Inductor and electric circuit

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of achieving space saving.　An inductor (1) comprises a first conductor (21), a first core (31), a second conductor (22), a second core (32), a first connection section (41), and a second connection section (42). The first core (31) has a first end (E1) and a second end (E2). The second core (32) has a third end (E3) and a fourth end (E4). The first core (31) has a first region (F1), a second region (F2), and a third region (F3). The second core (32) has a fourth region (F4), a fifth region (F5), and a sixth region (F6). The first connection section (41) connects the first region (F1) of the first end (E1) and the fourth region (F4) of the fourth end (E4). The second connection section (42) connects the second region (F2) of the second end (E2) and the fifth region (F5) of the third end (E3). The relative magnetic permeability of the first connection section (41) and the relative magnetic permeability of the second connection section (42) are greater than the relative magnetic permeability of the third region (F3) and greater than the relative magnetic permeability of the sixth region (F6).

Description

Inductor and Electric Circuit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inductor and an electric circuit, and more particularly, to an inductor and an electric circuit including a core formed of a magnetic material.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inductor formed by sandwiching a plurality of conductors between two plate-shaped I-shaped magnetic cores, and both ends of the conductors are drawn out to the outside of the I-shaped magnetic cores to form terminals.

[0003] Non-Patent Document 1 also discloses an inductor including a twisted core having two symmetrically arranged magnetic cores. The twisted core has two connection pieces connecting the two magnetic cores, and the two connection pieces are arranged at intervals.

[0004] When an inductor as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used in a power supply circuit, there is a risk that problems such as magnetic fluxes generated by currents flowing through the plurality of conductors reinforcing each other and the load responsiveness decreasing may occur. As a countermeasure against this problem, an inductor including a twisted core as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 has been proposed. However, in the inductor disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, in order to suppress magnetic flux leakage between the two magnetic cores, it is necessary to widen the interval between the two connection pieces connecting the two magnetic cores, making it difficult to save space.

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-129937

[0006] A. M. Naradhipa, F. Zhu and Q. Li, "Ultra-Low-Profile Twisted Core Inductor for Vertical Power Delivery Voltage Regulator," 2024 IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC)

[0007] In view of the above reasons, the present disclosure is made, and an object thereof is to provide an inductor and an electric circuit capable of saving space.

[0008] An inductor according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a columnar first conductor, a first core housing the first conductor, a columnar second conductor, a second core housing the second conductor, and a first and second connecting portion connecting the first and second cores. The first core houses the first conductor such that its axial direction is in a first direction. The second core houses the second conductor such that its axial direction is in the first direction. The first and second cores face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first core has first and second ends, which are both ends in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The second core has third and fourth ends, which are both ends in the third direction. The first and third ends face each other in the second direction. The second and fourth ends face each other in the second direction. The first core has a first region, a second region, and a third region aligned in the first direction. The third region is interposed between the first region and the second region in the first direction. The second core has a fourth region, a fifth region, and a sixth region aligned in the first direction. The sixth region is interposed between the fourth region and the fifth region in the first direction. The first region and the fourth region face each other in the second direction. The second region and the fifth region face each other in the second direction. The third region and the sixth region face each other in the second direction. The first connection connects the first region at the first end and the fourth region at the fourth end. The second connection connects the second region at the second end and the fifth region at the third end. In a plan view from the first direction, the first connection and the second connection intersect. The first connection and the second connection are spaced apart in the first direction. The relative permeability of the first connection and the relative permeability of the second connection are greater than the relative permeability of the third region and greater than the relative permeability of the sixth region.

[0009] An inductor according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a columnar first conductor, a first core housing the first conductor, a columnar second conductor, a second core housing the second conductor, and a first and second connecting portion connecting the first and second cores. The first core houses the first conductor such that its axial direction is in a first direction. The second core houses the second conductor such that its axial direction is in the first direction. The first and second cores face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first core has first and second ends, which are both ends in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The second core has third and fourth ends, which are both ends in the third direction. The first and third ends face each other in the second direction. The second and fourth ends face each other in the second direction. The first core has a first region and a second region aligned in the first direction. The second core has a third region and a fourth region aligned in the first direction. The first region and the third region face each other in the second direction. The second region and the fourth region face each other in the second direction. The first connection connects the first region at the first end and the third region at the fourth end. The second connection connects the second region at the second end and the fourth region at the third end. In a plan view from the first direction, the first connection and the second connection intersect. The first connection and the second connection are formed of an anisotropic magnetic material. The relative permeability of the first connection in the direction parallel to the second and third directions is greater than the relative permeability of the first connection in the first direction. The relative permeability of the second connection in the direction parallel to the second and third directions is greater than the relative permeability of the second connection in the first direction.

[0010] An electrical circuit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an inductor and a switch connected to the inductor.

[0011] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of an inductor according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of the same inductor. Figure 3 is a plan view of the same inductor. Figure 4 is a side view of the same inductor. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an anisotropic magnetic material member forming a part of the same inductor. Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of an electrical circuit equipped with the same inductor. Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of an inductor according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an anisotropic magnetic material member forming a part of an inductor according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is an upper perspective view of an inductor according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a lower perspective view of the same inductor. Figure 11 is a plan view of the same inductor. Figure 12 is a side view of the same inductor. Figure 13 is an upper perspective view of an inductor according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0012] An inductor 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. Even other than these embodiments and modifications, various changes are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not depart from the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments (including modifications) described below may be implemented in appropriate combinations.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) (1) Overview Below, an overview of the inductor 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Note that the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the inductor 1 comprises a columnar first conductor 21, a first core 31 housing the first conductor 21, a columnar second conductor 22, a second core 32 housing the second conductor 22, and a first connection part 41 and a second connection part 42 connecting the first core 31 and the second core 32.

[0015] The first core 31 houses the first conductor 21 such that the axial direction of the first conductor 21 is in the first direction D1 (see Figure 4).

[0016] The second core 32 accommodates the second conductor 22 such that the axial direction of the second conductor 22 is the first direction D1.

[0017] The first core 31 and the second core 32 face each other in the second direction D2 (see Figure 4), which is perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0018] The first core 31 has a first end E1 and a second end E2, which are the ends in a third direction D3 (see Figure 3) that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0019] The second core 32 has a third end E3 and a fourth end E4, which are its ends in the third direction D3.

[0020] The first end E1 and the third end E3 face each other in the second direction D2.

[0021] The second end E2 and the fourth end E4 face each other in the second direction D2.

[0022] The first core 31 has a first region F1, a second region F2, and a third region F3 aligned in the first direction D1.

[0023] The third region F3 is interposed between the first region F1 and the second region F2 in the first direction D1.

[0024] The second core 32 has a fourth region F4, a fifth region F5, and a sixth region F6 aligned in the first direction D1.

[0025] The sixth region F6 is located between the fourth region F4 and the fifth region F5 in the first direction D1.

[0026] The first region F1 and the fourth region F4 face each other in the second direction D2.

[0027] The second region F2 and the fifth region F5 face each other in the second direction D2.

[0028] The third region F3 and the sixth region F6 face each other in the second direction D2.

[0029] The first connection section 41 connects the first region F1 of the first end E1 and the fourth region F4 of the fourth end E4.

[0030] The second connection section 42 connects the second region F2 of the second end E2 and the fifth region F5 of the third end E3.

[0031] In a plan view from the first direction D1, the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 intersect.

[0032] The first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 are spaced apart in the first direction D1.

[0033] The relative permeability of the first connection portion 41 and the relative permeability of the second connection portion 42 are greater than the relative permeability of the third region F3 and greater than the relative permeability of the sixth region F6.

[0034] Here, "the first core 31 accommodates the first conductor 21" means that at least a portion of the first conductor 21 is held to remain in a predetermined location within the first core 31. Similarly, "the second core 32 accommodates the second conductor 22" means that at least a portion of the second conductor 22 is held to remain in a predetermined location within the second core 32.

[0035] In inductor 1, when current flows in the same direction through the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22, the path of the first magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the first conductor 21 and the path of the second magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the second conductor 22 are in opposite directions. This suppresses reinforcement between the first and second magnetic fluxes. In other words, the coupling coefficient between the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 is a negative value. Here, a negative coupling coefficient between the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 means that the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 are magnetically coupled in opposite phases.

[0036] In the inductor 1 of this embodiment, the relative permeability of the first connection portion 41 and the relative permeability of the second connection portion 42 are greater than the relative permeability of the third region F3 and greater than the relative permeability of the sixth region F6. As a result, the magnetic flux passing through the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 tends to follow the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42, making it less likely for magnetic flux leakage to occur between the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42. This allows the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 to be placed in close proximity, thus saving space.

[0037] (2) Details Hereinafter, the inductor 1 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the inductor 1 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member. Hereinafter, the inductor 1 will be described with the thickness direction of the inductor 1 as the first direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the inductor 1 as the second direction D2, and the short-side direction of the inductor 1 as the third direction D3. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are orthogonal to each other. Note that the "orthogonal" as referred to in the present disclosure is not limited to the strict meaning of orthogonal, and includes cases where there is an error of about several degrees. These directions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the direction during the use of the inductor 1. Also, the arrows indicating the "first direction", "second direction", and "third direction" in the drawings are only shown for the purpose of explanation and do not have an entity.

[0039] (2.1) Structure Hereinafter, the structure of the inductor 1 will be described.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the inductor 1 includes a first conductor 21, a second conductor 22, and one core member 3 that houses the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22. More specifically, one core member 3 includes a first core 31 that houses the first conductor 21, a second core 32 that houses the second conductor 22, and two connecting portions (a first connecting portion 41 and a second connecting portion 42) that connect the first core 31 and the second core 32.

[0041] The first conductor 21 is a columnar conductive member. In the present embodiment, the first conductor 21 is cylindrical. Note that the first conductor 21 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be a square columnar shape or the like.

[0042] The second conductor 22 is a columnar conductive member. In the present embodiment, the second conductor 22 is cylindrical. Note that the second conductor 22 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be a square columnar shape or the like.

[0043] The first core 31 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member with the first direction D1 as the thickness direction, the second direction D2 as the short-side direction, and the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction.

[0044] The second core 32 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member with the first direction D1 as the thickness direction, the second direction D2 as the short-side direction, and the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first core 31 and the second core 32 have the same shape. More specifically, the dimensions of the first core 31 in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are equal to the dimensions of the second core 32 in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3, respectively.

[0046] The first core 31 and the second core 32 face each other in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the first core 31 and the second core 32 face each other so as to overlap each other when viewed from the second direction D2. Hereinafter, the facing mode of the first core 31 and the second core 32 in the second direction D2 in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0047] The first core 31 has a first end E1 and a second end E2 which are both ends in the third direction D3 orthogonal to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Further, the second core 32 has a third end E3 and a fourth end E4 which are both ends in the third direction D3. Here, the first end E1 and the third end E3 face each other in the second direction D2. Also, the second end E2 and the fourth end E4 face each other in the second direction D2.

[0048] Further, the first core 31 has a first region F1, a second region F2, and a third region F3 arranged in the first direction D1. The third region F3 is a region interposed between the first region F1 and the second region F2 in the first direction D1.

[0049] Also, the second core 32 has a fourth region F4, a fifth region F5, and a sixth region F6 arranged in the first direction D1. The sixth region F6 is a region interposed between the fourth region F4 and the fifth region F5 in the first direction D1.

[0050] Here, the first region F1 and the fourth region F4 face each other in the second direction D2. Also, the second region F2 and the fifth region F5 face each other in the second direction D2. Further, the third region F3 and the sixth region F6 face each other in the second direction D2.

[0051] Here, as shown in Figure 4, the thickness T1 in the first direction D1 of the first region F1 is equal to the thickness T2 in the first direction D1 of the second region F2, the thickness T4 in the first direction D1 of the fourth region F4 is equal to the thickness T5 in the first direction D1 of the fifth region F5, and the thickness T1 and T4 are equal, and the thickness T2 and T5 are equal. Furthermore, the thickness T3 in the first direction D1 of the third region F3 is equal to the thickness T6 in the first direction D1 of the sixth region F6, and the thickness T1, T2, T4, and T5 are, for example, 0.5 mm. Also, the thickness T3 and T6 are, for example, 1.0 mm. In this disclosure, "equal" is not limited to cases where multiple values ​​are exactly the same as each other, but also includes cases where they differ within an allowable margin of error. For example, it includes cases where there is an error of 3%, 5%, or 10% or less.

[0052] Next, the state in which the first conductor 21 is housed by the first core 31 and the state in which the second conductor 22 is housed by the second core 32 will be described.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the first core 31 has a groove G1 located in the center in the third direction D3. In other words, the groove G1 is located between the first end E1 and the second end E2. The groove G1 is recessed from the side surface S1 of the first core 31 facing the second core 32, along the second direction D2, away from the second core 32. The groove G1 penetrates the first core 31 in the first direction D1. That is, the groove G1 penetrates the first region F1, the second region F2, and the third region F3 in the first direction D1.

[0054] The groove G1 accommodates the columnar first conductor 21 such that its axial direction is the first direction D1. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the groove G1 accommodates the first conductor 21 such that the first end B1, which is one end of the first conductor 21 in the axial direction, protrudes outward from the first main surface M1, which is one end face of the first core 31 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the groove G1 accommodates the first conductor 21 such that the second end B2, which is the other end of the first conductor 21 in the axial direction, protrudes outward from the second main surface M2, which is the other end face of the first core 31 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the groove G1 accommodates the first conductor 21 such that the first conductor 21 is exposed to the outside from the side surface S1. Furthermore, when the groove G1 accommodates the first conductor 21, the first conductor 21 and the first core 31 may or may not be in direct contact.

[0055] The second core 32 has a groove G2 located in the center in the third direction D3. In other words, the groove G2 is located between the third end E3 and the fourth end E4. The groove G2 is recessed from the side surface S2 of the second core 32 facing the first core 31, along the second direction D2, away from the first core 31. The groove G2 penetrates the second core 32 in the first direction D1. That is, the groove G2 penetrates the fourth region F4, the fifth region F5, and the sixth region F6 in the first direction D1.

[0056] The groove G2 accommodates the columnar second conductor 22 such that its axial direction is the first direction D1. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the groove G2 accommodates the second conductor 22 such that the third end B3, which is one end of the second conductor 22 in the axial direction, protrudes outward from the first main surface N1, which is one end face of the second core 32 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the groove G2 accommodates the second conductor 22 such that the fourth end B4, which is the other end of the second conductor 22 in the axial direction, protrudes outward from the second main surface N2, which is the other end face of the second core 32 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the groove G2 accommodates the second conductor 22 such that the second conductor 22 is exposed to the outside from the side surface S2. Note that when the groove G2 accommodates the second conductor 22, the second conductor 22 and the second core 32 may or may not be in direct contact.

[0057] Next, the configuration of the connection between the first core 31 and the second core 32 by the first connection part 41 and the second connection part 42 will be described.

[0058] The first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 are, for example, elongated plate-shaped members with the first direction D1 as the thickness direction.

[0059] The first end C1, which is one end of the first connection part 41 in the longitudinal direction, is connected to the first region F1 of the first end E1 of the first core 31. In other words, the first end C1 is connected to the region on the first end E1 side of the first region F1. The second end C2, which is the other end of the first connection part 41 in the longitudinal direction, is connected to the fourth region F4 of the fourth end E4 of the second core 32. In other words, the second end C2 is connected to the region on the fourth end E4 side of the fourth region F4. In short, the first connection part 41 connects the first region F1 of the first end E1 and the fourth region F4 of the fourth end E4.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 41, the first region F1, and the fourth region F4 are formed integrally, and as shown in Figure 4, the thickness T7 of the first connecting portion 41 in the first direction D1, the thickness T1 of the first region F1 in the first direction D1, and the thickness T4 of the fourth region F4 in the first direction D1 are equal. Hereinafter, the integrally formed first connecting portion 41, the first region F1, and the fourth region F4 may be referred to as the first plate portion.

[0061] The third end C3, which is one end of the second connection part 42 in the longitudinal direction, is connected to the second region F2 of the second end E2 of the first core 31. In other words, the third end C3 is connected to the region on the second end E2 side of the second region F2. Also, the fourth end C4, which is the other end of the second connection part 42 in the longitudinal direction, is connected to the fifth region F5 of the third end E3 of the second core 32. In other words, the fourth end C4 is connected to the region on the third end E3 side of the fifth region F5. In short, the second connection part 42 connects the second region F2 of the second end E2 and the fifth region F5 of the third end E3.

[0062] In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 42, the second region F2, and the fifth region F5 are formed integrally, and the thickness T8 of the second connecting portion 42 in the first direction D1, the thickness T2 of the second region F2 in the first direction D1, and the thickness T5 of the fifth region F5 in the first direction D1 are equal. Hereinafter, the integrally formed second connecting portion 42, the second region F2, and the fifth region F5 may be referred to as the second plate portion.

[0063] The first plate portion (first connecting portion 41, first region F1 and fourth region F4), the third region F3 and sixth region F6, and the second plate portion (second connecting portion 42, second region F2 and fifth region F5) are formed separately and then bonded together with an adhesive or the like.

[0064] With the above configuration, the first connection part 41 and the second connection part 42 intersect in a plan view from the first direction D1, as shown in Figure 3.

[0065] Furthermore, as described above, a third region F3 is interposed between the first region F1 and the second region F2, and a sixth region F6 is interposed between the fourth region F4 and the fifth region F5. As a result, the first connecting portion 41 connecting the first region F1 and the fourth region F4, and the second connecting portion 42 connecting the second region F2 and the fifth region F5 are spaced apart in the first direction D1, as shown in Figure 4. The distance H1 between the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 in the first direction is, for example, 1.0 mm. In this embodiment, a space is provided between the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 in the first direction D1, but a non-magnetic synthetic resin, non-magnetic ceramics, etc., may be provided between the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 42 in the first direction D1.

[0066] (2.2) Components Next, the components of each part of the inductor 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0067] The first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 are formed from a metal, for example, copper. However, the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 may also be formed from a material containing components other than metal.

[0068] The first plate portion (first connecting portion 41, first region F1 and fourth region F4) and the second plate portion (second connecting portion 42, second region F2 and fifth region F5) are formed from an anisotropic magnetic material member 6. Here, an "anisotropic magnetic material member" is a magnetic material member that has the property of having a higher relative permeability in a specific direction (anisotropy).

[0069] The anisotropic magnetic material member 6 forming the first plate portion and the second plate portion includes, for example, a plurality of metal layers 61 and a plurality of insulating layers 62, as shown in Figure 5.

[0070] The metal layer 61 includes, for example, at least one of iron (Fe) and iron-based alloys (FeSiB, FeSi, FeSiCr, FeNi, etc.). The thickness of the metal layer 61 is preferably 1 to 50 μm, and more preferably 1 to 10 μm. Furthermore, the volume occupancy rate of the metal layer 61 in the anisotropic magnetic member 6 is preferably 70 to 95%.

[0071] The insulating layer 62 includes, for example, an organic material such as epoxy, polyimide, or acrylic resin. ２ Si ３ N ４ It may also contain inorganic materials such as the above. Furthermore, the insulating layer 62 may contain both organic and inorganic materials. In this case, as an example, the insulating layer 62 is formed by sandwiching a layer of organic material between layers of inorganic material.

[0072] Multiple metal layers 61 and multiple insulating layers 62 are stacked alternately in the first direction D1.

[0073] With the above configuration, the first relative permeability of the first plate portion in the directions parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is greater than the second relative permeability of the first plate portion in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the first relative permeability of the second plate portion in the directions parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is greater than the second relative permeability of the second plate portion in the first direction D1. In this disclosure, "parallel" includes not only a state in which the two do not strictly intersect, but also a state in which the two are aligned within a certain range of difference.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are formed from the same anisotropic magnetic material member 6. Therefore, the first relative permeability of the first connection portion 41, the first relative permeability of the first region F1, the first relative permeability of the fourth region F4, the first relative permeability of the second connection portion 42, the first relative permeability of the second region F2, and the first relative permeability of the fifth region F5 are equal. Furthermore, the second relative permeability of the first connection portion 41, the second relative permeability of the first region F1, the second relative permeability of the fourth region F4, the second relative permeability of the second connection portion 42, the second relative permeability of the second region F2, and the second relative permeability of the fifth region F5 are equal. This stabilizes the path of the magnetic flux within the core member 3. As an example, the first relative permeability is about 500, and the second relative permeability is about 1.

[0075] The third region F3 and the sixth region F6 are formed by an isotropic magnetic material. In this embodiment, the third region F3 and the sixth region F6 are formed by the same isotropic magnetic material. Here, an "isotropic magnetic material" is a magnetic material that does not have the property of having a higher relative permeability in a particular direction. That is, in an isotropic magnetic material, the relative permeability is approximately constant in all directions. Hereinafter, the relative permeability of the isotropic magnetic material forming the third region F3 and the sixth region F6 may be referred to as the third relative permeability.

[0076] The isotropic magnetic material members forming the third region F3 and the sixth region F6 include, for example, at least one of iron (Fe) and iron-based alloys (FeSiB, FeSi, FeSiCr, FeNi, etc.).

[0077] In this embodiment, the third relative permeability is smaller than the first relative permeability of the first and second plate portions, for example, about 45. That is, the first relative permeability of the first connection portion 41 and the first relative permeability of the second connection portion 42 are larger than the third relative permeability of the third region F3 and larger than the third relative permeability of the sixth region F6. In this way, in the inductor 1, the first relative permeability of the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 is set to a large value among the components of the core member 3. As a result, the magnetic flux passing through the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 tends to follow the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42, and magnetic flux leakage between the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 is less likely to occur. As a result, the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 can be placed in close proximity, which helps to save space.

[0078] (2.3) Effects Next, the effects of the inductor 1 will be explained in more detail along with an example of its use.

[0079] Inductor 1 is used, for example, in an electrical circuit 7 as shown in Figure 6. Electrical circuit 7 is a two-channel multi-phase power supply circuit having two DC-DC converters. The operation of the two-channel multi-phase power supply circuit is disclosed in Patent Document 1, etc., so it will not be explained here.

[0080] The electrical circuit 7 includes an input terminal 71 to which a DC voltage is applied, an output terminal 72, a first switch 73, a second switch 74, a third switch 75, a fourth switch 76, an inductor 1, and a capacitor 77.

[0081] A first switch 73 and the first conductor 21 of the inductor 1 are connected in series between the input terminal 71 and the output terminal 72. A second switch 74 is connected between the connection point between the first switch 73 and the first end B1 (see Figure 4) of the first conductor 21 and ground.

[0082] Furthermore, a third switch 75 and the second conductor 22 of the inductor 1 are connected in series between the input terminal 71 and the output terminal 72. A fourth switch 76 is connected between the connection point between the third switch 75 and the third end B3 (see Figure 4) of the second conductor 22 and ground.

[0083] Furthermore, the second end B2 of the first conductor 21 and the fourth end B4 of the second conductor 22 are connected to the output terminal 72, and a capacitor 77 is connected between the connection point between the second end B2 and the fourth end B4 and the output terminal 72 and ground.

[0084] The first switch 73, the second switch 74, the third switch 75, and the fourth switch 76 are, for example, semiconductor switching elements, and more specifically, enhancement-type N-channel MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors). The first switch 73, the second switch 74, the third switch 75, and the fourth switch 76 are controlled on and off by a control IC (not shown).

[0085] Capacitor 77 functions as a smoothing capacitor.

[0086] Here, the first switch 73, the second switch 74, and the first conductor 21 of the inductor 1 constitute a first converter 81, which is a step-down DC-DC converter. In the first converter 81, the first conductor 21 functions as a coil that stores magnetic energy.

[0087] Furthermore, the third switch 75, the fourth switch 76, and the second conductor 22 of the inductor 1 constitute a second converter 82, which is a step-down DC-DC converter. In the second converter 82, the second conductor 22 functions as a coil that stores magnetic energy.

[0088] In other words, as shown in Figure 6, in the electrical circuit 7, the first converter 81 and the second converter 82 are connected in parallel between the input terminal 71 and the output terminal 72.

[0089] In the electrical circuit 7, the use of the inductor 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the actual measured area of ​​the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22.

[0090] Incidentally, in order to improve the load response of a two-channel multi-phase power supply circuit, it is preferable that the coils of the two DC-DC converters are magnetically coupled in opposite phases (a state in which the coupling coefficient value is negative). The inductor 1 of this embodiment, with the configuration described in "(2.1) Structure" and "(2.2) Components", can have a negative coupling coefficient between the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22. This will be explained in detail below.

[0091] First, in the electrical circuit 7, which is a two-channel multi-phase power supply circuit, the first switch 73 and the third switch 75 are alternately controlled to be on and off. When the first switch 73 is controlled to be on and current flows through the first conductor 21, mutual induction via the core member 3 causes current to flow through the second conductor 22 in the same direction. Similarly, when the third switch 75 is controlled to be on and current flows through the second conductor 22, mutual induction via the core member 3 causes current to flow through the first conductor 21 in the same direction. In other words, current flows simultaneously in the same direction through the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22.

[0092] Here, we consider the case where current flows through the first conductor 21 and the second conductor 22 from the front to the back of the paper in Figure 3. The main path of the first magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the first conductor 21 is the first path, which goes from the first end E1 through the first connection part 41 to the fourth end E4, from the fourth end E4 to the third end E3, from the third end E3 through the second connection part 42 to the second end E2, and from the second end E2 to the first end E1. The main path of the second magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the second conductor 22 is the second path, which goes from the fourth end E4 through the first connection part 41 to the first end E1, from the first end E1 to the second end E2, from the second end E2 through the second connection part 42 to the third end E3, and from the third end E3 to the fourth end E4. In other words, the first path and the second path are in opposite directions.

[0093] In this embodiment, the inductor 1 is spaced apart in the first direction D1 between the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42. Furthermore, the first relative permeability of the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 is greater than the third relative permeability of the third region F3 and greater than the third relative permeability of the sixth region F6. As a result, the first magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the first conductor 21 is more likely to follow the first path, and the second magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the second conductor 22 is more likely to follow the second path. In other words, the inductor 1 of this embodiment can reduce leakage magnetic flux from the first path to the outside and reduce leakage magnetic flux from the second path to the outside. Therefore, the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 can be placed in close proximity, thus saving space.

[0094] Furthermore, the first connection portion 41 and the second connection portion 42 are formed from an anisotropic magnetic material member 6, and the first relative permeability of the first connection portion 41 in the direction parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is greater than the second relative permeability of the first connection portion 41 in the first direction D1. Moreover, the first relative permeability of the second connection portion 42 in the direction parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is greater than the second relative permeability of the second connection portion 42 in the first direction D1. As a result, the first magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the first conductor 21 is more likely to follow the first path, and the second magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the second conductor 22 is more likely to follow the second path. In other words, according to the inductor 1 of this embodiment, leakage magnetic flux from the first path to the outside can be further reduced, and leakage magnetic flux from the second path to the outside can be further reduced.

[0095] (3) Modifications The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of the present disclosure are achieved. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate. In addition, in the following, components that are common to or substantially common to the basic configuration of the inductor 1 of the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will be omitted from the illustration and description as appropriate.

[0096] (3.1) Modification 1 The inductor 1(11) of Modification 1 differs from the inductor 1 of the above embodiment in that, as shown in Figure 7, the first connection portion 41, the first region F1 and the fourth region F4 are formed separately, and the second connection portion 42, the second region F2 and the fifth region F5 are formed separately. Furthermore, the inductor 11 differs from the inductor 1 of the above embodiment in that the first region F1, the second region F2, the fourth region F4 and the fifth region F5 are formed from an isotropic magnetic material. Furthermore, the inductor 11 differs from the inductor 1 in that the first region F1, the second region F2 and the third region F3 are formed integrally, and the fourth region F4, the fifth region F5 and the sixth region F6 are formed integrally. In other words, in the inductor 11, the first core 31 and the second core 32 are formed from an isotropic magnetic material. The inductor 11 is formed by separately creating the first core 31, the first connection part 41, the second connection part 42, and the second core 32, and then bonding them together with an adhesive or the like.

[0097] (3.2) Modification 2 The anisotropic magnetic material member 6 forming the first plate portion and the second plate portion may include a plurality of flattened metal particles 63 and a synthetic resin 64, as shown in Figure 8. The metal particles 63 are at least one particle of iron (Fe) and iron-based alloys (FeSiB, FeSi, FeSiCr, FeNi, etc.). The synthetic resin 64 is epoxy, polyimide, acrylic resin, etc.

[0098] (Embodiment 2) (1) Overview Below, an overview of the inductor 1A of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. Note that the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0099] The inductor 1A comprises a columnar first conductor 21A, a first core 31A housing the first conductor 21A, a columnar second conductor 22A, a second core 32A housing the second conductor 22A, and a first connection part 41A and a second connection part 42A connecting the first core 31A and the second core 32A.

[0100] The first core 31A accommodates the first conductor 21A such that the axial direction of the first conductor 21A is the first direction D1.

[0101] The second core 32A accommodates the second conductor 22A such that the axial direction of the second conductor 22A is the first direction D1.

[0102] The first core 31A and the second core 32A face each other in the second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0103] The first core 31A has a first end E1A and a second end E2A, which are the ends in a third direction D3 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0104] The second core 32A has a third end E3A and a fourth end E4A, which are its ends in the third direction D3.

[0105] The first end E1A and the third end E3A face each other in the second direction D2.

[0106] The second end E2A and the fourth end E4A face each other in the second direction D2.

[0107] The first core 31A has a first region F1A and a second region F2A aligned in the first direction D1.

[0108] The second core 32A has a third region F3A and a fourth region F4A aligned in the first direction D1.

[0109] The first region F1A and the third region F3A face each other in the second direction D2.

[0110] The second region F2A and the fourth region F4A face each other in the second direction D2.

[0111] The first connection section 41A connects the first region F1A of the first end E1A and the third region F3A of the fourth end E4A.

[0112] The second connection section 42A connects the second region F2A of the second end E2A and the fourth region F4A of the third end E3A.

[0113] In a plan view from the first direction D1, the first connection portion 41A and the second connection portion 42A intersect.

[0114] The first connecting portion 41A and the second connecting portion 42A are formed by an anisotropic magnetic material member 6.

[0115] The relative permeability of the first connection portion 41A in directions parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is greater than the relative permeability of the first connection portion 41A in the first direction D1.

[0116] The relative permeability of the second connection portion 42A in directions parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is greater than the relative permeability of the second connection portion 42A in the first direction D1.

[0117] With the above configuration, the first connection part 41A and the second connection part 42A can be brought into contact, thus enabling space saving.

[0118] (2) Details Below, inductor 1A will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0119] (2.1) Structure The structure of inductor 1A will be described below.

[0120] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the inductor 1A comprises a first conductor 21A, a second conductor 22A, and a core member 3A that houses the first conductor 21A and the second conductor 22A. More specifically, the core member 3A comprises a first core 31A that houses the first conductor 21A, a second core 32A that houses the second conductor 22A, and two connecting parts (first connecting part 41A and second connecting part 42A) that connect the first core 31A and the second core 32A.

[0121] The first conductor 21A is a columnar conductive member. In this embodiment, the first conductor 21A is cylindrical. However, the first conductor 21A is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be rectangular prism-shaped or the like.

[0122] The second conductor 22A is a columnar conductive member. In this embodiment, the second conductor 22A is cylindrical. However, the second conductor 22A is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be rectangular prism-shaped or the like.

[0123] The first core 31A is a substantially rectangular plate-like member with the first direction D1 as the thickness direction, the second direction D2 as the short side direction, and the third direction D3 as the long side direction.

[0124] The second core 32A is a substantially rectangular plate-like member with the first direction D1 as the thickness direction, the second direction D2 as the short side direction, and the third direction D3 as the long side direction.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first core 31A and the second core 32A have the same shape. More specifically, the dimensions of the first core 31A in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are equal to the dimensions of the second core 32A in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3.

[0126] The first core 31A and the second core 32A face each other in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the first core 31A and the second core 32A face each other so as to overlap when viewed from the second direction D2. The manner in which the first core 31A and the second core 32A face each other in the second direction D2 in this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0127] The first core 31A has a first end E1A and a second end E2A, which are its ends in a third direction D3 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The second core 32A has a third end E3A and a fourth end E4A, which are its ends in the third direction D3. Here, the first end E1A and the third end E3A face each other in the second direction D2. Also, the second end E2A and the fourth end E4A face each other in the second direction D2.

[0128] Furthermore, the first core 31A has a first region F1A and a second region F2A aligned in the first direction D1.

[0129] Furthermore, the second core 32A has a third region F3A and a fourth region F4A aligned in the first direction D1.

[0130] Here, the first region F1A and the third region F3A face each other in the second direction D2. Also, the second region F2A and the fourth region F4A face each other in the second direction D2.

[0131] Here, as shown in Figure 12, the thickness T1A in the first direction D1 of the first region F1A is equal to the thickness T2A in the first direction D1 of the second region F2A, the thickness T3A in the first direction D1 of the third region F3A is equal to the thickness T4A in the first direction D1 of the fourth region F4A, and so on. Also, the thicknesses T1A and T3A are equal, and the thicknesses T2A and T4A are equal. The thicknesses T1A, T2A, T3A, and T4A are, for example, 0.5 mm.

[0132] Next, the state in which the first conductor 21A is housed by the first core 31A, and the manner in which the second conductor 22A is housed by the second core 32A will be described.

[0133] The first core 31A has a groove G1A located in the center in the third direction D3. In other words, the groove G1A is located between the first end E1A and the second end E2A. The groove G1A is recessed from the side surface S1A of the first core 31A facing the second core 32A, along the second direction D2, away from the second core 32A. The groove G1A penetrates the first core 31A in the first direction D1. That is, the groove G1A penetrates the first region F1A and the second region F2A in the first direction D1.

[0134] The groove G1A accommodates the columnar first conductor 21A such that its axial direction is the first direction D1. More specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the groove G1A accommodates the first conductor 21A such that the first end B1A, which is one end of the first conductor 21A in the axial direction, protrudes outward from the first main surface M1A, which is one end face of the first core 31A in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the groove G1A accommodates the first conductor 21A such that the second end B2A, which is the other end of the first conductor 21A in the axial direction, protrudes outward from the second main surface M2A, which is the other end face of the first core 31A in the first direction D1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the groove G1A accommodates the first conductor 21A such that the first conductor 21A is exposed to the outside from the side surface S1A. Furthermore, when the groove G1A accommodates the first conductor 21A, the first conductor 21A and the first core 31A may or may not be in direct contact.

[0135] The second core 32A has a groove G2A located in the central part in the third direction D3. In other words, the groove G2A is located between the third end E3A and the fourth end E4A. The groove G2A is recessed from the side surface S2A of the second core 32A facing the first core 31A, along the second direction D2, away from the first core 31A. The groove G2A penetrates the second core 32A in the first direction D1. That is, the groove G2A penetrates the third region F3A and the fourth region F4 in the first direction D1.

[0136] The groove G2A accommodates the columnar second conductor 22A such that its axial direction is the first direction D1. More specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the groove G2A accommodates the second conductor 22A such that the third end B3A, which is one end of the second conductor 22A in the axial direction, protrudes outward from the first main surface N1A, which is one end face of the second core 32A in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the groove G2A accommodates the second conductor 22A such that the fourth end B4A, which is the other end of the second conductor 22A in the axial direction, protrudes outward from the second main surface N2A, which is the other end face of the second core 32A in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the groove G2A accommodates the second conductor 22A such that the second conductor 22A is exposed to the outside from the side surface S2A. Furthermore, when the groove G2A accommodates the second conductor 22A, the second conductor 22A and the second core 32A may or may not be in direct contact.

[0137] Next, the configuration of the connection between the first core 31A and the second core 32A by the first connection part 41A and the second connection part 42A will be described.

[0138] The first connecting portion 41A and the second connecting portion 42A are, for example, elongated plate-shaped members with the first direction D1 as the thickness direction. The first connecting portion 41A and the second connecting portion 42A are in contact in the first direction D1. The surface of the first connecting portion 41A that is in contact with the second connecting portion 42A is covered with an insulating layer. Similarly, the surface of the second connecting portion 42A that is in contact with the first connecting portion 41A is also covered with an insulating layer.

[0139] The first end C1A, which is one end of the first connection part 41A in the longitudinal direction, is connected to the first region F1A of the first end E1A of the first core 31A. In other words, the first end C1A is connected to the region on the first end E1A side of the first region F1A. The second end C2A, which is the other end of the first connection part 41A in the longitudinal direction, is connected to the third region F3A of the fourth end E4A of the second core 32A. In other words, the second end C2A is connected to the region on the fourth end E4A side of the third region F3A. In short, the first connection part 41A connects the first region F1A of the first end E1A and the third region F3A of the fourth end E4A.

[0140] In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 41A, the first region F1A, and the third region F3A are formed integrally, and the thickness T7A of the first connecting portion 41A in the first direction D1 is equal to the thickness T1A of the first region F1A in the first direction D1 and the thickness T3A of the third region F3A in the first direction D1. Hereinafter, the integrally formed first connecting portion 41A, the first region F1A, and the third region F3A may be referred to as the first plate portion.

[0141] The third end C3A, which is one end of the second connection part 42A in the longitudinal direction, is connected to the second region F2A of the second end E2A of the first core 31A. In other words, the third end C3A is connected to the region on the second end E2A side of the second region F2A. Also, the fourth end C4A, which is the other end of the second connection part 42A in the longitudinal direction, is connected to the fourth region F4A of the third end E3A of the second core 32A. In other words, the fourth end C4A is connected to the region on the third end E3A side of the fourth region F4A. In short, the second connection part 42A connects the second region F2A of the second end E2A and the fourth region F4A of the third end E3.

[0142] In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 42A, the second region F2A, and the fourth region F4A are formed integrally, and the thickness T8A of the second connecting portion 42A in the first direction D1 is equal to the thickness T2A of the second region F2A in the first direction D1 and the thickness T4A of the fourth region F4A in the first direction D1. Hereinafter, the integrally formed second connecting portion 42A, the second region F2A, and the fourth region F4A may be referred to as the second plate portion.

[0143] The first plate section and the second plate section are formed separately and then bonded together with an adhesive or the like.

[0144] With the above configuration, the first connection part 41A and the second connection part 42A intersect when viewed from the first direction D1 in a plan view, as shown in Figure 11.

[0145] (2.2) Components Next, the components of each part of the inductor 1A of this embodiment will be described.

[0146] The first conductor 21A and the second conductor 22A are formed from a metal, for example, copper. However, the first conductor 21A and the second conductor 22A may also be formed from a material containing components other than metal.

[0147] The first plate portion (first connecting portion 41A, first region F1A, and third region F3A) and the second plate portion (second connecting portion 42A, second region F2A, and fourth region F4A) are formed from an anisotropic magnetic material member 6.

[0148] The anisotropic magnetic material member 6 forming the first plate portion and the second plate portion includes a plurality of metal layers 61 and a plurality of insulating layers 62, similar to the first plate portion and the second plate portion in the first embodiment.

[0149] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple metal layers 61 and the multiple insulating layers 62 are stacked alternately in the first direction D1.

[0150] With the above configuration, the first relative permeability of the first plate portion in the directions parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is greater than the second relative permeability of the first plate portion in the first direction D1. Also, the first relative permeability of the second plate portion in the directions parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is greater than the second relative permeability of the second plate portion in the first direction D1.

[0151] In this embodiment, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are formed from the same anisotropic magnetic material member 6. Therefore, the first relative permeability of the first connection portion 41A, the first relative permeability of the first region F1A, the first relative permeability of the third region F3A, the first relative permeability of the second connection portion 42A, the first relative permeability of the second region F2A, and the first relative permeability of the fourth region F4A are all equal. Also, the second relative permeability of the first connection portion 41A, the second relative permeability of the first region F1A, the second relative permeability of the third region F3A, the second relative permeability of the second connection portion 42A, the second relative permeability of the second region F2A, and the second relative permeability of the fourth region F4A are all equal. As an example, the first relative permeability is about 500, and the second relative permeability is about 1.

[0152] (2.3) Effects The inductor 1A of this embodiment (Embodiment 2) is used in an electrical circuit 7 as shown in Figure 6, similar to the inductor 1 of Embodiment 1. Here, we consider the case where current flows from the front to the back of the page in Figure 11 through the first conductor 21A and the second conductor 22A. The main path of the first magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the first conductor 21A is the first path which goes from the first end E1A through the first connection part 41A to the fourth end E4A, from the fourth end E4A to the third end E3A, from the third end E3A through the second connection part 42A to the second end E2A, and from the second end E2A to the first end E1A. Furthermore, the main path of the second magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the second conductor 22A is a second path that goes from the fourth end E4A to the first end E1A via the first connection 41A, from the first end E1A to the second end E2A, from the second end E2A to the third end E3A via the second connection 42A, and from the third end E3A to the fourth end E4A. In other words, the first path and the second path are in opposite directions.

[0153] In this embodiment, the inductor 1A is formed from an anisotropic magnetic material 6, and the first relative permeability of the first connection portion 41A in the direction parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is greater than the second relative permeability of the first connection portion 41A in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the first relative permeability of the second connection portion 42A in the direction parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is greater than the second relative permeability of the second connection portion 42A in the first direction D1. With these configurations, the first magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the first conductor 21A is more likely to follow the first path, and the second magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the second conductor 22A is more likely to follow the second path. In other words, the inductor 1A of this embodiment can reduce leakage magnetic flux from the first path to the outside, and can reduce leakage magnetic flux from the second path to the outside. Therefore, since the first connection part 41A and the second connection part 42A can be brought into contact, space saving can be achieved.

[0154] (3) Modifications The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of the present disclosure are achieved. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate. In addition, in the following, components that are common to or substantially common to the basic configuration of inductor 1A of the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their illustration and description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0155] (3.1) Modification 1 As shown in Figure 13, the inductor 1A (11A) of Modification 1 differs from the inductor 1A of the above embodiment in that the first connection portion 41A, the first region F1A and the third region F3A are formed separately, and the second connection portion 42A, the second region F2A and the fourth region F4A are formed separately. Furthermore, the inductor 11A differs from the inductor 1 of the above embodiment in that the first region F1A, the second region F2A, the third region F3A and the fourth region F4 are formed from an isotropic magnetic material. Furthermore, the inductor 11A differs from the inductor 1A in that the first region F1A and the second region F2A are formed integrally, and the third region F3A and the fourth region F4A are formed integrally. In other words, in the inductor 11A, the first core 31A and the second core 32A are formed from an isotropic magnetic material. The inductor 11A is formed by separately creating the first core 31A, the first connection part 41A, the second connection part 42A, and the second core 32A, and then bonding them together with an adhesive or the like.

[0156] (3.2) Modification 2 The anisotropic magnetic material member 6 forming the first plate portion and the second plate portion may include a plurality of flattened metal particles 63 and a synthetic resin 64, as shown in Figure 8. The metal particles 63 are at least one particle of iron (Fe) and iron-based alloys (FeSiB, FeSi, FeSiCr, FeNi, etc.). The synthetic resin 64 is epoxy, polyimide, acrylic resin, etc.

[0157] (Summary) As described above, the inductor (1) according to the first embodiment comprises a columnar first conductor (21), a first core (31) housing the first conductor (21), a columnar second conductor (22), a second core (32) housing the second conductor (22), and a first connection part (41) and a second connection part (42) connecting the first core (31) and the second core (32). The first core (31) houses the first conductor (21) such that the axial direction of the first conductor (21) is in the first direction (D1). The second core (32) houses the second conductor (22) such that the axial direction of the second conductor (22) is in the first direction (D1). The first core (31) and the second core (32) face each other in the second direction (D2) which is perpendicular to the first direction (D1). The first core (31) has a first end (E1) and a second end (E2), which are the ends in a third direction (D3) that is perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2). The second core (32) has a third end (E3) and a fourth end (E4), which are the ends in the third direction (D3). The first end (E1) and the third end (E3) face each other in the second direction (D2). The second end (E2) and the fourth end (E4) face each other in the second direction (D2). The first core (31) has a first region (F1), a second region (F2), and a third region (F3) aligned in the first direction (D1). The third region (F3) is interposed between the first region (F1) and the second region (F2) in the first direction (D1). The second core (32) has a fourth region (F4), a fifth region (F5), and a sixth region (F6) aligned in the first direction (D1). The sixth region (F6) is interposed between the fourth region (F4) and the fifth region (F5) in the first direction (D1). The first region (F1) and the fourth region (F4) face each other in the second direction (D2). The second region (F2) and the fifth region (F5) face each other in the second direction (D2). The third region (F3) and the sixth region (F6) face each other in the second direction (D2). The first connection part (41) connects the first region (F1) of the first end (E1) and the fourth region (F4) of the fourth end (E4). The second connecting portion (42) connects the second region (F2) of the second end (E2) and the fifth region (F5) of the third end (E3). In a plan view from the first direction (D1), the first connecting portion (41) and the second connecting portion (42) intersect. The first connecting portion (41) and the second connecting portion (42) are spaced apart in the first direction (D1).The relative permeability of the first connection (41) and the relative permeability of the second connection (42) are greater than the relative permeability of the third region (F3) and also greater than the relative permeability of the sixth region (F6).

[0158] According to this embodiment, the magnetic flux passing through the first connection part (41) and the second connection part (42) is more likely to follow the first connection part (41) and the second connection part (42), making it less likely for magnetic flux leakage to occur between the first connection part (41) and the second connection part (42). As a result, the first connection part (41) and the second connection part (42) can be placed in close proximity, thereby saving space.

[0159] In the second embodiment of the inductor (1), the first connection portion (41) and the second connection portion (42) are formed by an anisotropic magnetic material member (6). The relative permeability of the first connection portion (41) in the direction parallel to the second direction (D2) and the third direction (D3) is greater than the relative permeability of the first connection portion (41) in the first direction (D1). The relative permeability of the second connection portion (42) in the direction parallel to the second direction (D2) and the third direction (D3) is greater than the relative permeability of the second connection portion (42) in the first direction (D1).

[0160] According to this embodiment, the magnetic flux passing through the first connection part (41) and the second connection part (42) is more easily followed by the first connection part (41) and the second connection part (42), and magnetic flux leakage between the first connection part (41) and the second connection part (42) is further reduced. As a result, the first connection part (41) and the second connection part (42) can be placed even closer together, thereby saving space.

[0161] In the third embodiment, the inductor (1) is configured such that, in the second embodiment, the anisotropic magnetic member (6) includes a plurality of metal layers (61) and a plurality of insulating layers (62). The plurality of metal layers (61) and the plurality of insulating layers (62) are alternately stacked in a first direction (D1).

[0162] According to this embodiment, the magnetic material member can be given magnetic anisotropy, thereby becoming an anisotropic magnetic material member (6).

[0163] In the fourth embodiment, the inductor (1) is configured such that, in the second embodiment, the anisotropic magnetic member (6) includes a plurality of flattened metal particles (63) and a synthetic resin (64).

[0164] According to this embodiment, the magnetic material member can be given magnetic anisotropy, thereby becoming an anisotropic magnetic material member (6).

[0165] In the inductor (1) according to the fifth embodiment, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the relative permeability of the first connection portion (41) is equal to the relative permeability of the second connection portion (42).

[0166] According to this embodiment, the path of the magnetic flux within the core member (3) can be stabilized.

[0167] The inductor (1) according to the sixth embodiment is such that, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the thickness (T1) in the first direction (D1) of the first region (F1) is equal to the thickness (T2) in the first direction (D1) of the second region (F2). The thickness (T4) in the first direction (D1) of the fourth region (F4) is equal to the thickness (T5) in the first direction (D1) of the fifth region (F5).

[0168] According to this embodiment, the path of the magnetic flux within the core member (3) can be stabilized.

[0169] In the seventh embodiment, the inductor (1) is such that, in any of the first to sixth embodiments, the relative permeability of the first region (F1), the relative permeability of the first connection portion (41), and the relative permeability of the fourth region (F4) are equal.

[0170] According to this embodiment, the path of the magnetic flux within the core member (3) can be stabilized.

[0171] In the eighth embodiment, the inductor (1) is such that, in any of the first to seventh embodiments, the relative permeability of the second region (F2), the relative permeability of the second connection portion (42), and the relative permeability of the fifth region (F5) are equal.

[0172] According to this embodiment, the path of the magnetic flux within the core member (3) can be stabilized.

[0173] An inductor (1A) according to the ninth embodiment comprises a columnar first conductor (21A), a first core (31A) housing the first conductor (21A), a columnar second conductor (22A), a second core (32A) housing the second conductor (22A), and a first connection part (41A) and a second connection part (42A) connecting the first core (31A) and the second core (32A). The first core (31A) houses the first conductor (21A) such that the axial direction of the first conductor (21A) is in the first direction (D1). The second core (32A) houses the second conductor (22A) such that the axial direction of the second conductor (22A) is in the first direction (D1). The first core (31A) and the second core (32A) face each other in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1). The first core (31A) has a first end (E1A) and a second end (E2A), which are the ends in a third direction (D3) that is perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2). The second core (32A) has a third end (E3A) and a fourth end (E4A), which are the ends in the third direction (D3). The first end (E1A) and the third end (E3A) face each other in the second direction (D2). The second end (E2A) and the fourth end (E4A) face each other in the second direction (D2). The first core (31A) has a first region (F1A) and a second region (F2A) aligned in the first direction (D1). The second core (32A) has a third region (F3A) and a fourth region (F4A) aligned in the first direction (D1). The first region (F1A) and the third region (F3A) face each other in the second direction (D2). The second region (F2A) and the fourth region (F4A) face each other in the second direction (D2). The first connecting portion (41A) connects the first region (F1A) at the first end (E1A) to the third region (F3A) at the fourth end (E4A). The second connecting portion (42A) connects the second region (F2A) at the second end (E2A) to the fourth region (F4A) at the third end (E3A). In a plan view from the first direction (D1), the first connecting portion (41A) and the second connecting portion (42A) intersect. The first connecting portion (41A) and the second connecting portion (42A) are formed by an anisotropic magnetic material member (6). The relative permeability of the first connection portion (41A) in directions parallel to the second direction (D2) and the third direction (D3) is greater than the relative permeability of the first connection portion (41A) in the first direction (D1).The relative permeability of the second connection portion (42A) in the directions parallel to the second direction (D2) and the third direction (D3) is greater than the relative permeability of the second connection portion (42A) in the first direction (D1).

[0174] According to this embodiment, the magnetic flux passing through the first connection part (41A) and the second connection part (42A) is more likely to follow the first connection part (41A) and the second connection part (42A), making it less likely for magnetic flux leakage to occur between the first connection part (41A) and the second connection part (42A). As a result, the first connection part (41A) and the second connection part (42A) can be brought into contact, thereby saving space.

[0175] In the tenth embodiment, the inductor (1A) is configured such that, in the ninth embodiment, the anisotropic magnetic member (6) includes a plurality of metal layers (61) and a plurality of insulating layers (62). The plurality of metal layers (61) and the plurality of insulating layers (62) are alternately stacked in a first direction (D1).

[0176] According to this embodiment, the magnetic material member can be given magnetic anisotropy, thereby becoming an anisotropic magnetic material member (6).

[0177] In the 11th embodiment, the inductor (1A) is configured such that, in the 9th embodiment, the anisotropic magnetic member (6) comprises a plurality of flattened metal particles (63) and a synthetic resin (64).

[0178] According to this embodiment, the magnetic material member can be given magnetic anisotropy, thereby becoming an anisotropic magnetic material member (6).

[0179] In the inductor (1A) according to the twelfth embodiment, in any of the ninth to eleventh embodiments, the relative permeability of the first connection portion (41A) is equal to the relative permeability of the second connection portion (42A).

[0180] According to this embodiment, the path of the magnetic flux within the core member (3A) can be stabilized.

[0181] In the 13th embodiment, the inductor (1A) is such that, in any of the 9th to 12th embodiments, the thickness (T1A) in the first direction (D1) of the first region (F1A) is equal to the thickness (T2A) in the first direction (D1) of the second region (F2A), and the thickness (T3A) in the first direction (D1) of the third region (F3A) is equal to the thickness (T4A) in the first direction (D1) of the fourth region (F4A).

[0182] According to this embodiment, the path of the magnetic flux within the core member (3A) can be stabilized.

[0183] The electrical circuit (7) according to the 14th embodiment comprises an inductor (1, 1A) according to the 1st to 13th embodiments and switches (73 to 76) connected to the inductor (1, 1A).

[0184] According to this embodiment, the magnetic flux passing through the first connection part (41, 41A) and the second connection part (42, 42A) is more likely to follow the first connection part (41, 41A) and the second connection part (42, 42A), making it less likely for magnetic flux leakage to occur between the first connection part (41, 41A) and the second connection part (42, 42A). As a result, the first connection part (41, 41A) and the second connection part (42, 42A) can be placed in close proximity, thereby saving space.

[0185] 1 Inductor 3 Core member 6 Anisotropic magnetic member 7 Electrical circuit 21 First conductor 22 Second conductor 31 First core 32 Second core 41 First connection 42 Second connection 61 Metal layer 62 Insulating layer 63 Metal particles 64 Synthetic resin 1A Inductor 21A First conductor 22A Second conductor 31A First core 32A Second core 3A Core member 41A First connection 42A Second connection D1 First direction D2 Second direction D3 Third direction E1 First end E1A First end E2 Second end E2A Second end E3 Third end E3A Third end E4 Fourth end E4A Fourth end F1 First region F1A First region F2 Second region F2A Second region F3 Third region F3A Third region F4 Fourth region F4A Fourth region F5 Fifth region T1 Thickness T1A Thickness T2 Thickness T2A Thickness T3A Thickness T4 Thickness T4A Thickness T5 Thickness

Claims

1. A columnar first conductor, a first core housing the first conductor, a columnar second conductor, a second core housing the second conductor, and a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion connecting the first core and the second core, wherein the first core houses the first conductor such that its axial direction is in a first direction, the second core houses the second conductor such that its axial direction is in the first direction, the first core and the second core face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first core has first and second ends which are both ends in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, the second core has third and fourth ends which are both ends in the third direction, the first and third ends face each other in the second direction, the second and fourth ends face each other in the second direction, and the first core has a first region, a second region, and a third region aligned in the first direction, The third region is interposed between the first region and the second region in the first direction, the second core has a fourth region, a fifth region and a sixth region aligned in the first direction, the sixth region is interposed between the fourth region and the fifth region in the first direction, the first region and the fourth region face each other in the second direction, the second region and the fifth region face each other in the second direction, the third region and the sixth region face each other in the second direction, the first connection connects the first region at the first end and the fourth region at the fourth end, the second connection connects the second region at the second end and the fifth region at the third end, in a plan view from the first direction, the first connection and the second connection intersect, and the first connection and the second connection are spaced apart in the first direction. An inductor in which the relative permeability of the first connection portion and the relative permeability of the second connection portion are greater than the relative permeability of the third region and greater than the relative permeability of the sixth region.

2. The inductor according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connecting portions are formed of an anisotropic magnetic material, the relative permeability of the first connecting portion in the direction parallel to the second and third directions is greater than the relative permeability of the first connecting portion in the first direction, and the relative permeability of the second connecting portion in the direction parallel to the second and third directions is greater than the relative permeability of the second connecting portion in the first direction.

3. The inductor according to claim 2, wherein the anisotropic magnetic material member comprises a plurality of metal layers and a plurality of insulating layers, and the plurality of metal layers and the plurality of insulating layers are alternately stacked in the first direction.

4. The inductor according to claim 2, wherein the anisotropic magnetic material member comprises a plurality of flattened metal particles and a synthetic resin.

5. The inductor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the relative permeability of the first connection portion and the relative permeability of the second connection portion are equal.

6. The inductor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thickness of the first region in the first direction is equal to the thickness of the second region in the first direction, and the thickness of the fourth region in the first direction is equal to the thickness of the fifth region in the first direction.

7. The inductor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the relative permeability of the first region, the relative permeability of the first connection portion, and the relative permeability of the fourth region are equal.

8. The inductor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the relative permeability of the second region, the relative permeability of the second connection portion, and the relative permeability of the fifth region are equal.

9. A columnar first conductor, a first core housing the first conductor, a columnar second conductor, a second core housing the second conductor, and a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion connecting the first core and the second core, wherein the first core houses the first conductor such that its axial direction is in a first direction, the second core houses the second conductor such that its axial direction is in the first direction, the first core and the second core face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first core has first and second ends which are both ends in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, the second core has third and fourth ends which are both ends in the third direction, the first and third ends face each other in the second direction, the second and fourth ends face each other in the second direction, and the first core has a first region and a second region aligned in the first direction, The second core has a third region and a fourth region aligned in the first direction, the first region and the third region face each other in the second direction, the second region and the fourth region face each other in the second direction, the first connection portion connects the first region at the first end and the third region at the fourth end, the second connection portion connects the second region at the second end and the fourth region at the third end, the first connection portion and the second connection portion intersect in a plan view from the first direction, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are formed of an anisotropic magnetic material, the relative permeability of the first connection portion in the direction parallel to the second and third directions is greater than the relative permeability of the first connection portion in the first direction, and the relative permeability of the second connection portion in the direction parallel to the second and third directions is greater than the relative permeability of the second connection portion in the first direction, inductor.

10. The inductor according to claim 9, wherein the anisotropic magnetic material member comprises a plurality of metal layers and a plurality of insulating layers, and the plurality of metal layers and the plurality of insulating layers are alternately stacked in the first direction.

11. The inductor according to claim 9, wherein the anisotropic magnetic material member comprises a plurality of flattened metal particles and a synthetic resin.

12. The inductor according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the relative permeability of the first connection portion is equal to the relative permeability of the second connection portion.

13. The inductor according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the thickness of the first region in a first direction is equal to the thickness of the second region in a first direction, and the thickness of the third region in a first direction is equal to the thickness of the fourth region in a first direction.

14. An electrical circuit comprising an inductor according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and a switch connected to the inductor.

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