Induction heating device, production line, method for inductive heating and use of a surface

Abstract

The invention relates to an induction heating device for heating a metallic article, having a machine direction along which the metallic article can be moved through a working region of the induction heating device in order to be heated, wherein a capacitor device for the induction heating device comprises at least two or more capacitor units which are arranged to be displaceable toward the working region or away from the working region transversely to the machine direction independently of each other.

Description

[0001] Induction heating device, production line, method for inductive heating and use of a surface

[0002] The invention relates to an induction heating device for heating a metallic material having a machine direction along which the metallic material can be moved through a working area of ​​the induction heating device for heating thereof.

[0003] The invention further relates to a production line for producing and / or processing a metallic product.

[0004] The invention further relates to a method for inductively heating a metallic material, in which the metallic material is conveyed along a conveying plane in the conveying direction during inductive heating.

[0005] The invention also relates to a use of an induction heating device and / or a production line and / or an induction method.

[0006] The invention also relates to a use of a surface, in particular a horizontal surface, of a carrier part.

[0007] Induction heating devices of this type are known from the prior art. For example, EP 3 025 799 A1 discloses a rolling mill with an inductor comprising an upper and a lower induction coil. The inductor is movable by means of an inductor carriage transversely to the material flow direction or conveying direction of a metal strip, which is conveyed along a conveyor line of the rolling mill. For example, the induction coils for "threading" the metal strip into the inductor can initially be moved completely out of the conveyor line of the metal strip in order to avoid a collision with the metal strip if this metal strip has a critical shape or form deviation in its head area, such as a so-called ski deformation.Once the head area has passed the working area of ​​the induction coils on the conveyor line, the inductor moves transversely to the conveyor line back into it and the metal strip can be inductively heat-treated in the working area of ​​the inductor.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing an improvement or an alternative to the prior art.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by an induction heating device for heating a metallic material having a machine direction along which the metallic material can be moved through a working area of ​​the induction heating device in order to be heated therein, wherein a capacitor device for the induction heating device comprises at least two or more capacitor units which are arranged so as to be displaceable independently of one another transversely to the machine direction towards the working area or away from the working area.

[0010] Because capacitor units of the capacitor device are arranged so as to be displaceable independently of one another transversely to the machine direction toward or away from the working area, such capacitor units can be moved independently of one another, whereby the masses to be accelerated on the induction heating device can be significantly reduced.

[0011] Advantageously, induction coils, which are arranged to be movable relative to the metallic material for heating the latter, can be accelerated individually with less mass and thus also more quickly and thus also placed more precisely at heat sinks of the metallic material in order to be able to interact with the metallic material in a more targeted manner.

[0012] It is equally advantageous if a deformation of the metallic material, particularly an upwardly bent ski, occurs only on one side, and thus only some of the capacitor units or the associated coils need to be removed from the work area for safety reasons. The other capacitor unit can remain in the work area and heat up.

[0013] This allows for more efficient heating of the metallic material, which ultimately leads to a significant increase in product quality.

[0014] A particularly advantageous feature is the very flexible adjustment of power density distributions on the metallic material, which can result in additional positive influencing factors with regard to energy efficiency and ultimately also product quality.

[0015] More precisely, each capacitor unit assigned to an induction coil can be moved independently of one another, namely to the exact extent or precisely as required by a movement of the respectively assigned induction coil. This is not only advantageous with regard to independent or separately arranged induction coils which are arranged one behind the other on one side, i.e. the top side or the bottom side, of the metallic material or a conveying plane thereof in the machine direction. Rather, this is just as advantageous with regard to induction coils which are arranged opposite one another on the top side and underside of the metallic material, in particular opposite one another in pairs.

[0016] For example, one embodiment provides that a capacitor unit can be rigidly connected to an induction coil in an oscillating circuit, for example arranged together on a support part.

[0017] In this case, the carrier part can be arranged so that it can be displaced transversely to the machine direction towards or away from the working area.

[0018] In this respect, it is advantageous if a capacitor unit and an induction coil are arranged on a common carrier part in order to be arranged displaceably together with the carrier part transversely to the machine direction towards the working area or away from the working area.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, a capacitor unit with an induction coil can also be flexibly connected to one another in an oscillating circuit, for example arranged independently of one another and movable relative to one another.

[0020] According to a latter embodiment, the capacitor unit can also advantageously be mounted independently of the induction coil, for example, on different support parts. For example, the capacitor unit can thereby follow a movement of the induction coil with a time delay, so that, on the one hand, the induction coil can be accelerated more quickly without the mass of the capacitor unit, or vice versa.

[0021] This allows the induction coil to react even more sensitively and therefore to be adjusted even faster compared to a heat sink on the metallic item.

[0022] On the other hand, a cable-based, flexible electrical connection between the capacitor unit and the storage device can be shortened, since the capacitor unit can independently lag or lead the induction coil. Due to a shorter electrical connection, electrical losses can be advantageously reduced.

[0023] In this respect, it is alternatively expedient if a capacitor unit and an induction coil are each arranged on different support parts, wherein the support parts are mounted so as to be movable independently of one another in order to be arranged so as to be displaceable transversely to the machine direction towards or away from the working area.

[0024] It goes without saying that combinations of these are also possible depending on the application.

[0025] In the present case, an induction coil of the induction heating device can have less than one complete turn, one complete turn and / or more than one complete turn, in particular more than or equal to two turns, more than or equal to three turns or more than or equal to four turns. An active connection between a metallic material and an alternating magnetic field of the induction coil can be brought about by longitudinal field induction and / or by transverse field induction. In the case of longitudinal field induction, the magnetic field lines run essentially in the longitudinal direction of the metallic material. In the case of transverse field induction, the magnetic field lines in the metallic material run essentially in a transverse direction of the metallic material, in particular in the thickness direction and / or in the width direction of the metallic material.

[0026] If the metallic material is a sheet, for example, the magnetic field lines in the case of transverse field induction can essentially enter the sheet in the thickness direction and exit the sheet again in the thickness direction.

[0027] The present invention relates to both longitudinal field induction and transverse field induction.

[0028] The term "capacitor device" refers to a device which has at least two capacitor units.

[0029] The capacitor device can be designed and provided in different ways.

[0030] For example, such a capacitor device can be designed as a component of the present induction heating device.

[0031] In this respect, the capacitor device can then form a structural unit with the induction heating device.

[0032] Alternatively, a suitable capacitor device can also be assigned to the present induction heating device as a separate device. Since the capacitor device can be operatively connected to the induction heating device as an external device, the induction heating device can be structurally simpler.

[0033] The latter can be advantageous if, for example, an induction heating device is to be retrofitted to a production line for the manufacture and / or processing of a metallic product, such as a rolling mill, a rolling stand thereof, or the like.

[0034] The capacitor units in question can also be designed and configured differently.

[0035] In any case, the capacitor units are arranged to be displaceable independently of one another, in such a way that they are arranged independently of one another transversely to the machine direction and along a machine plane of the induction heating device.

[0036] In the sense of the invention, the machine level of the induction heating device characterizes a conveying level along which the metallic material can be conveyed through the induction heating device.

[0037] This means that a first capacitor unit is arranged so as to be displaceable towards or away from the working area independently of another capacitor unit.

[0038] For example, the capacitor unit is equipped with a single capacitor or a plurality of capacitors. In the latter variant, several capacitors can be connected in parallel.

[0039] In this respect, a single capacitor unit can be electrically connected to a single induction coil or alternatively to several induction coils, as already mentioned above.

[0040] In particular, in the case of a plurality of induction coils, a plurality of capacitor units can also be provided on the induction heating device, for example, each induction coil is assigned exactly one capacitor unit, wherein this capacitor unit can in turn have a single capacitor or a plurality of capacitors, preferably connected in parallel.

[0041] Alternatively, several induction coils can be assigned to a single capacitor.

[0042] Constructions in which exactly one induction coil is electrically assigned to a capacitor unit and cumulatively several induction coils are electrically assigned to a further capacitor unit can also be advantageously realized in connection with the present induction heating device.

[0043] For the purposes of the invention, the term "oscillating circuit" refers to a device for inductively heating a metallic material. The oscillating circuit comprises at least one capacitor unit and at least one associated induction coil.

[0044] In order for the oscillating circuit to operate properly, the oscillating circuit is equipped with a power supply device or is electrically connected to it.

[0045] The term "energy supply device" in the sense of the invention is understood to mean a device which is designed to provide electrical energy for the operation of at least one oscillating circuit, in particular with electrical current of suitable current intensity, suitable voltage and / or suitable frequency.

[0046] The present energy supply device can be designed to provide electrical energy for a plurality of resonant circuits, in particular for at least two resonant circuits, three, four, five, six or more resonant circuits.

[0047] The present energy supply device can be designed to prepare and provide electrical energy for the resonant circuit for efficient operation of an oscillating circuit, in particular with the optimal frequency and / or the optimal phase position to the phase position of the oscillating circuit.

[0048] The present power supply device can be designed to prevent or reduce any feedback effects on an electrical power supply that may arise from the operation of a resonant circuit.

[0049] The present power supply device is designed for connection to an electrical power supply.

[0050] An electrical power supply can be understood as a three-phase power supply network.

[0051] The term "metallic material" in the sense of the invention describes any material that can be heated by induction, such as strips, slabs, billets, sheets, cast ingots, wires or the like, in particular electrically conductive semi-finished products, preliminary products, intermediate products or products made of iron, steel and / or a non-ferrous metal material. The term "working area" in the sense of the invention describes an area of ​​the induction heating device in which the metallic material can be heat-treated on a conveyor line of the metallic material.

[0052] In particular, this means that when the induction heating device is operating properly, there is an alternating magnetic field there (in the working area), which is provided by one or more induction coils or oscillating circuits in order to be able to interact with the metallic material located on the conveyor line.

[0053] Not only the conveyor line but also the machine level of the induction heating device extends through this working area, whereby the machine level preferably coincides with the conveyor level along which the metallic material is conveyed for heat treatment in the machine direction.

[0054] The description "towards the working area or away from the working area" is intended to mean, in the sense of the invention, a displacement along the machine plane or the conveying plane of the induction heating device, and in any case not an orientation of a displacement merely orthogonal to the machine plane.

[0055] It should also be noted here that, within the scope of this patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite numerical expressions such as "one...", "two..." etc. are generally to be understood as at least statements, i.e. as "at least one...", "at least two..." etc., unless it is clear from the context or the specific text of a particular passage that only "exactly one...", "exactly two..." etc. are meant. It should also be mentioned at this point that, within the scope of this patent application, the expression "in particular" is always to be understood as introducing an optional, preferred feature. The expression is not to be understood as "and indeed" or "namely".

[0056] In any case, it is advantageous if a capacitor unit is operatively connected to at least one induction coil to form at least one resonant circuit in order to thereby enable inductive heating of the metallic material.

[0057] Preferably, each induction coil is assigned exactly one capacitor unit, so that the capacitor unit and the induction coil are assigned exactly one resonant circuit.

[0058] Alternatively, however, two or more induction coils can also be assigned to a capacitor unit, so that the capacitor unit is assigned to at least two resonant circuits, as already described at the beginning.

[0059] In this respect, it is also advantageous if the induction heating device has a first oscillating circuit and at least one second oscillating circuit, wherein the first oscillating circuit has a capacitor unit and an induction coil and the at least second oscillating circuit has a further capacitor unit and a further induction coil, wherein the first oscillating circuit and the at least second oscillating circuit are arranged so as to be displaceable independently of one another transversely towards the working area or transversely away from the working area.

[0060] Preferably, the first and at least the second resonant circuit together form a resonant circuit pair. It is understood that the independent displacement of the capacitor units can be achieved in different ways.

[0061] In any case, a displacement of capacitor units and / or induction coils or of the corresponding resonant circuits takes place along a displacement plane which is arranged parallel or plane-parallel to the machine plane or the conveyor plane.

[0062] Particularly advantageous for this purpose is a displacement device with a first displacement module for a first capacitor unit and with at least one further displacement module for a further capacitor unit, wherein the displacement modules can be actively moved independently of one another in such a way that capacitor units can be displaced independently of one another transversely to the machine direction towards the working area or transversely away from the working area.

[0063] This movement device with the movement modules allows the individual capacitor units to be moved independently of one another in a safe and reliable manner.

[0064] Although at least two or more capacitor units are arranged to be displaceable independently of one another in the sense of the invention, it is advantageous if at least two capacitor units of the at least two or more capacitor units can be displaced by a single travel module transversely to the machine direction towards the working area or transversely away from the working area.

[0065] This advantageously reduces the structural complexity of the transfer device or the induction heating device. On the other hand, two or more capacitor units can be moved simultaneously with just one transfer module, if this appears advantageous during heat treatment.

[0066] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one capacitor unit of the at least two or more capacitor units can be displaced by two displacement modules transversely towards the working area or transversely away from the working area.

[0067] For example, a distance can be covered more quickly if two travel modules are activated at the same time and work in the same direction.

[0068] The term "moving module" is understood in the sense of the invention to mean an adjustment device by means of which a capacitor unit and / or an induction coil or one or more support parts therefor can be displaced as proposed.

[0069] It is understood that such travel modules can be designed in different ways and can be mounted in a displaceable manner, in particular in a linearly displaceable manner.

[0070] For example, a travel module can be mounted in a sliding manner so that it can be arranged with one or more rail systems so that it can be displaced translationally transversely to the machine direction towards or away from the work area, in particular along the work plane of the induction heating device.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, a travel module can also be arranged on a roller track by means of wheels, rollers, or the like, so that it can be displaced translationally transversely to the machine direction toward or away from the work area, particularly along the working plane of the induction heating device. A travel module can be mounted vertically, for example, on a base or on a frame.

[0072] Depending on the application, a travel module can also be suspended, for example, from a ceiling or a frame. In a suspended version, the travel device can, for example, comprise a "trolley part" that is movably mounted along a traverse section.

[0073] It goes without saying that combinations of a standing and hanging arrangement can also be realized if this is advantageous.

[0074] Cumulatively, a travel module can also be mounted so that it can move in another direction of displacement, for example in the machine direction, in order to be able to follow a movement of the metallic material for a short time if this should be useful for heat treatment.

[0075] Furthermore, it is advantageous if travel modules are arranged together so that they can be moved transversely to the machine direction towards the working area or transversely away from the working area.

[0076] This makes it possible to move two or more capacitor devices simultaneously or synchronously with each other relative to the working area of ​​the induction heating device.

[0077] This can be easily realized in terms of construction if at least one travel module is arranged so that it can move on another travel module.

[0078] The travel modules can be arranged and positioned in almost any position relative to the working area of ​​the induction heating device. However, the travel modules can be positioned particularly compactly relative to the working area if they are arranged on a common side opposite the working area.

[0079] Because the travel modules are arranged on a common side opposite the working area or a conveyor line for conveying a metallic product, not only the travel device in question can be constructed more compactly and simply, but also the induction heating device as a whole.

[0080] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the displacement device is also designed to completely move an induction coil connected to a capacitor unit to form an oscillating circuit out of the working area of ​​the induction heating device, and thus also out of a production line as a whole, for example for maintenance work or the like.

[0081] The travel modules of the present travel device can interact particularly precisely with each other, but also with respect to the machine level of the induction heating device or the metallic material, if the travel device has a frame part on which two or more travel modules are arranged so as to be displaceable independently of one another.

[0082] This allows the overall travel device to be built even more compactly.

[0083] Such a frame can be constructed in a variety of ways, for example in the form of a truss strut or the like. Such a frame can be provided particularly simply if the frame part comprises a single frame element, in particular a C-shaped frame element.

[0084] Preferably, the C-shaped frame element is open in the direction of the working area, so that on the one hand, for example, a first travel module can be accommodated in the frame element, i.e. in the frame part, while for example a further travel module can be arranged on top of the frame part.

[0085] This allows one travel module to be arranged inside the frame part and another travel module to be arranged outside on the frame part.

[0086] Overall, this means that several travel modules can be arranged very compactly on the travel device and operated independently of one another.

[0087] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a capacitor unit has a housing in which capacitors are arranged spatially separated from the environment.

[0088] By means of such an enclosure, the capacitors and possibly other components, in particular electrical components, of a capacitor unit can be better protected from external influences, such as adverse temperature influences.

[0089] Preferably, the enclosure is actively air-conditioned so that advantageous temperature conditions can be consistently maintained at the capacitors. Furthermore, access, particularly to capacitors of a capacitor unit, can be facilitated if the enclosure is accessible, particularly for maintenance personnel.

[0090] For example, access to the housing of a capacitor unit is provided through a lockable door. Using such a housing, a capacitor cabinet can be advantageously installed on the adjustment device.

[0091] The design effort can be further simplified if the housing includes the support part and / or the travel module.

[0092] If at least one movement module is arranged on the housing in a movable manner, the design effort with regard to the movement device can also be simplified.

[0093] It is understood that travel modules can also be arranged on floors provided on the building side that are vertically one above the other and can be operated independently of one another.

[0094] It is also understood that different drive concepts can be used for the individually movable capacitor units, such as electric drives, by means of which, for example, travel modules can be moved individually.

[0095] The construction of the traversing device can be further simplified if the traversing device has at least one hydraulically operating drive device.

[0096] Advantageously, with suitable interconnection and control, several travel modules can be driven by a single hydraulic drive device. For example, at least one hydraulic actuator is assigned to a travel module, with several such hydraulic actuators being driven by a single hydraulic pump of the hydraulic drive device.

[0097] One or more hydraulic actuators can be provided per capacitor unit or per travel module.

[0098] In order to reliably maintain a height distance between an induction coil of a resonant circuit comprising a capacitor unit, even if travel modules are actively moved transversely to the machine direction, it is advantageous if a support part on which a capacitor unit and an induction coil are arranged together is designed to be sufficiently rigid.

[0099] The term "height distance" describes a distance between the metallic material and an oscillating circuit, in particular an induction coil thereof.

[0100] The distance is orthogonal to the displacement plane or the machine plane or the conveying plane, in particular orthogonal to a surface distribution of the metallic material.

[0101] The term "sufficiently rigid" in the sense of the invention describes that, regardless of the displacement position between the induction coil and the metallic item, a constant height distance can be maintained, whereby negligible deviations of a few millimeters or centimeters can be neglected here. Such non-critical deviations essentially also depend on the metallic item.

[0102] For example, the carrier part comprises a displacement module, wherein the displacement module is designed to be rigid. For example, the carrier part comprises a frame part, wherein the frame part is designed to be sufficiently rigid.

[0103] For example, the support part comprises a frame element, wherein the frame element is designed to be sufficiently rigid.

[0104] For example, the support part comprises a housing for this purpose, wherein the housing is designed to be sufficiently rigid.

[0105] Combined versions of these are also possible.

[0106] The object of the invention is also achieved by a production line for the manufacture and / or processing of a metallic product, in particular a semi-finished product and / or a preliminary product and / or an intermediate product and / or a product made of iron, steel and / or a non-ferrous metal material, comprising an induction heating device according to the features proposed here.

[0107] The production line can also be operated more energy efficiently using the induction heating device proposed here.

[0108] Such a production line can be set up in different ways, particularly depending on the metallic product that is currently to be treated or processed. By way of example only, it should be mentioned here that the production line can also comprise a rolling mill, a rolling train or one or more rolling stands, to which one or more induction heating devices can be assigned or connected upstream and / or downstream. As a rule, such production lines therefore comprise several devices (processing stations) in which the metallic product is subjected to one or more process steps. The devices can be, for example, heating or cooling devices, transport devices, shaping devices, cleaning devices, chemical treatment devices, surface coating devices, cutting or joining devices or combinations thereof.Corresponding process steps can be, for example, increasing or reducing the temperature, transport, forming, cleaning, chemical treatment, coating the surface, separating or joining, as well as combinations thereof.

[0109] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for inductively heating a metallic material, in which the metallic material is conveyed along a conveying plane in the conveying direction during the inductive heating, wherein at least two oscillating circuits provided for inductive heating, in particular at least capacitor units and / or induction coils thereof, are displaced independently of one another transversely to the conveying direction and along the conveying plane.

[0110] By means of the method according to the invention, a power density distribution acting on the metallic material can be adjusted particularly precisely.

[0111] In this respect, the invention also relates to a method for adjusting a power density distribution acting on a metallic material during inductive heating of the metallic material, in which the metallic material is conveyed along a conveying plane in the conveying direction during inductive heating, wherein at least two resonant circuits provided for inductive heating, in particular at least capacitor units and / or induction coils thereof, are displaced independently of one another transversely to the conveying direction and along the conveying plane. As a result, different resonant circuits or components thereof can be advantageously adjusted compared to the latter depending on the geometry of the metallic material.

[0112] This in turn allows the metallic material to be heated in a much more targeted manner.

[0113] In particular, the present induction heating device can be advantageously operated by means of the process variants proposed here.

[0114] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a first resonant circuit, in particular at least one capacitor unit and / or an induction coil thereof, is moved in a first displacement direction and at least one further resonant circuit, in particular at least one capacitor unit and / or an induction coil thereof, is moved in a further displacement direction, wherein the first and the further displacement directions are different from one another, in particular are aligned opposite to one another.

[0115] Due to the possibility of such independent relocation, heat sinks on the metallic item can be controlled more individually on the metallic item.

[0116] For example, an upper resonant circuit and a lower resonant circuit can be relocated independently of each other, which allows, for example, a pair of resonant circuits for inductive heating to be used or operated much more flexibly on an induction heating device.

[0117] It is particularly expedient if a first resonant circuit, in particular at least one capacitor unit and / or an induction coil thereof, and at least one further resonant circuit, in particular at least one capacitor unit and / or an induction coil thereof, are accelerated differently and / or displaced at different speeds.

[0118] In this respect, it is advantageous if a first resonant circuit, in particular at least one capacitor unit and / or an induction coil thereof, and at least one further resonant circuit, in particular at least one capacitor unit and / or an induction coil thereof, are displaced with respect to one another with different relative accelerations and / or with different relative speeds.

[0119] If, during the displacement of different oscillating circuits, in particular of at least capacitor units and / or induction coils thereof, a height distance relative to the conveying plane or relative to a metallic material is maintained unchanged, an inductive heat input into the metallic material can be further improved.

[0120] In other words, this means that the height distance is not actively changed, whereby design-related changes in distance are negligible.

[0121] A height distance can be maintained particularly precisely if the oscillating circuits, in particular at least capacitor units and / or induction coils thereof, are displaced plane-parallel to the conveying plane.

[0122] In particular, a height distance can be well maintained if displacements occur linearly.

[0123] With regard to a method variant, it is particularly advantageous if support elements, such as travel modules, frame parts, frame elements, housings, for accommodating at least capacitor units and / or induction coils, are displaced independently of one another transversely to the conveying direction and along the conveying plane.

[0124] At this point, it is also claimed that the method described can also be supplemented by further technical features described here, in particular by features of the device, in order to advantageously further develop the method or to be able to represent or formulate method specifications even more precisely.

[0125] The object of the invention is also achieved by using a surface, in particular a horizontal surface, a support part, in particular a displacement module, a rack part, a frame part, a housing, or the like, of a capacitor unit for displaceably supporting a further capacitor unit along this surface.

[0126] By using it in this way, the two capacitor units can be moved independently of each other in a simple construction if the other capacitor device is also mounted so that it can move.

[0127] The object is also achieved by using an induction heating device and / or a production line and / or an induction method, each according to one of the claims described here.

[0128] Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments.

[0129] Components which in the individual figures are at least substantially identical in terms of their function can be identified by the same reference symbols, although the components do not have to be numbered and explained in all figures.

[0130] The drawing shows:

[0131] Figure 1: schematically shows a view of a first embodiment of a first induction heating device with capacitor units that can be displaced transversely independently of one another;

[0132] Figure 2: schematically shows a view of a second embodiment of a second induction heating device with capacitor units that can be displaced transversely independently of one another;

[0133] Figure 3: schematically shows a view of a further embodiment of a further induction heating device with independently transversely displaceable capacitor units; and.

[0134] Figure 4: schematically shows a view of another embodiment of another induction heating device with independently transversely displaceable capacitor units.

[0135] The first embodiment of an induction heating device 1 shown in Figure 1 is designed to heat a metallic material 2, wherein the metallic material 2 can be heat-treated for this purpose in a working area 5 of the induction heating device 1.

[0136] The metallic good 2 has a thickness extension 2A, a width extension 2B and a length extension (not numbered; into the plane of the drawing).

[0137] In this first exemplary embodiment, the metallic material 2 is a metal strip or a slab (not numbered again). The induction heating device 1 is arranged such that, when the induction heating device 1 is operating properly, its working area 5 is located on a conveyor line 8 of a production line 10 (not shown in detail here), for example in front of a rolling stand (also not shown in detail here).

[0138] The metallic material 2 is conveyed past the induction heating device 1 in the conveying direction 8A (here into the plane of the drawing) along a conveying plane 8B of the conveying path 8.

[0139] The induction heating device 1 has a machine direction 12, wherein the machine direction 12 and the conveying direction 8A are aligned in the same way.

[0140] The induction heating device 1 also has a machine plane 14 along which the metallic material 2 is conveyed, wherein the machine plane 14 and the conveying plane 8B are preferably arranged in the same way or at least parallel to one another, in particular plane-parallel.

[0141] The induction heating device 1 further comprises a capacitor device 16 with capacitor units 16A and 16B, which are arranged to be displaceable independently of one another in the transverse direction 17 transversely to the machine direction 14 towards the working area 5 or away from the working area 5.

[0142] In other words, this means that the capacitor units 16A, 16B are also arranged to be displaceable transversely to the conveying direction 8A of the metallic material 2 towards the working area 5 or away from the working area 5.

[0143] More precisely, this also means that the capacitor units 16A, 16B are arranged so as to be displaceable independently of one another along the machine plane 14 or the conveying plane 8B of the conveying path 8. In this first exemplary embodiment, the induction heating device 1 or its capacitor device 16 comprises precisely two capacitor units 16A and 16B, although more than two capacitor units 16A, 16B can also be provided on the induction device 1 if required.

[0144] Each of the capacitor units 16A and 16B can comprise one or preferably several capacitors 16C (numbered only as an example).

[0145] In any case, the induction heating device 1 has a correspondingly configured transverse displacement 18 in order to be able to displace the capacitor units 16A and 16B independently of one another in the direction of the machine plane 14 and transversely to the machine direction 12, i.e. towards the working area 5 or away from the working area 5, in the sense of the invention.

[0146] It is understood that such a transverse displacement 18 can be implemented in different ways, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0147] In this first embodiment, the induction heating device 1 is also such that the respective capacitor unit 16A or 16B, each with one of the induction coils 20 or 22 assigned to it, is arranged on a common support part 24 or 26 in order to provide at least two resonant circuits 28 and 30 on the induction heating device 1 for the heat treatment of the metallic material 2.

[0148] In detail, this means that, on the one hand, the first capacitor unit 16A with its capacitors 16C and the first induction coil 20 are operatively connected to the first resonant circuit 28 of the induction heating device 1. The first resonant circuit 28 is the lower resonant circuit 28 of the induction heating device 1, which is arranged below the machine level 14 or the conveying level 8B, and thus below the metallic material 2.

[0149] On the other hand, the further capacitor unit 16B with its capacitors 16C and the further induction coil 22 are operatively connected to the further oscillating circuit 30 of the induction heating device 1.

[0150] The further oscillating circuit 30 is the upper oscillating circuit 30 of the induction heating device 1, which is arranged above the machine level 14 or the conveying level 8B, and thus also above the metallic material 2.

[0151] The resonant circuits 28 and 30 are each electrically connected to a power supply device 32 (numbered only as an example) in order to be able to be supplied with electrical energy.

[0152] Since the generic power supply device 32 and connection connections to the resonant circuit 28 or 30 are generally known, they will not be discussed further here.

[0153] Furthermore, each of the capacitor units 16A and 16B has a housing 36 (numbered only as an example) for spatially shielding the capacitors 16C from the environment 34, wherein the housing 36 at least partially encompasses the respective carrier part 24 or 26.

[0154] More precisely, in this first exemplary embodiment, the support parts 24 and 26 form the respective housing 36. The support parts 24 and 26 are designed to be rigid in such a way that, during their movement, a height distance 38 (shown only as an example with regard to the lower induction coil 20) between the respective induction coil 20 and 22 and in particular the metallic material 2 can be maintained the same within the meaning of the invention.

[0155] It is understood that this height distance 38 can also be related to the conveyor level 8B or to the machine level 14.

[0156] This also applies to the entire transverse displacement 18, which is constructed accordingly.

[0157] According to the first embodiment, the transverse displacement 18 is realized by a displacement device 40 which has a first displacement module 40A and at least one further displacement module 40B.

[0158] The travel modules 40A and 40B are actively movable independently of one another in such a way that the capacitor units 16A and 16B are arranged to be displaceable independently of one another in the transverse direction 17 transversely to the machine direction 12 towards the working area 5 or transversely away from the working area 5.

[0159] For this purpose, the respective travel module 40A and 40B has corresponding moving parts 42 (numbered only as an example), such as rail parts, roller parts, or the like. Such moving parts 42 can be provided in a variety of ways, as long as they enable movement within the meaning of the invention, for example, as sliding surfaces (not shown), etc.

[0160] The first travel module 40A and at least one further travel module 40B are mounted on one another. More precisely, the further travel module 40B is displaceably mounted on the first travel module 40A.

[0161] More precisely, the further displacement module 40B is displaceably mounted on the first displacement module 40A by means of a surface 44 of the housing 36 of the first support part 24.

[0162] The surface 44 is formed by the upper side 45 of the housing 36, specifically as a horizontal surface 46.

[0163] The first travel module 40A is mounted directly on the base 48 so that it can be moved.

[0164] In any case, both capacitor units 16A, 16B are arranged to be displaceable by a single displacement module 40A transversely to the machine direction 14 toward the working area 5 or transversely away from the working area 5.

[0165] Furthermore, the capacitor unit 16B is arranged to be displaceable by the two travel modules 40A and 40B transversely to the machine direction 14.

[0166] The travel modules 40A and 40B can also be moved together transversely to the machine direction 14.

[0167] The travel modules 40A and 40B can be moved simultaneously or with a time delay in the same or opposite direction of displacement, wherein the direction of displacement 50 is directed towards the working area 5 and the direction of displacement 51 is directed away from the working area 5.

[0168] The travel modules 40A and 40B are arranged on a common side 52 opposite the work area 5. The displacement of the travel modules 40A and 40B, in particular the support parts 24 and 26, is effected by means of a hydraulically operated drive device (not shown here).

[0169] A second embodiment with a second possible induction heating device 100 is shown in the illustration according to Figure 2, wherein only the features by which this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment are explained below in order to avoid repetition.

[0170] For the general functioning of the transverse displacement 18 with the independently functioning mobility of capacitor units 16A and 16B, in particular of corresponding support parts 24 and 26, reference is made to the previous explanation with regard to the first induction device.

[0171] In particular, the second induction heating device 100 is characterized by an alternative transverse displacement option 18.

[0172] In this case, the displacement device 40 additionally has a frame part 56 on which the two displacement modules 40A and 40B are arranged so as to be displaceable independently of one another, in particular are each arranged so as to be displaceable separately.

[0173] In this exemplary embodiment, the frame part 56 comprises a frame element 58, more precisely a C-shaped frame element 58, with two long leg parts 58A and 58B.

[0174] In this respect, the frame part 56 is open towards the working area 5.

[0175] The first travel module 40A is arranged in a travel space 60 in the frame element 58, more precisely on the lower long leg part 58A, while the further travel module 40B is arranged on the frame element 58, more precisely on the upper long leg part 58B.

[0176] In this respect, the frame part 56 or the frame element 58 has two surfaces 44 or horizontal surfaces 46 (numbered only as an example), on which the travel modules 40A or 40B are each arranged in a displaceable manner.

[0177] The frame part 56 can be arranged fixedly on the base 48 or alternatively can be displaceable independently of the two travel modules 40A and 40B along the machine plane 14 and transversely to the machine direction 12, namely by means of additional moving parts 42.

[0178] According to the illustration in Figure 3, a further exemplary embodiment of an induction heating device 200 is shown, wherein here too only the features are explained by which this further exemplary embodiment differs from the first and second exemplary embodiments in order to avoid repetition.

[0179] An alternative transverse displacement option 18 is also shown for the further induction heating device 200.

[0180] Here, the displacement device 40 again has two displacement modules 40A and 40B, respectively, which are now each arranged so as to be displaceable on a respective base 48, i.e., separately from one another.

[0181] As a result, the displacement device 40 according to the further embodiment from Figure 3 is extremely simple.

[0182] For the general functioning of the transverse displacement 18 with the independently functioning mobility of capacitor units 16a and 16B, in particular of corresponding support parts 24 and 26, reference is again made to the previous explanation, in particular with regard to the first induction device.

[0183] According to the illustration in Figure 4, another embodiment is shown with respect to another induction heating device 300, wherein here too only the features by which this other embodiment mainly differs from the previous embodiments are to be explained in order to avoid repetition.

[0184] With regard to the other induction heating device 300, another alternative transverse displacement 18 is also shown, in which on the one hand the first capacitor unit 16A and the further capacitor unit 16B are arranged so as to be displaceable independently of one another in the transverse direction 17 transversely to the machine direction 14 towards the working area 5 or away from the working area 5, in particular by means of the two travel modules 40A and 40B, which in this exemplary embodiment are again each arranged so as to be displaceable on a base 48, i.e. separately from one another.

[0185] On the other hand, in this other embodiment, with respect to the other alternative transverse displacement 18, coil bearings 20A and 22A of the respective associated induction coils 20 and 22 are shown in more detail, which are also formed separately and also independently of the travel modules 40A and 40B of the associated capacitor units 16A and 16B.

[0186] Thus, the first coil bearing 20A is equipped with first movable displacement parts 20B, which are movably mounted on the base 48, so that the first induction coil 20 can be displaced in the transverse direction 17. The further coil bearing 22A is equipped with further movable displacement parts 22B, which are arranged on a cross member 61 such that the further induction coil 22 can be displaced in the transverse direction 17 while suspended from the cross member 61.

[0187] At this point, it should be mentioned that the coil bearings 20A and 22A, which are structurally compact, can also be driven by the drive device by which the travel modules 40A and 40B are driven, in particular by a hydraulically operated drive device. However, the coil bearings 20A and 22A can also have independently operable drive devices if this is preferred by the user.

[0188] For the general functioning of the transverse displacement 18 in particular with the independently functioning movability of capacitor units 16A and 16B, reference is again made to the previous explanation, in particular with regard to the first induction device.

[0189] According to the other embodiment, it is thus once again explicitly visualized how capacitor units 16A and 16B as well as induction coils 20 and 22 can be mounted independently of one another in order to be able to be advantageously moved on an induction heating device 1, 100, 200 or 300.

[0190] It is understood that the exemplary embodiments explained above are merely first embodiments of the induction device 1, 100 or 200 according to the invention. Therefore, the embodiment of the invention is not limited to these first exemplary embodiments. List of reference symbols

[0191] 1 induction heating device

[0192] 2 metallic goods

[0193] 2A Thickness extension

[0194] 2B Width extension

[0195] 5 Work area

[0196] 8 conveyor line

[0197] 8A Conveying direction

[0198] 8B conveyor level

[0199] 10 production lines

[0200] 12 Machine direction

[0201] 14 Machine level

[0202] 16 Capacitor device

[0203] 16A first capacitor unit

[0204] 16B additional capacitor unit

[0205] 16C capacitors

[0206] 17 Transverse direction

[0207] 18 Cross extension

[0208] 20 first induction coil

[0209] 22 additional induction coils

[0210] 24 first support part

[0211] 26 additional support part

[0212] 28 upper resonant circuit

[0213] 30 lower resonant circuit

[0214] 32 Power supply device

[0215] 34 Surroundings

[0216] 36 Enclosure

[0217] 38 height difference

[0218] 40 Traversing device

[0219] 40A first travel module

[0220] 40B additional travel module

[0221] 42 moving parts

[0222] 44 Surface

[0223] 45 Top 46 Horizontal surface

[0224] 48 Underground

[0225] 50 first shift direction

[0226] 51 second shift direction 52 page

[0227] 56 frame part

[0228] 58 frame element

[0229] 58A lower long leg part

[0230] 58B upper long leg part 60 travel space

[0231] 100 second induction heating device

[0232] 200 additional induction heating devices

Claims

Patent claims 1. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) for heating a metallic material (2) having a machine direction (12) along which the metallic material (2) can be moved through a working area (5) of the induction heating device (1; 100; 200) for heating it, wherein a capacitor device (16) for the induction heating device (1; 100; 200) comprises at least two or more capacitor units (16A, 16B) which are arranged so as to be displaceable independently of one another transversely (17) to the machine direction (14) towards the working area (5) or away from the working area (5).

2. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that a capacitor unit (16A, 16B) and an induction coil (20, 22) are arranged on a common carrier part (24, 26), in particular for joint displacement with the carrier part (24, 26) transversely (17) to the machine direction (14) towards the working area (5) or away from the working area (5).

3. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a capacitor unit (16A, 16B) and an induction coil (20, 22) are each arranged on mutually different support parts (24, 26), wherein the support parts (24, 26) are mounted so as to be movable independently of one another, in particular for the respective independent displacement transversely to the machine direction (14) towards the working area (5) or away from the working area (5).

4. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a capacitor unit (16A, 16B) is operatively connected to at least one induction coil (20, 22) to form at least one resonant circuit (28, 30).

5. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a displacement device (40) with a first displacement module (40A, 40B) for a first capacitor unit (16A, 16B) and with at least one further displacement module (40A, 40B) for a further capacitor unit (16A, 16B), wherein the travel modules (40A, 40B) are actively movable independently of one another in such a way that capacitor units (16A, 16B) are arranged so as to be displaceable independently of one another transversely (17) to the machine direction (14) towards the working area (5) or transversely (17) away from the working area (5).

6. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least two capacitor units (16A, 16B) of the at least two or more capacitor units (16A, 16B) can be displaced by a single displacement module (40A, 40B) transversely to the machine direction (14) toward the working area (5) or transversely away from the working area (5).

7. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least one capacitor unit (16A, 16B) of the at least two or more capacitor units (16A, 16B) can be displaced by two displacement modules (40A, 40B) transversely (17) to the machine direction (14) towards the working area (5) or transversely (17) away from the working area (5).

8. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that travel modules (40A, 40B) are arranged so as to be displaceable together transversely (17) to the machine direction (14) towards the working area (5) or transversely (17) away from the working area (5).

9. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that at least one displacement module (40A, 40B) is connected to a further displacement module (40A, 40B) is arranged to be movable.

10. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that displacement modules (40A, 40B) are arranged on a common side (52) opposite the working area (5).

11. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the displacement device (40) has a frame part (56) on which two or more displacement modules (40A, 40B) are arranged so as to be displaceable independently of one another.

12. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to claim 11, characterized in that the frame part (56) has a frame element (58), in particular a C-shaped frame element (58), wherein in particular the C-shaped frame element (58) is open in the direction (50) of the working area (5).

13. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a capacitor unit (16A, 16B) has a housing (36) in which capacitors (16C) are arranged spatially separated from the environment (34), wherein in particular the housing (36) is actively air-conditioned.

14. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to claim 13, characterized in that the housing (36) comprises the carrier part (24, 26) and / or the displacement module (40A, 40B).

15. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that at least one displacement module (40A, 40B) is arranged displaceably on the housing (36).

16. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 5 to 15, characterized in that the displacement device (40) comprises at least one hydraulically operating drive device.

17. Induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a carrier part (24, 26), on which a capacitor unit (16A, 16B) and an induction coil (20, 22) are arranged together, is designed to be sufficiently rigid.

18. Production line (10) for producing and / or processing a metallic product (2), in particular a semi-finished product and / or a precursor product and / or an intermediate product and / or a product made of iron, steel and / or a non-ferrous metal material, comprising an induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Method for inductively heating a metallic material (2), in which the metallic material (2) is conveyed along a conveying plane (8B, 14) in the conveying direction (8A, 12) during inductive heating, wherein at least two oscillating circuits (28, 30) provided for inductive heating, in particular at least capacitor units (16A, 16B) and / or induction coils (20, 22) thereof, are displaced independently of one another transversely to the conveying direction (8A, 12) and along the conveying plane (8B, 14).

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that a first resonant circuit (28, 30), in particular at least one capacitor unit (16A, 16B) and / or an induction coil (20, 22) thereof, is moved in a first displacement direction (50) and at least one further resonant circuit (28, 30), in particular at least one capacitor unit (16A, 16B) and / or an induction coil (20, 22) thereof, is moved in a further displacement direction (51), wherein the first and the further displacement directions (50, 51) are different from one another, in particular are oriented opposite to one another.

21. Method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that a first resonant circuit (28, 30), in particular at least one capacitor unit (16A, 16B) and / or an induction coil (20, 22) thereof, and at least one further oscillating circuit (28, 30), in particular at least one capacitor unit (16A, 16B) and / or an induction coil (20, 22) thereof, are accelerated differently and / or displaced at different speeds.

22. Method according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that during the displacement of mutually different resonant circuits (28, 30), in particular of at least capacitor units (16A, 16B) and / or induction coils (20, 22) thereof, a height distance (38) relative to the conveying plane (8B) or relative to a metallic material (2) is maintained unchanged.

23. Method according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the resonant circuits (28, 30), in particular at least capacitor units (16A, 16B) and / or induction coils (20, 22) thereof, are displaced plane-parallel to the conveying plane (8B).

24. Method according to one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that support parts (24, 26), such as travel modules (40A, 40B), frame parts (56), frame elements (58), housings (36), for receiving at least capacitor units (16A, 16B) and / or induction coils (20, 22) are displaced independently of one another transversely (17) to the conveying direction (8A) and along the conveying plane (8B).

25. Use of an induction heating device (1; 100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 17 and / or a production line (10) according to claim 18 and / or an induction method according to one of claims 19 to 24.

26. Use of a surface (44), in particular a horizontal surface (46), a support part (24, 26), in particular a displacement module (40A, 40B), a frame part (56), a frame part (58), a housing (36), or the like, a Capacitor unit (16A, 16B) for slidably supporting a further capacitor unit (16A, 16B) along said surface (44, 46).

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