515) and performs a function of sequentially outputting a plurality of output signals by selecting an output signal of any one of the seven temperature sensors. To this end, the multiplexer (2518a) of the present invention is provided as a microchip type device having at least seven switching devices therein, similar to a multiplexer commonly used in the art, and can be mounted in the installation area (A1).

[0438] In accordance with the number of temperature sensors (2515), at least seven terminals may be provided at the input terminal of the multiplexer (2518a), and the seven terminals may be electrically connected to individual via holes of the first via hole group (H_v31) consisting of seven via holes through a connection pattern (2518d). In addition, four control input terminals, at least one ground terminal, and an operating power terminal may be further added to the input terminal of the multiplexer (2518a), into which a control signal of a microcomputer (2518f) described later is input.

[0439] As illustrated, the connection pattern (2518d) may be configured with nine connections, for example, so that individual via holes can be electrically connected to individual input terminals of the multiplexer (2518a), and so that a control input terminal, a ground terminal, and an operating power terminal can be connected.

[0440] When a control signal for selecting an internal switch element is input from the main circuit board module (281) to the microcomputer (2518f), the selected switch element is switched from a turn-off state to a turn-on state, and the output signal of the selected temperature sensor (2515) is transmitted to the main circuit board module (281) or inverter circuit board module (283) via the microcomputer (2518f) described below through a common output pattern (2518e), so that the temperature of the top plate (21) can be detected at the location where the temperature sensor (2515) is placed.

[0441] As illustrated, the common output pattern (2518e) can be electrically connected to a common output via hole (H_v312), and the common output via hole (H_v312) can be electrically connected to a main circuit board module (281) by being connected to a connecting pin of a low-power connector (2518g) not illustrated.

[0442] In this way, since the output signals of a total of seven temperature sensors (2515) are transmitted through a single common output pattern (2518e), the wiring and pattern structure in the installation area (A1) can be significantly simplified.

[0443] Meanwhile, as the multiplexer (2518a) is placed in the installation area (A1) of the first coil circuit board module (251), the multiplexer (2518a) can be mounted on the lower surface (251v) of the first coil circuit board module (251) as shown.

[0444] In addition, as the installation area (A1) is formed in the dummy area, the multiplexer (2518a) can be placed in a state where there is no overlap with the working coil pattern (2512) and the sensing coil pattern (2514) in the vertical direction.

[0445] Meanwhile, as the multiplexer is configured with a plurality of switching elements in this manner, the signal processing unit (2518) constituting the temperature sensing circuit (C1) may further include a pull-up element or a pull-down element as a means to prevent the output signal of the switching elements from floating.

[0446] Although FIG. 22 illustrates a configuration in which a pull-up / pull-down element (2518b) is provided integrally with a multiplexer (2518a), a configuration in which the pull-up / pull-down element (2518b) is provided separately from the multiplexer (2518a) and is connected to the output terminal of the multiplexer (2518a) through a common output pattern (2518e) is also applicable. The present invention is not limited thereto, but the following description will be made based on a configuration in which the pull-up / pull-down element (2518b) is provided integrally with the multiplexer (2518a) as illustrated.

[0447] Meanwhile, as described above, since the temperature sensor (2515) is equipped with an SMD type thermistor having a very small size, the output signal of the individual temperature sensor (2515) cannot but have a very small size.

[0448] In addition, the multiplexer (2518a) only performs the function of selecting and outputting only the output signal of the temperature sensor (2515) selected through the turn-on of the switching element, and does not have the function of amplifying the output signal of the temperature sensor (2515).

[0449] As a means for amplifying the output signal of a temperature sensor (2515) having such a very small size to facilitate identification, the signal processing unit (2518) constituting the temperature sensing circuit (C1) may further include a signal amplification element (2518c).

[0450] There is no limitation on the type of signal amplifier that can be applied, but an OP-AMP type signal amplifier that is easy to mount and has a small size may be preferable.

[0451] As illustrated, the signal amplification element (2518c) may be configured to be provided independently or integrated into a microcomputer (2518f) described below. A configuration in which the signal amplification element (2518c) is integrated into the microcomputer (2518f) is illustrated in FIG. 22 and below. The present invention is not limited thereto, but the following description will be based on an embodiment in which the signal amplification element (2518c) is integrated into the microcomputer (2518f).

[0452] Meanwhile, the signal processing unit (2518) of the cooktop (20) of the cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a microcomputer (2518f) that converts and outputs an output signal of a temperature sensor (2515).

[0453] As described above, the output signal of the temperature sensor (2515) becomes a resistance-based data signal that is determined and changed according to the temperature of the top plate (21).

[0454] Accordingly, the main controller of the main circuit board module (281) cannot directly read such resistance-based data signals, and a means for converting the resistance-based data signals into temperature-based data signals must be provided to enable the temperature of the top plate (21) to be determined.

[0455] The present invention can be configured so that a microcomputer (2518f) that can convert an output signal of a temperature sensor (2515) into a temperature-based data signal and transmit it to the main circuit board module (281) as shown in FIG. 22 so that the main controller or inverter circuit board module (283) of the main circuit board module (281) can directly determine the temperature of the top plate (21) can be further arranged in the installation area (A1) of the first coil circuit board module (251) as part of the temperature sensing circuit (C1).

[0456] However, a resistance-temperature conversion table may be stored in the microcomputer (2518f) so that resistance-based data can be converted into temperature-based data and communicated.

[0457] Additionally, the microcomputer (2518f) can also perform a function of converting the output signal of the temperature sensor (2515), which is an analog signal, into a digital signal and communicating it with the main circuit board module (281).

[0458] For this purpose, the terminal of the microcomputer (2518f) can be electrically connected to the communication via hole (H_can) through the common output pattern (2518e). In addition, the terminal of the microcomputer (2518f) can be electrically connected to the ground via hole (H_g) and the operating power via hole (H_vcc) through the connection pattern (2518d).

[0459] As the multiplexer (2518a), signal amplifier (2518c), etc. that constitute the signal processing unit (2518) are arranged in the installation area (A1) of the first coil circuit board module (251), the microcomputer (2518f) can be mounted on the lower surface (251v) of the first coil circuit board module (251) as shown.

[0460] Likewise, as the installation area (A1) is formed in the dummy area, the microcomputer (2518f) can be placed in a state where there is no overlap with the working coil pattern (2512) and the sensing coil pattern (2514) in the vertical direction.

[0461] Figure 23 illustrates the arrangement configuration of a signal processing unit (2518) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0462] In the case of the above-described embodiment, the multiplexer (2518a) and the microcomputer (2518f) constituting the signal processing unit (2518) are configured to be placed in an installation area (A1) formed at the front edge or the rear edge (251s2) of the first coil circuit board module (251), and the multiplexer (2518a) and the microcomputer (2518f) are configured to be electrically connected to the operating power via hole (H_vcc), the ground via hole (H_g), and the communication via hole (H_can) through a separate connection pattern (2518d) and a common output pattern (2518e).

[0463] In the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, unlike this, the multiplexer (2518a) and the microcomputer (2518f) may be configured to be directly connected to the third lead pattern (2513c) formed on the first layer (251a) of the first coil circuit board module (251) and extending across the internal area of ​​the crater (2511).

[0464] In this way, since the multiplexer (2518a) and the microcomputer (2518f) are configured to be placed in the internal area of ​​the crater (2511) rather than the installation area (A1) of the first coil circuit board module (251), the connection pattern (2518d) for electrically connecting the multiplexer (2518a) and the microcomputer (2518f) to the operating power via hole (H_vcc), the ground via hole (H_g), and the communication via hole (H_can) can be omitted, and thus, the configuration of the temperature sensing circuit (C1) can be simplified, which has the advantage of being possible.

[0465] Meanwhile, as illustrated, so that the multiplexer (2518a) and the microcomputer (2518f) can be directly connected to the third lead pattern (2513c), the third lead pattern (2513c) may be formed in a partially missing and disconnected state in the area where the multiplexer (2518a) is mounted and the area where the microcomputer (2518f) is mounted, i.e., in the area where the multiplexer (2518a) and the microcomputer (2518f) overlap.

[0466] Although not shown, the end of the third lead pattern (2513c) can be electrically connected to the second via hole group (H_v32) among the temperature sensor via holes (H_v3).

[0467] At this time, although not shown, as described above, the second via hole group (H_v32) can be electrically connected to the operating power (VCC) via hole (H_vcc), the ground via hole (H_g), and the communication via hole (H_can) through a pattern placed on a layer other than the first layer (251a) where the third lead pattern (2513c) is formed.

[0468] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A top plate on which the container is mounted; and A coil circuit board module having a working coil pattern disposed below the top plate and configured to generate a magnetic field by applying high-frequency power to heat the container; Including, The above coil circuit board module has a temperature sensing circuit that detects the temperature of the top plate, A cooking appliance in which the above temperature sensing circuit is formed integrally with the coil circuit board module.

2. In paragraph 1, The above temperature sensing circuit is a cooking appliance including a plurality of temperature sensors mounted on the coil circuit board module.

3. In paragraph 2, A cooking appliance in which the plurality of temperature sensors are each mounted on the upper surface of the coil circuit board module facing the top plate.

4. In paragraph 2, A cooking appliance wherein the temperature sensing circuit further includes a multiplexer electrically connected to the plurality of temperature sensors and selecting and outputting an output signal of any one of the plurality of temperature sensors.

5. In paragraph 4, The above multiplexer is a cooking appliance mounted on the upper or lower surface of the coil circuit board module.

6. In paragraph 4, A cooking device in which the above multiplexer is positioned so as not to overlap with the working coil pattern in the vertical direction.

7. In paragraph 4, A cooking appliance wherein the temperature sensing circuit further includes a pull-up element or a pull-down element connected to the output terminal of the multiplexer.

8. In paragraph 7, A cooking appliance in which the pull-up element or pull-down element is integrally provided with the multiplexer.

9. In paragraph 4, A cooking appliance wherein the temperature sensing circuit further includes a microcomputer connected to the output terminal of the multiplexer and converting the output signal of the selected temperature sensor.

10. In paragraph 9, The output signal of the above-mentioned selected temperature sensor becomes a resistance-based data signal determined according to the temperature of the top plate, The above microcomputer is a cooking appliance that converts the resistance-based data into a temperature-based data signal.

11. In paragraph 9, A cooking appliance in which the above microcomputer is mounted on the upper or lower surface of the above coil circuit board module.

12. In paragraph 9, A cooking appliance in which the above microcomputer is positioned at a position that does not overlap with the working coil pattern in the vertical direction.

13. In paragraph 9, A cooking appliance wherein the temperature sensing circuit further includes a signal amplifying element connected to the output terminal of the multiplexer.

14. In paragraph 13, A cooking appliance in which the signal amplification element is integrated into the microcomputer.

15. In paragraph 2, The above coil circuit board module further comprises a container sensing circuit that detects whether the container is seated, A cooking appliance in which the above container sensing circuit is formed integrally with the coil circuit board module.

16. In paragraph 15, The above container sensing circuit includes a sensing coil pattern formed by being wound in a spiral shape to detect whether the container is seated, A cooking appliance in which the temperature sensor is placed on the coil circuit board module in a state surrounded by the sensing coil pattern when viewed from the top plate.

17. In paragraph 15, A main circuit board module that determines whether to supply high-frequency power to the above-mentioned working coil pattern; Including more, A cooking appliance in which the coil circuit board module has a low-power connector that integrally connects the temperature sensing circuit and the container sensing circuit to the main circuit board module side.

18. In paragraph 17, The above low-power connector is a cooking appliance fixed to the lower surface of the coil circuit board module.

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