Induction heating device in transverse mode

Abstract

This invention relates to a transverse induction heating device, wherein coils (230, 330) are respectively disposed on the surface side and the back side of a conveying predetermined surface (CP). The coils (230, 330) are configured with main magnetic cores (211, 311), edge magnetic cores (212, 213, 312, 313), and bridge magnetic cores (220a, 220b, 320a, 330b). The bridge magnetic cores (220a, 220b, 320a, 330b) are disposed on the back side of the main magnetic cores (211, 311) and the edge magnetic cores (212, 213, 312, 313). The main magnetic cores (211, 311) and the edge magnetic cores (212, 213, 312, 313) are magnetically coupled through the bridge magnetic cores (220a, 220b, 320a, 320b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a transverse induction heating device, particularly suitable for induction heating of a conductive plate by intersecting an alternating magnetic field with the surface of the plate to be heated. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-142294, filed on September 1, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Induction heating devices are used to continuously heat conductive plates such as strip steel sheets. The induction heating device applies an alternating magnetic field generated by a coil to the conductive plate. Eddy currents are then induced in the conductive plate through electromagnetic induction. The conductive plate is heated by Joule heating based on these eddy currents. One type of induction heating device is a solenoid-type induction heating device. In this type, the alternating magnetic field is applied approximately parallel to the length of the conductive plate, which is disposed inside the solenoid coil. When the thickness of the conductive plate being heated becomes thin (e.g., when the thickness of the conductive plate becomes 1 mm or less), in a solenoid-type induction heating device, even increasing the frequency of the alternating magnetic field may not be sufficient to heat the conductive plate to the desired temperature.

[0003] As an induction heating device capable of easily induction heating thin conductive plates, a transverse induction heating device is provided. For example, a transverse induction heating device includes a pair of coils, at least one of which is disposed on the surface side and the back side of a predetermined transport surface of the conductive plate being transported horizontally. The coils constituting the pair of coils are configured such that the alternating magnetic field generated by energizing each other with the same alternating current intersects the predetermined transport surface of the conductive plate. In a typical transverse induction heating device, eddy currents concentrate at the ends of the conductive plate in the width direction. Therefore, the current density at the ends of the conductive plate in the width direction increases. Consequently, the ends of the conductive plate in the width direction may become overheated. Furthermore, the width direction is perpendicular to the transport direction of the conductive plate and the direction opposite to the coils. In the following description, the ends of the conductive plate in the width direction will be referred to as edges as needed.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for addressing this issue: a shielding plate (blocking plate) movable along the width direction is disposed between the edge of a conductive plate and a magnetic pole. The shielding plate is made of a non-magnetic metallic material. In this technique, the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil is blocked by the shielding plate, thereby suppressing uneven temperature distribution along the width direction of the conductor.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a method in which a secondary coil is positioned between the edge of a conductive plate and a magnetic pole. This secondary coil is used to generate a magnetic field that cancels out the alternating magnetic field generated by a coil used to heat the conductive plate. In the technology described in Patent Document 2, the secondary coil generates a magnetic field that cancels out the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil, thereby suppressing uneven temperature distribution in the width direction of the conductor.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses forming a bulge in the original magnetic core. The bulge is positioned opposite the temperature-reducing regions at both ends in the width direction of the conductive plate. In the technology described in Patent Document 3, the bulge formed in the original magnetic core suppresses uneven temperature distribution in the width direction of the conductor.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses a technique that uses a first J-shaped conductor 32 and a second J-shaped conductor 34 to form a coil. In the technique described in Patent Document 4, by moving the first J-shaped conductor 32 relative to the second J-shaped conductor 34 in the width direction, the length of the region between the first J-shaped conductor 32 and the second J-shaped conductor 34 in the width direction is changed. In the technique described in Patent Document 4, by changing the length of the region between the first J-shaped conductor 32 and the second J-shaped conductor 34 in the width direction to match the width of the conductor, uneven temperature distribution in the width direction of the conductor is suppressed.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 5 discloses a technique for arranging multiple magnetic pole segments in the width direction. In this technique, by varying the distance between the multiple magnetic pole segments and the conductor in a way that matches the width of the conductor, uneven temperature distribution in the width direction of the conductor is suppressed. Additionally, Patent Document 5 discloses a technique for arranging multiple rod-shaped magnetic poles wound with coils at intervals along the transport direction of the conductor. In this technique, the multiple rod-shaped magnetic poles rotate around an axis extending perpendicular to the conductor and passing through the centroid of each pole. In this technique, by rotating the multiple rod-shaped magnetic poles in a way that matches the width of the conductor, uneven temperature distribution in the width direction of the conductor is suppressed. Furthermore, Patent Document 5 discloses: arranging multiple iron cores in the transport direction of the conductor, and switching the current flowing in the coil wound around the iron cores. In this technique, by switching the current flowing in the coil wound around the iron cores in a way that matches the width of the conductor, the iron cores that generate magnetic flux are switched. In this technique, uneven temperature distribution in the width direction of the conductor is suppressed.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 6 discloses a technique that uses multiple magnetic bars arranged in the width direction of a conductor as a magnetic core. In the technique described in Patent Document 6, by modulating the spacing of the multiple magnetic bars to match the width of the conductor and using a shielding plate, uneven temperature distribution in the width direction of the conductor is suppressed.

[0010] Existing technical documents

[0011] Patent documents

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-27836

[0013] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-122924

[0014] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-108605

[0015] Patent Document 4: US Patent No. 5,739,506

[0016] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-291891

[0017] Patent Document 6: US Patent No. 6,498,328 Summary of the Invention

[0018] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0019] However, in the lateral induction heating device described above, the magnetic core heats up due to iron losses caused by the magnetic field. Furthermore, in lateral induction heating devices, a coil for heating the conductive plate is wound around the magnetic core to generate a larger magnetic field. Therefore, the temperature rise of the magnetic core becomes significant. Moreover, the heating of the magnetic core becomes significant in induction heating devices with high-capacity power supplies. Regarding this point, in the technology described in Patent Documents 5 and 6, although the heating of the magnetic core is not considered, the magnetic core is divided into multiple parts. The total cross-sectional area of ​​the divided magnetic core is larger than the surface area of ​​the undivided magnetic core. A larger surface area of ​​the magnetic core promotes heat dissipation from the core. Therefore, the heating of the divided magnetic core is suppressed compared to the heating of the undivided magnetic core.

[0020] When the magnetic core is divided into multiple parts in the width direction, the temperature of the magnetic core decreases. However, the alternating magnetic field within the magnetic core is disconnected. Therefore, when the magnetic core is divided into multiple parts in the width direction, it may be impossible to apply an alternating magnetic field of the desired magnitude to the conductive plate. As a result, the heating efficiency of the conductive plate decreases, and the temperature distribution in the width direction of the conductive plate deviates. The inventors have confirmed that when the magnetic core of a typical transverse induction heating device is divided into multiple parts in the width direction, the temperature at the edge of the conductive plate is sometimes more than 100°C lower than the temperature of other parts of the conductive plate.

[0021] When the number of core segments is reduced to suppress the temperature drop of the conductive plate (i.e., to allow the desired alternating magnetic field to intersect with the conductive plate), the core temperature cannot be reduced to the desired level. Conversely, when the number of core segments is increased to reduce the core temperature to the desired level, it becomes impossible to suppress the temperature drop of the conductive plate (i.e., to allow the desired alternating magnetic field to intersect with the conductive plate). In the technology described in Patent Documents 5 and 6, the core is segmented to suppress overheating at the edges and heating of the core. Therefore, the number of core segments is determined to suppress overheating at the edges of the conductive plate and heating of the core. The technology described in Patent Documents 5 and 6 does not even recognize the problem of suppressing the temperature rise of the core and reducing the magnitude of the alternating magnetic field applied to the conductor. Thus, the conventional technology has the problem that it is impossible to simultaneously satisfy both the suppression of the temperature rise of the core and the suppression of the reduction in the magnitude of the alternating magnetic field applied to the conductor.

[0022] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a transverse induction heating device that can simultaneously satisfy both the suppression of temperature rise of the magnetic core and the suppression of the reduction of the magnitude of the alternating magnetic field applied to the conductor.

[0023] Methods for solving problems

[0024] The first example of the transverse induction heating device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a pair of coils, each disposed on a predetermined transport surface of a conductive plate such that an alternating magnetic field generated by the energization of alternating currents in the same direction intersects the transport surface of the conductive plate; and magnetic cores, each set of which is disposed for each of the pair of coils, wherein each set of magnetic cores has a plurality of partial magnetic cores arranged at intervals in a width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the conductive plate and the opposing direction of the coils, and each partial magnetic core having a main... The main body and the central leg are arranged on the back side of the coil, extending from an area upstream of the coil in the conveying direction to a area downstream of the coil in the conveying direction, the back side being the opposite side to the side where the conveying predetermined surface exists. The central leg extends from the main body towards the conveying predetermined surface in a manner that passes through the hollow portion of the coil. In a transverse induction heating device, the set of magnetic cores has at least one bridge magnetic core capable of magnetically coupling with at least two of the partial magnetic cores, the bridge magnetic core being disposed on the back side of the partial magnetic cores.

[0025] A second example of the transverse induction heating device of the present invention is characterized in that each of the partial magnetic cores is capable of magnetic coupling with at least one of the bridge magnetic cores.

[0026] A third example of the transverse induction heating device of the present invention is characterized in that all of the said partial magnetic cores included in the set of magnetic cores are magnetically coupled via the bridge magnetic core.

[0027] The fourth example of the transverse induction heating device of the present invention is characterized in that the group of magnetic cores each has a plurality of the bridge magnetic cores, the bridge magnetic cores being arranged in a state of being spaced apart from each other in the width direction.

[0028] The fifth example of the transverse induction heating device of the present invention is characterized in that each of the set of magnetic cores has two of the bridge magnetic cores, the two bridge magnetic cores being arranged on both sides of the width direction with a gap between them, and when viewed from the opposite direction of the coil, at least a portion of each of the partial magnetic cores overlaps with one of the bridge magnetic cores.

[0029] The sixth example of the transverse induction heating device of the present invention is characterized in that each of the group of magnetic cores has one bridge magnetic core.

[0030] The seventh example of the transverse induction heating device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the set of magnetic cores, the partial magnetic cores are different from the bridge magnetic cores.

[0031] The eighth example of the transverse induction heating device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the set of magnetic cores, at least one of the plurality of partial magnetic cores is an integral core with at least one of the bridge magnetic cores. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and an example of the external configuration of the induction heating device.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention and an example of a first cross-section of an induction heating device.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention and an example of a second cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention and an example of a third cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention and showing an example of the relationship between the position of the strip steel plate in the x-axis direction and the temperature.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, and a view showing a first cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a second variation of the first embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram showing the external configuration of the induction heating device.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a second variation of the first embodiment of the present invention, and a view showing a first cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention and showing an example of the external configuration of the induction heating device.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention and an example of a first cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention and an example of a second cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention and an example of a third cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention and an example of a fourth cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a first variation of the second embodiment of the present invention, and a view showing a first cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a second variation of the second embodiment of the present invention, and a view showing a first cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0047] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention and showing an example of a first cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0048] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention and an example of a second cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0049] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the fourth embodiment of the present invention and showing an example of the external configuration of the induction heating device.

[0050] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention and showing an example of a first cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0051] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention and showing an example of a second cross-section of the induction heating device.

[0052] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention and an example of a third cross-section of the induction heating device. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, the same situations include, in addition to cases of strict similarity, cases where the scope differs without departing from the spirit of the invention. Similarly, in the following description, the same situations include, in addition to cases of strict similarity, cases where the scope differs without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the following description, the same situations also include cases where the differences are within the tolerance range determined during design (e.g., within ±5%). Furthermore, in the following description, the transverse induction heating device will be referred to as an induction heating device as needed. Furthermore, in the following description, the case where the conductive plate of the object to be heated is an example of a strip steel plate is illustrated (however, the conductive plate of the object to be heated is not limited to a strip steel plate). Furthermore, for ease of description and explanation, some components are omitted or simplified in each figure. Furthermore, the xyz coordinates shown in each figure indicate the orientation relationship in each figure. The symbol with a white circle (〇) surrounded by a black circle (●) indicates the direction from the back side of the paper towards the front side.

[0054] The technical solutions described include magnetic cores with various shapes, functions, and configurations. Therefore, it is difficult to describe the embodiments of the present invention using only the term "partial magnetic core." Therefore, in the following description of embodiments, even for partial magnetic cores, the term "partial magnetic core" may sometimes be omitted for convenience. Furthermore, even in this case, all magnetic cores described in each embodiment, including upper and lower magnetic cores of both partial and bridge-type magnetic cores, as well as magnetic cores with names other than bridge-type magnetic cores, are all partial magnetic cores. In each embodiment, an example of a magnetic core constituting a partial magnetic core is provided.

[0055] (First Implementation)

[0056] First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 1 This is a view of the induction heating device from a slightly upward angle. Figure 1 In the diagram, the direction of the arrow attached to the front end of the strip steel plate 100 (the positive direction of the y-axis) illustrates the conveying of the strip steel plate 100. That is, in Figure 1 In the example, the conveying direction of the strip steel plate 100 is shown to be the positive direction of the y-axis. Additionally, in... Figure 1In this example, the length direction of the strip steel plate 100 is the y-axis direction, the width direction is the x-axis direction, and the thickness direction is the z-axis direction. Furthermore, the thickness of the strip steel plate 100 is not limited. However, the induction heating apparatus of each embodiment can heat thin conductive plates. Therefore, the thickness of the strip steel plate 100 to be heated by the induction heating apparatus of each embodiment is preferably, for example, 1 mm or less. However, the thickness of the strip steel plate 100 to be heated by the induction heating apparatus of each embodiment may also exceed 1 mm.

[0058] Figure 1 The induction heating device shown includes an upper sensor 200 and a lower sensor 300. The upper sensor 200 and the lower sensor 300 are positioned opposite each other, separated by a strip of steel plate 100 (see reference). Figures 2-4 The upper sensor 200 and the lower sensor 300 have the same configuration. Therefore, the upper sensor 200 will be described in detail here, and the detailed description of the lower sensor 300 will be omitted if necessary. The strip steel plate 100 sometimes moves in the z-axis direction and the x-axis direction, and the strip steel plate 100 is sometimes located slightly off-center from the center of the induction heating device. Even if such positional movement of the strip steel plate 100 occurs (e.g., serpentine movement), it is mostly controlled by known techniques (e.g., International Publication WO2019 / 181653) to keep the strip steel plate 100 as central as possible in the induction heating device. Figure 1In the following figures, the ideal position (e.g., the center of the induction heating device) is illustrated as a principle diagram where the heating amount on the upper and lower surfaces of the strip steel plate 100 is equal to the heating amount on the left and right sides of the conveying direction of the strip steel plate 100. In the following description, when the strip steel plate 100 is in the ideal position, the surface passing through the center of the thickness direction of the strip steel plate 100 and perpendicular to the thickness direction is referred to as the conveying predetermined surface CP. Furthermore, the surface passing through the center of the thickness direction of the strip steel plate 100 and perpendicular to the thickness direction is also the surface passing through the center of the thickness direction of the strip steel plate 100 and parallel to the plate surface. The conveying predetermined surface CP is determined to be present in the design of the induction heating device, and therefore is built into the induction heating device itself. The conveying predetermined surface CP is often located at the center of the induction heating device. Therefore, the surface formed by the center of the gap between the upper sensor 200 and the lower sensor 300 can also be used as the predetermined transport surface CP. Furthermore, in the following description, the transport direction of the strip steel plate 100 will be referred to as the transport direction as needed. Also, in the following description, the direction in which the upper sensor 200 and the lower sensor 300 are opposed will be referred to as the coil opposition direction, or simply the opposition direction. Figure 1 In the example, the surface side of the transported predetermined surface CP is shown as the positive direction side of the z-axis, and the back side of the transported predetermined surface CP is shown as the negative direction side of the z-axis. Additionally, in... Figure 1 In the example, the upper sensor 200 is disposed on the surface side of the transport predetermined surface CP and the lower sensor 300 is disposed on the back side of the transport predetermined surface CP.

[0059] As mentioned above, in Figure 1 In the example, the coil's opposing direction is the z-axis direction, and the conveying direction of the strip steel plate 100 is the positive y-axis direction. Therefore, in Figure 1 In the example, the direction perpendicular to the direction opposite to the coil and the conveying direction of the strip steel plate 100, i.e., the width direction is the x-axis direction, is shown.

[0060] Furthermore, the distance (in the z-axis direction) between the upper sensor 200 and the transport predetermined surface CP is generally equal to the distance between the lower sensor 300 and the transport predetermined surface CP, but they may differ. In this embodiment, an example is shown where the induction heating device has a shape that is mirror-symmetrical with the yz plane at the center of the induction heating device in the x-axis direction as the plane of symmetry. The yz plane is a virtual plane parallel to both the y-axis and the z-axis. When the distance between the upper sensor 200 and the transport predetermined surface CP is the same as the distance between the lower sensor 300 and the transport predetermined surface CP, the induction heating device has a shape that is mirror-symmetrical with the transport predetermined surface CP as the plane of symmetry.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a first cross-section of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Section II view. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the second cross-section of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Section II-II view. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the third cross-section of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Section III-III view.

[0062] exist Figure 2 In the upper inductor 200, there are a primary magnetic core 210, bridge magnetic cores 220a-220b, a coil 230, shielding plates 240a-240b, cooling fins 260a-260h, and cooling tubes 270a-270h. In the following description, the width direction of the induction heating device and the strip steel plate 100 is referred to as the x-axis direction. Furthermore, in the following description, the direction parallel to the conveying direction of the strip steel plate 100 (the length direction of the strip steel plate 100) is referred to as the y-axis direction. Additionally, in the following description, the opposing direction between the upper inductor 200 and the lower inductor 300 (the thickness direction of the strip steel plate 100) is referred to as the z-axis direction.

[0063] Coil 230 is a conductor with a surrounding portion. Additionally, in Figure 1In this example, the portion with thickness (the portion other than the straight line extending from the AC power supply 400) is the surrounding portion of coil 230. The surrounding portion of coil 230 is configured to pass through the slot of the original magnetic core 210 in the xy-plane and surround the original magnetic core 210 in a racetrack shape. In this embodiment, coils 230 and 330 are configured to face the transport predetermined surface CP. Furthermore, the direction in which coil 230, which constitutes a pair of coils, is positioned on the surface side of the transport predetermined surface CP, and coil 330, which constitutes the pair of coils, is positioned on the back side of the transport predetermined surface CP, is the opposite direction of the aforementioned coils. Additionally, the xy-plane is a virtual plane parallel to the x-axis and y-axis. Coil 230 is preferably configured such that the direction perpendicular to the transport predetermined surface CP is parallel to the direction of the axis of coil 230. Furthermore, the axis of coil 230 is the axis around which coil 230 is wound. Figure 1 In the example shown, the axis of coil 230 is parallel to the z-axis.

[0064] Alternatively, coil 230 may also have an insulator disposed around the conductor. Here, the case where the number of windings of coil 230 is 1 is illustrated. However, the number of windings of coil 230 may also be 2 or more. Preferably, the number of windings of coils 230 and 330 is the same.

[0065] In addition, Figures 2-4 In the example shown, the end of coil 230 on the transport predetermined surface CP side (the end of coil 230 closest to the transport predetermined surface CP side in the z-axis direction) is located closer to the transport predetermined surface CP side than the end of original magnetic core 210 on the transport predetermined surface CP side (the end of original magnetic core 210 closest to the transport predetermined surface CP side in the z-axis direction). However, for example, the z-axis position of the end of coil 230 on the transport predetermined surface CP side can be the same as the z-axis position of the end of original magnetic core 210 on the transport predetermined surface CP side.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the original magnetic core 210 has a main magnetic core 211 and edge magnetic cores 212 and 213. The main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 are arranged with a gap in the x-axis direction.

[0067] The main magnetic core 211 is a strongly magnetic body located at the center position in the x-axis direction closest to the center of the induction heating device, among the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213. The edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 are strongly magnetic bodies located at their ends in the x-axis direction closer to the original magnetic core 210 than the main magnetic core 211. The edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 have multiple partial edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d. These multiple partial edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d are arranged at intervals in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, the partial edge magnetic cores 212d and 213d closest to the main magnetic core 211 among the multiple partial edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d are also arranged at intervals in the x-axis direction from the main magnetic core 211.

[0068] Here, the state of the two peripheral magnetic cores being spaced apart simply refers to the state where these two peripheral magnetic cores are not physically connected. For example, even if a portion of the two peripheral magnetic cores is in contact, the two peripheral magnetic cores are not sufficiently magnetically coupled. Therefore, compared to the case where there is a strongly magnetic body of the same material as that peripheral magnetic core between the two peripheral magnetic cores, there is a state where the magnetic flux density in each peripheral magnetic core is reduced (e.g., reduced by more than 50% or more, or reduced by more than 80%). This state can also be regarded as the state where the two peripheral magnetic cores are spaced apart. That is, in this state, the magnetic flux density in the peripheral magnetic cores can also be restored to the same level as the magnetic flux density in the main magnetic core by using the bridge magnetic core described later.

[0069] In this embodiment, the main magnetic core 211 is constructed by stacking multiple electromagnetic steel plates of the same thickness and planar shape along the x-axis. Similarly, in this embodiment, the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 (partial edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d) are constructed by stacking multiple electromagnetic steel plates of the same thickness and planar shape along the x-axis. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness and planar shape of the electromagnetic steel plates constituting the main magnetic core 211 are the same as those constituting the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213. Additionally, in this embodiment, the number of electromagnetic steel plates stacked to constitute the main magnetic core 211 is different from the number of electromagnetic steel plates stacked to constitute the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 (partial edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d). For example, if the length of the main magnetic core 211 in the x-axis direction is different from the length of the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 (partial edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d) in the x-axis direction, the number of layers of the electromagnetic steel plate constituting the main magnetic core 211 will be different from the number of layers of the electromagnetic steel plate constituting the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 (partial edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d) corresponding to this difference.

[0070] The multiple electromagnetic steel plates constituting the main magnetic core 211 are fixed in place so as not to separate from each other. The multiple electromagnetic steel plates constituting the peripheral magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d are also fixed in place so as not to separate from each other. The method of fixing the multiple electromagnetic steel plates is not limited. For example, various known methods such as adhesive-based fixing, welding-based fixing, chiseling-based fixing, and fixing using fixing components can be used as methods of fixing the multiple electromagnetic steel plates. Furthermore, the thickness and planar shape of the electromagnetic steel plates constituting the main magnetic core 211 do not need to be the same as the thickness and planar shape of the electromagnetic steel plates constituting the peripheral magnetic cores 212 and 213. Additionally, for ease of description, in Figure 2 The diagram of the dividing lines of each electromagnetic steel plate is omitted. In this embodiment, the following situation is illustrated: the partial magnetic core is constructed by using the main magnetic cores 211, 311, the edge magnetic cores 212-213, 312-313 (multiple partial edge magnetic cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d, 312a-312d, 313a-313d).

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the main magnetic cores 211 and 311 have main body portions 2111 and 3111, central legs 2112 and 3112, upstream legs 2113 and 3113, and downstream legs 2114 and 3114. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, in... Figure 4In the diagram, double-dotted lines (virtual lines) are used to represent the main body 2111, 3111, the central legs 2112, 3112, the upstream legs 2113, 3113, and the downstream legs 2114, 3114. Figure 4 In the example shown, the main body 2111, the central leg 2112, the upstream leg 2113, and the downstream leg 2114 are integrated. Similarly, in... Figure 4 In the example shown, the main body 3111, the central leg 3112, the upstream leg 3113, and the downstream leg 3114 are also integrated. Therefore, there is no dividing line between the main body 2111, 3111, the central leg 2112, 3112, the upstream leg 2113, 3113, and the downstream leg 2114, 3114.

[0072] The main bodies 2111 and 3111 are respectively located on the back side of coils 230 and 330, extending from an area upstream (negative y-axis direction) of coils 230 and 330 in the conveying direction to an area downstream (positive y-axis direction) of coils 230 and 330 in the conveying direction, along a direction parallel to the conveying direction (y-axis direction). The back side of coils 230 and 330 refers to the side opposite to the conveying predetermined surface CP. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the example shown, the back side of coil 230 is the positive z-axis side, and the back side of coil 330 is the negative z-axis side. In the following description, the upstream side of the conveying direction will be referred to as the upstream side, as needed. Additionally, the downstream side of the conveying direction will be referred to as the downstream side, as needed. Furthermore, the side opposite to the conveying predetermined surface CP side will be referred to as the back side, as needed.

[0073] The central legs 2112 and 3112 extend from the main body 2111 and 3111 towards the direction of the transport predetermined surface CP, respectively, by passing through the hollow portions of the coils 230 and 330. Here, the hollow portion, when considering the runway-shaped coils 230 and 330 as a loop, refers to the inner side of the loop (not the outer side). The positions of the central legs 2112 and 3112 in the y-axis direction preferably include the positions in the y-axis direction of the axis of the coils 230 and 330. That is, the y-coordinates of the central legs 2112 and 3112 preferably include coordinates that overlap with the y-coordinates of the axis of the coils 230 and 330. In this embodiment, the position (xy coordinate) of the center of gravity of the central legs 2112 and 3112 in the xy plane coincides with the position (xy coordinate) of the axis of the coils 230 and 330 in the xy plane.

[0074] The upstream legs 2113 and 3113 are respectively located upstream of the coils 230 and 330 (the negative direction of the y-axis) and extend from the main body 2111 and 3111 in the direction of conveying the predetermined surface CP.

[0075] Downstream legs 2114 and 3114 are respectively located downstream of coils 230 and 330 (on the positive y-axis side) and extend from the main body 2111 and 3111 toward the direction of conveying the predetermined surface CP.

[0076] The central leg 2112, upstream leg 2113, and downstream leg 2114 are arranged with a gap in the y-axis direction. The central leg 3112, upstream leg 3113, and downstream leg 3114 are also arranged with a gap in the y-axis direction. The central legs 2112, 3112, upstream legs 2113, 3113, and downstream legs 2114, 3114 are the teeth of the magnetic core. In the main magnetic cores 211 and 311, the front end faces of the central legs 2112 and 3112, the front end faces of the upstream legs 2113 and 3113, and the front end faces of the downstream legs 2114 and 3114 are magnetic pole faces. The main body portions 2111 and 3111 are the yokes of the magnetic core. In addition, the front end faces of the central legs 2112 and 3112, the front end faces of the upstream legs 2113 and 3113, and the front end faces of the downstream legs 2114 and 3114 are opposite to the transport predetermined surface CP.

[0077] The overall shape of the cross-section formed by cutting the edge magnetic cores 212, 213, 312, and 313 along the yz plane is the same as the overall shape of the cross-section formed by cutting the main magnetic cores 211 and 311 along the yz plane. Figure 4 In the text, (212, 213) and (312, 313) appended after 211 and 311 indicate this situation.

[0078] Therefore, the edge cores 212, 213, 312, and 313 (partial edge cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d, 312a-312d, and 313a-313d) are the same as the main cores 211 and 311, having a main body, a central leg, an upstream leg, and a downstream leg. The lengths of the main body in the y-axis and z-axis directions, the lengths of the central leg in the y-axis and z-axis directions, the lengths of the upstream leg in the y-axis and z-axis directions, and the lengths of the downstream leg in the y-axis and z-axis directions are the same in the main cores 211 and 311 and the partial edge cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d, 312a-312d, and 313a-313d. On the other hand, the length of the main body in the x-axis direction, the length of the central leg in the x-axis direction, the length of the upstream leg in the x-axis direction, and the length of the downstream leg in the x-axis direction are longer in the main magnetic cores 211 and 311 than in the partial edge magnetic cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d, 312a-312d, and 313a-313d.

[0079] Furthermore, the overall shape of the cross-section formed by cutting bridge cores 220b and 320a along the yz plane is the same as the overall shape of the cross-section formed by cutting bridge cores 220a and 320a along the yz plane (see reference). Figure 3 In the following description, the section cut along the yz plane will be referred to as the yz section, as needed.

[0080] As described above, the shape of the surface of the main magnetic core 211 parallel to the yz plane and the shape of the surfaces of the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 parallel to the yz plane are respectively E-shaped (refer to...). Figure 4 The outlines of the main magnetic cores 211 and 311 are shown. That is, the main magnetic core 211 and the peripheral magnetic cores 212 and 213 are so-called E-shaped magnetic cores. However, according to Figure 4 As can be clearly seen from the external shape of the main magnetic cores 211 and 311, in this embodiment, for example, the z-axis lengths of the central legs 2112 and 3112, the upstream legs 2113 and 3113, and the downstream legs 2114 and 3114 are the same. In this case, the distance between the front end faces of the central legs 2112 and 3112, the front end faces of the upstream legs 2113 and 3113, and the front end faces of the downstream legs 2114 and 3114 and the transport predetermined surface CP is the same.

[0081] Furthermore, the distances between the front ends of the central legs 2112 and 3112, the front ends of the upstream legs 2113 and 3113, and the front ends of the downstream legs 2114 and 3114 and the transport predetermined surface CP can also be different. For example, the distance between the front ends of the central legs 2112 and 3112 and the transport predetermined surface CP can be longer than the distances between the front ends of the upstream legs 2113 and 3113 and the front ends of the downstream legs 2114 and 3114 and the transport predetermined surface CP.

[0082] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the length of the winding portion of coils 230 and 330 in the x-axis direction is longer than the width of the strip steel plate 100. Specifically, the length of the winding portion of coils 230 and 330 in the x-axis direction is longer than the maximum handleable width of the induction heating device. As a result, when viewed from the z-axis direction, coils 230 and 330 have a length in the x-axis direction that covers the maximum handleable width of the induction heating device. Here, the maximum handleable width of the induction heating device refers to the range in the x-axis direction that the strip steel plate 100, which has the maximum width that the induction heating device can heat (due to serpentine motion, etc.), may exist even if it moves in the positive or negative x-axis direction. In addition, the two ends of the winding portion of coils 230 and 330 in the x-axis direction are located outside the two ends of the strip steel plate 100 in the x-axis direction (i.e., the two ends of the maximum handleable width of the induction heating device). That is, the ends of the winding portions of coils 230 and 330 on the positive x-axis side are located at a position closer to the positive x-axis side than the ends of the strip steel plate 100 (i.e., the maximum handleable width of the induction heating device). Furthermore, the ends of the winding portions of coils 230 and 330 on the negative x-axis side are located at a position closer to the negative x-axis side than the ends of the strip steel plate 100 (i.e., the maximum handleable width of the induction heating device).

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, coils 230 and 330 are electrically connected to AC power supply 400. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, one end 231 of the winding portion of the coil 230 is electrically connected to one of the two output terminals 401 of the AC power supply 400. Additionally, the other end 232 of the winding portion of the coil 230 is electrically connected to the other terminal 402 of the two output terminals of the AC power supply 400.

[0084] Furthermore, one end 331 of the two ends of the winding portion of coil 330, which is positioned opposite to one end 231 of the winding portion of coil 230 in the z-axis direction, is electrically connected to one terminal 401 of the two output terminals of AC power supply 400. The other end 332 of the two ends of the winding portion of coil 330, which is positioned opposite to the other end 232 of the winding portion of coil 230 in the z-axis direction, is electrically connected to the other terminal 402 of the two output terminals of AC power supply 400.

[0085] Thus, in this embodiment, when viewed from the AC power supply 400, coil 230 and coil 330 are connected in parallel with the AC power supply 400 such that their winding directions are the same.

[0086] Therefore, such as Figure 1 As shown, when observed from the same viewpoint at the same time, the directions of the alternating current flowing in the opposing regions of coils 230 and 330 are the same (see reference). Figure 1 (The arrow lines shown inside coil 230 and coil 330).

[0087] Figure 1 The arrows shown in coils 230 and 330 indicate the following: when viewed from above, the direction of the alternating current flowing in coil 230 is clockwise (right-handed), and the direction of the alternating current flowing in coil 330 is clockwise (right-handed).

[0088] Here, the instantaneous values ​​of the alternating current flowing from the AC power supply 400 to coils 230 and 330 are the same. Furthermore, the waveform of the alternating current is, for example, a sine wave. However, the waveform of the alternating current is not limited to a sine wave. The waveform of the alternating current can also be the same as that used in general induction heating devices.

[0089] As described above, coils 230 and 330 are arranged on the surface and back sides of the conveying predetermined surface CP, respectively, so that the alternating magnetic field generated by the energization of alternating currents with the same orientation intersects with the conveying predetermined surface CP of the strip steel plate 100. In this embodiment, a pair of coils is illustrated by two coils 230 and 330. One of the coils constituting the pair is coil 230, and the other coil is coil 330.

[0090] Furthermore, as long as the aforementioned alternating current flows in coil 230 and coil 330, it is not necessary to... Figure 1An AC power source is connected to coils 230 and 330 as shown. For example, the AC power source connected to coil 230 and the AC power source connected to coil 330 can be different from these AC power sources, as long as the frequency of the current flowing from these AC power sources can be synchronized.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the following situation is illustrated: the number of coils arranged on the surface side of the predetermined transport surface CP in a pair of coils constituting the induction heating device, and the number of coils arranged on the back side of the predetermined transport surface CP in this pair of coils, are both 1. However, the number of coils arranged on the surface side of the predetermined transport surface CP in a pair of coils constituting the induction heating device, and the number of coils arranged on the back side of the predetermined transport surface CP in this pair of coils, can also be 2 or more. For example, on the surface side of the predetermined transport surface CP, two or more coils can be arranged with a distance between them in the y-axis direction. Similarly, for example, on the back side of the predetermined transport surface CP, two or more coils can be arranged with a distance between them in the y-axis direction. In the two or more coils arranged on the surface side of the predetermined transport surface CP in a pair of coils constituting the induction heating device, for example, an alternating current flows in the same direction as the current flowing in coil 230. In this case, in two or more coils that form a pair of coils, an alternating current flows in the same direction as the current flowing in coil 330, for example, on the back side of the predetermined surface CP.

[0092] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, cooling fins 260a, 260b, 260c, and 260d are respectively arranged between partial edge magnetic cores 212a and 212b, between partial edge magnetic cores 212b and 212c, between partial edge magnetic cores 212c and 212d, and between partial edge magnetic core 212d and the main magnetic core 211. Similarly, cooling fins 260e, 260f, 260g, and 260h are respectively arranged between partial edge magnetic cores 213a and 213b, between partial edge magnetic cores 213b and 213c, between partial edge magnetic cores 213c and 213d, and between partial edge magnetic core 213d and the main magnetic core 211. Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates a case where the spacing between these elements is fixed (unchanged). However, the spacing between these elements can also be changed. In addition, the lengths of the edge magnetic cores 212a~212d and 213a~213d in the x-axis direction can be the same or different.

[0093] The cooling fins 260a to 260h are an example of a cooling component used to cool the main magnetic core 211 and parts of the edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d. In this embodiment, the cooling fins 260a to 260h are illustrated as finned, non-magnetic conductive plates. The cooling fins 260a to 260h are, for example, made of copper plates.

[0094] Cooling tubes 270a-270h are mounted on cooling fins 260a-260h. Cooling tubes 270a-270h are an example of cooling components used to cool the main magnetic core 211, some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d, and the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. In this embodiment, the cooling tubes 270a-270h are shown as non-magnetic conductive tubes.

[0095] The cooling fins 260a to 260h are in contact with the cooling tubes 270a to 270h mounted on them. Additionally, in Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The following example illustrates a situation where the overall shape of the yz cross-section of the region integrating cooling fins 260a-260h and cooling tubes 270a-270h is identical to the shape of the yz cross-section of the original magnetic core 210 (main magnetic core 211 and some edge magnetic cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d). That is, in Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The following examples illustrate this: Figure 3 The overall shape and size of the area containing the cooling fins 260a and cooling tubes 270a are similar to those of the cooling fins 260a and cooling tubes 270a. Figure 4 The shape and size of the region of the main magnetic core 211 are the same.

[0096] Cooling medium, such as cooling water, is supplied to the interior of the cooling tubes 270a to 270h. Heat is conducted from the edge cores 212a to 212d, 213a to 213d, etc., to the cooling medium via the cooling tubes 270a to 270h and the cooling fins 260a to 260h. Therefore, the cooling of the edge cores 212a to 212d, 213a to 213d, etc., is promoted.

[0097] Shielding plates 240a and 240b are examples of shielding components used to prevent overheating of the edge portion of the strip steel plate 100 by adjusting (reducing) the electromagnetic coupling between the coil 230 and the strip steel plate 100. Specifically, shielding plates 240a and 240b are non-magnetic conductive plates arranged between the edge portion of the strip steel plate 100 and portions of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d in a spaced manner. The length of the shielding plates 240a-240b in the y-axis direction is preferably longer than the length of the original magnetic core 210 in the y-axis direction. In addition, the upstream end of the shielding plates 240a and 240b is preferably located upstream of the upstream end of the original magnetic core 210. Similarly, the downstream end of the shielding plates 240a and 240b is preferably located downstream of the downstream end of the original magnetic core 210 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0098] The shielding plates 240a and 240b can also move in the x-axis direction within their movable range. The shielding plates 240a and 240b can also move according to the width of the strip steel plate 100, so that the shielding plates 240a and 240b are located between the edge portion of the strip steel plate 100 and parts of the edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d. Furthermore, when the strip steel plate 100 is serpentine, the shielding plates 240a and 240b can also move in the x-axis direction. For example, the shielding plates 240a and 240b can also move in the x-axis direction (the direction in which the strip steel plate 100 serpentine) by the same amount as the serpentine movement of the strip steel plate 100.

[0099] Furthermore, the configuration for moving the shielding plates 240a to 240b in the x-axis direction is implemented, for example, using known technology of an actuator for moving the shielding plates 240a to 240b in the x-axis direction. Therefore, a detailed description of this configuration is omitted here. Additionally, the configuration for detecting the amount of serpentine movement of the plates is also implemented using known technology of a sensor that detects the end position of the plates in the x-axis direction. Therefore, a detailed description of this configuration is omitted here. Examples of these known technologies include, for instance, the technology described in Japanese Patent No. 6658977.

[0100] Furthermore, when the meandering amount of the strip steel plate 100 is in the centimeter range (e.g., less than 10 cm), it is preferable to move only the shielding plates 240a and 240b in the x-axis direction. When the meandering amount of the strip steel plate 100 exceeds the centimeter range (e.g., more than 10 cm), it is preferable to move the entire induction heating device (upper sensor 200 and lower sensor 300) in the x-axis direction. For example, the entire induction heating device (upper sensor 200 and lower sensor 300) may also move in the x-axis direction (the direction in which the strip steel plate 100 meanders) by the same amount as the meandering amount of the strip steel plate 100.

[0101] Based on the magnetic field of the eddy currents flowing in the shielding plates 240a and 240b, the temperature of the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 become highest near the end of the induction heating device on the plate center side at the x-axis end of the shielding plates 240a and 240b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the position (x-coordinate) of the main magnetic core 211 and the position of the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 in the x-axis direction are determined as follows.

[0102] The region of the gap in the x-axis direction formed on the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 is called the magnetic core gap region. In this embodiment, the magnetic core gap region is the region where cooling fins 260a to 260h and cooling tubes 270a to 270h are arranged. In this embodiment, the position of the main magnetic core 211 in the x-axis direction and the position of some of the edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d in the x-axis direction are determined such that when the shielding plates 240a and 240b are moved within their movable range in the x-axis direction to a position closest to the center position in the x-axis direction of the induction heating device, the end of the magnetic core gap region closest to the center side of the plate in the position opposite to the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b is positioned inside (towards the center side) of the shielding plates 240a and 240b. Figure 2 The following example illustrates the situation where the end of the core gap region closest to the plate center side in the core gap region located opposite to the bridge cores 220a and 220b is the end of the plate center side of the cooling fins 260d and 260h.

[0103] By determining the x-axis position of the main magnetic core 211 and the x-axis positions of some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d in this way, the region between the main magnetic core 211 and the region between the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d can be located near the region where the temperature of the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 is high. Therefore, the temperature of the region where the temperature of the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 is high can be reduced. In addition, as in this embodiment, if cooling fins 260a-260h and cooling tubes 270a-270h are arranged in the region between the main magnetic core 211 and the region between the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, the temperature of the region where the temperature of the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 is high can be further reduced.

[0104] Here, the "plate center side" refers to the side closest to the center of the induction heating device along the x-axis. On the side closer to the positive x-axis direction than the center of the induction heating device, the plate center side is on the negative x-axis direction side. Conversely, on the side closer to the negative x-axis direction than the center of the induction heating device, the plate center side is on the positive x-axis direction side. For example, in... Figure 2 In this process, the position of the main magnetic core 211 in the x-axis direction and the positions of some edge magnetic cores 212a~212d and 213a~213d in the x-axis direction are determined such that when the shielding plate 240a moves within its movable range to the side closest to the negative x-axis, the end of the cooling fin 260d on the negative x-axis side is located on the negative x-axis side closer to the end of the shielding plate 240a on the negative x-axis side.

[0105] Bridge cores 220a and 220b are strongly magnetic materials capable of magnetic coupling with at least one of the main core 211 and partial edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d. Furthermore, the main core 211 and at least one of the partial edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d can be either only the main core, only one or more partial edge cores, or the main core and one or more partial edge cores.

[0106] Here, magnetic coupling between two magnetic cores means that they are magnetically coupled when both cores are energized by an alternating current flowing through the coil of the induction heating device. When no alternating current flows through the coil, the two cores are not magnetically coupled. Magnetic coupling means that the constituent atoms of one core and the constituent atoms of the other core undergo spin-spin coupling. To easily confirm whether two cores are magnetically coupled, they can be considered magnetically coupled if the ratio of the magnetic flux density of the core with the lower magnetic flux density to the magnetic flux density of the core with the higher magnetic flux density is 0.2 or higher. This ratio is a design target determined by the designer during the design of the induction heating device. The ratio can be set to 0.2 as described above, but can also be set to 0.3 or higher, 0.4 or higher, 0.5 or higher, or 0.6 or higher as needed.

[0107] Bridge-type magnetic cores 220a and 220b need to be disposed on the back side of some magnetic cores (in this embodiment, the main magnetic core 211 and some edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d). The reason for this is explained below.

[0108] Even when the bridge cores 220a and 220b are positioned on the side where the transport predetermined surface CP of the partial cores (in this embodiment, the main core 211 and the partial edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d) exists, the bridge cores 220a and 220b can still magnetically couple with the partial cores. However, when the bridge cores 220a and 220b are configured in this way, at least a portion of the magnetic flux that should penetrate the strip steel plate 100 will penetrate the bridge cores 220a and 220b. As a result, the strip steel plate 100 cannot be sufficiently heated. Furthermore, when the bridge cores 220a and 220b are arranged on the sides (upstream or downstream sides, or sides in the x-axis direction) of the partial cores (in this embodiment, the main core 211 and the partial edge cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d), the degree of magnetic coupling between the bridge cores 220a and 220b and the partial cores becomes relatively small. As a result, the effect of the bridge cores 220a and 220b in restoring the magnetic flux density in the partial edge cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d, which has decreased due to the dispersion of the partial edge cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d in the x-axis direction, to the same level as the magnetic flux density in the main core 211 is also reduced. Furthermore, when the bridge cores 220a and 220b are arranged on the sides of a portion of the core, at least a portion of the magnetic flux that should pass through the strip steel plate 100 will pass through the bridge cores 220a and 220b. As a result, the strip steel plate 100 may sometimes become insufficiently heated, and a temperature gradient may easily occur in the strip steel plate 100 in the width direction (x-axis direction).

[0109] Based on the above, bridge cores 220a and 220b need to be configured on the back side of some cores.

[0110] In this embodiment, the bridge cores 220a and 220b are exemplified as an example of a strongly magnetic material with anisotropy and no magnetization direction, namely, a soft magnetic ferrite. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bridge core 220a is magnetically coupled to the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 212a to 212d, and the bridge core 220b is magnetically coupled to the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 213a to 213d. In this case, some of the edge cores 212a to 212d and some of the edge cores 213a to 213d can also be magnetically coupled via the bridge cores 220a and 220b and the main core 211. That is, all the cores constituting the original core 210 (the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 212a to 212d, 213a to 213d) can be magnetically coupled via the bridge cores 220a and 220b.

[0111] By magnetically coupling the main magnetic core 211 with the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 via bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b, the inductance of the induction heating device with bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b is larger than that without bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. Thus, bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b, the main magnetic core 211, and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 can be magnetically coupled.

[0112] If the bridge cores 220a and 220b are not present, the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d are disconnected through the region between the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d (cooling fins 260a-260h in this embodiment). Therefore, the magnetic flux density within each of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d decreases. In contrast, in this embodiment, by using the bridge cores 220a and 220b, this smaller magnetic flux density can be increased. For example, by using the bridge cores 220a and 220b, the magnetic flux density within each of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d can be restored to the same level as the magnetic flux density within the main core 211. For example, the magnetic flux density within the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d is preferably 0.75 times or more than the magnetic flux density within the main magnetic core 211, and more preferably 0.9 times or more. However, as described above, it is sufficient that the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d can be magnetically coupled.

[0113] like Figure 2 As shown, bridge-type magnetic cores 220a and 220b are arranged on both sides of the x-axis with a gap between them. Furthermore, in Figure 2 The following example illustrates this: When viewed from the z-axis direction, bridge cores 220a and 220b are configured to partially overlap with the main core 211. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 The following example illustrates the situation where, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the bridge cores 220a and 220b are configured to overlap with at least a portion of each of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, respectively.

[0114] Here, refer to Figure 2A more detailed description will be given of an example of the configuration of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b in this embodiment. The end face (lower surface) of the transport predetermined surface CP side of the bridge magnetic core 220a contacts a portion of the back side (upper surface) of the main magnetic core 211, the entire end face (upper surface) of the back side of the edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d disposed on the positive direction side (one side) of the x-axis relative to the main magnetic core 211, and the end (upper end) of the back side of the cooling tubes 270a to 270d. In addition, the end face (lower surface) of the transport predetermined surface CP side of the bridge magnetic core 220b contacts a portion of the end face (upper surface) of the back side of the main magnetic core 211, the entire end face (upper surface) of the back side of the edge magnetic cores 213a to 213d disposed on the negative direction side (other side) of the x-axis relative to the main magnetic core 211, and the end face (upper end face) of the back side of the cooling tubes 270e to 270h.

[0115] However, as long as the bridge cores 220a and 220b can be magnetically coupled to the main core 211 and the edge cores 212 and 213, the bridge cores 220a and 220b may not need to be in contact with the main core 211, the edge cores 212 and 213, or the cooling tubes 270a to 270h. For example, the bridge cores 220a and 220b may also be configured with a gap between them and the main core 211 and the edge cores 212 and 213. Alternatively, the bridge cores 220a and 220b may only be in contact with one of the main core 211 and the edge cores 212 and 213, or may be positioned opposite each other with a gap. Furthermore, the bridge cores 220a and 220b may also be in contact with or positioned opposite a portion of at least one of the edge cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d.

[0116] Bridge cores 220a and 220b are preferably configured as follows.

[0117] exist Figure 2 In the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b, the overlap length L on the plate center side is as follows: when viewed from the z-axis direction, it is the length in the x-axis direction of the portion of the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 that overlap with the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b in the region closer to the plate center side than the core gap region on the plate center side that exists in the core gap region opposite to the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. Figure 2 The following example illustrates the situation where the region closer to the center of the plate than the core gap region located at the position opposite to the bridge cores 220a and 220b is the region of the main core 211.

[0118] The overlap length L at the center side of the bridge cores 220a and 220b is preferably α or more, and more preferably β or more. This is because some of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d can reliably achieve magnetic coupling with the main core 211 via the bridge cores 220a and 220b. For example, in Figure 2 In order to ensure that the overlap length L of the plate center side of the bridge magnetic core 220a is α or more, the end of the bridge magnetic core 220a on the negative x-axis side is preferably positioned further along the negative x-axis than the end of the cooling fin 260d on the negative x-axis side. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the overlap length L of the plate center side of the bridge magnetic core 220a is β or more, the end of the bridge magnetic core 220a on the negative x-axis side is preferably positioned further along the negative x-axis than the end of the cooling fin 260d on the negative x-axis side.

[0119] For example, the lengths α and β can be obtained based on the results of known electromagnetic field analysis (numerical analysis) using formulas, finite element methods, etc. However, the lengths α and β can also be determined simply as follows: That is, the minimum value of the length in the x-axis direction of the magnetic cores 211 and some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, excluding the main magnetic core 211 located closest to the center of the plate (i.e., some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d), can be set as length α, and the maximum value as length β. Figure 2For example, when viewed from the z-axis direction, the magnetic cores that coincide with the bridge core 220a are the main core 211 and some edge cores 212a to 212d. The minimum value of the lengths L1 to L4 in the x-axis direction of the edge cores 212a to 212d, excluding the main core 211 located on the side closest to the center of the plate, is the length L3 (=L2=L1) in the x-axis direction of the edge cores 212b to 212d, and the maximum value is the length L4 in the x-axis direction of the edge core 212a. Therefore, the overlap length L on the center side of the bridge core 220a is preferably the minimum value of the x-axis length of the partial edge cores 212a to 212d (i.e., the x-axis length L3 (=L2=L1) of the partial edge cores 212b to 212d), and more preferably the maximum value of the x-axis lengths L1 to L4 of the partial edge cores 212a to 212d (i.e., the x-axis length L4 of the partial edge core 212a). Similarly, the overlap length L on the center side of the bridge core 220b is preferably the minimum value of the x-axis length of the partial edge cores 213a to 213d (i.e., the x-axis length L3 (=L2=L1) of the partial edge cores 213b to 213d), and more preferably the maximum value of the x-axis lengths L1 to L4 of the partial edge cores 213a to 213d (i.e., the x-axis length L4 of the partial edge core 213a).

[0120] The length α is the lower limit of the preferred range of the overlap length L on the center side of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. As a simple method for determining the length α, it has been explained that the minimum value of the length in the x-axis direction of the magnetic cores other than the main magnetic core 211 (i.e., the partial edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d) can be set as α. However, since the length in the x-axis direction of the main magnetic core 211 is greater than the length in the x-axis direction of the partial edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, it is not necessary to exclude the main magnetic core 211 when simply determining the length α. Therefore, in the following description... Figure 8 In that implementation, with the length α simply determined, the discrete portions of the magnetic core in the x-axis direction (i.e., Figure 8 The minimum length of the original magnetic cores 710a to 710f in the x-axis direction is set as α.

[0121] On the other hand, the upper limit of the overlap length L on the center side of the bridge cores 220a and 220b does not need to be specifically specified.

[0122] In addition, Figure 2In this context, the overlap length L' of the plate-end sides of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b, when viewed from the z-axis direction, is the length in the x-axis direction of the portion of the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d that are arranged closest to the plate end side and overlap with the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. The overlap length L' of the plate-end sides of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b is preferably α or more. For example, the overlap length L' of the plate-end sides of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b can also be β or more.

[0123] Furthermore, it is not necessary to prevent the end of the bridge core 220a or 220b from protruding to the plate end side (outward) than the end of the partial edge cores 212a and 213a. However, basically, the end of the bridge core 220a or 220b does not need to protrude to the plate end side (outward) than the end of the partial edge cores 212a and 213a. This is because the effect of increasing the magnetic flux density of the core due to the portion protruding to the plate end side (the effect of restoring the magnetic flux density of the partial edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, which has decreased due to the dispersion in the x-axis direction, to the same level as the magnetic flux density in the main core 211 by the bridge cores 220a and 220b) is relatively small. Here, the plate end side is the opposite side of the plate center side. The end plates of bridge core 220a and edge core 212a are on the positive x-axis side. The end plates of bridge core 220b and edge core 213a are on the negative x-axis side. On the positive x-axis side, closer to the center of the induction heating device, the end plates are on the positive x-axis side. Conversely, on the negative x-axis side, closer to the center of the induction heating device, the end plates are on the negative x-axis side.

[0124] Furthermore, the height (length in the z-axis direction) H of the bridge cores 220a and 220b is preferably at least 0.5 times the smaller of the lengths h and α (a value greater than or equal to the smaller of 0.5 × h and 0.5 × α). This is because it reliably enables the magnetic coupling of some of the edge cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d with the main core 211 via the bridge cores 220a and 220b. Additionally, the thickness (length in the z-axis direction) H of the bridge cores 220a and 220b is more preferably at least 1.0 times the smaller of the lengths h and α (a value greater than or equal to the smaller of h and α). This is because it allows for a more stable magnetic coupling of some of the edge cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d with the main core 211 via the bridge cores 220a and 220b. There is no need to specifically determine the upper limit of the thickness (length in the z-axis direction) H of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b, but it can also be set to 2.0 times the larger of the lengths h and α (the larger of 2.0×h and 2.0×α) or 1.0 times the smaller of the lengths h and α (the smaller of h and α).

[0125] Here, as Figure 2 ~as Figure 4 As shown, the length h is the z-axis length of the region of the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 relative to the region of the coil 230 disposed on the back side of the coil 230.

[0126] Furthermore, the ratio (BL / CL) of the y-axis length BL of the bridge cores 220a and 220b to the y-axis length CL of the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d is preferably 0.2 or higher. This is because it reliably enables the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d to be magnetically coupled to the main core 211 via the bridge cores 220a and 220b. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring stable magnetic coupling between the edge cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d and the main core 211 via the bridge cores 220a, 220b, the ratio (BL / CL) of the y-axis length BL of the bridge cores 220a, 220b to the y-axis length CL of the main core 211 and the edge cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d is more preferably greater than 0.5 or 0.6. There is no need to specifically determine an upper limit for the ratio (BL / CL), but it can be set to 1.0 or 0.8.

[0127] Furthermore, the y-axis position of the upstream ends of the main magnetic core 211 and some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d can also coincide with the y-axis position of the upstream ends (negative y-axis side) of the bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b. Additionally, the upstream ends of the main magnetic core 211 and some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d are preferably located at a position upstream of, or at the same position as, the upstream ends of the bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b. The upstream ends of the main magnetic core 211 and some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d can also be located upstream of, the upstream ends of the bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b. However, the effect of increasing the magnetic flux density of the core (the effect of restoring the magnetic flux density of the peripheral cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, which has decreased due to dispersion in the x-axis direction, to the same level as the magnetic flux density in the main core 211 through the bridge cores 220a and 220b) is relatively small. Therefore, the upstream ends of the bridge cores 220a and 220b do not need to protrude upstream compared to the upstream ends of the main core 211 and the peripheral cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d. Similarly, the y-axis position of the downstream (positive y-axis direction) ends of the main core 211 and the peripheral cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d can also be consistent with the y-axis position of the downstream ends of the bridge cores 220a and 220b. Furthermore, the downstream ends of the main magnetic core 211 and some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d can also be located further downstream than the downstream ends of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. The downstream ends of the main magnetic core 211 and some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d can also be located further upstream than the downstream ends of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. However, the effect of increasing the magnetic flux density of the core (the effect of restoring the magnetic flux density in some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, which has decreased due to dispersion in the x-axis direction, to the same level as the magnetic flux density in the main magnetic core 211 through the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b) is relatively small. Therefore, the downstream ends of the bridge cores 220a and 220b do not need to protrude downstream than the downstream ends of the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d.

[0128] Furthermore, if the upstream ends of the bridge cores 220a and 220b are not located upstream of the upstream ends of the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, and the downstream ends of the bridge cores 220a and 220b are not located downstream of the downstream ends of the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, the center position of the bridge cores 220a and 220b in the y-axis direction can be the same as the center position of the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d in the y-axis direction.

[0129] When viewing the induction heating device from the z-axis direction, it is not necessary to prevent the bridge cores 220a and 220b from protruding outward from the two ends (plate end sides) in the x-axis direction of the main core 211 and some of the edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, as well as the area connecting the upstream and downstream ends in the y-axis direction. However, basically, the bridge cores 220a and 220b do not need to protrude outward from the area connecting these ends. The reason is that the effect of increasing the magnetic flux density of the magnetic core due to the protruding parts of the bridge cores 220a and 220b (the effect of restoring the magnetic flux density of the partial edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d, which has become smaller due to the dispersion of some edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d in the x-axis direction, to the same level as the magnetic flux density in the main core 211 through the bridge cores 220a and 220b) is relatively small.

[0130] Furthermore, the length values ​​of each part of the induction heating device, including length h, L1 to L4, BL, and CL, are determined, for example, as follows: Simulation tests or electromagnetic field analyses are conducted to simulate the induction heating of the strip steel plate 100 by the induction heating device under multiple conditions where the length values ​​of each part of the induction heating device differ. Then, based on the temperature distribution along the x-axis of the strip steel plate 100 obtained from the simulation tests or electromagnetic field analyses, the desired temperature distribution is obtained, and the length value of each part of the induction heating device is determined. Additionally, if there are parts in the induction heating device whose length is constrained by installation space, etc., the length value of those parts is determined in a way that satisfies the constraint. For example, the size, shape, and position of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b are determined so as not to affect the movement of other components such as the coil 230 and the shielding plates 240a and 240b.

[0131] As described above, this embodiment illustrates a case where the bridge cores 220a and 220b are different from the main core 211 and the edge cores 212 and 213. Therefore, as... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, there are boundary lines at the boundaries between bridge cores 220a and 220b and main core 211 and edge cores 212 and 213.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above description, it is preferable that the positions of all parts of the upper sensor 200 other than the shielding plates 240a and 240b are fixed.

[0133] The lower sensor 300 is the same as the upper sensor 200, and has a main magnetic core 310 with a main magnetic core 311 and edge magnetic cores 312, 313 (partial edge magnetic cores 312a~312d, 313a~313d), a bridge magnetic core 320a, 320b, a coil 330, a shielding plate 340a, 340b, cooling fins 360a~360h, and cooling tubes 370a~370h, and has the same structure as the upper sensor 200.

[0134] In this embodiment, an example is illustrated where the original magnetic core 210 and bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b, and the original magnetic core 310 and bridge magnetic cores 320a, 320b are used to form a set of magnetic cores for each coil constituting a pair of coils. Alternatively, in this embodiment, an example is illustrated where a set of magnetic cores comprises the original magnetic core 210 and bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b, and the original magnetic core 310 and bridge magnetic cores 320a, 320b.

[0135] As described above, in this embodiment, compared to the case without bridge cores 220a, 220b, 320a, and 320b, the range and quantity of the main magnetic flux passing through the main magnetic cores 211, 311 and the edge cores 212, 213, 312, and 313 can be increased by using bridge cores 220a, 220b, 320a, and 320b. Therefore, the main magnetic cores 211, 311 and the edge cores 212, 213, 312, and 313 can be magnetically coupled efficiently.

[0136] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the position of the strip steel sheet 100 along the x-axis (position along the sheet width) and the temperature (surface temperature of the steel sheet). Additionally, Figure 5 The vertical axis (surface temperature of the steel plate) is a relative value.

[0137] exist Figure 5In the diagram, Figure 501 shows the case where the induction heating device of this embodiment is used. On the other hand, Figure 502 shows the case where the induction heating device of the comparative example is used. The induction heating device of this embodiment is provided with bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b, 320a, and 320b, while the induction heating device of the comparative example is not provided with bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b, 320a, and 320b. Other configurations, operating conditions, and operating environment are the same in the induction heating device of this embodiment and the induction heating device of the comparative example.

[0138] exist Figure 5 In the figure, the temperature deviation in Figure 501 is 21.5% smaller than that in Figure 502. Therefore, it can be seen that when bridge cores 220a, 220b, 320a, and 320b are set, compared with the case where bridge cores 220a, 220b, 320a, and 320b are not set, it is possible to suppress the overall temperature drop of the strip steel plate 100 and suppress the deviation of the temperature distribution in the x-axis direction.

[0139] As described above, in this embodiment, the bridge cores 220a and 220b enable magnetic coupling between the main magnetic core 211 and the edge cores 212 and 213. Therefore, the magnetic coupling (spin-spin coupling) between the main magnetic core 211, the edge cores 212 and 213 (partially edge cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d), and the bridge cores 220a and 220b is increased. Consequently, compared to the case where the bridge cores 220a and 220b are not provided, the magnetic flux density in the main magnetic core 211 and the magnetic flux density in the edge cores 212 and 213 can be increased. The same applies to the lower sensor 300.

[0140] Furthermore, in Patent Document 6, the screen 14 is made of a conductor. A magnetic pad 16 is disposed on the armature 15 supporting the screen 14. Therefore, even assuming the magnetic pad 16 is a strongly magnetic material, the screen 14 (conductor) exists between the magnetic bars 8 and the magnetic pad 16. Thus, the magnetic bars 8 and the magnetic pad 16 are not magnetically coupled. That is, the magnetic pad 16 does not function as the bridge core described in this embodiment. Additionally, since the magnetic pad 16 is not located on the back side of the core, it does not function as the bridge core described in this embodiment.

[0141] Furthermore, the armature 12 is used for positioning the magnetic bar 8 and is not a magnetic core magnetically coupled to the magnetic bar 8. Even assuming the armature 12 is a strongly magnetic material, its thinness results in extremely high magnetic reluctance. That is, even if the main magnetic flux through the magnetic bar 8 passes through the armature 12, it becomes equivalent to a non-magnetic material due to magnetic saturation. Thus, even if the armature 12 is assumed to be a strongly magnetic material, it is equivalent to a non-magnetic material and is not magnetically coupled to the magnetic bar 8. In other words, the armature 12 does not function as a bridge core as described in this embodiment. Additionally, since the armature 12 is not located on the back side of the core, it also does not function as a bridge core as described in this embodiment.

[0142] Furthermore, in the technology of Patent Document 6, multiple magnetic bars 8 are arranged with intervals. Therefore, the alternating magnetic field, amplified by the multiple magnetic bars 8, leaks from the area between them and diffuses into the surrounding environment. Due to the alternating magnetic field diffused from the multiple magnetic bars 8, surrounding objects (e.g., electronic devices) may be heated. Additionally, noise may be generated by surrounding objects due to the alternating magnetic field diffused from the multiple magnetic bars 8. Furthermore, the strip steel plate 100 may experience unintended heating due to the alternating magnetic field diffused from the multiple magnetic bars 8. In this case, the temperature distribution along the x-axis of the strip steel plate 100 may become uneven. Since the locations where induction heating devices are installed are not the same, it is practically impossible to predict whether the strip steel plate 100 will experience unintended heating. When the total power consumption of the induction heating device increases due to unintended heating of the strip steel plate 100, the overall heating efficiency of the induction heating device may decrease. In this case, in order to heat the strip steel plate 100 to the desired temperature, it may be necessary to reconsider the method of powering the induction heating device.

[0143] In contrast, in this embodiment, the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 are magnetically coupled through the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. Therefore, the diffusion of the alternating magnetic field, which increases due to the magnetic cores (main magnetic core 211 and edge magnetic cores 212 and 213), into the surrounding environment can be suppressed. Thus, the aforementioned drawbacks can be suppressed.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bridge cores 220a and 220b are made of soft magnetic ferrite (a strongly magnetic material with anisotropy and no magnetization direction). Therefore, it is possible to further promote the coupling of the spins of the constituent atoms between the main core 211 and the edge cores 212 and 213 and the bridge cores 220a and 220b. This, in turn, increases the magnetic flux density in the main core 211 and the edge cores 212 and 213.

[0145] In addition, in this embodiment, by cooling the fins 260a to 260h and the cooling tubes 270a to 270h, the temperature rise of the original magnetic core 210 and the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b can be suppressed.

[0146] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b are different from the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213. Therefore, the assembly and maintenance of the induction heating device can be easily performed. Additionally, as long as the overall shape and size are the same, the same bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b can be applied to induction heating devices of different specifications (e.g., induction heating devices with different numbers of edge magnetic cores).

[0147] The same applies to the lower sensor 300.

[0148] As described above, this embodiment provides an induction heating device that can simultaneously suppress the temperature rise of the magnetic core and suppress the decrease in the magnitude of the alternating magnetic field applied to the strip steel plate 100. In particular, as the capacity of the induction heating device increases, the effect of simultaneously suppressing the temperature rise of the magnetic core and suppressing the decrease in the magnitude of the alternating magnetic field applied to the strip steel plate 100 increases. The capacity of the induction heating device in this embodiment is not limited, but from this viewpoint, the effect becomes significant when the capacity of the induction heating device is in the tens of kW range or higher (e.g., 10 kW or higher), and is therefore preferred.

[0149] <Variation Example>

[0150] In this embodiment, the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 are illustrated as being made of the same material (electromagnetic steel sheet). However, the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 do not necessarily need to be made of the same material. For example, one of the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 may be made of soft magnetic ferrite.

[0151] In this embodiment, the bridge cores 220a and 220b are illustrated as being made of soft magnetic ferrite. However, the soft magnetic material constituting the bridge cores 220a and 220b is not limited to soft magnetic ferrite. For example, the bridge cores 220a and 220b may also be composed of multiple electromagnetic steel plates having the same planar shape (rectangular shape in this embodiment) as the surface of the bridge cores 220a and 220b parallel to the xy plane, and being stacked in the z-axis direction. Alternatively, the bridge cores 220a and 220b may also be composed of multiple electromagnetic steel plates having the same planar shape as the surface of the bridge cores 220a and 220b parallel to the yz plane, and being stacked in the x-axis direction.

[0152] In this embodiment, an example is shown where there are 8 cooling fins 260a-260h and 8 cooling tubes 270a-270h. However, these numbers are not limited to 8. Furthermore, the spacing between the cooling fins 260a-260h and the spacing between the cooling tubes 270a-270h do not need to be the same. By increasing the number of cooling fins 260a-260h and cooling tubes 270a-270h disposed in the regions of the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213, the cooling effect of the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 is improved. That is, the number of cooling fins 260a-260h and the number of cooling tubes 270a-270h are not limited to 8. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The quantity shown is determined appropriately based on the temperature required by the induction heating device.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper sensor 200 is illustrated with two bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. However, the number of bridge magnetic cores in the upper sensor 200 is not limited to two. The upper sensor 200 may have one bridge magnetic core or more than three bridge magnetic cores. For example, a bridge magnetic core may be configured to face at least a portion of the end face (upper surface) on the back side of the main magnetic core 211 and at least a portion of the end face (upper surface) on the back side of each of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d.

[0154] Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates the following situation: when the shielding plates 240a and 240b move within their movable range in the x-axis direction to a position closest to the center position in the x-axis direction of the induction heating device, the end of the core gap region closest to the center side of the plate (in the position opposite to the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b) in the core gap region is located... Figure 2In the example shown, the cooling fins 260d and 260h are positioned at the center side of the plate, closer to the shielding plates 240a and 240b. However, the positional relationship between the shielding plates 240a and 240b and the main magnetic core 211 and some of the edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d and 213a to 213d, when the shielding plates 240a and 240b are moved within their movable range in the x-axis direction to the position closest to the center position in the x-axis direction of the induction heating device, is not limited to this relationship.

[0155] For example, when the shielding plates 240a and 240b are moved within their movable range in the x-axis direction to a position closest to the center position in the x-axis direction of the induction heating device, the ends of at least one of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d on the plate center side are respectively positioned inside the shielding plates 240a and 240b (plate center side). For example, the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d may also be positioned inside the shielding plates 240a and 240b (plate center side).

[0156] Alternatively, when the shielding plates 240a and 240b are moved within their movable range in the x-axis direction to a position closest to the center position in the x-axis direction of the induction heating device, the end of the plate center side of at least one of the cooling fins 260a to 260d and the end of the plate center side of at least one of the cooling fins 260e to 260h are positioned inside (plate center side) of the end of the plate center side of the shielding plates 240a and 240b.

[0157] For example, when the shielding plates 240a and 240b are moved within their movable range in the x-axis direction to a position closest to the center of the induction heating device, the ends of the cooling fins 260d and 260h on the plate center side are positioned inward (plate center side) from the ends of the shielding plates 240a and 240b on the plate center side. Alternatively, the ends of the cooling fins 260a-260d and 260e-260h on the plate center side may also be positioned inward (plate center side) from the ends of the shielding plates 240a and 240b on the plate center side. Alternatively, when the shielding plates 240a and 240b move within their movable range in the x-axis direction to a position closest to the center position in the x-axis direction of the induction heating device, the end of the plate center side of at least one of the cooling fins 260a to 260d and the end of the plate center side of at least one of the cooling fins 260e to 260h are respectively positioned on the outer side (plate end side) of the end of the plate center side of the shielding plates 240a and 240b.

[0158] In this embodiment, the induction heating device is illustrated with shielding plates 240a and 240b. However, this is not always necessary. For example, at the locations where shielding plates 240a and 240b are configured, a secondary coil for adjusting (reducing) the electromagnetic coupling between the coil 230 and the strip steel plate 100 may be provided as a shielding component to prevent overheating of the edge of the strip steel plate 100.

[0159] Furthermore, the cooling components disposed between the main magnetic cores 211, 311 and the partial edge magnetic cores 212d, 213d, 312d, 313d, and the cooling components disposed between the partial edge magnetic cores 212a~212d, 213a~213d, 312a~312d, 313a~313d, do not need to be cooling fins 260a~260h, 360a~360h and cooling tubes 270a~270h, 370a~370h, as long as a non-magnetic conductive material capable of cooling is used. For example, in the area where the cooling fins 260a~260h, 360a~360h and cooling tubes 270a~270h, 370a~370h are disposed, a hollow cubic tube made of a non-magnetic conductive material can also be disposed. In this case, cooling water can also be supplied to the hollow portion of the tube.

[0160] Alternatively, cooling components may not be required in the regions between the main magnetic cores 211 and 311 and the partial edge magnetic cores 212d, 213d, 312d, and 313d, as well as in the regions between the partial edge magnetic cores 212a~212d, 213a~213d, 312a~312d, and 313a~313d. The regions between the main magnetic cores 211 and 311 and the partial edge magnetic cores 212d, 213d, 312d, and 313d, as well as in the regions between the partial edge magnetic cores 212a~212d, 213a~213d, 312a~312d, and 313a~313d, can also be gaps. In such cases, cooling gas can be supplied to these gaps as a cooling medium. Furthermore, by making the length of the gap region in the x-axis direction... Figure 2 The length shown is long, which can also improve the cooling effect of air cooling.

[0161] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the main magnetic core 211 is an integrated single magnetic core is illustrated. However, for example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the main magnetic core 211 may also have multiple partial main magnetic cores 211a to 211b arranged at intervals in the x-axis direction (in addition, Figure 6 Is with Figure 2 (Corresponding cross-sectional view). In this case, cooling fins 260i and cooling tubes 270i, identical to those of the cooling fins 260a-260h and cooling tubes 270a-270h, can also be arranged between some of the main magnetic cores 211a and 211b. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, the lower sensor 300 is also equipped with a portion of the main magnetic core 311a-311b, cooling fins 360i, and cooling tubes 370i that are the same as the portion of the main magnetic cores 211a-211b, cooling fins 260i, and cooling tubes 270i.

[0162] Furthermore, the number of partial main magnetic cores only needs to be two or more, and is not limited. However, it is preferable that all of the partial main magnetic cores can be magnetically coupled to at least one of the bridge magnetic cores. Even more preferably, all partial main magnetic cores are magnetically coupled. Figure 6 The example illustrates the magnetic coupling between some of the main magnetic cores 211a-211b and 311a-311b and the bridge magnetic cores 220c and 320c. Additionally, in... Figure 6 An example is shown below: the bridge core 220c is configured such that the end face (lower surface) of the bridge core 220c on the transport predetermined surface CP side is in contact with the entire end face (upper surface) on the back side of some main cores 211a to 211b and the entire end face (upper surface) on the back side of some edge cores 212a to 212d. Similarly, in Figure 6An example is shown below: The bridge core 320c is configured such that the end face (upper surface) of the bridge core 320c on the transport predetermined surface CP side is in contact with the entire end face (lower surface) on the back side of some main cores 311a to 311b and the entire end face (lower surface) on the back side of some edge cores 312a to 312d. Furthermore, the shape and size of the multiple main cores are not limited. The shape and size of the multiple main cores can be the same or different. The shape and size of the multiple edge cores can be the same or different.

[0163] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the original magnetic core 210 has a main magnetic core 211 and edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 is illustrated. That is, the case where the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 are distinguished is illustrated. However, the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 are not necessarily distinguished. For example, the induction heating device may also be as described above. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 It is constructed as shown. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of such an induction heating device. Figure 7 Is with Figure 1 The corresponding diagram. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a first cross-section of the induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Section II view, and is related to Figure 2 The corresponding diagram.

[0164] exist Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In the middle, the upper sensor 200 includes a magnetic core 210, a bridge magnetic core 220c, a coil 230, and shielding plates 240a and 240b.

[0165] The primary magnetic core 210 has multiple partial primary magnetic cores 710a to 710f arranged at intervals in the x-axis direction. The partial primary magnetic cores 710a to 710f are relative to... Figure 2 For the partial edge cores 212a to 212d shown, their lengths in the x-axis direction are different. The other structures of the partial original cores 710a to 710f are the same as those of the partial edge cores 212a to 212d. The partial original cores 710a to 710f are, for example, composed of multiple electromagnetic steel plates stacked in the x-axis direction, and having the same thickness and planar shape. In this case, the number of stacked electromagnetic steel plates constituting the partial original cores 710a to 710f is different from the structure... Figure 2 The number of layers of electromagnetic steel plates in the edge magnetic cores 212a to 212d shown are different.

[0166] The yz cross section of some original magnetic cores 710a to 710f and Figure 4The cross-sections shown are the same. Additionally, in Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In the example, all partial original magnetic cores 710a-710f and 810a-810f are shown to have the same shape and size. Therefore, when multiple partial original magnetic cores 710a-710f and multiple partial original magnetic cores 810a-810f are composed of multiple electromagnetic steel plates of the same thickness and planar shape, the number of layers of electromagnetic steel plates in each becomes the same. Furthermore, in Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In the example, the spacing between multiple partial original magnetic cores 710a to 710f is the same as the spacing in the x-axis direction of multiple partial original magnetic cores 810a to 810f.

[0167] Bridge core 220c is a strongly magnetic material used to magnetically couple at least one of the original cores 710a to 710f. Furthermore, bridge core 220c itself... Figure 6 The bridge-type magnetic core 220c shown is the same. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In this example, the end face (lower surface) of the bridge magnetic core 220c on the transport predetermined surface CP side and the end face (upper surface) of the back side side of some of the original magnetic cores 710a to 710f are positioned opposite each other with a gap between them. The gap between the bridge magnetic core 220c and the original magnetic cores 710a to 710f is determined such that the bridge magnetic core 220c can be magnetically coupled to at least one of the original magnetic cores 710a to 710f. The gap with the original magnetic cores 710a to 710f is determined such that the bridge magnetic core 220c can be magnetically coupled to all of the original magnetic cores 710a to 710f.

[0168] Similar to the upper sensor 200, the lower sensor 300 has a primary magnetic core 310 with partial primary magnetic cores 810a to 810f, a bridge magnetic core 320c, a coil 330, and shielding plates 340a and 340b, and has the same structure as the upper sensor 200.

[0169] In addition, Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In this embodiment, cooling components (such as cooling fins and cooling tubes) may be arranged between two adjacent partial magnetic cores (e.g., partial magnetic cores 710a and 710b) that are spaced apart in the x-axis direction. In addition, cases where the original magnetic cores 210 and 310 can contact the bridge magnetic cores 220c and 320c are also described in this embodiment.

[0170] In addition, the above-described modifications can also be applied to the lower sensor 300.

[0171] The above describes various modifications of this embodiment. Modifications of this embodiment described before the section on "Modifications" and modifications formed by combining at least two of these modifications can also be applied to the induction heating apparatus of this embodiment.

[0172] (Second Implementation)

[0173] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, an example was given where the original magnetic core 210 (main magnetic core 211 and edge magnetic cores 212, 213) and the bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b were configured as different magnetic cores. Similarly, an example was given where the original magnetic core 310 (main magnetic core 311 and edge magnetic cores 312, 313) and the bridge magnetic cores 320a, 320b were configured as different magnetic cores. In contrast, in this embodiment, an example was given where the original magnetic core and the bridge magnetic core were configured as a single integrated magnetic core. Thus, the main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is the configuration of the magnetic core. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, the parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment are added and modified accordingly. Figures 1 to 8 The accompanying figures are identical to the reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0174] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of an induction heating device. Figure 9 Is with Figure 1 The corresponding diagram.

[0175] Figure 9 The induction heating device shown includes an upper sensor 900 and a lower sensor 1000. The upper sensor 900 and the lower sensor 1000 are positioned opposite each other across the conveying predetermined surface CP of the strip steel plate 100 (see reference). Figures 10-13 The upper sensor 900 and the lower sensor 1000 have the same configuration. Therefore, the upper sensor 900 will be described in detail here, and the detailed description of the lower sensor 1000 will be omitted if necessary. In addition, the interval between the upper sensor 900 and the transport predetermined surface CP, and the interval between the lower sensor 1000 and the transport predetermined surface CP can be the same or different. Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also illustrates the case where the induction heating device has a shape that is mirror-symmetric with the yz plane at the center of the x-axis direction of the induction heating device as the plane of symmetry. In addition, when the interval between the upper sensor 900 and the strip steel plate 100 is the same as the interval between the lower sensor 1000 and the strip steel plate 100, the induction heating device has a shape that is mirror-symmetric with the xy plane at the center of the z-axis direction of the induction heating device as the plane of symmetry.

[0176] Figure 10This is a diagram showing an example of a first cross-section of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Section II view, and is related to Figure 2 The corresponding diagram. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the second cross-section of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Section II-II, and is related to Figure 3 The corresponding diagram. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of the third cross-section of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 12 yes Figure 9 Section III-III view, and is related to Figure 4 The corresponding diagram. Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of the fourth cross-section of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 13 yes Figure 9 Section IV-IV.

[0177] exist Figure 10 In the middle, the upper sensor 900 includes an upper magnetic core 910, a coil 230, shielding plates 240a to 240b, cooling fins 260a to 260h, and cooling tubes 270a to 270h.

[0178] The upper magnetic core 910 is formed by integrating the original magnetic core 210 and the bridge magnetic core 220 as described in the first embodiment into a single magnetic core.

[0179] In this embodiment, an example is shown where the upper magnetic core 910 is formed by multiple electromagnetic steel plates of the same thickness stacked in the x-axis direction.

[0180] exist Figure 10 In this embodiment, regions 911a and 911b of the upper magnetic core 910 include regions corresponding to the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the shape of the electromagnet plate disposed in regions 911a and 911b of the upper magnetic core 910 differs in the regions adjacent to the regions where cooling fins 260a to 260h and cooling tubes 270a to 270h are disposed in the z-axis direction, and in other regions.

[0181] exist Figure 10 In the upper magnetic core 910, in regions 911a and 911b, in regions adjacent to the regions where cooling fins 260a-260h and cooling tubes 270a-270h are arranged in the z-axis direction, for example, planar electromagnetic steel plates corresponding to this region are stacked in the x-axis direction. The yz section of this region is, for example, made of... Figure 11As shown in the yz section of the upper magnetic core 910. Figure 11 The example illustrates a case where the overall shape of the yz section of this region is rectangular. Additionally, in... Figure 11 The example shown is that the length of the rectangle in the z-axis direction is the same as the length of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b in the first embodiment. However, the length of the rectangle in the z-axis direction may vary slightly at each position in the x-axis direction, for example, depending on the curvature of the cooling tubes 270a to 270h.

[0182] On the other hand, Figure 10 In the upper magnetic core 910, in regions 911a and 911b, outside the region adjacent to the region where cooling fins 260a-260h and cooling tubes 270a-270h are arranged in the z-axis direction, electromagnetic steel plates of the same planar shape as those corresponding to this region are stacked in the x-axis direction. The yz section of this region, for example, becomes... Figure 13 As shown in the yz section of the upper magnetic core 910. Figure 13 The example illustrates the case where the overall shape of the yz section of this region is E-shaped (however, in...). Figure 13 In the example shown, all the horizontal lines in E are the same length. Additionally, in Figure 13 The following example illustrates the case where the length of the region in the z-axis direction (the length in the direction parallel to the horizontal line of E) is the length obtained by adding the length of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b of the first embodiment in the z-axis direction to the length of the original magnetic core 210 (main magnetic core 211, edge magnetic cores 212 and 213) of the first embodiment in the z-axis direction.

[0183] In addition, Figure 10 In the upper magnetic core 910, region 912 is a region that does not include the regions corresponding to the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b in the first embodiment. In region 912 of the upper magnetic core 910, for example, electromagnetic steel plates with the same planar shape as those corresponding to region 912 are stacked in the x-axis direction. The yz section of region 912 of the upper magnetic core 910 is, for example, […]. Figure 12 As shown in the yz section of the upper magnetic core 910. Figure 12 The example illustrates the case where the overall shape of the yz section of region 912 of the upper magnetic core 910 is E-shaped (however, in...). Figure 12 In the example shown, all the horizontal lines in E are the same length. Additionally, in Figure 12 In the middle, the length of region 912 of the upper magnetic core 910 in the z-axis direction (the length in the direction parallel to the horizontal line of E) is the same as the length of the original magnetic core 210 (main magnetic core 211, edge magnetic cores 212, 213) in the z-axis direction in the first embodiment.

[0184] The multiple electromagnetic steel plates constituting the upper magnetic core 910 are fixed together without separation. The method of fixing the multiple electromagnetic steel plates is not limited. For example, various known methods such as adhesive-based fixing, welding-based fixing, chiseling-based fixing, and fixing using fixing components are employed as methods for fixing the multiple electromagnetic steel plates. As described above, in this embodiment, the original magnetic core (main magnetic core and edge magnetic core) and the bridge magnetic core are integrated into a single magnetic core. Therefore, as... Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 As shown, there are no boundary lines at the boundaries between the bridge core (the region corresponding to bridge cores 220a and 220b) and the main core and edge cores (the regions corresponding to main core 211 and edge cores 212 and 213). Furthermore, for ease of explanation, in... Figure 10 The diagram of the dividing lines between the various electromagnetic steel plates is omitted.

[0185] In this embodiment, a bridge core is formed by regions in the upper magnetic core 910 and the lower magnetic core 1010 that correspond to the bridge cores 220a, 220b, 320a, and 320b. Additionally, in this embodiment, a partial core is formed by regions in the upper magnetic core 910 and the lower magnetic core 1010 that correspond to the main cores 211 and 311 and the edge cores 212-213 and 312-313.

[0186] Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 Regions 9110 and 10110, corresponding to the main magnetic cores 211 and 311, are shown. Additionally, Figure 13 Regions 9120 and 10120, corresponding to bridge cores 220a, 220b, 320a, and 320b, are shown.

[0187] like Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, regions 9110 and 10110 corresponding to the main magnetic cores 211 and 311 have main bodies 9111 and 10111, central legs 9112 and 10112, upstream legs 9113 and 10113, and downstream legs 9114 and 10114. The main bodies 9111 and 10111, central legs 9112 and 10112, upstream legs 9113 and 10113, and downstream legs 9114 and 10114 are the same as the main bodies 2111 and 3111, central legs 2112 and 3112, upstream legs 2113 and 3113, and downstream legs 2114 and 3114, respectively (see reference). Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 ).

[0188] Furthermore, the overall shape of the cross-section formed by cutting the regions corresponding to the edge magnetic cores 212-213 and 312-313 along the yz plane is the same as the overall shape of the cross-section formed by cutting the regions 9110 and 10110 corresponding to the main magnetic cores 211 and 311 along the yz plane. Therefore, like the regions 9110 and 10110 corresponding to the main magnetic cores 211 and 311, the regions corresponding to the edge magnetic cores (partial edge magnetic cores) also have a main body, a central leg, an upstream leg, and a downstream leg.

[0189] Similar to the upper sensor 900, the lower sensor 1000 also includes a lower magnetic core 1010, a coil 330, shielding plates 340a and 340b, cooling fins 360a to 360h, and cooling tubes 370a to 370h, and has the same configuration as the upper sensor 900.

[0190] As described above, in this embodiment, the regions corresponding to the bridge cores 220a, 220b, 320a, and 320b are integrated with the regions corresponding to the original cores 210 and 320. That is, in this embodiment, the original core and the bridge core are combined into a single core (an upper core 910 and a lower core 1010). This allows for the realization of an induction heating device with the effects described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the spin-spin coupling between the spins of the constituent atoms in the regions corresponding to the bridge cores 220a and 220b and the spins of the constituent atoms in the region corresponding to the original core 210 can be further increased. Therefore, compared to the case where the original core 210 and the bridge cores 220a and 220b are different cores, the magnetic flux density generated in these regions due to the flow of alternating current in the coil 230 can be increased.

[0191] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the temperature rise of the upper magnetic core 910 can also be suppressed by cooling the cooling fins 260a to 260h and the cooling tubes 270a to 270h.

[0192] The same applies to the lower sensor 1000.

[0193] As described above, similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment can also provide an induction heating device that can simultaneously suppress the temperature of the magnetic core to below a desired temperature and generate an alternating magnetic field of a desired magnitude.

[0194] Furthermore, as can be understood from the above description, this embodiment is configured such that the original magnetic core, main magnetic core, edge magnetic core, bridge magnetic core, and partial edge magnetic core described in the first embodiment are replaced with regions corresponding to the original magnetic core, the main magnetic core, the edge magnetic core, the bridge magnetic core, and the partial edge magnetic core, respectively. Therefore, by rereading the description of the first embodiment with this substitution, the following preferred range can be determined.

[0195] • The preferred range of the overlap length L on the plate center side of the region corresponding to the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b (L≥α, etc.)

[0196] • The preferred range of the plate end overlap length L' in the region corresponding to the bridge cores 220a and 220b (L'≥α, etc.)

[0197] • The preferred range of height H of the region corresponding to the bridge cores 220a and 220b (H ≥ Min(0.5 × h, 0.5 × α) etc.)

[0198] • A preferred range for the ratio of the length BL in the y-axis direction of the region corresponding to the bridge cores 220a and 220b to the length CL in the y-axis direction of the region corresponding to the main core 211 and the regions corresponding to the partial edge cores 212a~212d and 213a~213d (BL / CL ≥ 0.2, etc.).

[0199] <Variation Example>

[0200] In this embodiment, the shape of region 912 of the upper magnetic core 910 is illustrated as a cube. However, the shape of region 912 of the upper magnetic core 910 is not limited to a cube shape. For example, as... Figure 14 As shown, one or more recesses may also be formed on the end face (lower surface) of the transport predetermined surface CP side of the region 912 of the upper magnetic core 910 (in addition, Figure 14 Is with Figure 10 (Corresponding cross-sectional view). In Figure 14 In the example, two recesses are formed in region 912 of the upper magnetic core 910 with a spacing in the x-axis direction. Additionally, as... Figure 14 As shown, the recessed portion can be equipped with cooling fins 260j-260k and cooling tubes 270j-270k that are identical to the cooling fins 260a-260h and cooling tubes 270a-270h. Figure 14The following example illustrates a situation where the height (length in the z-axis direction) of cooling fins 260j to 260k is lower than the height of cooling fins 260a to 260h, so that cooling tubes 270j to 270k do not reach the end face (upper surface) on the back side of region 912. In this way, it is possible to integrate the cooling fins 260j to 260k and the cooling tubes 270j to 270k in region 912 of the upper magnetic core 910, and to integrate regions 911a and 911b with region 912 to form a single magnetic core.

[0201] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, the lower magnetic core 1010 can also be equipped with cooling fins 360j-360k and cooling tubes 370j-370k, similar to those used for the cooling fins 360a-360h and cooling tubes 370a-370h. Figure 14 The following example illustrates the situation: Similar to cooling fins 260j~260k, the height (length in the z-axis direction) of cooling fins 360j~360k is lower than the height of cooling fins 360a~360h.

[0202] Additionally, the yz section at positions 260j~260k, 360j~360k of cooling fins and positions 270j~270k, 370j~370k of cooling tubes becomes the... Figure 11 The lengths of the cooling fins 260a, 360a, the upper magnetic core 910, and the lower magnetic core 1010 in the z-axis direction are changed to the cross-sections of the cooling fins 260j~260k, 360j~360k, the upper magnetic core 910, and the lower magnetic core 1010 at the positions where the cooling fins 260j~260k, 360j~360k and the cooling tubes 270j~270k, 370j~370k are located, respectively.

[0203] Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates a case where the height (length in the z-axis direction) of region 912 of the upper magnetic core 910 is lower than the height of other regions of the upper magnetic core 910. However, this is not necessarily the case. For example, it is also possible to... Figure 15 As shown, the height (length in the z-axis direction) of the upper magnetic core 910 is the same regardless of its position in the x-axis direction. Figure 15 The example illustrates a case where the region 911c in the x-axis direction of the upper magnetic core 910 includes a region equivalent to that of a bridge magnetic core (in addition, Figure 15 Is with Figure 10 (Corresponding cross-sectional view).

[0204] The above variations can also be applied to the lower sensor 1000.

[0205] Furthermore, the various modifications described in the first embodiment can also be applied to the induction heating device of this embodiment. Additionally, modifications combining at least two of the above modifications, including those described in the first embodiment, can also be applied to the induction heating device of this embodiment.

[0206] (Third Implementation)

[0207] Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, a non-magnetic conductive material configured to be coolable was provided between the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212, 213, and between adjacent portions of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d. In this embodiment, a non-magnetic conductive material configured to be coolable is also provided on the end faces (upper and lower surfaces) on the back side of the bridge magnetic cores 220a-220b, 320a-320b. This allows for a further reduction in the temperature of the bridge magnetic cores 220a-220b, 320a-320b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the induction heating device of the first embodiment is supplemented with a configuration for reducing the temperature of the bridge magnetic cores 220a-220b, 320a-320b. Thus, in the description of this embodiment, the parts that are the same as in the first and second embodiments are supplemented with the configuration for reducing the temperature of the bridge magnetic cores 220a-220b, 320a-320b. Figures 1-15 The accompanying figures are identical to the reference numerals used in the figures, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0208] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an example of the first cross-section of an induction heating device, and is related to... Figure 2 The corresponding diagram. Figure 17 This is a diagram showing an example of the second cross-section of an induction heating device, and is related to... Figure 3 The corresponding figure. Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also illustrates the following situation: the induction heating device has a shape that is mirror-symmetrical with the yz plane at the center of the x-axis direction of the induction heating device as the plane of symmetry.

[0209] exist Figure 16 , Figure 17 The example shown has cooling pipes 1610a and 1610b arranged on the end face (upper surface) of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b on the back side of the upper sensor 1600. Similarly, in Figure 16 , Figure 17The example shown is a case where cooling pipes 1710a and 1710b are arranged on the end face (lower surface) on the back side of the bridge magnetic cores 320a and 320b of the lower sensor 1700. In addition, in this embodiment, the cooling pipes 1610a, 1610b, 1710a, and 1710b are shown to have a multi-folded shape.

[0210] Cooling tubes 1610a and 1610b are arranged in a multi-folded manner on the end faces (upper surfaces) on the back side of bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. Furthermore, cooling tubes 1610a and 1610b are in contact with bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. Cooling tubes 1610a and 1610b are made of, for example, a non-magnetic conductive material such as copper.

[0211] Similarly, cooling tubes 1710a and 1710b are arranged in a multi-folded manner on the end faces (lower surfaces) on the back side of bridge cores 320a and 320b. Furthermore, cooling tubes 1710a and 1710b are in contact with bridge cores 320a and 320b. Cooling tubes 1710a and 1710b are also made of, for example, a non-magnetic conductive material such as copper.

[0212] In the configuration of the first embodiment, for example, the temperature rise of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b can be suppressed by cooling tubes 270a to 270h and air cooling. However, in this configuration, for example, when the temperature around the induction heating device is high, it may be impossible to reduce the temperature of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b to the desired temperature. In contrast, in this embodiment, cooling tubes 1610a and 1610b are arranged on the end faces (upper surfaces) on the back side of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b. Therefore, compared with the configuration of the first embodiment, the temperature of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b can be reduced. Thus, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the temperature of the bridge magnetic cores 220a and 220b is reliably reduced.

[0213] The same applies to the lower sensor 1700.

[0214] <Variation Example>

[0215] In this embodiment, cooling pipes 1610a and 1610b are used as an example of a cooling component for cooling bridge cores 220a and 220b. However, the cooling component for cooling bridge cores 220a and 220b is not limited to this type of cooling component. For example, the cooling component for cooling bridge cores 220a and 220b may also be a plate-shaped non-magnetic conductor. In this case, the plate-shaped non-magnetic conductor can also be cooled by heat conduction.

[0216] Furthermore, this embodiment illustrates a case where cooling pipes 1610a and 1610b are added to the induction heating device of the first embodiment. However, cooling pipes 1610a and 1610b may also be added to the induction heating device of the second embodiment.

[0217] The above variations can also be applied to the lower sensor 1700.

[0218] Furthermore, the various modifications described in the first and second embodiments can also be applied to the induction heating device of this embodiment. Additionally, modifications combining at least two of the above modifications, including those described in the first and second embodiments, can also be applied to the induction heating device of this embodiment.

[0219] (Fourth Implementation)

[0220] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the following situation was illustrated: the distance (distance in the z-axis direction) between the front end faces of the central leg, upstream leg, and downstream leg of the original magnetic cores 210 and 310 (main magnetic cores 211, 311 and some edge magnetic cores 212a-212d, 213a-213d, 312a-312d, 313a-313d) and the transport predetermined surface CP was the same. In contrast, in this embodiment, the distance between the front end face of the central leg of the original magnetic core and the transport predetermined surface CP is illustrated as being shorter than the distance between the regions of the original magnetic core other than the central leg and the transport predetermined surface CP. Thus, the main difference between this embodiment and the first to third embodiments lies in the configuration of the original magnetic core. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, the parts that are the same as in the first embodiment are added and modified accordingly. Figures 1 to 8 The accompanying figures are identical to the reference numerals used in the figures, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0221] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of an induction heating device. Figure 18 Is with Figure 1 The corresponding diagram.

[0222] Figure 18 The induction heating device shown includes an upper sensor 1800 and a lower sensor 1900. The upper sensor 1800 and the lower sensor 1900 are positioned opposite each other across the conveying predetermined surface CP of the strip steel plate 100 (see reference). Figures 19-21 The upper sensor 1800 and the lower sensor 1900 have the same configuration. Therefore, the upper sensor 1800 will be described in detail here, and the detailed description of the lower sensor 1900 will be omitted if necessary.

[0223] Furthermore, the interval between the upper sensor 1800 and the predetermined transport surface CP, and the interval between the lower sensor 1900 and the predetermined transport surface CP, may be the same or different. Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also shows a case where the induction heating device has a shape that is mirror-symmetrical with the yz plane at the center of the x-axis direction of the induction heating device as a plane of symmetry. When the interval between the upper sensor 1800 and the predetermined transport surface CP is the same as the interval between the lower sensor 1900 and the predetermined transport surface CP, the induction heating device has a shape that is mirror-symmetrical with the predetermined transport surface CP as a plane of symmetry.

[0224] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing an example of a first cross-section of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Section II view, and is related to Figure 2 The corresponding diagram. Figure 20 This is a diagram showing an example of the second cross-section of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 20 yes Figure 18 Section II-II, and is related to Figure 3 The corresponding diagram. Figure 21 This is a diagram showing an example of the third cross-section of an induction heating device. Specifically, Figure 21 yes Figure 18 Section III-III view, and is related to Figure 4 The corresponding diagram.

[0225] exist Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 In the middle, the upper sensor 1800 includes a magnetic core 1810, a bridge magnetic core 1820a-1820b, a coil 1830, a shielding plate 1840a-1840b, cooling fins 1860a-1860h, and cooling tubes 1870a-1870h.

[0226] The original magnetic core 1810 has a main magnetic core 1811 and edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813. The main magnetic core 1811 and the edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813 are arranged with intervals in the x-axis direction.

[0227] The main magnetic core 1811 is a strongly magnetic body located at the center position in the x-axis direction closest to the center of the induction heating device, among the main magnetic core 1811 and the edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813. The edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813 are strongly magnetic bodies located at their ends in the x-axis direction of the original magnetic core 1810, further from the main magnetic core 1811. The edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813 have multiple partial edge magnetic cores 1812a to 1812d and 1813a to 1813d. These multiple partial edge magnetic cores 1812a to 1812d and 1813a to 1813d are arranged at intervals in the x-axis direction. In addition, the partial edge magnetic cores 1812a to 1812d and 1813a to 1813d, which are closest to the main magnetic core 1811, are also arranged with a gap in the x-axis direction with the main magnetic core 1811.

[0228] In this embodiment, the main magnetic core 1811 is constructed by stacking multiple electromagnetic steel plates of the same thickness and planar shape along the x-axis. Similarly, in this embodiment, the edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813 (partial edge magnetic cores 1812a to 1812d, 1813a to 1813d) are constructed by stacking multiple electromagnetic steel plates of the same thickness and planar shape along the x-axis. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness and planar shape of the electromagnetic steel plates constituting the main magnetic core 1811 are the same as those constituting the edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813. In addition, in this embodiment, the following situation is illustrated: the number of layers of the electromagnetic steel plate constituting the main magnetic core 1811 is different from the number of layers of the electromagnetic steel plate constituting the edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813 (partial edge magnetic cores 1812a to 1812d, 1813a to 1813d).

[0229] The multiple electromagnetic steel plates constituting the main magnetic core 1811 are fixed in a manner that prevents them from separating from each other. Similarly, the multiple electromagnetic steel plates constituting each of the peripheral magnetic cores 1812a-1812d and 1813a-1813d are also fixed in a manner that prevents them from separating from each other. The method of fixing the multiple electromagnetic steel plates is not limited. Various known methods can be used, such as adhesive-based fixing, welding-based fixing, chiseling-based fixing, and fixing using fixing components. Furthermore, the thickness and planar shape of the electromagnetic steel plates constituting the main magnetic core 1811 do not need to be the same as the thickness and planar shape of the electromagnetic steel plates constituting the peripheral magnetic cores 1812 and 1813. Additionally, for ease of description, ... Figure 19The diagram of the dividing lines of each electromagnet plate is omitted. In this embodiment, the following situation is illustrated: a partial magnetic core is constructed by using the main magnetic cores 1811 and 1911, and the edge magnetic cores 1812-1813, 1912-1913 (multiple partial edge magnetic cores 1812a-1812d, 1813a-1813d, 1912a-1912d, 1913a-1913d).

[0230] like Figure 21 As shown, the main magnetic cores 1811 and 1911 have main body portions 18111 and 19111, and central legs 18112 and 19112. Figure 21 The example shows the main body 18111 and the central leg 18112 being integrated. Similarly, in... Figure 21 The example shows the case where the main body 18111 and the central leg 19112 are also integrated. In addition, as mentioned above, the double-dotted lines indicating the main body 18111, 19111 and the central legs 18112, 19112 are virtual lines.

[0231] The main bodies 18111 and 19111 are respectively located on the back side of coils 1830 and 1930, extending from the region upstream of coils 1830 and 1930 (positive direction of the y-axis) to the region downstream of coils 1830 and 1930 (negative direction of the y-axis), in a direction parallel to the conveying direction (y-axis direction).

[0232] The central legs 18112 and 19112 extend from the main body 18111 and 19111 toward the direction of conveying the predetermined surface CP, respectively, by passing through the hollow portions of the coils 1830 and 1930. Preferably, the positions of the central legs 18112 and 19112 in the y-axis direction include the positions of the axes of the coils 1830 and 1930 in the y-axis direction. That is, preferably, the y-coordinates of the central legs 18112 and 19112 contain coordinates that overlap with the y-coordinates of the axes of the coils 1830 and 1930. In this embodiment, the position (xy coordinate) of the center of gravity of the central legs 18112 and 19112 in the xy plane coincides with the position (xy coordinate) of the axes of the coils 1830 and 1930 in the xy plane.

[0233] The central legs 18112 and 19112 are the teeth of the magnetic core. The front ends of the central legs 18112 and 19112 are the magnetic pole faces. The main body 18111 and 19111 are the yokes of the magnetic core.

[0234] The overall shape of the yz section of the edge magnetic cores 1812, 1813, 1912, and 1913 is similar to... Figure 21 The yz cross-sections of the main magnetic cores 1811 and 1911 shown have the same overall shape. Figure 21 In the text, the appended (1812, 1813) and (1912, 1913) after 1811 and 1911 indicate this situation.

[0235] Therefore, the edge cores 1812, 1813, 1912, and 1913 (partial edge cores 1812a-1812d, 1813a-1813d, 1912a-1912d, and 1913a-1913d) also have a main body, a central leg, an upstream leg, and a downstream leg, just like the main cores 1811 and 1911. The lengths of the main body in the y-axis and z-axis directions, the lengths of the central leg in the y-axis and z-axis directions, the lengths of the upstream leg in the y-axis and z-axis directions, and the lengths of the downstream leg in the y-axis and z-axis directions are the same in the main cores 1811 and 1911 and the partial edge cores 1812a-1812d, 1813a-1813d, 1912a-1912d, and 1913a-1913d. On the other hand, regarding the length of the main body in the x-axis direction, the length of the central leg in the x-axis direction, the length of the upstream leg in the x-axis direction, and the length of the downstream leg in the x-axis direction, the lengths of the main magnetic cores 1811 and 1911 are longer than the lengths of some of the edge magnetic cores 1812a~1812d, 1813a~1813d, 1912a~1912d, and 1913a~1913d.

[0236] The overall shape of the yz section of bridge magnetic cores 1820b and 1920a~1920b is the same as that of the overall shape of the yz section of bridge magnetic cores 1820a and 1920a (refer to...). Figure 20 ).

[0237] As described above, the shapes of the surfaces of the main magnetic core 1811 parallel to the yz plane and the surfaces of the edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813 parallel to the yz plane are T-shaped (see reference). Figure 21 The external shapes of the main magnetic cores 1811 and 1911 are shown. Specifically, the main magnetic core 1811 and the edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813 are so-called T-shaped magnetic cores. In contrast, the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 of the first embodiment are so-called E-shaped magnetic cores. Therefore, the main magnetic core 1811 and the edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813 do not have the upstream and downstream legs present in the main magnetic core 211 and the edge magnetic cores 212 and 213 of this embodiment. This situation differs from that in the main magnetic cores 211 and 212 and 213 of the first embodiment and the main magnetic cores 1811 and 1812 and 1813 of this embodiment.

[0238] Coil 1830 is a conductor with a surrounding portion. Additionally, in... Figure 18The example shown is the case where the portion with thickness (the portion other than the straight line extending from the AC power supply 400) is the surrounding portion of the coil 1830. The surrounding portion of the coil 1830 is arranged in the xy-plane such that it surrounds the central leg of the original magnetic core 1810 in a racetrack shape through a slot in the original magnetic core 1810. In the first embodiment, the size of the surface of the coil 230 parallel to the xy-plane is determined to match the size of the slot in the original magnetic core 210. In contrast, in this embodiment, the size of the surface of the coil 1830 parallel to the xy-plane is determined to match the size of the slot in the original magnetic core 1810. This situation differs between the coil 230 of the first embodiment and the coil 1830 of this embodiment. Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the length of the winding portion of coils 1830 and 1930 in the x-axis direction is longer than the width of the strip steel plate 100 (conveyor predetermined surface CP). Furthermore, the two ends of the winding portion of coils 1830 and 1930 in the x-axis direction are located further outward than the two ends of the strip steel plate 100 (conveyor predetermined surface CP) in the x-axis direction. Additionally, coil 1830 may also have an insulator disposed around the conductor.

[0239] like Figure 18 As shown, coils 1830 and 1930 are electrically connected to an AC power supply of 400V. Figure 18 As shown, in this embodiment, one end 1831 of the winding portion of the coil 1830 is electrically connected to one of the two output terminals 401 of the AC power supply 400. Additionally, the other end 1832 of the winding portion of the coil 1830 is electrically connected to the other terminal 402 of the two output terminals of the AC power supply 400.

[0240] Furthermore, one end 1931 of the winding portion of coil 1930, which is positioned opposite to one end 1831 of the winding portion of coil 1830 in the z-axis direction, is electrically connected to one of the two output terminals 401 of the AC power supply 400. The other end 1932 of the winding portion of coil 1930, which is positioned opposite to the other end 1832 of coil 1830 in the z-axis direction, is electrically connected to the other terminal 402 of the two output terminals of the AC power supply 400.

[0241] Thus, in this embodiment, when viewed from the AC power supply 400, coils 1830 and 1930 are connected in parallel with the AC power supply 400 such that the winding directions of coils 1830 and 1930 are the same.

[0242] Therefore, such as Figure 18As shown, when viewed from the same viewpoint at the same time, the direction of the alternating current flowing in the opposing regions of coils 1830 and 1930 becomes the same (see reference). Figure 18 (The arrow lines shown inside coils 1830 and 1930).

[0243] In addition, Figures 19-21 The example shows the case where the end of the coil 1830 on the transport predetermined surface CP side is closer to the strip steel plate 100 side than the front end face of the original magnetic core 1810 (the face closest to the transport predetermined surface CP). However, the end of the coil 1830 on the transport predetermined surface CP side and the front end face of the original magnetic core 1810 can also be approximately flush with each other.

[0244] exist Figure 19 In this embodiment, cooling fins 1860a, 1860b, 1860c, and 1860d are respectively arranged between partial edge magnetic cores 1812a and 1812b, between partial edge magnetic cores 1812b and 1812c, between partial edge magnetic cores 1812c and 1812d, and between partial edge magnetic core 1812d and the main magnetic core 1811. Similarly, cooling fins 1860e, 1860f, 1860g, and 1860h are respectively arranged between partial edge magnetic cores 1813a and 1813b, between partial edge magnetic cores 1813b and 1813c, between partial edge magnetic cores 1813c and 1813d, and between partial edge magnetic core 1813d and the main magnetic core 1811. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also illustrates a case where these intervals are fixed (unchanged). However, these intervals can also be changed.

[0245] Cooling fins 1860a to 1860h are an example of a cooling component used to cool the main magnetic core 1811 and parts of the edge magnetic cores 1812a to 1812d and 1813a to 1813d. Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also illustrates a case where the cooling fins 1860a to 1860h are finned, non-magnetic conductive plates. The cooling fins 1860a to 1860h are, for example, made of copper plates.

[0246] Cooling tubes 1870a-1870h are mounted on cooling fins 1860a-1860h. Cooling tubes 1870a-1870h are an example of a cooling component used to cool the main magnetic core 1811, some of the edge magnetic cores 1812a-1812d, 1813a-1813d, and the bridge magnetic cores 1820a and 1820b. Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also illustrates a case where the cooling tubes 1870a-1870h are non-magnetic conductive tubes.

[0247] The cooling fins 1860a to 1860h are in contact with the cooling tubes 1870a to 1870h mounted on them. Additionally, in Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 The following example illustrates a situation where the overall shape of the yz cross-section of the region where cooling fins 1860a-1860h are combined with cooling tubes 1870a-1870h is the same as the shape of the yz cross-section of the original magnetic core 1810 (main magnetic core 1811 and some edge magnetic cores 1812a-1812d, 1813a-1813d). That is, in Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 The following examples illustrate this: Figure 20 The overall shape and size of the area containing the cooling fins 1860a and cooling tubes 1870a are similar to those of the cooling fins 1860a and cooling tubes 1870a. Figure 21 The main magnetic core 1811 has the same shape and size. Similar to the cooling tubes 270a to 270h, the interior of the cooling tubes 1870a to 1870h is supplied with cooling medium such as cooling water.

[0248] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the overall shape of the yz cross section of the main magnetic core 211 in the first embodiment is E-shaped. Furthermore, the overall shape of the yz cross section of the region where the cooling fins 260a-260h are combined with the cooling tubes 270a-270h mounted thereon is also E-shaped. Additionally, the overall shape of the yz cross section of some of the edge magnetic cores 212a-212d and 213a-213d in the first embodiment is also E-shaped. In contrast, as... Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 As shown, the overall shape of the yz cross section of the main magnetic core 1811 in this embodiment is T-shaped. Furthermore, the overall shape of the yz cross section of the region where the cooling fins 1860a-1860h are combined with the cooling tubes 1870a-1870h mounted thereon is also T-shaped. Additionally, the overall shape of the yz cross section of some of the edge magnetic cores 1812a-1812d and 1813a-1813d in this embodiment is also T-shaped. This situation differs from that in the main magnetic core 211, edge magnetic cores 212, 213, cooling fins 260a-260h, and cooling tubes 270a-270h of the first embodiment, and from that in the main magnetic core 1811, edge magnetic cores 1812, 1813, cooling fins 1860a-1860h, and cooling tubes 1870a-1870h of this embodiment.

[0249] Similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the cooling components disposed between the main magnetic cores 1811, 1911 and the partial edge magnetic cores 1812d, 1813d, 1912d, 1913d, and between the partial edge magnetic cores 1812a~1812d, 1813a~1813d, 1912a~1912d, 1913a~1913d, can be non-magnetic conductors configured to be coolable. Therefore, it is not necessary to use cooling fins 1860a~1860h, 1960a~1960h and cooling tubes 1870a~1870h, 1970a~1970h. Furthermore, cooling components may not be required in the regions between the main magnetic cores 1811 and 1911 and some of the edge magnetic cores 1812d, 1813d, 1912d, and 1913d, as well as in the regions between some of the edge magnetic cores 1812a-1812d, 1813a-1813d, 1912a-1912d, and 1913a-1913d. The regions between the main magnetic cores 1811 and 1911 and some of the edge magnetic cores 1812d, 1813d, 1912d, and 1913d, as well as in the regions between some of the edge magnetic cores 1812a-1812d, 1813a-1813d, 1912a-1912d, and 1913a-1913d, can also be gaps. Alternatively, the length of this gap region in the x-axis direction can be made... Figure 19 The length shown is long, which improves the cooling effect based on air cooling.

[0250] Shielding plates 1840a and 1840b are an example of shielding components used to prevent overheating of the edge of the strip steel plate 100 by adjusting (reducing) the electromagnetic coupling between the coil 1830 and the strip steel plate 100. In the first embodiment, the size of the surface of the shielding plates 240a and 240b parallel to the xy plane is determined to match the size of the surface of the original magnetic core 210 parallel to the xy plane. In contrast, in this embodiment, the size of the surface of the shielding plates 1840a and 1840b parallel to the xy plane is determined to match the size of the surface of the original magnetic core 1810 parallel to the xy plane. This is different in the first embodiment and the present embodiment. Therefore, the shielding plates 1840a and 1840b, like the first embodiment, can also move along the x-axis within their movable range. In addition, similar to the first embodiment, when the serpentine amount of the strip steel plate 100 exceeds the cm level, it is also preferable to move the entire induction heating device (upper sensor 1800 and lower sensor 1900) along the x-axis direction (the direction of serpentine movement of the strip steel plate 100) by the same amount as the serpentine amount of the strip steel plate 100.

[0251] Bridge cores 1820a and 1820b are strongly magnetic materials capable of magnetic coupling with at least one of the main core 1811 and some of the edge cores 1812a-1812d and 1813a-1813d. Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also illustrates a case where bridge cores 1820a and 1820b are soft magnetic ferrites (strongly magnetic materials without anisotropy in magnetization direction). Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment also illustrates a case where bridge core 1820a can be magnetically coupled with the main core 1811 and some of the edge cores 1812a-1812d, and bridge core 1820b can be magnetically coupled with the main core 1811 and some of the edge cores 1813a-1813d.

[0252] like Figure 19 As shown, bridge-type magnetic cores 1820a and 1820b are arranged on both sides of the x-axis with a gap between them. Furthermore, in Figure 19 The following example illustrates this: When viewed from the z-axis direction, bridge cores 1820a and 1820b are configured to partially overlap with the main core 1811. Furthermore, in... Figure 19 The following example illustrates the situation where, when viewed from the z-axis direction, bridge cores 1820a and 1820b are configured to overlap with at least a portion of each of the edge cores 1812a-1812d and 1813a-1813d.

[0253] Here, refer to Figure 19 An example of the configuration of the bridge magnetic cores 1820a and 1820b in this embodiment will be specifically described. The lower surface of the bridge magnetic core 1820a on the transport predetermined surface CP side is in contact with a portion of the upper surface of the back side of the main magnetic core 1811, the entirety of the upper surface of the back side of some edge magnetic cores 1812a to 1812d, and the entirety of the upper surface of the back side of the cooling tubes 1870a to 1870d. In addition, the lower surface of the bridge magnetic core 1820b on the transport predetermined surface CP side is in contact with a portion of the upper surface of the back side of the main magnetic core 1811, the entirety of the upper surface of the back side of some edge magnetic cores 1813a to 1813d, and the entirety of the upper surface of the back side of the cooling tubes 1870e to 1870h.

[0254] However, as long as the bridge cores 1820a and 1820b can be magnetically coupled to the main core 1811 and the edge cores 1812 and 1813, it is not necessary for the bridge cores 1820a and 1820b to be in contact with the main core 1811 and the edge cores 1812 and 1813. For example, the bridge cores 1820a and 1820b can also be configured with a gap between them and the main core 1811 and the edge cores 1812 and 1813. Alternatively, the bridge cores 1820a and 1820b can also be in contact with only one of the main core 1811 and the edge cores 1812 and 1813, or they can be positioned opposite each other with a gap.

[0255] As described above, this embodiment illustrates a case where the main magnetic core 1811 and the edge magnetic cores 1812 and 1813 are respectively magnetically coupled to at least one of the bridge magnetic cores 1820a and 1820b.

[0256] The sizes of the surfaces parallel to the xy-plane in the bridge cores 220a and 220b of the first embodiment are determined to match the sizes of the surfaces parallel to the xy-plane in the original core 210 and the cooling tubes 270a to 270h. In contrast, the sizes of the surfaces parallel to the xy-plane in the bridge cores 1820a and 1820b of this embodiment are determined to match the sizes of the surfaces parallel to the xy-plane in the original core 1810 and the cooling tubes 1870a to 1870h. This differs from the bridge cores 220a and 220b of the first embodiment and the bridge cores 1820a and 1820b of this embodiment.

[0257] Therefore, in the first embodiment, by replacing the reference numerals attached to the original magnetic core, bridge magnetic core, main magnetic core, partial edge magnetic core, cooling fins, cooling tubes, coil, and shielding plate with the reference numerals attached in this embodiment, the following scope can be determined by rereading the description of the first embodiment.

[0258] • Range of overlap length L on the center side of the plates for bridge-type magnetic cores 1820a and 1820b (L≥β)

[0259] • Range of overlap length L' on the plate end side of bridge magnetic cores 1820a and 1820b (L' > 0, etc.)

[0260] • The range of height H for bridge-type magnetic cores 1820a and 1820b (H = 0.5 × h, H = 0.5 × α, etc.)

[0261] • The range of the ratio of the length BL in the y-axis direction of bridge magnetic cores 1820a and 1820b to the length CL in the y-axis direction of the main magnetic core 1811 and some edge magnetic cores 1812a~1812d and 1813a~1813d (BL / CL≥0.2, etc.)

[0262] Similar to the upper sensor 1800, the lower sensor 1900 also has a main magnetic core 1910 with a main magnetic core 1911 and edge magnetic cores 1912, 1913 (partial edge magnetic cores 1912a~1912d, 1913a~1913d), a bridge magnetic core 1920a, 1920b, a coil 1930, a shielding plate 1940a, 1940b, cooling fins 1960a~1960h, and cooling tubes 1970a~1970h, and has the same structure as the upper sensor 1800.

[0263] As described above, in this embodiment, the original magnetic cores 1810 and 1910 are made into so-called T-shaped magnetic cores. When the original magnetic cores 210 and 310 are made into E-shaped magnetic cores, it is possible to generate magnetic flux lines connecting the front end faces (pole faces) of two of the three legs (central leg, upstream leg, and downstream leg) of the original magnetic cores 210 and 310. Therefore, when the original magnetic cores 1810 and 1910 are made into so-called T-shaped magnetic cores, compared with the case where the original magnetic cores 210 and 310 are made into so-called E-shaped magnetic cores, the magnetic flux crossing the strip steel plate 100 in the z-axis direction can be increased. As a result, when the original magnetic cores 1810 and 1910 are made into so-called T-shaped magnetic cores, compared with the case where the original magnetic cores 210 and 310 are made into so-called E-shaped magnetic cores, the heating efficiency of the strip steel plate 100 can be improved.

[0264] On the other hand, when the original magnetic cores 1810 and 1910 are made into so-called T-shaped magnetic cores, the eddy currents generated in the shielding plates 1840a and 1840b increase as the magnetic flux intersecting the strip steel plate 100 in the z-axis direction increases. Therefore, the magnetic flux generated by the upper inductor 1800 and the lower inductor 1900 is easily reflected by the eddy currents generated in the shielding plates 1840a and 1840b and easily spreads to the surroundings as noise.

[0265] Based on the above, for example, if the heating efficiency of the strip steel plate 100 is prioritized over noise reduction, the induction heating device of this embodiment can be used. On the other hand, for example, if noise reduction is prioritized over the heating efficiency of the strip steel plate 100, the induction heating device of the first embodiment can be used.

[0266] <Variation Example>

[0267] This embodiment illustrates a case where the original magnetic cores 1810 and 1910 are so-called T-shaped magnetic cores. However, the original magnetic core may not be a so-called T-shaped magnetic core, as long as the distance between the front end face of the central leg of the original magnetic core and the transport predetermined surface CP is shorter than the distance between the area of ​​the original magnetic core other than the central leg and the transport predetermined surface CP. For example, the main magnetic core and some of the edge magnetic cores may have upstream and downstream legs as described in the first embodiment, in addition to the central leg. In this case, the distance between the front end face of the central leg and the transport predetermined surface CP is preferably shorter than the distance between the front end face of the upstream leg and the transport predetermined surface CP, and the distance between the front end face of the downstream leg and the transport predetermined surface CP. In this case, the shape of the surface of the original magnetic core (main magnetic core and edge magnetic core) parallel to the yz plane becomes an E-shape where the length of the middle horizontal line is longer than the length of the upper and lower horizontal lines. In addition, the shape of the original magnetic core is not limited to the shape shown in the first embodiment and this embodiment.

[0268] In addition to the variations described in this embodiment, various variations described in the first embodiment can also be applied to the induction heating device of this embodiment. Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, the primary magnetic cores 1810, 1910 (main magnetic cores 1811, 1911 and edge magnetic cores 1812, 1813, 1912, 1913) and the bridge magnetic cores 1820a, 1820b, 1920a, 1920b can be configured into a single magnetic core. Furthermore, as in the third embodiment, non-magnetic conductive materials (e.g., cooling pipes) configured to be cooled can be disposed on the end faces (upper and lower surfaces) on the back side of the bridge magnetic cores 1820a, 1820b, 1920a, 1920b. Furthermore, both the second and third embodiments can be applied to the induction heating device of this embodiment. Moreover, regardless of which of these is applied to the induction heating device of this embodiment, various variations described in each embodiment can also be applied. In addition, variations that combine at least two of the above variations, including those described in the first, second, and third embodiments, can also be applied to the induction heating device of this embodiment.

[0269] Furthermore, as described above, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the shape of the original magnetic cores 210, 310, 1810, and 1910. Therefore, anyone skilled in the art will understand how to apply at least one of the second and third embodiments to this embodiment. Consequently, detailed descriptions related to applying at least one of the second and third embodiments to this embodiment are omitted.

[0270] Furthermore, as in the first, third, and fourth embodiments, when the original magnetic cores 210, 310, 1810, 1910 and the bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b, 320a, 320b, 1820a, 1820b, 1920a, 1920b are different magnetic cores, they can also be matched with the movement of the shielding plates 240a, 240b, 340a, 340b, 1840a, 1840b, 1940a, 1940b in the x-axis direction, so that the bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b, 320a, 320b, 1820a, 1820b, 1920a, 1920b move along the x-axis direction. The movement of the shielding plates 240a, 240b, 340a, 340b, 1840a, 1840b, 1940a, and 1940b in the x-axis direction is performed as described in the first embodiment. For example, when the strip steel plate 100 is serpentine, and the shielding plates 240a, 240b, 340a, 340b, 1840a, 1840b, 1940a, and 1940b move along the x-axis (the direction of the serpentine movement of the strip steel plate 100), the bridge magnetic cores 220a, 220b, 320a, 320b, 1820a, 1820b, 1920a, 1920b, and the shielding plates 240a, 240b, 340a, 340b, 1840a, 1840b, 1940a, and 1940b can also move along the x-axis (the direction of the serpentine movement of the strip steel plate 100) by the same amount as the serpentine movement of the strip steel plate 100.

[0271] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention described above are merely specific examples of implementing the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0272] Industrial availability

[0273] This invention can be used, for example, for induction heating of a conductive plate.

Claims

1. A transverse induction heating device, characterized in that, have: A pair of coils, each disposed on at least one side of the predetermined transport surface and one on the back side of the transport surface, such that the alternating magnetic field generated by the energization of alternating currents oriented in the same direction intersects with the transport predetermined surface of the conductive plate; and A magnetic core is provided for each coil that constitutes the pair of coils. For each set of magnetic cores configured for a coil, there are multiple partial magnetic cores arranged with intervals between them in the width direction. The width direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conductive plate and the opposite direction of the coil. Each of the magnetic cores has a main body and a central leg. The main body portion extends along the conveying direction from a region upstream of the coil in the conveying direction to a region downstream of the coil in the conveying direction on the back side of the coil. The back side is the opposite side to the side where the predetermined conveying surface exists. The central leg extends from the main body toward the predetermined delivery surface, passing through the hollow portion of the coil. In a horizontal induction heating device, The set of magnetic cores has at least one bridge core capable of magnetic coupling with at least two of the partial magnetic cores. The bridge-type magnetic core is disposed on the back side of the portion of the magnetic core.

2. The transverse induction heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the magnetic cores can be magnetically coupled to at least one of the bridge magnetic cores.

3. The transverse induction heating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, All of the said partial magnetic cores included in the set of magnetic cores are magnetically coupled via the bridge magnetic core.

4. The transverse induction heating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the group of magnetic cores has multiple bridge-type magnetic cores. The bridge-type magnetic cores are configured to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction.

5. The transverse induction heating device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Each set of magnetic cores has two of the bridge-type magnetic cores. The two bridge-type magnetic cores are arranged on both sides of the width direction with a gap between them. When viewed from the opposite direction of the coil, at least a portion of each of the partial magnetic cores coincides with one of the bridge magnetic cores.

6. The transverse induction heating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of bridge-type magnetic cores in each group of magnetic cores is 1.

7. The transverse induction heating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the set of magnetic cores, some of the magnetic cores are different from the bridge magnetic core.

8. The transverse induction heating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the set of magnetic cores, at least one of the plurality of partial magnetic cores is an integral core with at least one of the bridge magnetic cores.

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