Transformer including stacked coils, and electronic device including same

Abstract

The present invention comprises a PCB and a transformer connected to the PCB, wherein the transformer includes: a first planar core in a first layer; a first coil in a second layer over the first layer, the first coil including a first opening; a second planar core in the first opening and in the second layer; an insulating sheet in a third layer over the second layer; a second coil in a fourth layer over the third layer, the second coil including a second opening; a third planar core in the second opening and in the fourth layer; and a fourth planar core in a fifth layer over the fourth layer.

Description

Transformer including laminated coils, and electronic device including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transformer including laminated coils and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] With the recent advancement of electronic technology, various types of display devices are being developed and distributed, and the demand for large-size display devices is increasing. For display devices with different widths, heights, and thicknesses, there is a growing demand for display devices with increased widths and heights while maintaining the same or reduced thickness to provide a wider display area. Display devices may include circuit elements for processing electrical signals. Among the circuit elements, circuit elements that store energy using electric and / or magnetic fields (e.g., capacitors and / or inductors) may have a minimum width, height, and thickness.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] Aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a transformer connected to the PCB, and the transformer includes a plurality of layers, and may include a first planar core in a first layer, a first coil in a second layer above the first layer, the first coil including a first opening, a second planar core in the second layer and within the first opening, an insulating sheet in a third layer above the second layer, a second coil in a fourth layer above the third layer, a third planar core in the third layer and within the second opening, and a fourth planar core in a fifth layer above the fourth layer.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and a transformer connected to the PCB. The transformer may include a first layer including a first planar core. The transformer may include a second layer positioned over the first layer. The second layer may include a first coil defining a first opening and a second planar core positioned within the first opening. The transformer may include a third layer positioned over the second layer, the third layer including an insulating sheet. The transformer may include a fourth layer positioned over the third layer. The fourth layer may include a second coil defining a second opening and a third planar core positioned within the second opening. The transformer may include a fifth layer positioned over the fourth layer, the fifth layer including a fourth planar core.

[0007] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a printed circuit board (PCB), and a transformer connected to the PCB. The transformer may include a first layer including a first planar core, and a second layer positioned over the first layer. The second layer may include a first coil defining a first opening, and a second planar core positioned within the first opening. The transformer may include a third layer positioned over the second layer, the third layer including an insulating sheet. The transformer may include a fourth layer positioned over the third layer. The fourth layer may include a second coil defining a second opening, and a third planar core positioned within the second opening. The transformer may include a fifth layer positioned over the fourth layer, the fifth layer including a fourth planar core.

[0008] In one embodiment, a transformer may include a bobbin including a sidewall. The sidewall may include a first portion defining a first through hole and a second through hole, and a second portion protruding from the first portion to define a third through hole, the third through hole being smaller than the first through hole and positioned between the first through hole and the second through hole. The transformer may include a first planar core positioned in the first through hole. The transformer may include a second planar core positioned in the second through hole. The transformer may include a plurality of coils stacked one on top of the other within the third through hole. The transformer may include a ring-shaped core positioned within the third through hole and surrounding the plurality of coils.

[0009] The above-described and other aspects, features, and advantages of some embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary power circuit included in an electronic device, according to one embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a transformer included in an electronic device, according to one embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bobbin of an electronic device, according to one embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a transformer of an electronic device, according to one embodiment;

[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate slits in a planar core included in a transformer of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments; and

[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a transformer disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments.

[0017] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0018] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutes of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components. The singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and / or B", "A, B, or C", or "at least one of A, B, and / or C" may include all possible combinations of one or more items listed together. Expressions such as "first", "second", "first", or "second" may modify the corresponding components regardless of order or importance, are used to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the corresponding components. When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(e.g., functionally or communicatively) connected” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), that component may be directly connected to the other component, or may be connected via another component (e.g., a third component).

[0019] The term "module" as used in this document includes a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimal unit or portion thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, a module may be composed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0020] When reference is made to the positional relationship between one element and another within this document (e.g., "on", "at the top", "below", "at the bottom", "next to"), it should be understood that unless the expression "rightly" or "directly" is used, there may be one or more intervening elements between the two elements, and it does not limit the placement relationship between the two elements.

[0021] For example, when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can mean that in addition to being attached to, integrally joined to, or inseparably formed with, one or more intermediate elements may exist between the two elements. For example, within the present disclosure, "B disposed above A" can refer to "B disposed over A." For example, within the present document, "B disposed over A" can refer to "B facing A and spaced apart from A." For example, "a first planar portion disposed over the first housing part" can refer to "a first planar portion that contacts the first housing part." For example, "a first planar portion disposed over the first housing part" can refer to "a first planar portion facing the first housing part and spaced apart from the first housing part."

[0022] For example, within this document, "B on A" may mean "B at least partially disposed on one surface of A." For example, within this document, "B on (or on) A" may mean "B formed on A." For example, within this document, "B on A" may mean "B having a portion formed on one surface of A and a remaining portion formed on the other surface of A opposite to said one surface." For example, "B on A" may mean "B having a portion bonded to an outer surface of A and a remaining portion bonded to an interior of A."

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment. The electronic device (101) may include an electronic device capable of displaying an image. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a television (TV), a monitor, a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a portable media player, a wearable device, a video wall, an electronic picture frame, or the like. The electronic device (100) may include any device (e.g., a home appliance) that receives power (via a wire) from a power system (110). For convenience of explanation, the following description assumes that the electronic device (101) is implemented as a TV, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0024] The electronic device (101) may be configured to operate on power (e.g., an alternating current (AC) (power) signal) provided from a power system (110). The power system (110) may be described as infrastructure designed to provide power to a location where the electronic device (101) is located. The electronic device (101) may include a plug (120) (or electrical cord) configured to be connected to a receptacle (or outlet, socket, receptacle) located at an end of the power system (110). The plug (120) may be connected to a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., an AC-DC adapter (or electrical adapter)) for power conversion (e.g., from an AC power signal to a direct current (DC) power signal).

[0025] While the plug (120) is electrically connected to the power system (110), the electronic device (101) can execute a function for outputting images, sounds, or a combination thereof (e.g., multimedia content) based on the power of the power system (110). When the electronic device (101) receives information representing images and / or sounds, the electronic device (101) can execute the function using the information. The information representing images and / or sounds can be stored in the electronic device (101) or received from an external electronic device (e.g., a set-top box (STB)) (130) connected to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can include an antenna configured to wirelessly receive the information, or can be electrically connected to the antenna.

[0026] The electronic device (101) may include hardware for receiving user input for controlling the electronic device (101) (e.g., user input for turning on the electronic device (101) and / or user input for adjusting a setting value of the electronic device (101) such as a volume or channel). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a switch (or button) that is at least partially visible through a housing of the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a touch sensor (e.g., a pressure-sensitive touch sensor and / or a capacitive touch sensor) for detecting a touch input on at least a portion of the housing. The user input may include a direct action of the user with respect to the electronic device (101) (e.g., pressing a switch and / or button, or touching a surface of the housing). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the user input may include an indirect action of the user related to the electronic device (101), based on a remote controller (140).

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) may be configured to receive a wireless signal (or an optical signal) of a remote controller (140) based on infrared (IR). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the remote controller (140) may be configured to transmit a wireless signal based on Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near-field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), wireless fidelity (WiFi), WiFi-direct, and / or other wireless short-range communication protocols, and the electronic device (101) may be configured to receive a wireless signal based on the exemplified wireless short-range communication protocols. Although a remote controller (140) dedicated to the electronic device (101) is illustrated, one embodiment of the remote controller (140) is not limited thereto. For example, the remote controller (140) may include a mobile device (e.g., an electronic device referred to as a user terminal, a mobile phone, and / or a smart phone) having installed thereon a software application for controlling the electronic device (101) based on a wireless network.

[0028] FIG. 1 includes an exploded perspective view illustrating hardware included in an electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include a housing (150), a display panel (160), a power circuit (170), and a control circuit (180). The housing (150) may include a rear cover (or rear cover, back cover) of the electronic device (101). The housing (150) may include an object (e.g., support legs and / or VESA (video electronics standards association) mount holes) for supporting the electronic device (101). One side of the electronic device (101) from which the housing (150) is visible may be described as a rear side (e.g., rear side) of the electronic device (101).

[0029] The other side of the electronic device (101), which is opposite to the visible side of the electronic device (101) through which the housing (150) is formed, may be described as the front side (e.g., front side) of the electronic device (101). The display panel (160) may be visible from the front side of the electronic device (101). The display panel (160) may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), and a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs of the display panel (160) may include organic LEDs (OLEDs). In one embodiment, the display panel (160) may include electronic paper. When the display panel (160) has a flat shape, the display panel (160) may be referred to as a flat panel display (FPD). When the display panel (160) has a curved shape, the display panel (160) may be referred to as a curved display. When the display panel (160) has a deformable shape, the display panel (160) may be referred to as a bendable display, a flexible display, and / or a rollable display.

[0030] The control circuit (180) may be configured to execute functions of the electronic device (101) described above (e.g., a function for outputting images, sounds, or a combination thereof, a turn-on function, a turn-off function, a volume control function, a channel change function, and / or a function for controlling the execution of a software application (e.g., an over-the-top (OTT) application) installed on the electronic device (101). For example, the control circuit (180) may control the display panel (160) using information received from an external electronic device (130) to output images and / or videos represented by the information. The power circuit (170) may be configured to provide power to the control circuit (180). The power circuit (170) may be configured to convert an AC signal received from the power system (110) into a direct current (DC) signal for driving the control circuit (180). The power circuit (170) may have a structure based on a switching mode power supply (SMPS).

[0031] To obtain a DC signal from an AC signal, the power circuit (170) may include circuit elements such as capacitors and / or inductors. An exemplary structure of the power circuit (170) is described with reference to FIG. 2. The power circuit (170) may output (substantially simultaneously) DC signals having various voltages to drive electronic components of the control circuit (180) and / or the display panel (160). The power circuit (170) may include a transformer (or transformers) for generating the DC signals. A transformer may be described as a circuit element for transmitting electrical energy using an electromagnetic field. A transformer may occupy a physical space to form an electromagnetic field. For example, the dimensions (e.g., width, height, and / or thickness) of the transformer may depend on the size of the electrical energy to be transmitted using the transformer. In other words, the dimensions of the transformer and the power circuit (170) including the transformer can be determined depending on the power consumption of the electronic device (101) (or electronic components included in the electronic device (101), such as the display panel (160) and / or the control circuit (180).

[0032] The demand for electronic devices (101) including display panels (160) has led to an increase in the width and / or height of the display panels (160). That is, consumers want to view a wider screen through the electronic devices (101). Meanwhile, consumers want the electronic devices (101) to occupy less space. That is, a method for reducing the thickness of the electronic devices (101) may be required. In order to reduce the thickness of the electronic devices (101), a method for reducing the size of circuit elements that occupy actual space within the electronic devices (101), such as the transformer of the power circuit (170), may be required.

[0033] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) may include a transformer that has (substantially the same) performance as other transformers while occupying a relatively small space. An exemplary structure of a transformer included in the electronic device (101) is described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and / or 7B. By using the transformer, the thickness of the electronic device (101) may be reduced.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary power circuit (170) included in an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, circuits included in the power circuit (170) of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 are schematically illustrated.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, exemplary electronic components of an electronic device (101) connected to a power circuit (170) are illustrated, including an LED driving circuit (220) and a control circuit (180). The control circuit (180) of FIG. 2 may correspond to the control circuit (180) of FIG. 1. The LED driving circuit (220) of FIG. 2 may be included in the display panel (160) of FIG. 1. The LED driving circuit (220) may include a circuit for driving a light source of the display panel, referred to as a backlight. For example, the LED driving circuit (220) may maintain or change the brightness (or luminance) of a plurality of LEDs included in the electronic device (101) (e.g., LEDs included in a backlight component). For example, the LED driving circuit (220) may generate or change voltages and / or currents applied to each of the plurality of LEDs. The above voltages and / or the above currents may be determined by the control circuit (180).

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, the power circuit (170) may include a rectifier circuit (212), an AC-DC converter circuit (214), and / or a DC-DC converter circuit (e.g., an LLC (inductor-inductor-capacitor) converter circuit) (216) configured to rectify an AC signal when receiving the AC signal (e.g., when receiving the AC signal from the power system (110). The power circuit (170) may further include at least one of a lightning protection circuit, a varistor, a surge arrester, and / or an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter.

[0037] The rectifier circuit (212) of the power circuit (170) can rectify an AC signal provided by the power system (110) and output a rectified AC signal. To rectify the AC signal, the rectifier circuit (212) can include a plurality of diodes connected in a bridge structure. Half-wave rectification or full-wave rectification based on the plurality of diodes can be performed by the rectifier circuit (212). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the rectifier circuit (212) can be replaced with another rectifier circuit implemented (or designed) in a non-bridge manner.

[0038] The AC-DC conversion circuit (214) of the power circuit (170) may be configured to output a DC signal from an AC signal rectified by a rectifier circuit (212). For example, the AC-DC conversion circuit (214) may include a capacitor that is charged by the rectified AC signal. For example, the AC-DC conversion circuit (214) may be configured to control charging of the capacitor based on the rectified AC signal by changing or controlling the phase of a current of the rectified AC signal. The capacitor may be a circuit element that stores electric energy based on an electric field. For example, the capacitor may include an electrolytic capacitor, a tantalum capacitor, a ceramic capacitor, and / or a film capacitor. The capacitor of the AC-DC conversion circuit (214) may be referred to as a bulk capacitor and / or a supercapacitor. When a capacitor is charged by a rectified AC signal, the voltage between the two terminals of the capacitor may be smoothen.

[0039] The AC-DC conversion circuit (214) of the power circuit (170) may be configured to control the charging of a capacitor based on an AC signal transmitted to the electronic device (101) based on a power factor (PF). The amount of electrical energy provided from the power system (110) to the electronic device (101) for driving the electronic device (101) may be referred to as apparent power. The apparent power may be a combination of active power (or consumed power) and reactive power. In a case where the power system (110) supplies electrical energy to electronic devices having the same active power, if the reactive powers of the electronic devices are different, the apparent powers provided by the power system (110) to each of the electronic devices may be different. For example, the higher the reactive power, the higher the apparent power. The power factor refers to the ratio between the active power and the apparent power. In order to reduce the load on the power system (110), the electronic device (101) may be (legally) required to have a power factor higher than the critical power factor. The AC-DC conversion circuit (214) may control the charging of the capacitor so that the power factor of the electronic device (101) is maintained above the critical power factor.

[0040] In one embodiment, the power circuit (170) may include a DC-DC converter circuit (216) configured to output DC signals to each of the electronic components (e.g., the LED driving circuit (220) and / or the control circuit (180)) of the electronic device (101) using electrical energy stored in a capacitor included in the AC-DC converter circuit (214). The DC-DC converter circuit (216) may generate an AC signal using the electrical energy stored in the capacitor. For example, the DC-DC converter circuit (216) may include an LLC converter circuit (or other inverter circuit) configured to generate the AC signal using the electrical energy stored in the capacitor. The AC signal generated by the DC-DC converter circuit (216) may be transmitted to rectifier circuits connected to each of the LED driving circuit (220) and the control circuit (180) via a transformer. Each of the rectifier circuits that receive the AC signal induced in the transformer can generate or output a DC signal having a voltage required for driving a corresponding electronic component (e.g., an LED driving circuit (220) and / or a control circuit (180)). Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, an exemplary structure of a transformer included in a DC-DC conversion circuit (216) of a power circuit (170) is described.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a transformer (300) included in an electronic device according to one embodiment. The electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2 may include the transformer (300) described with reference to FIG. 3. The transformer (300) of FIG. 3 may be included in the power circuit (170) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 and / or the DC-DC conversion circuit (216) of FIG. 2.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded perspective view of elements of a transformer (300) is illustrated, with elements listed along the z-axis. An exemplary structure of a transformer (300) including the elements of FIG. 3 is described with reference to FIG. 5. An exemplary appearance (or exterior) of the transformer (300) of FIG. 3 is described with reference to FIG. 6A and / or FIG. 6B.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, the transformer (300) may include a plurality of cores (320). The cores (320) may include a first planar core (321), a second planar core (322), a third planar core (323), a fourth planar core (324), and a ring-shaped core (325). The cores (320) may be ferrite cores including at least one of manganese-zinc (MnZn) ferrite or nickel-zinc (NiZn) ferrite. The yield of a core including a middle leg and an outer leg, such as an EE core (e.g., an 'E' shaped core), may be reduced because cracks may occur when the height (or thickness) of the middle leg and / or outer leg is reduced. Referring to FIG. 3, since the plurality of cores (320) have a flat structure that does not include a mid-foot and / or an outer foot, the plurality of cores (320) can be produced with a relatively high yield while having a relatively thin thickness. For example, in order to improve the yield, the plurality of cores (320) can be stably produced even without increasing the proportion of a material that is distinct from ferrite (e.g., a material for increasing the hardness of the plurality of cores (320). If the proportion of the material is increased, the performance indicators of the core, such as permeability, may decrease. In one embodiment, the transformer (300) can be (stably) produced without a decrease in permeability due to an increase in the proportion of the material, since the transformer (300) includes the plurality of cores (320) having a relatively simple shape.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, the transformer (300) may include a bobbin (310). The bobbin (310) may include at least one of a plastic such as Bakelite or a ceramic. The bobbin (310) may include a side wall that surrounds at least one of a plurality of cores (320). For example, the side wall of the bobbin (310) may surround a ring-shaped core (325). The bobbin (310) may have a ring-shaped structure that surrounds a side surface of the plurality of cores (320) (e.g., one surface of the cores (320) that is perpendicular to the z-axis). The structure of the bobbin (310) is described with reference to FIG. 4. The positional relationship between the bobbin (310) and the components of the transformer (300) is described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the transformer (300) may include a plurality of coils (e.g., a first coil (331) and a second coil (332)) that are wires based on a conductive material. For example, the plurality of coils may include an insulated wire (e.g., a litz wire). For example, the plurality of coils may include a USTC wire. For example, the plurality of coils may include a triple-insulated wire. The plurality of coils including the insulated wire may be electrically insulated from the plurality of cores (320) due to the insulating properties of the insulated wire. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and any one of the plurality of coils (e.g., a secondary coil) may not be insulated and may be electrically connected to any one of the plurality of cores (320). For electrical insulation between the plurality of coils, the transformer (300) may include an insulating sheet (340). The insulating sheet (340) may be referred to as an insulating sheet, an insulating film, and / or an insulating tape. Referring to FIG. 3, a first coil (331), an insulating sheet (340), and a second coil (332) may be sequentially stacked along the z-axis. For example, the first coil (331) may be positioned below the insulating sheet (340) (or adjacent to one surface of the insulating sheet (340), and the second coil (332) may be positioned above the insulating sheet (340) (or adjacent to the other surface of the insulating sheet (340).

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, along the direction of the z-axis, components of the transformer (300) excluding the bobbin (310) may be stacked. For example, a ring-shaped core (325), a first coil (331), and / or a second planar core (322) may be positioned on a first planar core (321). An insulating sheet (340) may be positioned on the first coil (331) and the second planar core (322). A second coil (332) and / or a third planar core (323) may be positioned on the insulating sheet (340). A fourth planar core (324) may be positioned on the ring-shaped core (325), the second coil (332), and / or the third planar core (323). An adhesive may be positioned or filled between the components of the transformer (300).

[0047] Along the z-axis, the components included in the transformer (300) may be aligned. For example, when viewing the transformer (300) along the z-axis, the plurality of cores (320) may be aligned concentrically. For example, among the plurality of cores (320), at least two planar cores (e.g., the second planar core (322) and the third planar core (323), or the first planar core (321) and the fourth planar core (324)) among the first planar core (321) to the fourth planar core (324)) may overlap each other when viewing the transformer (300) along the z-axis direction (e.g., the direction perpendicular to one surface of the first planar core (321). For example, when viewing the transformer (300) along the z-axis, the first coil (331) and the second coil (332) may overlap each other. Since the first coil (331) and the second coil (332) are aligned concentrically, the leakage flux of the first coil (331) and the second coil (332) can be reduced or minimized.

[0048] In order to align the components of the transformer (300), a bobbin (310) having a shape that surrounds the remaining components may be designed. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, an exemplary structure of the bobbin (310) including a through hole for accommodating the remaining components of the transformer (300) is described.

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bobbin (310) of an electronic device according to one embodiment. The transformer (300) of FIG. 3 may include the bobbin (310) of FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the bobbin (310) taken along line ab of FIG. 3 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 4, a through hole (410) formed along the z-axis may be formed by, or may be defined by, the bobbin (310). The through hole (410) may extend in a straight line along the direction of the z-axis within the bobbin (310). One side of the through hole (410) that is perpendicular to the z-axis may be referred to as a cross-section of the through hole (410). The size of the cross-section of the through hole (410) may include a width, a height, a radius, and / or a diameter of the cross-section.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment is illustrated in which a cross-section of a through hole (410) has a circular shape. The shape of the through hole (410) and / or the bobbin (310) is not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 4. The through hole (410) of the bobbin (310) may have a shape and / or dimensions for accommodating components (e.g., a plurality of cores (320), a first coil (331), a second coil (332), and / or an insulating sheet (340) of FIG. 3) of a transformer (e.g., a transformer (300) of FIG. 3) including the bobbin (310). The through hole (410) of the bobbin (310) may be formed to fit the components.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, the through hole (410) may be divided into a first portion (411), a second portion (412), and a third portion (413) depending on the size of the cross-section. The first portion (411), the second portion (412), and the third portion (413) may be referred to as a first through hole, a second through hole, and a third through hole, respectively. For example, the second through hole may connect the first through hole and the third through hole. The sizes of the portions of the through hole (410) (e.g., the first portion (411) to the third portion (413)) may be determined to accommodate components of the transformer.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, the bobbin (310) may include a side wall (421) defining a first portion (411) and a third portion (413) of the through hole (410), respectively, and a protruding portion (422) protruding from the side wall (421) and defining a second portion (412). The protruding portion (422) may be referred to as a side wall defining the second portion (412). In one embodiment in which the cross-section of the through hole (410) has a circular shape, the diameter (ra) of the first portion (411) and the third portion (413) may be larger than the diameter (rb) of the second portion (412). For example, the size of the second part (412) (or second through hole) of the through hole (410) may be smaller than the sizes of the first part (411) (or first through hole) and the third part (413) (or third through hole) of the through hole (410).

[0053] In one embodiment, components of the transformer may be positioned in portions of the through hole (410) (e.g., the first portion (411) to the third portion (413)). For example, the first portion (411) may correspond to the size of the first planar core (321) among the components of the transformer (300) of FIG. 3 (e.g., the diameter (ra) of the first planar core (321)). For example, the third portion (413) may have the size of the fourth planar core (324) among the components of the transformer (300) of FIG. 3 (e.g., the diameter (ra) of the fourth planar core (324)). Since the first part (411) and the third part (413) correspond to the lowest member (e.g., the first planar core (321) of FIG. 3) and the highest member (e.g., the fourth planar core (324) of FIG. 3) of the members of the laminated transformer (300), the remaining members of the transformer (300) can be positioned in the second part (412) between the first part (411) and the third part (413). For example, the second part (412) can have the size of the ring-shaped core (325) of FIG. 3 (e.g., the outer diameter (rb) of the ring-shaped core (325)). For example, the second portion (412) may have a height (e.g., size in the z-axis direction) corresponding to the sum of the heights of the remaining members (e.g., height of the ring-shaped core (325), or sum of the heights of the first coil (331), the insulating sheet (340), and the second coil (332)).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, the inner side of the bobbin (310) having a ring-shaped structure may have a shape and / or sizes for accommodating components of a transformer different from the bobbin (310). The outer side of the bobbin (310) may have a shape and / or sizes for being coupled with a PCB (e.g., a printed circuit board) (or a PCB on which the power circuit (170) of FIG. 1 is positioned). A groove portion (or home portion) (430) indicating a positional relationship between the PCB and the bobbin (310) may be formed on the outer side of the bobbin (310). The groove portion (430) may be used to determine the position and / or direction of the bobbin (310) (or transformer (300)) with respect to the PCB during the process of coupling the bobbin (310) and the PCB. An embodiment in which the groove portion (430) guides the direction of the transformer relative to the PCB is described with reference to FIG. 7a and / or FIG. 7b.

[0055] Below, with reference to FIG. 5, cross sections of other members of the transformer located inside the bobbin (310) along the ab line are illustrated together with the cross section of the bobbin (310) illustrated with reference to FIG. 4.

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a transformer (300) of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the transformer (300) along the line ab of FIG. 3 is illustrated. In the description of the cross-sectional view of the transformer (300) of FIG. 5, any description that overlaps with the descriptions of FIGS. 3 to 4 may be omitted. For example, in the description of the cross-sectional view of the transformer (300) of FIG. 5, any description that overlaps with the description of the cross-sectional view of the bobbin (310) along the line ab of FIG. 4 may be omitted.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, the components of the transformer (300) may be sequentially stacked inside a through hole (e.g., the through hole (410) described with reference to FIG. 4). The internal space of the through hole (e.g., cavity) may be divided into a plurality of layers (e.g., the first layer (521) to the seventh layer (527)) depending on the size of the cross-section and / or the components positioned in the cross-section. The plurality of layers in which the components of the transformer (300) are positioned may include a first layer (521) including a first planar core (321). The size of the first layer (521) and / or the first planar core (321) within the first layer (521) may correspond to the size (e.g., diameter (ra)) of the first portion (411) of the through hole (410) of FIG. 4, or may be smaller than or equal to the size.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of layers may include a second layer (522) positioned on the first layer (521). The second layer (522) may include an insulating sheet (511) for electrically insulating the first planar core (321) and the first coil (331). The insulating sheet (511) may be omitted depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment that does not include the insulating sheet (511), the first planar core (321) and the first coil (331) may be electrically connected.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of layers may include a third layer (523) positioned above a second layer (522). The third layer (523) may include a first coil (331) defining a first opening, and a second planar core (322) positioned within the first opening. The first opening may be formed inside an innermost coil of the first coil (331). For example, the size of the second planar core (322) may correspond to the size (e.g., diameter (rc)) of the first opening, or may be smaller than or equal to the size. The first coil (331) may have the form of a spiral coil wound on a two-dimensional plane (e.g., one surface formed on the third layer (523). A single turn of the spiral coil may have a polygonal shape, such as a circle, a square, and / or a hexagon.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of layers may include a fourth layer (524) positioned on a third layer (523) and including an insulating sheet (340). The plurality of layers may include a fifth layer (525) positioned on the fourth layer (524). The fifth layer (525) may include a second coil (332) defining a second opening, and a third planar core (323) positioned within the second opening. The second opening may be formed on the innermost coil of the second coil (332). For example, the size of the third planar core (323) may correspond to the size (e.g., diameter (rc)) of the second opening, or may be smaller than or equal to the size. The second coil (332) may have a form of a spiral coil wound on a two-dimensional plane (e.g., one surface formed on the fourth layer (524)). A single turn of the second coil (332) may have a polygonal shape, such as a circle, a square, and / or a hexagon.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of layers may include a sixth layer (526) positioned on a fifth layer (525) and including an insulating sheet (512). The second layer (522) to the sixth layer (526) may be formed within the second portion (412) of the through hole (410) of FIG. 4. The ring-shaped core (325) may be positioned across the sixth layer (526) from the second layer (522) on the inside of the bobbin (310). For example, the ring-shaped core (325) may be positioned within the second layer (522) to the sixth layer (526) and may have a structure that surrounds the first coil (331) and the second coil (332). The size of the ring-shaped core (325) may correspond to the size (e.g., diameter (rb)) of the second portion (412) of the through hole (410) of FIG. 4, or may be smaller than or equal to the above size.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of layers may include a seventh layer (527) positioned above a sixth layer (526). The seventh layer (527) may include a fourth planar core (324). The size of the seventh layer (527) and / or the fourth planar core (324) may correspond to the size (e.g., diameter (ra)) of the third portion (413) of the through hole (410) of FIG. 4, or may be smaller than or equal to the size.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5, the sizes of the first planar core (321), which is the lowest part of the transformer (300), and the fourth planar core (324), which is the highest part of the transformer (300), may be larger than the sizes of other components. For example, the size (e.g., diameter (rb)) of the ring-shaped core (325) may be smaller than the size (e.g., diameter (ra)) of the first planar core (321). In order to align the components, the bobbin (310) may have a shape based on the sizes of the components of the transformer (300). For example, the side wall of the bobbin (310) may have a structure enclosing the first planar core (321) in the first layer (521), the ring-shaped core (325) that accommodates the members of the second layer (522) to the sixth layer (526), ​​and the fourth planar core (324) in the seventh layer (527). The thickness of the bobbin (310) may be equal to or correspond to the sum of the thicknesses of other members of the transformer (300) (e.g., members located in the first layer (521) to the seventh layer (527). When the members included in the first layer (521) to the seventh layer (527) are bonded based on an adhesive, the members may be fixed within the through hole (410) of the bobbin (310). For example, by the relationship between the sizes of parts of the through hole of the bobbin (310) (e.g., diameter (ra) and diameter (rb)), the above-described members can be fixed within the through hole.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, the transformer (300) may have a multi-gap structure due to the second layer (522), the fourth layer (524), and / or the sixth layer (526) where the insulating sheet is positioned. When the thicknesses of the planar cores wound by the coils of the transformer (300) are relatively thin, one or more air gaps may be formed within the transformer (300). For example, when the thicknesses of the planar cores (e.g., the second planar core (322) and / or the third planar core (323)) wound by the coils (e.g., the first coil (331) and / or the second coil (332)) on the central axis of the transformer (e.g., the z-axis in FIG. 5) are thinner than the thicknesses of the corresponding layers (e.g., the third layer (523) and / or the fifth layer (525)), air gaps may be formed within the transformer (300). A multi-gap structure based on at least one air gap and / or insulating sheet(s) can result in a reduction in the leakage flux of the transformer (300). Since the leakage flux is reduced, the power loss in the transformer (300) can be reduced.

[0065] The number of insulating sheets positioned in the second layer (522), the fourth layer (524), and / or the sixth layer (526) may be one or more. For example, a plurality of insulating sheets may be laminated in the second layer (522). For the insulation grade and / or insulation certification of the transformer (300) (or to enhance the insulation properties), one or more insulating sheets may be positioned in at least one of the second layer (522), the fourth layer (524), or the sixth layer (526).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, the first coil (331) and the second coil (332) can be aligned concentrically along the z-axis. For example, the first coil (331) and the second coil (332) can be stacked on top of each other such that the first opening of the first coil (331) and the second opening of the second coil (332) are aligned concentrically within the through hole of the bobbin (310) (e.g., within the second portion (412) of the through hole (410) of FIG. 4). Since the second planar core (322) positioned in the same plane as the first coil (331) is separated from the third planar core (323) positioned in the same plane as the second coil (332), the primary structure of the transformer (300) (e.g., the first coil (331) and the second planar core (322)) and the secondary structure of the transformer (300) (e.g., the second coil (332) and the third planar core (323)) can be independently produced. In addition, since the cores of the transformer (300) have only planar structures (e.g., the first planar core (321) to the fourth planar core (324)) and ring structures (e.g., the ring-shaped core (325)), the cores can be produced with a relatively high yield, at a relatively low cost, and / or relatively easily.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, the thickness of the transformer (300) (e.g., the length of the transformer (300) in the z-axis) may correspond to the sum of the thicknesses of the remaining members excluding the bobbin (310). For example, the dimensions of the bobbin (310) may not affect the thickness of the transformer (300) or may not be included in the thickness of the transformer (300). Since the dimensions of the bobbin (310) do not affect the thickness of the transformer (300), the transformer (300) may be designed to have a relatively small thickness.

[0068] Hereinafter, exemplary forms of a planar core (e.g., a first planar core (321) and / or a fourth planar core (324)) for reducing the thickness of a transformer (300) are described with reference to FIG. 6a and / or FIG. 6b.

[0069] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate slits in a planar core included in a transformer (e.g., the transformer (300) of FIGS. 3-5) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1), according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6A, an exemplary view (or appearance) of a transformer including a fourth planar core (324) and a bobbin (310) is illustrated. Although the appearance of the transformer is shown as viewed along the +z-axis, the appearance of the transformer as viewed along the -z-axis (e.g., the appearance of the transformer with the first planar core (321) of FIG. 3 visible, opposite the fourth planar core (324)) may also be similar to the appearance of the transformer of FIG. 6A.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 6A, the planar core of the transformer (e.g., the first planar core (321) of FIGS. 3 to 5 and / or the fourth planar core (324) of FIGS. 3 to 5 and 6A) may include a slit (or etched portion). Referring to FIG. 6A, the slit may overlap or be aligned with a portion where conductive wires of a coil (e.g., the second coil (332)) intersect each other.

[0071] For example, the second coil (332) having the form of a spiral coil can be wound from the outermost loop toward the rotation axis (e.g., the z-axis of FIG. 6A and / or FIG. 6B). At one end of the innermost loop of the second coil (332), a conductive wire of the second coil (332) can extend across the loops of the second coil (332) to the outside of the outermost loop of the second coil (332). The second coil (332) can include one end extending from the outermost loop and one end extending from the innermost loop toward the outermost loop. Both ends of the second coil (332) can be electrically connected to pins (621, 622) included in (or introduced into) the bobbin (310), respectively. For example, the conductive wire of the second coil (332), connected to the first pin (621) of the bobbin (310), may extend toward one end of the outermost loop.

[0072] For example, the conductive wire of the second coil (332), which is connected to the second pin (622) of the bobbin (310), may extend across the loops of the second coil (332) toward one end of the innermost loop. Referring to FIG. 6A, since the conductive wire connected to the second pin (622) extends to the innermost loop of the loops, a portion of the conductive wire extending from the second pin (622) to the innermost loop may overlap with the remaining portion forming the loops of the second coil (332). Because different portions of the conductive wire overlap, the thickness of the second coil (332) formed by the conductive wire may exceed the thickness of the conductive wire.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 6A, on one side surface (e.g., the first outer surface) of the bobbin (310), pins (e.g., the first pin (621) and the second pin (622)) corresponding to the second coil (332), which is the secondary coil, may be formed. Similarly, on the other side surface of the bobbin (310) (e.g., the side opposite to the side surface of the bobbin (310) where the first pin (621) and the second pin (622) are positioned) (e.g., the second outer surface opposite to the first outer surface), pins (e.g., the third pin (611) and the fourth pin (612)) corresponding to the first coil (331), which is the primary coil, may be formed. For example, pins (621, 622) may be electrically connected to both ends of the second coil (332), and pins (611, 612) may be electrically connected to both ends of the first coil (331). Pins (611, 612, 621, 622) may be referred to as electrodes, connectors, and / or ports for electrically connecting to other components of an electronic device including a transformer (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0074] Referring to Fig. 6b, an exemplary diagram for one side (e.g., side surface) of a transformer with respect to the yz plane is shown. The conductive wires of the second coil (332) may intersect each other at a portion (650). A slit of the fourth planar core (324), located in the third portion (413) of the through hole, may overlap on the portion (650) where different portions of the conductive wires of the second coil (332) intersect each other. Based on the slit, independently of the overlapping of the different portions of the conductive wires, the thickness of the transformer may be determined as the sum of the thicknesses of the components of the transformer. For example, the transformer may be designed or produced without an increase in thickness due to the overlapping of the different portions of the conductive wires.

[0075] For example, when the transformer is viewed from the +z axis, the portion where the conductive wires of the second coil (332) intersect each other overlaps with the slit of the fourth planar core (324), and thus the portion can be seen through the slit. Similarly, when the transformer is viewed from the -z axis, the portion where the conductive wires of the first coil (e.g., the first coil (331) of FIG. 3) intersect each other overlaps with the slit of the planar core (e.g., the first planar core (321) of FIG. 3), and thus the portion of the first coil can be seen through the slit.

[0076] As described above, according to one embodiment, the transformer can have a relatively thin thickness (e.g., a slim transformer) while maintaining electrical insulation of the primary coil (e.g., the first coil (331) of FIG. 3) and the secondary coil (e.g., the second coil (332) of FIG. 3). The transformer can be produced without an increase in thickness due to the bobbin (310). The planar core of the transformer can include a slit to compensate for an increase in thickness due to overlapping of the conductive wires of the coils, such as the portion (650). According to one embodiment, the transformer can be included in a switch mode power supply (SMPS) of a TV (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) that requires a relatively thin thickness. According to one embodiment, the transformer can be produced with improved productivity and reliability while having a relatively thin thickness. According to one embodiment, the transformer can be applied to the SMPS (or the power circuit (170) of FIG. 1) and / or the insulated conversion circuit.

[0077] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7a and / or FIG. 7b, an exemplary structure of a power circuit (e.g., SMPS) including a transformer described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, FIG. 6a and / or FIG. 6b is described.

[0078] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a transformer (301) disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) (790) of an electronic device, according to one embodiment. The electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 and 2 may include the transformer (301) described with reference to FIGS. 7A and / or 7B. The power circuit (170) of FIGS. 1 and 2 may include the PCB (790) of FIG. 7A.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a transformer (301) including a hexagonal bobbin (710) is illustrated. The transformer (301) of FIGS. 7A and 7B may have a structure similar to that of the transformer (300) of FIGS. 3 to 5. In the description of the transformer (301), any description overlapping with that of the transformer (300) of FIGS. 3 to 5 may be omitted.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 7A, a transformer (301) including a bobbin (710) having a shape engaged with an opening (793) of a PCB (790) is exemplarily illustrated. For example, the bobbin (710) may have a size equal to or smaller than the (cross-sectional) size of the opening (793). Since the bobbin (710) is inserted into the opening (793) of the PCB (790), the thickness of a circuit (e.g., a power circuit (170) of FIG. 1) including the bobbin (710) and the PCB (790) may be smaller than the sum of the thicknesses of the bobbin (710) and the PCB (790). The transformer (301) may include a plurality of coils (e.g., a first coil (731)) and pins (711, 712) electrically connected to the plurality of coils.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 7A, four pins (711) can be connected to a first coil (731). Similarly, four other pins (712) can be electrically connected to conductive wires of another coil (e.g., a second coil (732) to be described later with reference to FIG. 7B) that is different from the first coil (731). Although a transformer having a structure in which two pins are connected to one coil (e.g., the first coil (731)) (e.g., the transformer described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 6A to 6B) and a transformer (301) having a structure in which four pins are connected to one coil have been described as examples, the number of pins connected to the coils is not limited thereto.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 7A, electrodes (791, 792) may be formed on a PCB (790) to be connected to pins (711, 712) of a transformer (301). When inserted into an opening (793), the electrodes (791) and the pins (711) may be electrically connected (e.g., soldered), and the electrodes (792) and the pins (712) may be electrically connected, respectively. In one embodiment where the first coil (731) is a primary coil of the transformer (301), when the pins (711) connected to the first coil (731) are connected to the electrodes (791), the electrodes (791) may be electrically connected to a DC-DC conversion circuit (e.g., an LLC conversion circuit of a DC-DC conversion circuit (216) of FIG. 2). In one embodiment where the second coil, which is different from the first coil (731), is a secondary coil of the transformer (301), when the pins (712) connected to the second coil are connected to electrodes (792), the electrodes (792) may be electrically connected to a rectifier circuit connected to an electronic component (e.g., the LED driving circuit (220) and / or the control circuit (180) of FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the turn ratio of the primary coil and the secondary coil may be determined at least based on a ratio between a voltage of an AC signal applied to the primary coil and a voltage of a DC signal required for driving an electronic component electrically connected to the secondary coil.

[0083] Referring to Fig. 7a, the bobbin (710) of the transformer (301) may include a groove (719) formed on an outer surface. The groove (719) may be formed to indicate the direction of the transformer (301) with respect to the PCB (790). Referring to Fig. 7a, the PCB (790) may include a protruding portion (799) facing the opening (793). The protruding portion (799) may have a shape that engages with the groove (719) of the bobbin (710). For example, the protruding portion (799) and the groove (719) may be formed to guide the direction of introduction of the transformer (301) toward (completely and / or stably) the opening (793) of the PCB (790).

[0084] Although a groove (719) is shown as an example to guide the insertion direction of the transformer (301), the insertion direction may be guided by means other than the groove (719). For example, the shape of the outer surface of the bobbin (710) may be designed asymmetrically, and the shape of the opening (793) of the PCB (790) may be designed to correspond to the shape of the asymmetric outer surface of the bobbin (710). For example, if the bobbin (710) may have the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped including one right-angled corner and three rounded corners, and the opening (793) includes one right-angled corner and three rounded corners, a manufacturer assembling the transformer (301) may insert the transformer (301) into the opening (793) along a specific insertion direction. By guiding the direction of introduction of the transformer (301), the pins (711, 712) and electrodes (791, 792) can be accurately connected.

[0085] The insertion direction of the transformer (301) can be guided by using the spacings of the pins (711, 712) and the electrodes (791, 792). For example, if the spacings of the pins (711) match the spacings of the electrodes (791), the spacings of the pins (712) match the spacings of the electrodes (792), and the spacings of the pins (711) are different from the spacings of the pins (712), the manufacturer of the transformer (301) can insert the transformer (301) into the opening (793) of the PCB (790) so that the pins (711) are connected to the electrodes (791) and the pins (712) are connected to the electrodes (792).

[0086] As described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, 6A and / or 6B, the transformer (301) may include members that are laminated to each other within the through hole of the bobbin (710). Referring to FIG. 7B, an exploded perspective view of the transformer (301) of FIG. 7A is illustrated. The transformer (301) may include a first planar core (721). The first planar core (721) may correspond to a first layer of the transformer (301). A second layer of the transformer (301), positioned over the first layer, may include a first coil (731) and a second planar core (724). The second planar core (724) may be positioned on the innermost coil of the first coil (731) (e.g., a first opening defined by the first coil (731). The transformer (301) may include a second coil (732) and a third planar core (725). The third planar core (725) may be positioned within the second opening of the second coil (732). In one embodiment, an insulating sheet may be positioned between the third layer of the transformer (301) in which the second coil (732) and the third planar core (725) are positioned, and the second layer, for electrical insulation between the first coil (731) and the second coil (732). A fourth layer including a fourth planar core (722) may be positioned on the third layer of the transformer (301). The transformer (301) may include a ring-shaped core (723) positioned within the second layer and the third layer, and surrounding the first coil (731) and the second coil (732).

[0087] The bobbin (710) of the transformer (301) may include a through hole for accommodating the remaining components of the transformer (301) described above (e.g., the first planar core (721), the first coil (731), the second planar core (724), the second coil (732), the third planar core (725), the fourth planar core (722), and the ring-shaped core (723). The through hole may be defined by a side wall of the bobbin (710). The side wall of the bobbin (710) may have a shape that surrounds the first planar core (721), the second layer, and the ring-shaped core (723) accommodating the third layer, and the fourth planar core (722), similar to the side wall (421) and the protruding portion (422) of FIG. 4 .

[0088] Similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the size of the ring-shaped core (723) may be smaller than the sizes of the first planar core (721) and the fourth planar core (722). When the side wall of the bobbin (710) has a structure surrounding the first planar core (721), the ring-shaped core (723), and the fourth planar core (722), when the components of the transformer (301) are bonded to each other, the components may be fixed to each other within the through hole of the bobbin (710).

[0089] As described above, a transformer (701) including cores having a planar shape (e.g., a first planar core (721) to a fourth planar core (722)) may be provided. The transformer (701) may include cores that have a relatively small thickness and are produced with a relatively high yield. In order to have a reduced thickness, the coils (e.g., a first coil (731) and a second coil (732)) of the transformer (701) may have a spiral coil structure. The bobbin (710) may have a structure that surrounds the cores on the outside of the cores. The thickness of the transformer (701) may depend on the sum of the thicknesses of the remaining members excluding the bobbin (710). The first planar core (721) and the fourth planar core (722) may further include slits aligned on portions where the conductive wires of the coils (e.g., the first coil (731) and the second coil (732)) overlap. By the slits, an increase in the thickness of the transformer (701) caused by the portions where the conductive wires overlap may be reduced or prevented.

[0090] In one embodiment, a transformer having a relatively small thickness may be required. In one embodiment, a method may be required to maintain or increase the leakage flux of the transformer while reducing the thickness of the transformer. In one embodiment, a method may be required to simplify the structure of the core including the ferrite of the transformer. As described above, according to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a PCB (e.g., PCB (790) of FIG. 7A), a transformer (e.g., transformer (300) of FIG. 3 and / or transformer (301) of FIG. 7A) connected to the PCB. The transformer may include a first layer (e.g., first layer (521) of FIG. 5) including a first planar core (e.g., first planar core (321) of FIG. 3 and / or first planar core (721) of FIG. 7B). The transformer may include a second layer (e.g., a third layer (523) of FIG. 5) positioned over the first layer. The second layer may include a first coil (e.g., a first coil (331) of FIG. 3 and / or a first coil (731) of FIG. 7B) defining a first opening, and a second planar core (e.g., a second planar core (322) of FIG. 3 and / or a second planar core (724) of FIG. 7B) positioned within the first opening. The transformer may include a third layer (e.g., a fourth layer (524) of FIG. 5) positioned over the second layer and including an insulating sheet (e.g., an insulating sheet (340) of FIG. 3). The transformer may include a fourth layer (e.g., a fifth layer (525) of FIG. 5) positioned over the third layer. The fourth layer may include a second coil defining a second opening (e.g., the second coil (332) of FIG. 3 and / or the second coil (732) of FIG. 7b), and a third planar core positioned within the second opening (e.g., the third planar core (323) of FIG. 3 and / or the third planar core (725) of FIG. 7b).The transformer may include a fifth layer (e.g., the seventh layer (527) of FIG. 5) positioned above the fourth layer and including a fourth planar core (e.g., the fourth planar core (324) of FIG. 3 and / or the fourth planar core (722) of FIG. 7b).

[0091] For example, the transformer may include a ring-shaped core (e.g., ring-shaped core (325) of FIG. 3 and / or ring-shaped core (723) of FIG. 7b) positioned within the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer and surrounding the first coil and the second coil.

[0092] For example, the transformer may include a bobbin (e.g., bobbin (310) of FIG. 3 and / or bobbin (710) of FIG. 7b) that includes sidewalls enclosing the ring-shaped core, which accommodates the first planar core, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer within the first layer, and the fourth planar core within the fifth layer.

[0093] For example, the side walls of the bobbin may include a first side wall defining a first through hole corresponding to the first layer, a second side wall defining a second through hole corresponding to the fifth layer, and a third side wall defining a third through hole corresponding to the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, and connecting the first through hole and the second through hole.

[0094] For example, the third through hole may be smaller than the first through hole and the second through hole.

[0095] For example, the bobbin may include a groove (e.g., groove (719) in FIG. 7A) formed on the outer surface of at least one of the sidewalls to indicate the orientation of the transformer with respect to a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0096] For example, the bobbin may include first pins electrically connected to both ends of the first coil (e.g., pins (611, 612) of FIG. 6A and / or pins (711) of FIG. 7B), and second pins electrically connected to both ends of the second coil (e.g., pins (621, 622) of FIG. 6A and / or pins (712) of FIG. 7B).

[0097] For example, the first pins may be positioned on an outer surface of at least one of the side walls, opposite to the surface on which the second pins are positioned.

[0098] For example, the first planar core may include slits that overlap on portions where the conductive wires of the first coil intersect each other.

[0099] For example, the fourth planar core may include a slit that overlaps the portion where the conductive wires of the second coil intersect each other.

[0100] For example, the second planar core and the third planar core may be positioned to overlap each other when the transformer is viewed along a direction perpendicular to one surface of the first planar core.

[0101] For example, the insulating sheet may be a first insulating sheet, and the transformer may include a sixth layer (e.g., the second layer (522) of FIG. 5) positioned between the first layer and the second layer and including a second insulating sheet (e.g., the insulating sheet (511) of FIG. 5), and a seventh layer (e.g., the sixth layer (526) of FIG. 5) positioned between the fourth layer and the fifth layer and including a third insulating sheet (e.g., the insulating sheet (512) of FIG. 5).

[0102] According to one embodiment, as described above, an electronic device may include a printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., PCB 790 of FIG. 7A), and a transformer connected to the PCB. The transformer may include a first layer including a first planar core, and a second layer positioned over the first layer. The second layer may include a first coil defining a first opening, and a second planar core positioned within the first opening. The transformer may include a third layer positioned over the second layer, the third layer including an insulating sheet. The transformer may include a fourth layer positioned over the third layer. The fourth layer may include a second coil defining a second opening, and a third planar core positioned within the second opening. The transformer may include a fifth layer positioned over the fourth layer, the fifth layer including the fourth planar core.

[0103] For example, the transformer may include a ring-shaped core positioned within the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, and surrounding the first coil and the second coil.

[0104] For example, the transformer may include a bobbin including sidewalls enclosing the ring-shaped core, which accommodates the first planar core, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer within the first layer, and the fourth planar core within the fifth layer.

[0105] For example, the bobbin may have a shape that engages the opening of the PCB.

[0106] According to one embodiment, a transformer as described above may include a bobbin including a side wall. The side wall may include a first portion defining a first through hole and a second through hole, and a second portion protruding from the first portion to define a third through hole, the third through hole being smaller than the first through hole and positioned between the first through hole and the second through hole. The transformer may include a first planar core positioned in the first through hole. The transformer may include a second planar core positioned in the second through hole. The transformer may include a plurality of coils stacked one on top of the other within the third through hole. The transformer may include a ring-shaped core positioned within the third through hole and surrounding the plurality of coils.

[0107] For example, the plurality of coils may include a first coil defining a first opening, and a second coil defining a second opening.

[0108] For example, the transformer may include a third planar core positioned within the first opening, and a fourth planar core positioned within the second opening.

[0109] For example, the first coil and the second coil may be stacked within the third through hole such that the first opening and the second opening are concentrically aligned with each other.

[0110] As used herein, the term "if" will be understood to mean "when, upon," "in response to determining," or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, "if it is determined to," or "if [the stated condition or event] is detected," will optionally be understood to mean "upon determining," or "in response to determining," "upon detecting [the stated condition or event]," or "in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]."

[0111] The devices described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0112] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may independently or collectively command the processing device. The software and / or data may be embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, computer storage medium, or device for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0113] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may be one that continuously stores a computer-executable program or one that temporarily stores it for execution or download. In addition, the medium may be various recording means or storage means in the form of a single or multiple hardware combinations, and is not limited to a medium directly connected to a computer system, but may also be distributed over a network. Examples of the medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and those configured to store program commands, including ROM, RAM, and flash memory. In addition, examples of other media may include recording media or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications, sites that supply or distribute various software, servers, etc.

[0114] Although the embodiments described above have been described by way of limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on the above description. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0115] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, printed circuit board (PCB) (790); Includes a transformer (300; 301) connected to the above PCB, The above transformer comprises multiple layers, A first planar core (321; 721) within the first layer (521); A first coil (331; 731) within a second layer (523) above the first layer, the first coil including a first opening; A second planar core (322; 724) within the second layer and within the first opening; An insulating sheet (340) within the third layer above the second layer; A second coil (332; 732) within a fourth layer (524) above the third layer, the second coil including a second opening; a third planar core (323; 725) within the third layer and within the second opening; and comprising a fourth planar core (324; 722) within a fifth layer above the fourth layer; Electronic devices.

2. In claim 1, the transformer, Further comprising a ring-shaped core (325; 723) within the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, wherein the ring-shaped core surrounds the first coil and the second coil. Electronic devices.

3. In claim 2, the transformer, The first planar core within the first layer; the ring-shaped core within the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer; and The fourth planar core within the fifth layer Further comprising a bobbin (310; 710) including side walls enclosing the Electronic devices.

4. In claim 3, the side walls of the bobbin, A first side wall surrounding a first through hole corresponding to the first layer; A second side wall surrounding a second through hole corresponding to the fifth layer; and A third side wall surrounding a third through hole corresponding to the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, wherein the third through hole connects the first through hole and the second through hole. Electronic devices.

5. In claim 4, the third through hole is smaller than the first through hole and the second through hole, Electronic devices.

6. In claim 3, the bobbin, Further comprising a groove (719) on the outer surface of at least one of the side walls corresponding to the orientation of the transformer with respect to the PCB; Electronic devices.

7. In claim 3, the bobbin, First pins (611, 612; 711) electrically connected to the terminals of the first coil; and Further comprising second pins (621, 622; 712) electrically connected to the terminals of the second coil, Electronic devices.

8. In claim 7, The first fins are on a first outer surface of at least one of the side walls, the second fins are on a second outer surface of at least one of the side walls, and the first outer surface is opposite the second outer surface. Electronic devices.

9. In claims 1 to 8, the first planar core, Including a slit overlapping the portion where the conductive wires of the first coil intersect, Electronic devices.

10. In claims 1 to 9, the fourth planar core, Including a slit overlapping the portion where the conductive wires of the second coil intersect, Electronic devices.

11. In claims 1 to 10, the second planar core and the third planar core overlap each other with respect to a plane corresponding to one side of the first planar core. Electronic devices.

12. In claims 1 to 11, The above transformer is, A second insulating sheet within the sixth layer (522) between the first layer and the second layer; and Further comprising a third insulating sheet within the seventh layer (526) between the fourth layer and the fifth layer; Electronic devices.

13. In a transformer (300; 301) having multiple layers, A first planar core within the first layer; A first coil within a second layer above the first layer, the first coil including a first opening A second planar core within the first opening and within the second layer; An insulating sheet within a third layer above the second layer; A second coil within the fourth layer above the third layer, the second coil including a second opening, a third planar core within the second opening and within the fourth layer; and comprising a fourth planar core within a fifth layer above the fourth layer; Transformers.

14. In claim 13, Further comprising a ring-shaped core within the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, wherein the ring-shaped core surrounds the first coil and the second coil. Transformers.

15. In claim 14, The first planar core within the first layer; the ring-shaped core within the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer; and Further comprising a bobbin comprising side walls enclosing the fourth planar core within the fifth layer; Transformers.

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