Induction heating device, production line, use of such an induction heating device and use of such a production line

Abstract

The invention relates to an induction heating device (1) for heating a metal good (40) conveyed in a conveying direction (R1), wherein the induction heating device (1) has at least one inductor (2) with at least one first coil (10) and at least one second coil (20), wherein the first coil (10) and the second coil (20) are arranged spaced apart from each other in a spacing direction (R2) and at least partially define a space between them, so that a metal good (40) conveyed in the conveying direction (R1) is conveyed at least partially through the space between the first coil (10) and the second coil (20), and at least one power supply device (30) which is electrically connected to the first coil (10) and the second coil (20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an induction heating device for heating a metal product and a production line for producing and / or processing a metal product.

[0002] The invention also relates to a use of such an induction heating device or production line.

[0003] Induction heating devices for heating metal goods, especially in connection with production lines for the manufacture and / or processing of metal goods, are generally known from the prior art. The known induction heating devices for heating metal goods conveyed in a conveying direction are equipped with coils that are stationary relative to the metal goods and / or, in particular, movable vertically relative to a conveying direction of the metal goods. The metal goods are guided past the coils of the induction heating device in the conveying direction.

[0004] Furthermore, the known induction heating devices can be fundamentally differentiated according to whether the coils of the induction heating device can generate a longitudinal field induction or a transverse field induction. With longitudinal field induction, the magnetic field lines run essentially in the longitudinal direction of the metal material. With transverse field induction, the magnetic field lines in the metal material run essentially in a transverse direction of the metal material, in particular in the thickness direction and / or in the width direction of the metal material. With longitudinal field induction, increased heating homogeneity of the metal material is achieved, whereas with transverse field induction, overheating or undercooling can occur, particularly in edge areas of the metal material.

[0005] Induction heating devices for generating longitudinal field induction have coils, especially stationary coils, where the vertical distance between the stationary coils and the metal goods is generally designed such that the metal goods, viewed transversely to the conveying plane of the respective induction heating device, do not collide with the stationary coils. Since an induction heating device is intended to be used for a variety of metal goods with different dimensions, a vertical standard safety distance between the coils is regularly maintained to prevent unintentional damage to the coils. However, this specified, usually largest possible, vertical standard safety distance results in a significant reduction in the electrical efficiency of the respective induction heating device.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of providing an induction heating device which, during the inductive heating of metal goods, has a high electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal goods and, at the same time, an increased heating homogeneity of the metal goods.

[0007] This object underlying the present invention is achieved by an induction heating device having the features of claim 1, by a production line having the features of claim 14, and by a use according to claim 15 of the present invention. Advantageous embodiments of the induction heating device are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] More specifically, the object underlying the present invention is achieved by an induction heating device for heating a metal product conveyed in a conveying direction, wherein the induction heating device comprises at least one inductor with at least one first coil and at least one second coil. The first coil and the second coil are arranged spaced apart from one another in a spacing direction and at least partially delimit a spacing space, such that a metal product conveyed in the conveying direction is conveyed between the first coil and the second coil through the spacing space.The induction heating device further comprises a power supply device which is electrically connected to the first coil and the second coil, wherein the power supply device is configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage such that a penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the conveyed metal material is less than or equal to 0.7 times a thickness extension of the conveyed metal material.

[0009] The current density of a current induced by the alternating magnetic fields of the first and second coils in a metal material conveyed through the gap between the first and second coils decreases from the respective surface of the metal material over a thickness of the metal material. The penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers is defined, starting from the surface of the metal material, as the penetration depth at which the current density of the induced current has decreased to the e-th part of the current density of the induced current at the surface of the metal material, where e is Euler's number. The penetration depth δ is determined according to the following formula (1): δ=ρπ∗f∗μ0∗μr where ρ specific electrical resistance, in Ωm, π circle number, µ0 magnetic field constant, in N / A 2 , µ r relative permeability, dimensionless, and f frequency, in 1 / s.

[0010] The penetration depth δ increases with decreasing frequency of the induced current. Consequently, the current density of the induced current decreases more slowly across the thickness of the metal, starting from the surface of the metal material, as the frequency of the induced current decreases. As a result, deeper layers of the metal material are also heated, starting from the surface of the metal material, thus achieving increased heating homogeneity along the thickness of the metal material.

[0011] According to formula (1) it can be seen that the penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the extracted metal material depends on the frequency of the alternating currents flowing through the first coil and the second coil as well as on the material of the extracted metal material by the relative permeability µ rA power supply device configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and alternating voltage so that a defined penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers in the extracted metal material is achieved is consequently configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and alternating voltage of a suitable frequency. With the known relative permeability µ r of the extracted metal material, the penetration depth δ can be adjusted according to formula (1).

[0012] The energy supply device can be configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage such that the penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the conveyed metal material is ≤ 0.6 times, ≤ 0.5 times, ≤ 0.45 times, ≤ 0.4 times, ≤ 0.35 times or ≤ 0.3 times the thickness extension of the conveyed metal material.

[0013] It was shown that an induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that, during the inductive heating of the metal material, a high electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material is achieved and, at the same time, an increased heating homogeneity of the metal material, in particular an increased heating homogeneity in the thickness extension of the metal material, is achieved.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy supply device can be configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage, so that the penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the conveyed metal material is in a range of ≤ 0.6 times and ≥ 0.3 times, ≤ 0.5 times and ≥ 0.3 times, ≤ 0.6 times and ≥ 0.4 times, ≤ 0.5 times and ≥ 0.4 times, ≤ 0.45 times and ≥ 0.3 times, or ≤ 0.4 times and ≥ 0.3 times the thickness extension of the metal material. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the energy supply device can be configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage, so that the penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the conveyed metal material lies in a range of ≤ 0.45 times and ≥ 0.4 times the thickness extension of the metal material.

[0015] It was shown that an induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that, during the inductive heating of the metal material, a further increased electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material and, at the same time, a further increased heating homogeneity of the metal material, in particular a further increased heating homogeneity in the thickness extension of the metal material, is achieved.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the energy supply device can be configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage, so that the penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the conveyed metal material is equal to 0.45 times the thickness extension of the conveyed metal material.

[0017] It was shown that an induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that, during the inductive heating of the metal material, a particularly high electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material is achieved and, at the same time, a particularly increased heating homogeneity of the metal material, in particular a particularly increased heating homogeneity in the thickness extension of the metal material, is achieved.

[0018] The electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material is determined from the power converted in the metal material and the power loss of the coils according to the following formula (2): η=Pmetal goodPmetal good+Pcoil where ρ electrical efficiency between coil and metal material, P Metallgut power converted into metal goods, P Spule Power loss of the coil.

[0019] A power supply device, within the meaning of the invention, is understood as a device configured to provide electrical energy for operating at least one coil, in particular electrical energy with an electrical current of suitable current intensity, suitable voltage, and / or suitable frequency. The present power supply device can be designed to provide electrical energy for a plurality of coils, in particular for at least two coils, preferably for three, four, five, six, or more coils. The power supply device can have at least one power converter, in particular an inverter, or be designed as such.

[0020] The metal product can be formed as a substantially flat workpiece. The metal product can be formed as a metal slab, a metal strip, or a formed blank. A formed blank can be any semi-finished product for the production of a metal product, in particular for the production of metal formed sheets, such as body components for motor vehicles. Alternatively, the metal product can already be a fully formed body component for motor vehicles, for example, body sheet metal parts of the A-pillar or B-pillar of a motor vehicle.

[0021] A substantially flat workpiece within the scope of the invention has a thickness extension that is substantially smaller than a width extension and a length extension.

[0022] The length of the metal material is the length of the metal material in the direction of conveyance.

[0023] The thickness extension of the metal material is the extension of the metal material in the distance direction.

[0024] A transverse direction runs perpendicular to the conveying direction and the distance direction. In other words, the conveying direction, the distance direction, and the transverse direction form an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0025] The width dimension of the metal material is the dimension of the metal material in the transverse direction.

[0026] The conveying direction and the transverse direction define a conveying plane. A plane spanned by the length and width of the metal material is aligned parallel to the conveying plane. The conveying plane is preferably located symmetrically in the center of the metal material with respect to its thickness.

[0027] Typically, the conveying direction is horizontal. Therefore, the transverse direction is also horizontal and orthogonal to the conveying direction, so that the conveying plane is horizontal. The spacing direction is vertical and orthogonal to both the conveying direction and the spacing direction.

[0028] The conveying direction can be vertical. The transverse direction is horizontal and orthogonal to the conveying direction, so that the conveying plane is vertical. The spacing direction is horizontal and orthogonal to both the conveying direction and the spacing direction.

[0029] The metal part has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The spacing direction is oriented orthogonally to the first side and the second side of the metal part.

[0030] In the case where the conveying direction is horizontal, the first side of the metal material can be referred to as the top side and the second side of the metal material as the bottom side of the metal material. The first coil can be arranged above the conveyed metal material, in particular opposite the top side of the metal material. The second coil can be arranged below the conveyed metal material, in particular opposite the bottom side of the metal material. The first coil can also be referred to as the upper coil and the second coil as the lower coil.

[0031] The metal material can be conveyed along a conveyor line in the conveying direction. The conveyor line can be designed as a conveyor belt.

[0032] The first coil and / or the second coil can be movably mounted in the conveying direction and / or in the spacing direction and / or in the transverse direction.

[0033] The first coil and the second coil may be arranged at the same position in the conveying direction, so that the first coil and the second coil are opposite each other in the spacing direction such that a metal material conveyed in the conveying direction can be conveyed sandwiched between the first coil and the second coil.

[0034] The first coil and the second coil can be arranged at the same position in the direction of the conveying direction and / or in the direction of the transverse direction, so that the coils are substantially congruent with respect to the conveying plane.

[0035] The first coil and the second coil may have substantially the same shape.

[0036] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the first coil has a first distance in the distance direction to a first side of the conveyed metal material of less than or equal to 150 mm and / or that the second coil has a second distance in the distance direction to a second side of the conveyed metal material of less than or equal to 150 mm.

[0037] An induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage of achieving high electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal during inductive heating of the metal. The smaller the distance between a coil and the metal, the higher the electrical efficiency between the coil and the metal due to reduced stray field losses and improved coupling of the magnetic field generated by the coil into the metal.

[0038] The first side and the second side of the metal material are preferably opposite sides of the metal material. The first side and the second side of the metal material can be aligned at least partially parallel, preferably substantially parallel, to the conveying plane. The first side and the second side delimit the metal material in the thickness direction of the metal material. If the conveying direction of the metal material is horizontal, the first side is the top side of the metal material and the second side is the underside of the metal material. The underside of the metal material faces in particular the ground. If the metal material is designed as a metal slab or metal strip, the first side lies in a plane parallel to the conveying plane and delimits the metal material in a direction of the thickness extension of the metal material.The second side of the metal material lies opposite the first side in a further plane parallel to the conveying plane and limits the metal material in the opposite direction of the thickness extension of the metal material.

[0039] The first coil may have a first distance in the distance direction to the first side of the conveyed metal material of ≤ 100 mm, ≤ 75 mm, ≤ 50 mm, ≤ 40 mm, ≤ 25 mm, ≤ 20 mm, ≤ 15 mm or ≤ 10 mm.

[0040] The first coil may have a first distance in the distance direction to the first side of the conveyed metal material of ≤ 100 mm and ≥ 10 mm, ≤ 75 mm and ≥ 15 mm, ≤ 50 mm and ≥ 20 mm or ≤ 40 mm and ≥ 25 mm.

[0041] The second coil may have a second distance in the distance direction to the second side of the conveyed metal material of ≤ 100 mm, ≤ 75 mm, ≤ 50 mm, ≤ 40 mm, ≤ 25 mm, ≤ 20 mm, ≤ 15 mm or ≤ 10 mm.

[0042] The second coil may have a second distance in the distance direction to the second side of the conveyed metal material of ≤ 100 mm and ≥ 10 mm, ≤ 75 mm and ≥ 15 mm, ≤ 50 mm and ≥ 20 mm or ≤ 40 mm and ≥ 25 mm.

[0043] The first distance of the first coil from the first side of the conveyed metal material can correspond to the second distance of the second coil from the second side of the metal material, opposite the first side. In other words, the first distance and the second distance can have the same absolute value.

[0044] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the first coil has at least one turn which is formed by at least two first conductor profiles connected via a first connecting web, wherein the first connecting web of the first coil has a first edge distance from a first outer edge of the conveyed metal material of less than or equal to 5 times the extension of an air gap d between the first coil and the second coil, and / or the second coil has at least one turn which is formed by at least two second conductor profiles connected via a second connecting web, wherein the second connecting web of the second coil has a second edge distance from a first outer edge of the conveyed metal material of less than or equal to 5 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil.

[0045] An induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that increased heating homogeneity, in particular increased heating homogeneity in the width extension of the metal material, is achieved during the inductive heating of a metal material.

[0046] In longitudinal field induction, the currents induced in the metal material by the first coil run in the opposite direction to the currents induced by the second coil. The currents induced in the metal material by the first coil run along the width of the first side of the metal material and join the currents induced in the metal material by the second coil via the first outer edge of the metal material. The currents induced in the metal material by the second coil run along the width of the metal material on the second side of the metal material in the opposite direction to the currents induced by the first coil and in turn join the currents induced by the first coil via a second outer edge of the metal material. The induced currents of the first and second coils thus form a closed current circuit in a plane orthogonal to the conveying direction of the metal material.In particular, no current is induced along the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge in the direction of conveyance. This prevents overheating of the outer edges, resulting in increased heating homogeneity across the width of the metal during inductive heating.

[0047] The metal stock preferably has a second outer edge. The first outer edge and the second outer edge are preferably opposite sides of the metal stock. The first outer edge and the second outer edge of the metal stock delimit the metal stock in the width direction of the metal stock. The first outer edge and the second outer edge run at least partially parallel, preferably substantially parallel, to a plane spanned by the conveying direction and the spacing direction. In the case of a metal stock designed as a metal slab or metal strip, the first outer edge and the second outer edge are arranged substantially orthogonal to the first side and the second side of the metal stock. The first outer edge and the second outer edge can also be referred to as side surfaces of the metal stock, particularly in the case of a metal stock designed as a metal slab or metal strip.

[0048] The first connecting web of the first coil can have a first edge distance to the first outer edge of the conveyed metal material of ≤ 4 times, ≤ 3 times, ≤ 2 times or ≤ 1.5 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil.

[0049] The first connecting web of the first coil can have a first edge distance to the first outer edge of the conveyed metal material of ≥ 0 times, ≥ 0.5 times, ≥ 1 time or ≥ 1.5 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil.

[0050] An induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that, during the inductive heating of the metal material, a high electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material is achieved and, at the same time, an increased heating homogeneity of the metal material, in particular an increased heating homogeneity in the width extension of the metal material, is achieved.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the first connecting web of the first coil can have a first edge distance from the first outer edge of the conveyed metal material in a range of ≥ 0.5 times and ≤ 3 times, ≥ 1 time and ≤ 3 times, ≥ 1 time and ≤ 2 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil.

[0052] An induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that, during the inductive heating of the metal material, a particularly high electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material is achieved and, at the same time, a particularly increased heating homogeneity of the metal material, in particular a particularly increased heating homogeneity in the width extension of the metal material, is achieved.

[0053] The second connecting web of the second coil can have a second edge distance from the first outer edge of the conveyed metal material of ≤ 4 times, ≤ 3 times, ≤ 2 times or ≤ 1.5 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil.

[0054] The second connecting web of the second coil can have a second edge distance to the first outer edge of the conveyed metal material of ≥ 0 times, ≥ 0.5 times, ≥ 1 times or ≥ 1.5 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the second connecting web of the second coil can have a second edge distance from the first outer edge of the conveyed metal material in a range of ≥ 0.5 times and ≤ 3 times, ≥ 1 time and ≤ 3 times, ≥ 1 time and ≤ 2 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil.

[0056] The first edge distance and / or the second edge distance are aligned in the transverse direction.

[0057] The first connecting web of the first coil forms a turn with the two first conductor profiles of the first coil, relative to a space between the two first conductor profiles. The second connecting web of the second coil forms a turn with the two second conductor profiles of the second coil, relative to a space between the two second conductor profiles.

[0058] The first connecting web can be connected to the two first conductor profiles such that the first coil has a U-shape. The second connecting web can be connected to the two second conductor profiles such that the second coil has a U-shape.

[0059] The first edge distance may be substantially equal to the second edge distance. In other words, the first edge distance and the second edge distance may have the same absolute distance value.

[0060] The air gap d between the first coil and the second coil is the absolute distance between the first coil and the second coil in the distance direction. In other words, the extent of the air gap d corresponds to the absolute sum of the first distance, the thickness extension of the metal material, and the second distance.

[0061] The air gap d between the first coil and the second coil can have an extension in the spacing direction of ≤ 350 mm, ≤ 300 mm, ≤ 250 mm, ≤ 200 mm, ≤ 150 mm, or ≤ 100 mm. The air gap d between the first coil and the second coil can have an extension in the spacing direction of ≥ 350 mm, ≥ 300 mm, ≥ 250 mm, ≥ 200 mm, ≥ 150 mm, or ≥ 100 mm.

[0062] The air gap d between the first coil and the second coil can have an extension in the spacing direction of ≤ 350 mm and ≥ 100 mm, ≤ 300 mm and ≥ 150 mm, ≤ 250 mm and ≥ 150 mm or ≤ 250 mm and ≥ 200 mm.

[0063] The spacing space at least partially defined by the first coil and the second coil can also be referred to as the electrically effective region. Within the electrically effective region, the magnetic field generated by the first coil and the second coil can interact with the metal material. The air gap d can form the extension of the spacing space in the spacing direction.

[0064] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the at least two first conductor profiles of the first coil have a first pole distance of less than or equal to 4 times an extension of an air gap d from one another and / or that the at least two second conductor profiles of the second coil have a second pole distance of less than or equal to 4 times the extension of the air gap d from one another.

[0065] The pole pitch of two electrically connected conductor profiles of a coil is the distance between the two conductor profiles in the conveying direction.

[0066] An induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that increased heating homogeneity, in particular increased heating homogeneity in the width extension of the metal material, is achieved during the inductive heating of the metal material.

[0067] The currents induced in the metal material by the first coil and the second coil each run in the opposite direction to the currents flowing through the two first conductor profiles of the first coil and to the currents flowing through the two second conductor profiles of the second coil. As the pole distance between two conductor profiles of a coil increases, the mutual influence of the induced currents in a coil decreases and the electrical efficiency between the coil and the metal material increases. Due to the reduced mutual influence of the currents induced in the metal material by the two conductor profiles of a coil, the currents induced in the metal material by the first coil join the currents induced in the metal material by the second coil via the first outer edge and the second outer edge and form a closed electrical circuit in a plane orthogonal to the conveying direction of the metal material.In particular, no current is induced along the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge in the direction of conveyance. This prevents overheating of the outer edges, resulting in increased heating homogeneity across the width of the metal during inductive heating.

[0068] The two first conductor profiles can have a first pole spacing of ≤ 3 times, ≤ 2.6 times, ≤ 2.4 times or ≤ 2.2 times the extension of the air gap d to each other.

[0069] An induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that, during the inductive heating of the metal material, a high electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material is achieved and, at the same time, an increased heating homogeneity of the metal material, in particular an increased heating homogeneity in the width extension of the metal material, is achieved.

[0070] The two first conductor profiles can have a first pole spacing of ≥ 0.5 times, ≥ 1 time, ≥ 1.5 times or ≥ 1.8 times the extension of the air gap d to each other.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the two first conductor profiles can have a first pole spacing from each other in a range of ≥ 0.5 times and ≤ 4 times, ≥ 1 time and ≤ 3 times, ≥ 1.5 times and ≤ 2.5 times, ≥ 1.8 times and ≤ 2.5 times or ≥ 1.8 times and ≤ 2.2 times the extension of the air gap d.

[0072] An induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that, during the inductive heating of the metal material, a particularly high electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material is achieved and, at the same time, a particularly increased heating homogeneity of the metal material, in particular an increased heating homogeneity in the width extension of the metal material, is achieved.

[0073] The two second conductor profiles can have a second pole spacing of ≤ 3 times, ≤ 2.6 times, ≤ 2.4 times or ≤ 2.2 times the extension of the air gap d to each other.

[0074] The two second conductor profiles can have a second pole spacing of ≥ 0.5 times, ≥ 1 time, ≥ 1.5 times or ≥ 1.8 times the extension of the air gap d to each other.

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment, the two second conductor profiles can have a second pole spacing from each other in a range of ≥ 0.5 times and ≤ 4 times, ≥ 1 time and ≤ 3 times, ≥ 1.5 times and ≤ 2.5 times, ≥ 1.8 times and ≤ 2.5 times or ≥ 1.8 times and ≤ 2.2 times the extension of the air gap d.

[0076] The first coil can be arranged such that the two first conductor profiles are opposite each other with respect to a plane spanned by the spacing direction and the transverse direction. With a horizontal conveying direction, the first coil can be arranged such that the two first conductor profiles are arranged one after the other in the conveying direction.

[0077] The second coil can be arranged such that the two second conductor profiles are opposite each other with respect to a plane spanned by the spacing direction and the transverse direction. In a horizontal conveying direction, the second coil can be arranged such that the two second conductor profiles are arranged one after the other in the conveying direction.

[0078] The two first conductor profiles are preferably welded to the first connecting web and more preferably connected monolithically. The two second conductor profiles are preferably welded to the second connecting web and more preferably connected monolithically.

[0079] The conductor profiles of the first coil and / or the second coil can have a rectangular profile cross-section in a cross-sectional plane spanned by the conveying direction and the spacing direction. The connecting web of the first coil and / or the second coil can have a rectangular profile cross-section in a cross-sectional plane spanned by the transverse direction and the spacing direction.

[0080] The conductor profiles of the first coil and / or the second coil can have a hollow profile cross-section, preferably a rectangular hollow profile cross-section in a cross-sectional plane spanned by the conveying direction and the spacing direction.

[0081] The connecting web of the first coil and / or the second coil can have a hollow profile cross-section, preferably a rectangular hollow profile cross-section in a cross-sectional plane spanned by the transverse direction and the spacing direction.

[0082] The free cross sections of the conductor profiles and the connecting web of the first coil can be configured as a first cooling fluid channel, and the free cross sections of the conductor profiles and the connecting web of the second coil can be configured as a second cooling fluid channel of the second coil. In other words, the conductor profiles and the connecting web of the first coil and / or the second coil can each define a cooling fluid channel.

[0083] The induction heating device may comprise a cooling device, wherein the cooling device comprises at least one first cooling circuit having a first inlet and a first outlet fluidly connected to the first inlet through the first cooling fluid channel. In other words, the first cooling circuit may extend at least partially through the first cooling fluid channel inside the first coil.

[0084] The first cooling circuit can further comprise a second inlet and a second outlet fluidly connected to the second inlet through the second cooling fluid channel. In other words, the first cooling circuit can extend at least partially through the second cooling fluid channel inside the second coil.

[0085] The cooling device can have at least one second cooling circuit, which has a second inlet and a second outlet fluidly connected to the second inlet through the second cooling fluid channel. In other words, the cooling circuit runs at least partially through the second cooling fluid channel inside the second coil.

[0086] The cooling device can be configured to provide a cooling capacity of ≥ 500 kW, 750 kW, or 1000 kW for a period of at least one hour, preferably for a period of 23 hours per day. The cooling device can be configured to provide a cooling capacity of greater than or equal to 20%, preferably greater than or equal to 30%, of the electrical power provided by the power supply device for the first and / or second coil.

[0087] The conductor profiles and the connecting web of the first coil and / or the second coil can have a substantially constant wall thickness. The wall thickness can be configured depending on the electrical penetration depth of the current flowing through the conductor profiles and the connecting webs of the first coil and / or the second coil. The wall thickness can be greater than or equal to 2 times the electrical penetration depth, preferably greater than or equal to 3 times the electrical penetration depth, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 4 times the electrical penetration depth.

[0088] The conductor profiles and the connecting web of the first coil and / or second coil can have an extension in the spacing direction of less than or equal to 40 mm, preferably less than or equal to 35 mm and particularly preferably less than or equal to 30 mm.

[0089] The conductor profiles of the first coil and / or second coil can have an extension in the conveying direction of less than or equal to 60 mm, preferably less than or equal to 55 mm and particularly preferably less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0090] The connecting web of the first coil and / or second coil can have an extension in the transverse direction of less than or equal to 60 mm, preferably less than or equal to 55 mm and particularly preferably less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0091] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the induction heating device is designed such that the energy supply device is configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage, such that the penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the conveyed metal material lies in a range of ≤ 0.6 times and ≥ 0.3 times the thickness of the metal material, and the first connecting web of the first coil has a first edge distance from the first outer edge of the conveyed metal material in a range of ≥ 0.5 times and ≤ 3 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil, and the second connecting web of the second coil has a second edge distance from the first outer edge of the conveyed metal material in a range of ≥ 0.5 times and ≤ 3 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil,and the two first conductor profiles have a first pole spacing from each other in a range of ≥ 0.5 times and ≤ 4 times the extension of the air gap d, and the two second conductor profiles have a second pole spacing from each other in a range of ≥ 0.5 times and ≤ 4 times the extension of the air gap d.,

[0092] It was shown that an induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that, during the inductive heating of the metal material, a particularly increased electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material is achieved and, at the same time, an increased heating homogeneity of the metal material in the thickness and width extension of the metal material is achieved.

[0093] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the induction heating device is designed such that the energy supply device is configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage, so that the penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the conveyed metal material lies in a range of ≤ 0.45 times and ≥ 0.4 times the thickness of the metal material, and the first connecting web of the first coil has a first edge distance from the first outer edge of the conveyed metal material in a range of ≥ 1 times and ≤ 2 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil, and the second connecting web of the second coil has a second edge distance from the first outer edge of the conveyed metal material in a range of ≥ 1 times and ≤ 2 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil and the second coil,and the two first conductor profiles have a first pole spacing from each other in a range of ≥ 1.8 times and ≤ 2.2 times the extension of the air gap d, and the two second conductor profiles have a second pole spacing from each other in a range of ≥ 1.8 times and ≤ 2.2 times the extension of the air gap d.,

[0094] It was shown that an induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that, during the inductive heating of the metal material, an even greater electrical efficiency is achieved between the coils and the metal material and, at the same time, an even greater heating homogeneity of the metal material in the thickness and width extension of the metal material is achieved.

[0095] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the energy supply device is suitable for supplying the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage frequencies of less than or equal to 100 kHz.

[0096] The energy supply device may be suitable or configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage frequencies of less than or equal to 50 kHz, preferably less than or equal to 25 kHz and particularly preferably less than or equal to 10 kHz.

[0097] The energy supply device may be suitable or configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage frequencies of greater than or equal to 0.1 kHz, preferably greater than or equal to 0.5 kHz and particularly preferably less than or equal to 1 kHz.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy supply device can be suitable or configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage frequencies in a range of greater than or equal to 0.5 kHz and less than or equal to 50 kHz. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the energy supply device can be suitable or configured to supply the first coil and the second coil with alternating current and / or alternating voltage frequencies in a range of greater than or equal to 1 kHz and less than or equal to 10 kHz.

[0099] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the energy supply device is suitable or configured to supply the first coil and / or the second coil with an electrical power of at least 1000 kW over a period of at least one minute, and / or the first coil and / or the second coil is / are suitable or configured to absorb an electrical power of at least 1000 kW over a period of at least one minute.

[0100] The energy supply device may be suitable or configured to supply the first coil and / or the second coil with electrical power of at least 1000 kW each over a period of 23 hours, in particular over a period of 23 hours per day.

[0101] A first coil surface can be formed by the sides of the first conductor profiles of the first coil facing a first side of the metal material.

[0102] The first coil surface can be designed such that the power consumption of the first coil results in a power density in the first coil surface of less than or equal to 400 W / cm 2 , preferably less than or equal to 500 W / cm 2 In other words, the first conductor profiles can have an extension in the conveying direction and an extension in the transverse direction, so that a first coil surface designed in this way is formed.

[0103] A first coil surface may additionally comprise the side of the first connecting web facing a first side of the metal material.

[0104] A second coil surface can be formed by the sides of the second conductor profiles of the second coil facing a second side of the metal material.

[0105] The second coil surface can be designed such that the power consumption of the second coil results in a power density in the second coil surface of less than or equal to 400 W / cm 2 , preferably less than or equal to 500 W / cm 2 In other words, the second conductor profiles can have an extension in the conveying direction and an extension in the transverse direction, so that a second coil surface designed in this way is formed.

[0106] A second coil surface may additionally comprise the side of the second connecting web facing a second side of the metal material.

[0107] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the induction heating device has a displacement device which is suitable for displacing the at least one first coil and / or the at least one second coil of the inductor in the spacing direction and / or in a transverse direction and / or in the conveying direction of the metal material, in particular for displacing it into a working position.

[0108] The displacement device can be configured to move the at least one first coil and / or the at least one second coil of the inductor in the spacing direction and / or in a transverse direction and / or in the conveying direction of the metal material, in particular to move it into a working position.

[0109] In a working position, an electrical connection can be established between the first coil and the metal material and between the second coil and the metal material. In particular, in a working position of the induction heating device, a metal material is conveyed between the first coil and the second coil.

[0110] The displacement device can be configured to reduce and / or increase the first distance between the first coil and a first side of the conveyed metal material and / or the second distance between the second coil and a second side of the conveyed metal material.

[0111] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the first coil has a first core, the first core being arranged such that, when an alternating current flows through the first coil, the first core forms a magnetic path for a magnetic flux generated by the alternating current flowing through the first coil; and / or the second coil has a second core, the second core being arranged such that, when an alternating current flows through the second coil, the second core forms a magnetic path for a magnetic flux generated by the alternating current flowing through the second coil.

[0112] An induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that the magnetic stray flux of the alternating magnetic field generated by the first and / or second current-carrying coil is reduced. The magnetic path formed by the first core and / or the second core guides the magnetic field lines, thus directing the magnetic flux in a concentrated manner toward the metal workpiece. As a result, the induction heating device exhibits increased electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal workpiece.

[0113] The first core and / or the second core may comprise or be formed from a metal. The first core and / or the second core may comprise or be formed from a ferritic iron powder in a resin matrix.

[0114] The first coil can have two first cores, each of which surrounds a first conductor profile at least partially. The first cores can at least partially, preferably completely, surround the first conductor profiles in a cross-section spanned by the conveying direction and the spacing direction. The side of the first conductor profiles facing the first side of the metal material can preferably be free of material from the first cores.

[0115] The second coil can have two second cores, each second core at least partially surrounding a second conductor profile. The second cores can at least partially, preferably completely, surround the second conductor profiles in a cross-section in a cross-sectional plane spanned by the conveying direction and the spacing direction. The side of the second conductor profiles facing the second side of the metal material can preferably be free of material from the second cores.

[0116] An induction heating device designed in this way has the advantage that the magnetic stray flux of the alternating magnetic field generated by the first and / or second current-carrying coil is further reduced. As a result, the induction heating device has a further increased electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material.

[0117] The first cores can each at least partially surround the first conductor profiles along the transverse direction. In particular, the first cores can surround the first conductor profiles along the transverse direction over a length range that is greater than or equal to the width of the conveyed metal material, preferably greater than or equal to the sum of the width of the conveyed metal material and the first edge distance.

[0118] The second cores can at least partially surround the second conductor profiles along the transverse direction. In particular, the second cores can surround the second conductor profiles along the transverse direction over a length range that is greater than or equal to the width of the conveyed metal material, preferably greater than or equal to the sum of the width of the conveyed metal material and the second edge distance.

[0119] The first cores can form a coherent component with the first coil.

[0120] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the induction heating device has at least one first capacitor device, wherein the first capacitor device is connected to the at least one first coil to form a first partial resonant circuit, and / or wherein the one first capacitor device is connected to the at least one second coil to form a second partial resonant circuit, and / or has at least one second capacitor device, wherein the second capacitor device is connected to the at least one second coil to form a second partial resonant circuit.

[0121] The first capacitor device and / or the second capacitor device may comprise a single capacitor. Alternatively, the first capacitor device and / or the second capacitor device may comprise a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel and / or in series with one another.

[0122] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the induction heating device has at least one matching transformer, wherein the matching transformer is electrically connected with its secondary side at least indirectly to the at least one first coil and / or to the at least one second coil.

[0123] The matching transformer can be electrically connected with its secondary side directly to the first capacitor device and / or to the second capacitor device, preferably by means of a cable and particularly preferably by means of busbars.

[0124] The matching transformer can be connected with its primary side at least indirectly, preferably directly, to the power supply device.

[0125] The matching transformer can be designed as a dry-type transformer. Alternatively, the matching transformer can be designed as a water-cooled transformer, in particular as a water-cooled autotransformer or as a water-cooled isolation transformer. In particular, the matching transformer can be designed to provide two alternating currents and alternating voltages that are 180° out of phase.

[0126] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the energy supply device is configured to supply the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil with alternating current, wherein the alternating current of the at least one first coil and the alternating current of the at least one second coil can have the same phase or a phase shift with respect to one another, and that the energy supply device is configured to supply the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil with alternating voltage, wherein the alternating voltage of the at least one first coil and the alternating voltage of the at least one second coil can have the same phase or a phase shift with respect to one another.

[0127] The energy supply device can be configured to supply the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil with alternating current, wherein the alternating current of the at least one first coil and the alternating current of the at least one second coil have a phase shift of 180° with respect to one another.

[0128] The energy supply device can be configured to supply the at least one first coil and the at least one second coil with alternating voltage, wherein the alternating voltage of the at least one first coil and the alternating voltage of the at least one second coil have a phase shift of 180° with respect to one another.

[0129] An induction heating device with such a power supply device generates a longitudinal field induction. In other words, the magnetic field lines of the magnetic fields generated by the first coil and the second coil run in opposite directions and cancel each other out in overlapping areas of the magnetic fields. In particular, with the same spatial arrangement of the first coil and the second coil with respect to the conveying direction and the width direction, the magnetic fields exactly cancel each other out in overlapping areas of the magnetic fields.

[0130] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the induction heating device has a plurality of inductors, wherein the at least one energy supply device is connected to the first coils and the second coils of the plurality of inductors and is configured to supply the first coils and the second coils of the plurality of inductors with electrical energy.

[0131] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the induction heating device has a plurality of energy supply devices, wherein each energy supply device is connected to the at least one first coil and to the at least one second coil of the at least one inductor and is configured to supply the first coil and the second coil of this inductor with electrical energy.

[0132] The induction heating device is preferably designed such that the induction heating device has a control and regulation device, wherein the control and regulation device is designed to control and / or regulate the supply of electrical energy to the first coil and / or the second coil.

[0133] The object underlying the present invention is also achieved by a production line for producing and / or processing a metal product having the features of claim 14 of the present invention.

[0134] The production line comprises at least one previously described induction heating device according to the invention. Preferably, the production line comprises a plurality of previously described induction heating devices according to the invention.

[0135] The object underlying the present invention is further achieved by the use of the induction heating device according to the invention and / or the production line according to the invention.

[0136] In a series of tests to improve an induction heating device, various parameters of the induction heating device were varied in multivariate test series. In particular, the penetration depth δ, the pole spacing, and the edge distances were examined in more detail. The advantages, details, and features of the invention determined in the tests are set out below in the further exemplary embodiments explained.

[0137] Surprisingly, and contrary to the previous assumption that higher penetration depths δ also lead to a higher electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material, it was found that the electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material decreases again with further increase of the penetration depth δ.

[0138] The test series showed that a penetration depth δ with a specified maximum penetration depth, or in certain defined areas, is particularly advantageous. The test series led to the results presented in Table 1. Tab. 1: Penetration depth δ, electrical efficiency and heating homogeneity in the thickness direction (each rated between 0 and 10, where 0 represents the smallest possible value and 10 the largest possible value of the respective property.) Penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the metal material as a function of the thickness extension t of the metal material Electrical efficiency between coils and metal material Heating homogeneity along the thickness of the metal material 0,1t 10 0,5 0,2t 10 2 0,3t 10 6 0,35t 10 8 0,4t 10 9 0,45t 10 9 0, 5t 9 9 0,55t 8 10 0, 6t 7 10 0, 7t 5 10 0, 8t 3 10 0,9t 2 10 1t 1,8 10 1,5t 1,2 10 2t 0, 6 10

[0139] The penetration depth δ was adjusted in the test series according to the relationship in formula (1). For a metal sample, a temperature-dependent frequency of the alternating currents flowing through the first and second coils can be approximately determined for a specific penetration depth δ.

[0140] By taking a thermographic image of the surface of the metal material, in particular the first side and / or the second side of the metal material, with a thermal imaging camera, the heating homogeneity along the thickness of the metal material and the electrical efficiency were indirectly determined. The thermal energy generated in the metal material, and thus the temperature of the metal material, is determined according to the electric heat law (also called "First Joule's Law") and is directly dependent on the electric current flowing through the metal material. Starting from the temperature measured on the surface of the metal material, in particular on the first side and / or the second side of the metal material, the temperature along the thickness of the metal material can be approximately calculated via the current density in various layers of the thickness of the metal material using the relationship described in formula (1).The electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material was then determined according to the relationship in formula (2). The power converted in the metal material was determined from the thermal energy converted in the metal material over a defined time period. Finally, the electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material was determined from the electrical power supplied to the first coil and the second coil, measured over the same time period. The power loss of the coils was also determined from the difference between the electrical power supplied to the first coil and the second coil and the power converted in the metal material.

[0141] Alternatively, the temperature distribution along the thickness can be determined directly in tests using thermocouples embedded in the metal sample.

[0142] If a heating homogeneity of 10 is specified for a parameter combination along the thickness of the metal material, then the temperature deviation along the thickness of the metal material is ≤ 1 Kelvin per millimeter. For example, for a metal material with a thickness of 110 mm, the maximum and minimum temperatures along the thickness of the metal material are a maximum of 110 Kelvin apart.

[0143] Furthermore, it has surprisingly been shown that although the electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material can be increased by reducing the edge distances, the heating homogeneity along the width of the metal material decreases again as the edge distance decreases.

[0144] The test series showed that a first edge distance and / or a second edge distance are particularly advantageous in certain defined areas. The test series led to the results presented in Table 2. Tab. 2: First edge distance and second edge distance, electrical efficiency and heating homogeneity along the width of the metal material (each rated between 0 and 10, where 0 represents the smallest possible value and 10 the largest possible value of the respective property). First edge distance / Second edge distance Electrical efficiency between coils and metal material Heating homogeneity along the width of the metal material 5d 0,2 10 4,5d 0,5 10 4d 1 10 3,5d 2 10 3d 3 10 2,5d 5 10 2d 7 10 1,75d 7 10 1,5d 8 10 1,25d 9 10 1d 9 9 0,8d 10 7 0,5d 10 4 0,3d 10 2 0d 10 1

[0145] In the test series with the results summarized in Table 2, the heating homogeneity along the width of the metal part was directly determined using a thermographic image taken with a thermal imaging camera of the surface of the metal part, particularly the first side and / or the second side of the metal part. The electrical efficiency was determined analogously to the test series with the results presented in Table 1.

[0146] It has also been surprisingly shown that with an increase in the pole spacing, the heating homogeneity along the width of the metal material increases, but the electrical efficiency between the coils and the metal material decreases again.

[0147] The test series showed that a first pole pitch and / or a second pole pitch are particularly advantageous in certain defined areas. The test series led to the results presented in Table 3. Tab. 3: First pole pitch and second pole pitch, electrical efficiency, and heating homogeneity in the edge area (each rated between 0 and 10, where 0 represents the smallest possible value and 10 the largest possible value of the respective property). First pole distance / Second pole distance Electrical efficiency between coils and metal material Heating homogeneity along the width of the metal material 5d 2 10 4, 5d 5 10 4d 6 10 3,8d 7 10 3,4 7 10 3d 8 10 2,8d 8 10 2,6d 8 10 2,4d 9 10 2,2d 10 10 2d 10 10 1,8d 10 10 1,6d 8 8 1,4d 8 6 1,2d 7 5 1d 6 2 0,5d 3 1 0d 0 0

[0148] In the test series with the results summarized in Table 3, the heating homogeneity along the width of the metal part was directly determined using a thermographic image taken with a thermal imaging camera of the surface of the metal part, particularly the first side and / or the second side of the metal part. The electrical efficiency was determined analogously to the test series with the results presented in Table 1.

[0149] Further advantages, details, and features of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments. In detail: Fig. 1: an induction heating device according to a first embodiment in a perspective view; Fig. 2: an induction heating device according to a second embodiment in a sectional view; Fig.3: the induction heating device according to the second embodiment in a plan view of a conveying plane.

[0150] In the following description, identical reference numerals designate identical components or identical features, so that a description given with reference to one figure regarding a component also applies to the other figures, thus avoiding repetitive description. Furthermore, individual features described in connection with one embodiment can also be used separately in other embodiments.

[0151] Fig.1 shows an induction heating device 1 for heating a metal material 40 conveyed in a conveying direction R1 according to a first embodiment in a perspective view, wherein the induction heating device has an inductor 2 with a first coil 10 and a second coil 20. The first coil 10 and the second coil 20 are arranged at a distance from one another in a spacing direction R2 and at least partially delimit a spacing space, such that a metal material 40 conveyed in the conveying direction R1 is conveyed between the first coil 10 and the second coil 20 through the spacing space. The first coil 10 has one turn formed by two first conductor profiles 11 connected to one another via a first connecting web 12. The second coil 20 has one turn formed by two second conductor profiles 21 connected to one another via a second connecting web 22.The first connecting web 12 and the second connecting web 22 are arranged at a distance from a first outer edge 41 of the metal material 40.

[0152] The first coil 10 has a first core 13, and the second coil has a second core 23. The first core 13 and the second core 23 each extend in the transverse direction R3 beyond a second outer edge 42 of the metal stock 40.

[0153] The first coil 10 is arranged at a distance in the distance direction R3 from the first side 43 of the metal material 40 and the second coil 20 is arranged at a distance in the distance direction R3 from a Fig. 1 not shown second side 44 of the metal material 40 arranged at a distance.

[0154] Fig.Figure 2 shows an induction heating device 1 for heating a metal product 40 conveyed in a conveying direction R1 according to a second embodiment in a sectional view, wherein the induction heating device 1 comprises an inductor 2 with a first coil 10 and a second coil 20. The first coil 10 and the second coil 20 are arranged spaced apart from one another in a spacing direction R2 and at least partially delimit a spacing space, so that a metal product 40 conveyed in the conveying direction R1 is conveyed between the first coil 10 and the second coil 20 at least partially through the spacing space. The induction heating device 1 further comprises a Fig.1 energy supply device not shown, which is electrically connected to the first coil 10 and the second coil 20 and is designed to supply the first coil 10 and the second coil 20 with alternating current and / or alternating voltage, so that a penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the conveyed metal material 40 is less than or equal to 0.7 times a thickness extension t of the conveyed metal material 40.

[0155] The power supply device 30 is configured to supply the first coil 10 and the second coil 20 with alternating current, wherein the alternating current of the first coil 10 and the second coil 20 has a phase shift of 180° relative to each other. In other words, the Fig. 2, the induction heating device 1 has a longitudinal field induction, so that the currents induced in the metal material 40 by the first coil 10 run opposite to the direction of the currents induced by the second coil 20.

[0156] The first coil 10 has a first distance h1 in the distance direction R2 from a first side 43 of the conveyed metal material 40, and the second coil 20 has a second distance h2 in the distance direction R2 from a second side 44 of the conveyed metal material 40. The first coil 10 and the second coil 20 define an air gap d in the distance direction R2, through which the conveyed metal material 40 is conveyed.

[0157] The first coil 10 has at least one turn which is connected by at least two first windings via a Fig. 1 not shown first connecting web 12 connected conductor profiles 11 and the second coil 20 has at least one turn which is connected by at least two second via a in Fig. 1 not shown second connecting web 22 connected ladder profiles 21 is formed.

[0158] The two first conductor profiles 11 of the first coil 10 have a first pole distance s1 to each other and the two second conductor profiles 21 of the second coil 20 have a second pole distance S2 to each other.

[0159] The first coil 10 has two first cores 13, wherein the first cores 13 are each arranged such that, when an alternating current flows through the first coil 10, the first cores 13 each form a magnetic path for a magnetic flux generated by the alternating current flowing through the first coil. The second coil 20 has two second cores 23, wherein the second cores 23 are each arranged such that, when an alternating current flows through the second coil 20, the second cores 23 each form a magnetic path for a magnetic flux generated by the alternating current flowing through the second coil.

[0160] The first cores 13 surround the first conductor profiles 11 on three sides each. The side of the first conductor profiles 11 facing the first side 43 of the metal stock 40 is free of material from the first cores 13. The second cores 23 surround the second conductor profiles 21 on three sides each. The side of the second conductor profiles 21 facing the second side 44 of the metal stock 40 is free of material from the second cores 23.

[0161] Fig. 3 shows the induction heating device 1 for heating a metal material 40 conveyed in a conveying direction R1 according to the second embodiment in a plan view of one conveying plane.

[0162] The power supply device 30 is connected to the first coil 10 and to the Fig. 3 not shown second coil 20 electrically connected.

[0163] The two first conductor profiles 11 of the first coil 10 are connected to each other by a first connecting web 12 and form a winding.

[0164] The first connecting web 12 has a first edge distance a 11 to a first outer edge 41 of the metal material 40.

[0165] The first cores 13 each extend in the transverse direction R3 along the first conductor profiles 11 over a length range that is greater than the width b of the metal material 40. The first cores 13 each extend in the transverse direction R3 starting from the first connecting web 12 along the transverse direction R3 and project beyond the metal material 40 in the width direction, so that a first edge distance a 12 between a second outer edge 42 of the metal material 40 and the extension end of the first cores 13 in the transverse direction R3. List of reference symbols 1 induction heating device 2 Inductor 10 First coil 11 First conductor profile (of the first coil) 12 First connecting bar (of the first coil) 13 First core (of the first coil) 20 Second coil 21 Second conductor profile (of the second coil) 22 Second connecting bridge (of the second coil) 23 Second core (of the second coil) 30 Energy supply facility 40 metal goods 41 First outer edge (of the metal part) 42 Second outer edge (of the metal part) 43 First page (of the metal goods) 44 Second side (of the metal goods) R1 conveying direction R2 distance direction R3 transverse direction d air gap h1 First distance h2 Second distance a 11 First edge distance (to the first outer edge) a 12 First edge distance (to the second outer edge) s1 First pole distance s2 Second pole distance t Thickness extension (of the metal material) b Width (of the metal material)

Claims

[1] Induction heating device (1) for heating a metal material (40) conveyed in a conveying direction (R1), the induction heating device (1) comprising: - at least one inductor (2) with at least one first coil (10) and at least one second coil (20), - wherein the first coil (10) and the second coil (20) are arranged spaced apart from one another in a spacing direction (R2) and at least partially delimit a spacing space, so that a metal material (40) conveyed in the conveying direction (R1) is conveyed between the first coil (10) and the second coil (20) at least partially through the spacing space, and - at least one power supply device (30) which is electrically connected to the first coil (10) and the second coil (20), characterized by , that - the energy supply device (30) is designed to supply the first coil (10) and the second coil (20) with alternating current and / or alternating voltage, so that a penetration depth δ of current-carrying layers of the conveyed metal material (40) is less than or equal to 0.7 times a thickness extension (t) of the conveyed metal material (40). [2] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first coil (10) has a first distance (h1) in the distance direction (R2) to a first side (43) of the conveyed metal material (40) of less than or equal to 150 mm, and / or - the second coil (20) has a second distance (h2) in the distance direction (R2) to a second side (44) of the conveyed metal material (40) of less than or equal to 150 mm. [3] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first coil (10) has at least one turn which is formed by at least two first conductor profiles (11) connected via a first connecting web (12), wherein - the first connecting web (12) of the first coil (10) has a first edge distance (a 11 ) to a first outer edge (41) of the conveyed metal material (40) of less than or equal to 5 times the extension of an air gap d between the first coil (10) and the second coil (20), and / or - the second coil (20) has at least one turn which is formed by at least two second conductor profiles (21) connected via a second connecting web (22), wherein - the second connecting web (22) of the second coil (20) has a second edge distance (a 21) to the first outer edge (41) of the conveyed metal material (40) of less than or equal to 5 times the extension of the air gap d between the first coil (10) and the second coil (20). [4] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the at least two first conductor profiles (11) of the first coil (10) have a first pole spacing (s1) of less than or equal to 4 times the extent of an air gap d; and / or - the at least two second conductor profiles (21) of the second coil (20) have a second pole spacing (s2) of less than or equal to 4 times the extension of the air gap d. [5] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply device is suitable for supplying the first coil (10) and the second coil (20) with alternating current and / or alternating voltage frequencies of less than or equal to 100 kHz. [6] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the energy supply device is suitable for supplying the first coil (10) and / or the second coil (20) with electrical power of at least 1000 kW each over a period of at least one minute, and / or - the first coil (10) and / or the second coil (20) is / are suitable for each absorbing an electrical power of at least 1000 kW over a period of at least one minute. [7] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the induction heating device () has a displacement device which is suitable for displacing the at least one first coil (10) and / or the at least one second coil (20) of the inductor (2) in the spacing direction (R2) and / or in a transverse direction (R3) and / or in the conveying direction (R1) of the metal material (40), in particular for displacing it into a working position. [8] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the first coil (10) has at least one first core (13), wherein the first core (13) is arranged such that, when an alternating current flows through the first coil (10), the first core (13) forms a magnetic path for a magnetic flux generated by the alternating current flowing through the first coil (10); and / or - the second coil (20) has at least one second core (23), wherein the second core (23) is arranged such that when an alternating current flows through the second coil (20), the second core (23) forms a magnetic path for a magnetic flux generated by the alternating current flowing through the second coil (20). [9] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the induction heating device (1) comprises: - at least one first capacitor device, wherein the first capacitor device is connected to the at least one first coil (10) to form a first partial resonant circuit, and / or wherein the one first capacitor device is connected to the at least one second coil (20) to form a second partial resonant circuit, and / or, - at least one second capacitor device, wherein the second capacitor device is connected to the at least one second coil (20) to form a second partial resonant circuit. [10] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the induction heating device (1) has at least one matching transformer, - wherein the matching transformer is electrically connected with its secondary side at least indirectly to the at least one first coil (10) and / or to the at least one second coil (20). [11] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the energy supply device is designed to supply the at least one first coil (10) and the at least one second coil (20) with alternating current, wherein the alternating current of the at least one first coil (10) and the alternating current of the at least one second coil (20) can have the same phase or a phase shift relative to one another, and - the energy supply device is designed to supply the at least one first coil (10) and the at least one second coil (20) with alternating voltage, wherein the alternating voltage of the at least one first coil (10) and the alternating voltage of the at least one second coil (20) can have the same phase or a phase shift with respect to one another. [12] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the induction heating device (1) comprises a plurality of inductors (2); - the at least one energy supply device is connected to the first coils (10) and the second coils (20) of the plurality of inductors and is configured to supply the first coils (10) and the second coils (20) of the plurality of inductors (2) with electrical energy. [13] Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the induction heating device (1) comprises a control and regulation device, wherein the control and regulation device is designed to control and / or regulate the supply of electrical energy to the first coil (10) and / or the second coil (20). [14] Production line for producing and / or processing a metal product (40) comprising an induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [15] Use of an induction heating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and / or a production line according to claim 14.

Images