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

Abstract

The invention relates to an induction heating device for heating a metal product, comprising a resonant circuit for generating a magnetic field in order to heat the metal product, wherein the resonant circuit has at least one coil, and the coil is movably mounted in the vertical direction; an energy supply device for supplying the resonant circuit with electric energy; an adjusting device for adjusting the position of the coil along the vertical direction; a sensor device for detecting the geometric profile of the metal product on the metal product side corresponding to the coil, the active region of the sensor device being arranged in front of the coil with respect to the conveyor direction of the metal product; and a controller for controlling and / or regulating the vertical position of the coil, said controller being connected to the sensor device so as to transmit data. The induction heating device is characterized in that the controller is designed to set a minimum distance between the metal product and the coil while taking into consideration the geometric profile of the metal product.

Description

[0001] Induction heating device, operating method, production line, use of such an induction heating device, use of such an operating method and use of such a production line

[0002] The invention relates to an induction heating device for heating 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.

[0003] The invention further relates to an operating method for operating an induction heating device for heating 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.

[0004] The invention also relates to 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.

[0005] The invention also relates to the use of such an induction heating device.

[0006] The invention also relates to the use of such an operating method. The invention also relates to the use of such a production line.

[0007] Generic induction heating devices, especially in connection with production lines for the manufacture and / or processing of semi-finished products and / or preliminary products and / or intermediate products and / or products made of iron, steel and / or non-ferrous metal materials, are known from the prior art.

[0008] In this case, the known induction heating devices for heating passing metallic goods are equipped with coils which are fixed relative to the metallic goods and / or in particular adjustable vertically relative to a conveying direction of the metallic goods, wherein the metallic goods are guided past the respective coil in the machine direction of the induction heating device.

[0009] In induction heating devices with stationary coils, the distance between the stationary coils and the metallic goods is generally designed so that even metallic goods with the largest possible dimensions, viewed transversely to the conveying plane of the respective induction heating device, do not collide with the stationary coils. This means that the coils are always arranged at the greatest possible safety distance from the metallic goods, thus preventing accidental damage. However, this intended safety distance results in a significant reduction in the electrical efficiency of the respective induction heating device.

[0010] In order to overcome these disadvantages, other induction heating devices have coils that can be adjusted vertically relative to the conveying direction of the metallic material. In particular in the case of metallic materials that are to be heated discontinuously, such as slabs, such vertically adjustable coils are moved into a safety position before the metallic material reaches the respective coil. This position ensures that the metallic material does not collide with the respective coil, regardless of the position and / or shape tolerances inherent in the metallic material. It is often the case that the head area of ​​the metallic material in particular can have critical shape deviations, for example as a result of previous manufacturing processes, etc., which can deviate considerably from the remaining geometry of the metallic material, for example due to previous primary and / or forming processes or similar.

[0011] In this respect, on induction heating devices with adjustable coils, an additional safety distance is prophylactically set between the coil and the surface of the metallic item (safety position) until at least the head area of ​​the metallic item has passed through the respective coil or its working area. Only after the head area of ​​the metallic item has passed the respective coil is the coil moved into its actual operating position. The disadvantage here is that the operating distance between the coil and the metallic item can fluctuate greatly, for example as a result of further, albeit smaller, unfavorable position and / or shape tolerances behind the head area of ​​the metallic item, so that the magnetic field generated by the coil cannot constantly heat the metallic item homogeneously with the desired, in particular optimal, electrical efficiency.

[0012] In particular, the initial movement of the coil into the safety position almost always leads to a different, usually weaker, heating of the head area than in the central area of ​​the metallic material, which adjoins the head area. The same applies to the foot area of ​​the metallic material, which in turn adjoins the central area of ​​the metallic material. Here, too, the adjustable coils are regularly moved back to the safety position.

[0013] Thus, the metallic product is usually partially heated inhomogeneously, and usually enters the production line with a somewhat cooler head or foot area. This, in turn, can result in the material in the head or foot area being inferior to that in the middle area, and a previously existing inhomogeneity not only persists but is amplified, so that the material often has to be declared scrap.

[0014] Furthermore, generic production lines for the manufacture and / or processing of semi-finished products and / or preliminary products and / or intermediate products and / or products made of ferrous, steel and / or non-ferrous metal materials are also known from the prior art. As a rule, these consist of several devices in which the preliminary product and / or the intermediate product and / or the product is each 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, separating or joining devices and combinations thereof.The process steps may include, for example, increasing or decreasing the temperature, transport, forming, cleaning, chemical treatment, surface coating, separating or joining, and combinations thereof. The invention is based on the object of providing an improvement or alternative to the prior art. In particular, the invention is based on the object of advantageously increasing the output of good parts or good material in generic induction heating devices.

[0015] The object of the invention is achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by an induction heating device for heating a metallic good, in particular a semi-finished product and / or a pre-product and / or an intermediate product and / or a product made of iron, steel and / or a non-ferrous metal material, with

[0016] • an oscillating circuit for generating a magnetic field for heating the metallic material , in particular a first oscillating circuit , the oscillating circuit comprising at least one coil , in particular a first coil , the coil being mounted displaceably in a vertical direction ,

[0017] • a power supply device for supplying the oscillating circuit with electrical energy,

[0018] • an adjusting device for adjusting a position of the coil, in particular a position of the first coil, along the vertical direction, in particular a first adjusting device, with

[0019] • a sensor device for detecting a geometric profile of the metallic material, in particular a first geometric profile, on a side of the metallic material corresponding to the coil, in particular for detecting a geometric profile of the metallic material relative to a reference plane, in particular relative to a reference plane of a conveying device for conveying the metallic material, wherein an effective area, in particular a first effective area, of the sensor device is arranged in front of the coil with respect to a conveying direction of the metallic material, and • a control device for controlling and / or regulating a vertical position of the coil, wherein the control device is data-connected to the sensor device, wherein the induction heating device is characterized in that the control device is designed toto set, in particular continuously set, a minimum distance, in particular a first minimum distance, between the metallic material and the coil along the metallic material, taking into account the geometric profile of the metallic material.

[0020] By means of the present induction heating device, a distance between the coil and the metallic material can be adjusted not only partially, but in the desired manner over the entire length of the metallic material, so that in particular shape and position tolerances over the entire length of the metallic material can be taken into account and advantageously compensated by means of a suitable displacement of the coil relative to the metallic material.

[0021] Advantageously, the present induction heating device makes it possible to set a desired, in particular an optimal or minimum distance, between the coil and the metallic item already in the head region of the metallic item, so that the metallic item can be heated as homogeneously as possible, in particular at its end regions, more precisely at its head region and optionally also at its foot region, in particular with respect to the central region.

[0022] Preferably, the induction heating device is inductively activated before or upon entry of the metallic material into the induction heating device, in particular before or upon entry into an effective region of the at least one coil. Ideally, the coil can be optimally adjusted relative to the metallic material along its entire length, so that an optimal distance between the coil and the metallic material for optimal electrical efficiency in the material can be adjusted not only behind a potentially critically deformed head region.

[0023] This makes it possible to apply heat to the metallic material as evenly as possible over its entire length, which significantly reduces the amount of material waste.

[0024] In other words, this means that with regard to the material passing through the induction heating device, the oscillating circuit of the induction heating device, in particular the coil thereof, can always be kept at an optimal distance from the metallic material, depending on the geometry of the metallic material, and this over the entire length of the metallic material.

[0025] In other words, the coil follows the surface geometry profile of the metallic material with a largely constant minimum distance, so that even in the event of disturbances to the geometry (critical shape and / or position deviations) of the metallic material, a minimum distance can be easily and reliably maintained, particularly within a roll pass. This makes it possible for an induction heating device preset to a specific material thickness to continuously react to unintentional shape and / or position changes of the metallic material between a head-end face of the metallic material and a foot-end face of the metallic material within the entire length of the metallic material, and in particular to be continuously readjusted so that the minimum distance can always be adjusted.The term "largely constant" takes into account the fact that the coil has a certain longitudinal extension, so that due to its design, when following an unfavourable geometric profile, such as a ski, a small inconstant treatment zone can occur in the area of ​​such a geometric profile, which can often be regarded as negligible.

[0026] The term "geometric profile" describes a shape deviation, in particular an irregular shape deviation, such as a protrusion, a deformation, such as a wavy profile or the like. Such a shape deviation can also occur if the thickness of the metallic item is the same over its length or deviates only negligibly.

[0027] As a result, the coil of the present induction heating device can be regulated or controlled in such a way that it can always be set or maintained at a desired or optimal distance from the metallic material, over the entire length of the metallic material.

[0028] This allows the induction heating device to be continuously adapted specifically to an irregular geometric profile, even if such an irregularity only occurs partially with respect to the total length of the metallic product.

[0029] Thus, the position of the coil, in particular the height in the vertical direction, relative to the metallic material can be continuously corrected in order to always be able to maintain the minimum distance in the sense of the invention.

[0030] In this respect, a continuous correction of the position of the induction heating device relative to the metallic material can be carried out depending on the geometric profile of the metallic material in order to always be able to maintain the minimum distance in accordance with the invention.

[0031] In this context, it is also advantageous if the control device is designed so that the position of the induction heating device, in particular its coil, relative to the metallic material or a reference plane can be corrected as a function of the geometric profile of the metallic material in order to always be able to maintain the minimum distance in the sense of the invention.

[0032] The term "total length" in the sense of the invention does not only comprise a middle region between a head region and a foot region of the metallic item, but also includes this head or foot region from the head-side end face to the foot-side end face of the metallic item.

[0033] Metallic goods within the meaning of the invention are understood to mean slabs, billets, preliminary strips, intermediate strips, wires, strips and the like, which have a significantly increased length extension in comparison to the width and thickness extension.

[0034] It should be expressly pointed out that the present teaching also extends to metallic goods with an infinite longitudinal extent, in particular to metallic billets, slabs and / or strips, in particular to metallic billets, slabs and / or strips which are joined at the beginning of a production line to form an endless metallic strip and then separated again at the end of a production line. In this context, the term "total length" refers to the length of a continuous heating process, with any necessary modifications. For the purposes of the invention, the term "minimal distance" refers to an operating distance (in particular head and foot distance) between the respective coil and the metallic goods to be treated, which distance can be determined in particular by means of volatile operating positions of the coil on the induction heating device or.Operating positions following position and / or shape tolerances can be kept largely constant.

[0035] The distance between the coil and the metallic material influences the efficiency of the induction heating device.

[0036] Since shape tolerances of a metallic item and / or positional tolerances of a metallic item relative to the coil can occur during production, the minimum distance can be understood as a safety distance, which represents a compromise between the ideal efficiency of the induction heating device and the resulting shape and / or positional tolerances of the metallic item. In other words, the minimum distance can enable optimal efficiency of the induction heating device while simultaneously ensuring relative reliability of contact between the metallic item and the coil.

[0037] Preferably, the minimum distance can be understood as the distance that allows for optimal efficiency of the induction heating device, taking into account all boundary conditions of the production process. Thus, the minimum distance can also be understood as the "optimal distance" and / or referred to as such.

[0038] In this respect, the present induction heating device enables the coil to assume a multitude of different operating positions relative to the metallic material in order to be able to constantly adjust and thus maintain a desired minimum distance, in order to thereby achieve the most homogeneous heat input possible over a length section as large as possible along the metallic material.

[0039] It is advantageous if an operating distance (head distance) in the head region and an operating distance in the adjoining middle region preferably differ from one another by less than 20%, preferably less than 15% and particularly preferably less than 10% or less than 5%.

[0040] This also applies to operating distances (foot distance) between the foot area and the middle area of ​​the metallic goods.

[0041] The term "head area" in this case refers to a front area of ​​the metallic material as seen in the conveying direction.

[0042] The size or length of such a head region can vary. For example, the length of the head region can depend on the material thickness of the metallic item.

[0043] For example, the head area has a length of 100 mm or 150 mm or more measured from the front face of the metallic item.

[0044] For example, the size or length of the head region can also depend on the type of deformation, such as that caused by a cutting process on a material strand. In particular, the head region can also exhibit a ski deformation or the like.

[0045] The term "foot region" in the present case denotes a rear region of the metallic material, viewed in the conveying direction. The configuration can occur as previously described for the head region and can extend a length of 100 mm or 150 mm or more, measured from a rear end face of the metallic material.

[0046] Due to this analogy, for the sake of simplicity, we will only refer to the head area from now on, even though the foot area is also included.

[0047] A particularly homogeneous electrical efficiency can be achieved along the metallic material if the operating distances between the coil and the surface material side are identical along the metallic material.

[0048] This ensures that the coil can always treat the metallic material advantageously with a homogeneous electrical efficiency, both in the head area and in the adjacent middle area.

[0049] This also applies to the operating distances between the base area and the middle area of ​​the metallic goods.

[0050] This allows the metallic material to be heated extremely homogeneously both in the head area and in the adjacent middle area.

[0051] This in turn leads to a significant reduction in output losses at the present induction device.

[0052] The term "reference plane" in the sense of the invention describes a working plane on the present induction heating device, along which the metallic material is moved past the respective coil. This working plane preferably extends in and along the machine direction of the present induction heating device and preferably also through a working area of ​​the coil of the present induction heating device.

[0053] Preferably, the working plane of the present induction heating device coincides with a conveying plane of a transport line or a corresponding roller conveyor of a suitably equipped production line.

[0054] In this respect, the reference level can be defined by such a funding level.

[0055] The conveyor level can, for example, ultimately be realized by a belt pull on a belt system, or something similar.

[0056] However, the reference plane can also be variably determined depending on the metallic material to be treated on the induction heating device. For example, the reference plane can be positioned in the center of the metallic material or at the lower edge of the metallic material.

[0057] The reference plane can advantageously be used, for example, to convert absolute coordinates into relative coordinates.

[0058] The reference plane can alternatively also originate from a plane of the sensor device and / or a plane of the adjustment device and / or a plane of a coil and / or a plane depending on a relevant geometric parameter of the metallic material, in particular a thickness of the metallic material above a conveying plane of the metallic material, or the like, wherein a conversion of absolute coordinates of a production line into relative coordinates of the production line can preferably take place using the reference plane. It should also be explained that according to the present invention, an "induction heating device" is understood to mean a device which is designed for the inductive heating of a metallic material using electrical energy.

[0059] Increasing the temperature of the precursor and / or the intermediate product and / or the product is often essential for many process steps and thus represents an essential process step in the treatment of the metallic material.

[0060] For this purpose, induction heating devices according to the present invention can be used, wherein the respective induction heating device can be used at various locations within a production line for the manufacture and / or processing of a metallic product or on a roller conveyor of the production line.

[0061] Advantageously, the present induction heating device can therefore achieve direct heating of the metallic material, since the heat is generated in the metallic material itself and does not have to be introduced from the outside via the surface of the metallic material by heat conduction, convection and / or radiation.

[0062] During induction heating using an induction heating device, the oscillating circuit is excited to oscillate, particularly in the medium frequency range.

[0063] Typically, a mains voltage, for example, a single-phase or multi-phase alternating voltage, is first rectified and smoothed, and the DC voltage is fed to an inverter, which excites the resonant circuit. Therefore, the term "resonant circuit" in the context of the invention refers to a device for inductively heating a metallic material. The resonant circuit comprises at least one coil and one capacitor.

[0064] In accordance with the invention, at least one first oscillating circuit can be arranged above a metallic item to be heated or above a corresponding transport path or roller conveyor along which the metallic item is transported.

[0065] The oscillating circuit is also characterized by a working area or an electrical effective area in which the magnetic field can interact with the metallic material.

[0066] In this respect, such a first coil is an upper coil of the present induction heating device and is accordingly arranged above the working area or the metallic material to be heated.

[0067] In addition, the present induction heating device can comprise at least a second oscillating circuit with at least one second coil, which is arranged below the working area or the metallic material to be heated and thus below the first oscillating circuit as well as below the relevant transport path or roller conveyor.

[0068] A 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. The part of the coil acting on the metallic material preferably has a meandering, U-shaped, or hairpin-shaped geometry.

[0069] In any case, the respective coil is arranged on one side relative to the material to be heated and can also be adjusted or moved relative to the metallic material in order to be able to adjust the desired electrical efficiency more precisely to a desired, optimal level, especially via the distance to the metallic material.

[0070] In the present case, an electrical connection between a metallic material and an alternating magnetic field can be brought about by longitudinal field induction and / or by transverse field induction. With longitudinal field induction, the magnetic field lines run essentially in the longitudinal direction of the metallic material. With 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.

[0071] The term "metallic good" describes any product comprising an electrically conductive ferrous material, a steel material and / or a non-ferrous metal material. In particular, a metallic good can be understood to mean any semi-finished product and / or any preliminary product and / or any intermediate product and / or any product that is electrically conductive.

[0072] If the metallic material is a sheet or a slab, for example, the magnetic field lines can enter the sheet in the direction of its thickness and exit the sheet again in the direction of its thickness due to transverse field induction. For the purposes of the invention, the term "energy supply device" refers to a device designed to provide electrical energy for operating at least one resonant circuit, in particular with an electric current of suitable current intensity, suitable voltage, and / or suitable frequency.

[0073] 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.

[0074] It is understood that an electrical connection between the power supply device and one or more resonant circuits of the present induction heating device can be designed in a variety of ways, for example, in a known manner using suitable busbars or the like. However, wired electrical supply lines are also possible with a suitably selected connection design.

[0075] The capacitor device in question can also be configured differently. The capacitor device can be equipped with a single capacitor or with a plurality of capacitors. In the latter variant, several capacitors can then preferably be connected in parallel.

[0076] The present induction heating device can comprise a single capacitor device which is electrically connected to a coil or alternatively to a plurality of coils.

[0077] In particular, in the case of a plurality of coils, a plurality of capacitor devices can also be provided on the induction heating device, for example, each coil is assigned exactly one capacitor device, wherein this capacitor device can in turn have a single capacitor or a plurality of capacitors, preferably connected in parallel.

[0078] Alternatively, several coils can be assigned to a capacitor.

[0079] Constructions in which exactly one coil is electrically assigned to a capacitor device and cumulatively several coils are electrically assigned to another capacitor device can also be advantageously realized in the present induction heating device.

[0080] Depending on the application requirements, different arrangement variations can be realized.

[0081] The term "adjustment device" in this case describes a device by means of which the coil can be displaced relative to the metallic material or relative to a working area or effective range of the induction heating device as required.

[0082] In particular, the respective coil is mounted so as to be height-adjustable relative to the metallic material, in particular relative to its thickness, wherein for such a height adjustment the coil is mounted so as to be displaceable transversely to the metallic material or preferably orthogonally to the metallic material or a transport path or conveyor path or a roller table, in particular is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable.

[0083] The adjustment device can be equipped with one or more hydraulic cylinders, a rack and pinion drive, a toggle lever, or the like for linear adjustment. The term "height adjustment" describes a transverse displacement of the respective coil, independent of the spatial orientation of a transport path along which the metallic material is transported.

[0084] Particularly preferably, a coil for setting approximately a minimum distance in the vertical direction is mounted transversely to the machine direction.

[0085] In this respect, the term "vertical" in the sense of the invention describes a direction transverse to the machine direction, which points in the main conveying direction of the metallic material.

[0086] Furthermore, the term "sensor device" describes a device for detecting a relative position of the metallic material, in particular a surface side of the metallic material, relative to the induction heating device, in particular relative to a coil of the induction heating device or a relative position in a working range of the induction heating device formulated by at least one coil.

[0087] Thus, the sensor device can exactly determine a geometric profile of the metallic material, in particular an irregular geometric profile, even if the metallic material should have a constant thickness.

[0088] The sensor device can be implemented in different ways, for example optically, in particular laser-optically, acoustically, inductively, mechanically scanning or the like.

[0089] Preferably, a surface profile or a geometric profile can be determined using an imaging method, possibly even before the respective coil. Based on this determined surface profile or geometric profile, the respective coil can then be advantageously positioned relative to the metallic material in order to achieve, for example, optimal electrical efficiency with respect to the metallic material.

[0090] Cumulatively or alternatively, a continuous scanning of the surface side can also be carried out, whereby a surface profile or geometric profile of the metallic material can be created particularly precisely, preferably in real time on or shortly before the respective coil.

[0091] In some cases it may be sufficient for the sensor device to operate discontinuously in order to determine a sufficiently accurate geometric profile.

[0092] In order to be able to determine, for example, critical positional deviations on a head region of a metallic item at an early stage, for example with regard to a so-called ski deformation or the like, it can also be advantageous to detect a relative position of a short side, in particular a head side, so that by means of such detection at least a pre-adjustment of a coil relative to the item to be heated can be carried out in order to be able to adjust the coil more quickly relative to the long side afterwards.

[0093] In any case, the present induction heating device ensures that, ideally, at any point on a long side of the metallic item and at any time, an advantageous distance between the coil and the metallic item can be set in such a way that an optimal electrical efficiency can always be set on the metallic item.

[0094] The sensor device can be arranged directly on the induction heating device, for example, on a frame part thereof, a housing part thereof, or the like, and thus also be in contact with the coil, for example. Alternatively, the sensor device can also be arranged in front of the coil, as seen in the transport direction, although both options can be implemented here.

[0095] In particular, the term "effective range" with regard to the sensor device is to be understood according to the invention as an effective connection between the sensor device and the metallic material, wherein the effective range can describe the area of ​​the metallic material which can be scanned and / or measured with the sensor device.

[0096] The term "geometric profile" with regard to the metallic material describes, in the sense of the invention, the profile of the metallic material, whereby this term includes both deformations, such as a wave profile or the like, and minor defects directly on the surface of the metallic material, which can be detected by the sensor device described here.

[0097] The term "geometry profile" can expressly include, in particular, a central region of the metallic material, i.e. the region between a head region and a foot region of the metallic material. In this respect, the geometry profile is not necessarily limited to a head region or a foot region of the metallic material, with the head region describing the incoming beginning and the foot region the outgoing end of the metallic material in relation to the coil.

[0098] It is advantageous if the setpoint value of the operating parameter relevant to the operating distance with respect to the metallic material, such as the thickness of the metallic material, is determined and / or can be made available to the control device in some other way. This setpoint value can therefore preferably be the thickness of a slab, the thickness of a billet, the thickness of a metal strip, or the like.

[0099] Among other things, this can be achieved by a suitably configured or arranged sensor device, which is located in front of or upstream of the coil and / or whose effective range is located in front of or upstream of the coil, or cumulatively or alternatively, for example, by means of process data from upstream machining processes. Corresponding data for the setpoint can, however, also originate from production planning data.

[0100] Thus, an advantageous adjustment of the coil relative to a surface side of the metallic material can be achieved assuming the target value of relevant geometric parameters of the metallic material, in particular relative to the thickness of the metallic material.

[0101] If a determined deviation of the relevant geometric parameter reaches or falls below a critical tolerance value, the metallic material can be guided past a coil that is in an optimal position from the point of view of electrical efficiency.

[0102] However, if the determined deviation of the relevant geometric parameter reaches or exceeds a critical tolerance value, the coil position is adjusted in a suitable manner in order to enable collision-free passage of the product section with the geometric deviation.

[0103] In addition, the "corresponding side" of the metallic material is understood to mean that surface side of the metallic material which is directly opposite the respective sensor device or the respective coil. This means that, for example, the upper coil of the induction heating device is directly opposite the upper side of the metallic material, and the lower coil of the induction heating device is correspondingly opposite the underside of the metallic material.

[0104] Even though the terms "head region" and "foot region" of the metallic material are used repeatedly here, it should be expressly noted that the induction heating device proposed here can also be used for heating metallic strips, particularly endless metallic strips. In this case, the sensor device can also detect a deviation in the relevant geometric parameter of the metallic material, which is used to adjust the coil.

[0105] A preferred embodiment provides that the control device is further configured to set, in particular continuously set, a minimum distance, in particular a first minimum distance, between the metallic material and the coil in a central region between a head region and a foot region of the metallic material.

[0106] Particularly in the middle region of the metallic material, an optimal distance setting between the coil and the metallic material has so far been neglected. However, the present induction heating device can advantageously also be used to set an advantageous distance in the middle region of the metallic material in order to always achieve optimal electrical efficiency on the metallic material. This makes it possible to achieve particularly homogeneous heating along the entire length of the metallic material. This is all the more true if the sensor device operates continuously, since this means that any disturbance to the metallic material in the middle region can be reliably detected and / or taken into account, in particular can be corrected or pre-controlled, in particular continuously, so that homogeneous heating can be guaranteed even more reliably in this region too.

[0107] The metallic material can be heated even more advantageously, in particular heat-treated more homogeneously, if the induction heating device additionally has:

[0108] • a second coil, in particular a second coil of a second oscillating circuit for generating a magnetic field for heating the metallic material, wherein the second coil is mounted displaceably in the vertical direction, wherein the second coil can be supplied with electrical energy by the energy supply device,

[0109] • an adjusting device for adjusting a position of the second coil along the vertical direction, in particular a second adjusting device,

[0110] • a sensor device having a second effective area, which is arranged in front of the second coil with respect to a conveying direction of the metallic material, in particular a second sensor device, in particular the second sensor device is arranged in front of the second coil with respect to the conveying direction of the metallic material, in particular the second sensor device is data-connected to the control device, for detecting a second geometric profile of the metallic material on a side of the metallic material corresponding to the second coil, in particular for detecting a second geometric profile of the metallic material relative to a reference plane, wherein the control device is set up to control and / or regulate a vertical position of the second coil, and wherein the control device is set up to, along the metallic material, in particular in the central region of the metallic material,taking into account the second geometric profile of the metallic material, to set, in particular continuously set, a second minimum distance between the metallic material and the second coil.

[0111] The second adjustment device can be implemented as an independent device on the induction heating device, or alternatively this second adjustment device is a structural component of the first adjustment device.

[0112] The situation is similar with regard to the second sensor device, which is either an independent device on the induction heating device or alternatively is designed as a structural component of the first sensor device.

[0113] The second coil can preferably be arranged opposite the side of the metallic material corresponding to the first coil.

[0114] The second geometry profile can also advantageously be related to the reference plane already described above.

[0115] The present induction heating device can be operated with a particularly advantageous electrical efficiency if the minimum distance, in particular the first minimum distance and / or the second minimum distance, along the metallic material, in particular also in the central region of the metallic material, is less than or equal to 50 mm, preferably less than or equal to 40 mm and particularly preferably less than or equal to 30 mm. If the minimum distance is less than or equal to 20 mm, preferably less than or equal to 15 mm and particularly preferably less than or equal to 10 mm, the induction heating device can be operated even more effectively. In this respect, particularly efficient heating of the metallic material can be achieved, which is due, among other things, to the still small air gap between the coil and the metallic material.

[0116] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the minimum distance, in particular the first minimum distance and / or the second minimum distance, along the metallic material, in particular in the central region of the metallic material, is greater than 0 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 2 mm and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 5 mm. This ultimately ensures the safety of the induction heating device against collisions with the metallic material, whereby greater safety due to a correspondingly larger set minimum distance is always accompanied by a lower electrical efficiency.

[0117] If the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance differ by less than or equal to 5 mm, preferably by less than or equal to 3 mm and particularly preferably by less than or equal to 1 mm, a particularly homogeneous heating of the metallic material can be achieved.

[0118] This is essentially due to the fact that essentially identical minimum distances can advantageously be set on both sides of the metallic item, whereby comparable magnetic fields can act on the metallic item on both sides, so that comparable heating of the metallic item can be achieved on both sides. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first coil is designed to heat the metallic item by means of transverse field induction, and / or the first coil and the second coil are designed to heat the metallic item by means of transverse field induction and / or longitudinal field induction.

[0119] With a single first coil, which is arranged only on one side of the metallic material, the induction heating device can be constructed more compactly. However, only transverse-field induction can be realized.

[0120] When using two coils, both transverse field induction and longitudinal field induction, or a mixed form, can be achieved, for example, by oscillating the first coil and the second coil with a phase shift of 0° to 180° relative to each other. This can preferably be achieved via a phase shift of 180°.

[0121] A preferred embodiment provides that the control device is designed to set a minimum head distance, in particular a first minimum head distance and / or a second minimum head distance, between the metallic material and a coil, in particular the first coil and / or the second coil, in the head region of the metallic material.

[0122] This allows for further improvement in the homogeneous heating of the head region of the metallic part relative to the remaining areas of the metallic part, resulting in a more consistent quality of the product manufactured from the metallic part. In particular, the scrap rate can be significantly reduced.

[0123] Similar to the base area of ​​a metallic product, there are almost always larger expected deformation deviations in the head area of ​​the metallic product, for example due to the cutting of the cast strand by means of a cutting device or the like.

[0124] This is particularly the case with discontinuous production, such as in batch operations, in which a metallic material is treated intermittently, in particular thermally treated, and the latter then passes the induction device in batches.

[0125] However, critical deformation deviations can also be caused by other deformation patterns, such as ski deformations in the head or foot area of ​​the metallic material and / or wave deformations, particularly in the middle area of ​​the metallic material.

[0126] It is also advantageous if the control device is designed to set a minimum foot distance, in particular a first minimum foot distance and / or a second minimum foot distance, between the metallic material and a coil, in particular the first coil and / or the second coil, in the foot region of the metallic material.

[0127] This allows for more homogeneous heating of the base area of ​​the metallic part relative to the remaining areas of the metallic part, resulting in a more consistent quality of the product manufactured from the metallic part. In particular, the scrap rate can be significantly reduced.

[0128] The collision safety with regard to the present induction heating device can also be further improved if the minimum head distance, in particular the first minimum head distance and / or the second minimum head distance, in the head region and / or the minimum foot distance, in particular the first minimum foot distance and / or the second minimum foot distance, in the foot region of the metallic material is greater by a factor of 1.1 than the minimum distance, in particular the first minimum distance and / or the second minimum distance, in the central region of the metallic material, preferably by a factor of 1.2 and particularly preferably by a factor of 1.3.

[0129] Such a factor is particularly advantageous because, particularly in the head and foot regions, larger geometric profile deviations are to be expected than in the intermediate region of the metallic material. Thus, higher production availability can be achieved.

[0130] A further improved collision safety can be achieved with higher factor values, such as 1.4 or 1.5 or 1.75, which, however, comes at the expense of a uniformly achievable electrical efficiency along the metallic material.

[0131] A more uniform, homogeneous heating of the metallic material can be favorably influenced if the head region comprises less than or equal to 15% of a longitudinal extent of the metallic material, preferably less than or equal to 10% and particularly preferably less than or equal to 7.5%.

[0132] The situation is similar if the head region comprises less than or equal to 12.5% ​​of a longitudinal extent of the metallic material, preferably less than or equal to 5% and particularly preferably less than or equal to 2.5%.

[0133] It is equally advantageous if the foot region comprises less than or equal to 15% of a longitudinal extent of the metallic material, preferably less than or equal to 10% and particularly preferably less than or equal to 7.5%. The situation is similar if the foot region comprises less than or equal to 12.5% ​​of a longitudinal extent of the metallic material, preferably less than or equal to 5% and particularly preferably less than or equal to 2.5%.

[0134] The object of the invention is also achieved according to a second aspect of the invention by an operating method for operating an induction heating device for heating 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, by means of a coil, in particular by means of a first coil, in particular an induction heating device according to the first aspect of the invention, which comprises the following steps:

[0135] • Determination of a geometric profile of the metallic material, in particular a first geometric profile, with a sensor device, in particular with a first sensor device, on a side of the metallic material corresponding to the coil, in particular determination of a geometric profile of the metallic material relative to a reference plane, in particular relative to a reference plane of a conveying device for conveying the metallic material, in particular determination of a desired thickness of the metallic material, wherein an effective range, in particular a first effective range, of the sensor device is arranged in front of the coil with respect to a conveying direction of the metallic material, and

[0136] • Adjustment, in particular continuous adjustment, of a position of the coil, in particular a position of the first coil, along a vertical direction, with an adjusting device, in particular a first adjusting device, in particular in a central region between a head region and a foot region of the metallic material, taking into account the geometric profile of the metallic material for setting a minimum distance, in particular a first minimum distance, between the metallic material and the coil.

[0137] By means of the method described here, the output of good parts or good material with regard to a metallic product inductively heat-treated by an induction heating device can be significantly improved, as has already been sufficiently described above.

[0138] In particular, the minimum distance may also be equal to the optimal distance to achieve an optimal result from the point of view of electrical efficiency.

[0139] It is particularly advantageous that the minimum distance from the metallic material, in particular from the head region or the foot region of the metallic material, is set before and / or during the entry of the metallic material, in particular its head region, onto the coil. This ensures that the head region can also be supplied with optimum electrical efficiency.

[0140] An advantageous method variant provides an operating method for operating an induction heating device for heating a metallic material, wherein the induction heating device has a second coil, in which the alternative operating method comprises the following steps:

[0141] • Determination of a second geometric profile of the metallic material with a sensor device, in particular with a second sensor device, on a side of the metallic material corresponding to the second coil, in particular determination of a second geometric profile of the metallic material relative to a reference plane, in particular relative to the reference plane of the conveying device for conveying the metallic material, wherein a second effective range of the sensor device is arranged in front of the second coil with respect to a conveying direction of the metallic material,

[0142] • Adjustment, in particular continuous adjustment, of a position of the second coil along a vertical direction, with an adjustment device, in particular a second adjustment device, in particular in the central region of the metallic material, taking into account the second geometric profile of the metallic material for setting a second minimum distance between the metallic material and the second coil.

[0143] Using this process variant, the metallic material can be heated even more advantageously and, in particular, can be heat-treated even more homogeneously.

[0144] In particular, when two coils are used, both a transverse field induction and a longitudinal field induction can be carried out, for example by the first coil and the second coil oscillating with a phase shift to each other, in particular with a phase shift of 180 °.

[0145] A minimum distance which is advantageous in the sense of the present invention can be set in a simple and precise manner at the head region if the present operating method is further characterized by the following method step:

[0146] • Adjustment, in particular continuous adjustment, of a position of the first coil and / or the second coil along a vertical direction, with an adjustment device, in particular a first adjustment device and / or a second adjustment device, in the head region of the metallic material, taking into account the first geometric profile and / or the second geometric profile of the metallic material for setting a minimum head distance, in particular a first minimum head distance and / or a second minimum head distance.

[0147] It is equally advantageous if the present operating procedure is characterized by the following additional process step:

[0148] • Adjustment, in particular continuous adjustment, of a position of the first coil and / or the second coil along a vertical direction, with an adjustment device, in particular a first adjustment device and / or a second adjustment device, in the foot region of the metallic material, taking into account the first geometric profile and / or the second geometric profile of the metallic material for setting a minimum foot distance, in particular a first minimum foot distance and / or a second minimum foot distance.

[0149] It should be expressly pointed out that the subject matter of the second aspect can be advantageously combined with the subject matter of the preceding aspect of the invention, both individually or cumulatively in any combination.

[0150] The object of the invention is also achieved according to a third aspect of the invention by an induction heating device for heating a metallic product, in particular a semi-finished product and / or a pre-product and / or an intermediate product and / or a product made of iron, steel and / or a non-ferrous metal material,

[0151] • wherein the induction heating device comprises an oscillating circuit for generating a magnetic field for heating the metallic material,

[0152] • wherein the resonant circuit comprises a capacitor device and a coil, • wherein the induction heating device comprises a power supply device for supplying the resonant circuit with electrical energy,

[0153] • wherein the induction heating device has an adjusting device for adjusting a position of the coil along the vertical direction,

[0154] • wherein the induction heating device has a sensor device for detecting a geometric profile of the metallic material,

[0155] • wherein the induction heating device comprises a control device for controlling and / or regulating a vertical position of the coil, wherein the control device is data-connected to the sensor device, wherein the control device is arranged for controlling and / or regulating a vertical position of the coil,

[0156] • wherein the induction heating device is arranged to carry out a method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0157] By means of such an advantageous induction heating device, the effects and advantages described above can also be achieved.

[0158] It should be expressly pointed out that the subject matter of the third aspect can be advantageously combined with the subject matters of the preceding aspects of the invention, both individually or cumulatively in any combination.

[0159] The object of the invention is furthermore also achieved according to a fourth aspect of the invention by a production line for producing and / or processing 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 the induction heating device according to the invention according to the first and / or the third aspect of the invention.

[0160] On a production line equipped with the present induction heating device, metallic goods can be heat-treated significantly more homogeneously, over the entire length of the respective metallic goods.

[0161] It is understood that the present production line may be provided with a processing device that mechanically processes the metallic material, or with several processing devices that operate in the same or different ways.

[0162] For this purpose, the metallic goods are transported along a transport route of the production line or a suitably equipped roller conveyor.

[0163] It is understood that the production line may also comprise further treatment or processing devices, such as separating devices, winding devices, separating devices or the like.

[0164] The advantages of an induction device according to the first and / or the third aspect of the invention, as described above, extend to a production line comprising an induction device according to the first and / or the second aspect of the invention.

[0165] It should be expressly noted that the subject matter of the third aspect can be advantageously combined with the subject matters of the preceding aspects of the invention, both individually or cumulatively in any combination. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the object of the invention is also achieved by using the induction heating device underlying the invention according to one of the features described here and / or the operating method described here, and / or the production line described here.

[0166] At this point, it should also be claimed that the method described here can also be supplemented by further technical features explained 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, in particular with regard to a continuous adaptation of the minimum distance between a coil and the metallic material, even with a constant thickness of the metallic material.

[0167] In general, the features of the solutions described above or in the claims can also be combined in order to be able to implement the advantages and effects that can be achieved in a correspondingly cumulative manner.

[0168] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the context of this patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite numerical expressions such as "one...", "two..." etc. are generally to be understood as at least expressions, i.e. as "at least one...", "at least two..." etc., unless it emerges from the context or the concrete text of a certain passage that only "exactly one...", "exactly two..." etc. is meant.

[0169] At this point it should be mentioned that in the context of this patent application the expression "in particular" should always be understood as introducing an optional, preferred feature. The expression is not to be understood as "and namely" or "namely". Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments explained below.

[0170] Components which in the individual figures are at least substantially identical in terms of their function can be identified by the same reference symbols, whereby the components do not have to be numbered and explained in all figures.

[0171] The drawing shows:

[0172] Figure 1: schematically shows a first view of an induction heating device for heating a metallic material, in which the metallic material is shown before entering the induction heating device; and

[0173] Figure 2: schematically shows a further view of the induction heating device shown in Figure 1, in which the metallic material is shown as it passes through the induction heating device.

[0174] In the following description, a repetitive description is avoided. Furthermore, individual features described in connection with one embodiment can also be used separately in other embodiments.

[0175] The induction heating device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 for heating a metallic material 2 has two resonant circuits 3 and 4 for generating a magnetic field (not shown) for heating the metallic material 2, each with a coil 6 and 7. The two resonant circuits 3 and 4 are supplied with electrical energy by a suitable energy supply device 5 of the induction heating device 1.

[0176] For the sake of clarity, all cable connections on the induction heating device 1, in particular with regard to the power supply and data lines between individual components, are not shown explicitly.

[0177] The first coil 6 is an upper coil (not numbered again) which is arranged above a reference plane 9, and the second coil 7 is a lower coil (not numbered again) which is accordingly arranged below the reference plane 9.

[0178] The reference plane 9 is arranged between the two coils 6 and 7 and along this reference plane 9 the metallic material 2 is transported forward in the transport direction or conveying direction 10 through the induction heating device 1, that is to say from left to right according to Figures 1 and 2.

[0179] The reference plane 9 is defined by the working plane (not numbered again) of the induction heating device 1, wherein the reference plane 9 can alternatively also be defined by a roller table plane (not shown) of a roller table, also not shown, or by a conveyor device (also not shown) for conveying the metallic material 2 of a production line 12, not illustrated in detail here.

[0180] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the reference plane 9 runs along the center line of the metallic item 2. Depending on the metallic item 2, the position of the reference plane 9 can also be located differently. The coils 6 and 7 are each independently mounted for displacement in the vertical direction 14 and are thus height-adjustable.

[0181] For adjusting the height of the coils 6 and 7, the induction heating device 1 has adjustment devices 16.

[0182] In this exemplary embodiment, the metallic material 2 has a normal target thickness 2A and a discontinuous geometric profile 18 with shape deviations 19 in the head region 21 of the metallic material 2 on the one hand and with a further shape deviation 22 in the central region 24 of the metallic material 2 on the other hand, which adjoins the head region 21.

[0183] The induction heating device 1 also has sensor devices 26 which are placed in front of the respective coil 6 or 7 as seen in the transport direction 10.

[0184] In this respect, these sensor devices 26 can reliably detect the geometric profile 18 of the metallic material 2 on its surface side 28 and 30, even before the metallic material 2 enters the coil area of ​​the coils 6 and 7 with its head region 21.

[0185] For this purpose, the sensor devices 26 with their respective effective ranges 32 and 33 can "scan" the respective corresponding surface sides 28 and 30 and in doing so can precisely record the geometric profile 18 of the metallic material 2 with all height differences 34.

[0186] Advantageously, the induction heating device 1 has a control device 40 for controlling and / or regulating vertical positions of the coils 6 and 7, respectively, wherein the control device 40 is data-connected to the sensor device 26 in order to obtain data on the geometric profile 18 of the metallic material 2. The control device 40 is configured to set the minimum possible distance 42 between the metallic material 2 and the respective coil 6 and 7 along the metallic material 2, taking into account the geometric profile 18 of the metallic material 2.

[0187] A particularly precise electrical efficiency with respect to coils 6 and 7 can be achieved if coils 6 and 7 are continuously adjusted.

[0188] According to the representation in Figure 1, the coils 6 and 7 are set by means of data on the target thickness 2A of the metallic material 2 with a minimum distance 42A from the surface sides 28 and 30 of the metallic material 2, respectively, before the metallic material 2 enters the coil area with its head side 21, so that the metallic material 2 can be inductively heated as effectively as possible on both sides.

[0189] According to the illustration in Figure 2s, the coils 6 and 7 are already displaced vertically in the direction 44 away from the metallic material, i.e. radially outwards, depending on the detected geometric profile 18, in particular due to the shape deviations 19 in the head region 21, in order to be able to be adjusted with a minimum distance 42B with respect to the shape deviations 19.

[0190] While the first coil 6 has readjusted its position due to the further shape deviation 22 in the central region 24, the lower coil 7 is displaced in a direction 46 approximately directed towards the metallic item 2, i.e. radially inwards, into the further minimum distance 42B. The first coil 6 is also displaced again into the minimum distance as soon as the further shape deviation 22 has passed the first coil 6. Overall, the induction heating device 1 thus succeeds in heating the metallic item 2 particularly homogeneously over its entire length, whereby the base region of the metallic item 2 is not shown here. At this point, it should be explicitly pointed out that the features of the solutions described above or in the claims and / or figures can also be combined if necessary in order to be able to implement or achieve the explained features, effects and advantages accordingly in a cumulative manner.

[0191] List of reference symbols

[0192] 1 induction heating device

[0193] 2 metallic goods

[0194] 2A Target thickness

[0195] 3 first (upper) oscillating circuit

[0196] 4 second (lower) resonant circuit

[0197] 5 Energy supply facility

[0198] 6 first (upper) coil

[0199] 7 second (lower) coil

[0200] 9 Reference plane

[0201] 10 Transport direction or conveying direction

[0202] 12 production lines

[0203] 14 vertical direction

[0204] 16 adjustment devices

[0205] 18 geometry profiles

[0206] 19 form deviations

[0207] 21 Head area

[0208] 22 further form deviations

[0209] 24 middle range

[0210] 26 sensor devices

[0211] 28 first ( upper ) surface side

[0212] 30 second (lower) surface side

[0213] 32 first (upper) effective range

[0214] 33 second (lower) effective range

[0215] 34 height differences

[0216] 40 Control device

[0217] 42A minimum distance or operating distance

[0218] 42B further minimum distance or operating distance

[0219] 44 Direction away from the metallic goods

[0220] 46 Direction to the metallic goods approximately inside

Claims

Patent claims 1. Induction heating device (1) for heating a metallic product (2), in particular a semi-finished product and / or a pre-product and / or an intermediate product and / or a product made of iron, steel and / or a non-ferrous metal material, comprising: • an oscillating circuit (3, 4) for generating a magnetic field for heating the metallic material (2), wherein the oscillating circuit (3, 4) has at least one coil (6, 7), wherein the coil (6, 7) is mounted displaceably in a vertical direction (14), • a power supply device (5) for supplying the oscillating circuit (3, 4) with electrical energy, • an adjusting device (16) for adjusting a position of the coil (6, 7) along the vertical direction (14), • a sensor device (26) for detecting a geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2) on a side (28, 30) of the metallic material (2) corresponding to the coil (6, 7), wherein an effective area (32, 33) of the sensor device (26) is arranged in front of the coil (6, 7) with respect to a conveying direction of the metallic material (2), • a control device (40) for controlling and / or regulating a vertical position of the coil (6, 7), wherein the control device (40) is data-connected to the sensor device (26), characterized in that the control device (40) is designed to set a minimum distance (42A, 42B) between the metallic material (2) and the coil (6, 7) along the metallic material (2) taking into account the geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2).

2. Induction heating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (40) is designed to set a minimum distance (42A, 42B) between the metallic material (2) and the coil (6, 7) in a central region (24) between a head region (21) and a foot region of the metallic material (2).

3. Induction heating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the induction heating device (1) additionally comprises: • a second coil (7), wherein the second coil (7) is mounted displaceably in the vertical direction (14), wherein the second coil (7) can be supplied with electrical energy by the energy supply device (5), • an adjusting device (16) for adjusting a position of the second coil (7) along the vertical direction (14), • a sensor device (26) having a second effective area (33) which is arranged in front of the second coil (7) with respect to a conveying direction (10) of the metallic material (2), for detecting a second geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2) on a side (30) of the metallic material (2) corresponding to the second coil (7), wherein the control device (40) is set up to control and / or regulate a vertical position of the second coil (7) and wherein the control device (40) is set up to set a second minimum distance (42A, 42B) between the metallic material (2) and the second coil (7) along the metallic material (2) taking into account the second geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2).

4. Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum distance (42A, 42B) is less than or equal to 50 mm, preferably less than or equal to 40 mm and particularly preferably less than or equal to 30 mm.

5. Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum distance (42A, 42B) is greater than 0 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 2 mm and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 5 mm.

6. Induction heating device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that a first minimum distance (42A, 42B) and a second minimum distance (42A, 42B) differ by less than or equal to 5 mm, preferably by less than or equal to 3 mm and particularly preferably by less than or equal to 1 mm.

7. Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that • the first coil (6) is designed to heat the metallic material (2) by means of transverse field induction, and / or • the first coil (6) and the second coil (7) are arranged to heat the metallic material (2) by means of transverse field induction and / or longitudinal field induction.

8. Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (40) is designed to set a minimum head distance between the metallic material (2) and a coil (6, 7) in the head region (21) of the metallic material (2).

9. Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (40) is designed to set a minimum foot distance between the metallic material (2) and a coil (6, 7) in the foot region of the metallic material (2).

10. Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum head distance in the head region (21) and / or the minimum foot distance in the foot region of the metallic material (2) is greater by a factor of 1.1 than the minimum distance (42A, 42B) in the middle region (24) of the metallic material (2), preferably by a factor of 1.2 and particularly preferably by a factor of 1.

3.

11. Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head region (21) comprises less than or equal to 15% of a longitudinal extent of the metallic material (2), preferably less than or equal to 10% and particularly preferably less than or equal to 7.5%.

12. Induction heating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foot region comprises less than or equal to 15% of a longitudinal extent of the metallic material (2), preferably less than or equal to 10% and particularly preferably less than or equal to 7.5%.

13. Operating method (1) for operating an induction heating device (1) for heating a metallic good (2), 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, by means of a coil (6, 7), in particular an induction heating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps: • Determination of a geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2) with a sensor device (26) on a side (28, 30) of the metallic material (2) corresponding to the coil (6, 7), wherein an effective area (32, 33) of the sensor device (26) is arranged in front of the coil (6, 7) with respect to a conveying direction (10) of the metallic material (2), • Adjusting a position of the coil (6, 7) along a vertical direction (14) with an adjusting device (16), in particular in a central region (24) between a Head region (21) and a foot region of the metallic material (2), taking into account the geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2) for setting a minimum distance (42A, 42B) between the metallic material (2) and the coil (6, 7).

14. Operating method according to claim 13 for operating an induction heating device (1) for heating a metallic material (2), wherein the induction heating device (1) has a second coil (7), characterized by the following steps: • Determination of a second geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2) with a sensor device (26) on a side (30) of the metallic material (2) corresponding to the second coil (7), wherein a second effective area (33) of the sensor device (26) is arranged in front of the second coil (7) with respect to a conveying direction (10) of the metallic material (2), • Adjusting a position of the second coil (7) along a vertical direction (14), with an adjusting device (16), in particular in the central region (24) of the metallic material (2) taking into account the geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2) for setting a minimum distance (42A, 42B) between the metallic material (2) and the second coil (7).

15. Operating method according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized by the following step: • Adjusting a position of the first coil (6) and / or the second coil (7) along a vertical direction (14), with an adjusting device (16) in the head region (21) of the metallic material (2) taking into account the geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2) for setting a minimum head distance.

16. Operating method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized by the following step: • Adjusting a position of the first coil (6) and / or the second coil (7) along a vertical direction (14), with an adjusting device (16) in the foot region of the metallic material (2) taking into account the geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2) for setting a minimum foot distance.

17. Induction heating device (1) for heating a metallic product (2), in particular a semi-finished product and / or a pre-product and / or an intermediate product and / or a product made of iron, steel and / or a non-ferrous metal material, • wherein the induction heating device (1) has an oscillating circuit (3, 4) for generating a magnetic field for heating the metallic material (2), • wherein the resonant circuit (3, 4) comprises a capacitor device and a coil (6, 7), • wherein the induction heating device (1) has a power supply device (5) for supplying the oscillating circuit (3, 4) with electrical energy, • wherein the induction heating device (1) has an adjusting device (16) for adjusting a position of the coil (6, 7) along the vertical direction (14), • wherein the induction heating device (1) has a sensor device (26) for detecting a geometric profile (18) of the metallic material (2), • wherein the induction heating device (1) has a control device (40) for controlling and / or regulating a vertical position of the coil (6, 7), wherein the control device (40) is data-connected to the sensor device (26), where- wherein the control device (40) is arranged to control and / or regulate a vertical position of the coil (6, 7), • wherein the induction heating device (1) is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 13 to 16.

18. A production line (12) for producing and / or processing a metallic product (2), 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 (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 or 16.

19. Use of an induction heating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 or 17 and / or an operating method according to one of claims 13 to 16 and / or a production line (12) according to claim 18.

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