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

Abstract

The present invention relates to an induction heating apparatus for heating a metal object by a resonant circuit that generates a magnetic field for heating the metal object, wherein the resonant circuit comprises at least one coil, the coil being supported so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction, and includes an energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to the resonant circuit, an adjustment device for adjusting the position of the coil along the vertical direction, and a sensor device for detecting the geometric profile of the metal object on the side of the metal object corresponding to the coil, wherein the working range of the sensor device is positioned in front of the coil with respect to the transport direction of the metal object, and includes a control device for open-loop and / or closed-loop control of the vertical position of the coil, the control device is data-connected to the sensor device, and the induction heating apparatus is characterized in that the control device is configured to adjust the minimum distance between the metal object and the coil, taking into account the geometric profile of the metal object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an induction heating device for heating semi-finished products and / or primary products and / or intermediate products and / or products made of metal products, particularly iron materials, steel materials and / or non-ferrous metal materials.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for operating an induction heating device for heating semi-finished products and / or primary products and / or intermediate products and / or products made of metal products, particularly iron materials, steel materials and / or non-ferrous metal materials.

[0003] Similarly, the present invention further relates to a production line for manufacturing and / or processing semi-finished products and / or primary products and / or intermediate products and / or products made of metal products, particularly iron-made materials, steel-made materials and / or non-ferrous metal materials.

[0004] The present invention also relates to the use of such an induction heating device.

[0005] The present invention also relates to the use of such an operation method.

[0006] In addition, the present invention also relates to the use of such a production line.

Background Art

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

[0008] At this time, known induction heating devices for heating passing metal products are provided with coils fixed to the metal products and / or, in particular, adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the metal products, and the metal products pass through each coil in the machine direction of the induction heating device.

[0009] In induction heating devices with a fixed coil, the distance between the fixed coil and the metal object is typically configured so that even the largest possible metal object, viewed lateral to the conveying plane of each induction heating device, does not collide with the fixed coil. This means that the coil must always be kept at the safest possible distance from the metal object, thereby preventing accidental damage. However, this set safety distance significantly reduces the electrical efficiency of each induction heating device.

[0010] To overcome the shortcomings of this, other induction heating devices have coils that can be adjusted perpendicular to the direction of transport of the metal part. In the case of metal parts that are to be heated discontinuously, such as slabs, such vertically adjustable coils are moved to a safe position before the metal part reaches each coil, and in this safe position, it is ensured that the metal part does not collide with each coil, regardless of the positional tolerances and / or shape tolerances inherent in the metal part. Often, the leading edge of a metal part may have significant shape deviations as a result of, for example, a preceding manufacturing process, and such shape deviations may deviate significantly from the shape of the rest of the metal part, particularly due to, for example, a previous primary forming process and / or deformation process or similar.

[0011] In this regard, in induction heating devices with adjustable coils, an additional safety distance (safe position) is proactively set for the coils relative to the surface of the metal object, at least until the leading edge of the metal object has passed through each coil or its operating range. Only after the leading edge of the metal object has passed through each coil is the coil temporarily displaced to its actual operating position. The drawback here is that the operating distance between the coil and the metal object can vary considerably, for example, as a result of smaller, undesirable positional and / or shape tolerances behind the leading edge of the metal object, and as a result, the magnetic field generated by the coils cannot uniformly and continuously heat the metal object with the desired, and especially optimal, electrical efficiency.

[0012] In particular, the initial displacement of the coil to a safe position almost always leads to weaker heating of the leading range than, more often, the central range of other metal parts adjacent to the leading range.

[0013] The same applies to the tail range of the metal part, which in turn connects to the central range of the metal part. Here again, the adjustable coil periodically moves back to its safe position.

[0014] Consequently, metal parts are often heated unevenly in parts, and these metal parts typically enter the production line with a slightly lower temperature range at the beginning or end of the temperature range. As a result, the material in the beginning or end of the temperature range is of lower quality compared to the middle range, and the existing unevenness is not only not sustained but amplified, so in many cases the material needs to be determined as waste.

[0015] Furthermore, general production lines for the manufacture and / or processing of semi-finished products and / or primary products and / or intermediate products and / or finished products made of ferrous materials, steel materials and / or non-ferrous metal materials are known from the prior art. These typically consist of a plurality of apparatus in which primary products and / or intermediate products and / or finished products are each subjected to one or more method steps. The apparatus may be, for example, heating or cooling apparatus, conveying apparatus, molding apparatus, cleaning apparatus, chemical processing apparatus, surface coating apparatus, cutting apparatus or joining apparatus, and combinations thereof. The method steps may be, for example, raising or lowering temperature, conveying, deformation processing, cleaning, chemical processing, surface coating, cutting or joining, and combinations thereof. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0016] The problem that this invention is based on is to provide an improved or alternative form to the prior art. In particular, the problem that this invention is based on is to advantageously improve the production volume of product parts or product materials in a general induction heating apparatus.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object of the present invention is an induction heating device for heating semi-finished products and / or primary products and / or intermediate products and / or finished products made of metal products, particularly iron materials, steel materials and / or non-ferrous metal materials, A resonant circuit for generating a magnetic field for heating a metal object, particularly a first resonant circuit, the resonant circuit comprising at least one coil, particularly a first coil, the coil being supported so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction, and • An energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to a resonant circuit, • An adjustment device for adjusting the position of a coil, particularly the position of the first coil, along the vertical direction, particularly the first adjustment device and A sensor device for detecting the geometric profile of a metal object, particularly a first geometric profile, particularly on the side of the metal object corresponding to a coil, with respect to a reference plane, particularly with respect to a reference plane of a conveying device for conveying a metal object, wherein the operating range of the sensor device, particularly a first operating range, is positioned in front of the coil with respect to the conveying direction of the metal object. An induction heating device having a control device for open-loop and / or closed-loop control of the vertical position of a coil, wherein the control device is data-connected to a sensor device. The solution is provided, and the induction heating apparatus is characterized in that the control device is configured to adjust, in particular a first minimum distance, along the metal part and the coil, taking into account the geometric profile of the metal part, and to adjust in particular continuously.

[0018] This induction heating device allows for not only partial adjustment of the distance between the coil and the metal part, but also convenient adjustment over the entire length of the metal part. In particular, it allows for consideration of shape tolerances and position tolerances over the entire length of the metal part, and enables advantageous compensation through appropriate displacement of the coil relative to the metal part.

[0019] In this respect, advantageously, the induction heating device enables the setting of a desired, particularly optimal, or minimum distance between the coil and the metal object in the leading range of the metal object, so that the metal object can be heated as uniformly as possible, particularly in its end range, more precisely in its leading range, and possibly in its tail range, and especially in its central range.

[0020] Preferably, the induction heating device is already inductively operated before or by the entry of a metal object into the induction heating device, particularly before or by the entry into the operating range of at least one coil.

[0021] Ideally, the coil can be optimally adjusted to the metal part along its entire length, so the optimal distance between the coil and the metal part is not only adjustable behind a potentially greatly deformed leading range for optimal electrical efficiency in the material.

[0022] This allows the metal product to be subjected to uniform heat input along its entire length, which significantly reduces the amount of material waste.

[0023] In other words, with respect to the material passing through the induction heating device, this means that the resonant circuit of the induction heating device, particularly its coil, can always be maintained at an optimal distance from the metal object along its entire length, depending on the geometry of the metal object.

[0024] In other words, because the coil follows the progression of the surface geometric profile of the metal product at a nearly constant minimum distance, it is possible to maintain the minimum distance well and reliably, especially within the rolling pass, even in the event of disturbances related to the geometric shape of the metal product (significant shape deviations and / or position deviations). As a result, an induction heating device pre-adjusted to a predetermined product thickness can continuously respond to unexpected shape and / or positional changes of the metal product within its entire length between the leading and trailing end faces, and in particular, can be continuously readjusted so that the minimum distance can always be adjusted.

[0025] Here, the term "substantially constant" takes into account the fact that the coil has a certain longitudinal extension. Due to the structure, when following an inconvenient geometric profile such as that of a ski board, for example, within the range of such a geometric profile, there may sometimes occur quite small non-constant processing regions that can often be considered negligible.

[0026] At this time, the term "geometric profile" represents deformations such as shape deviations, particularly irregular shape deviations such as protrusions, wavy profiles or the like. Here, such shape deviations can exist particularly when the thickness of the metal part is the same or has only a slight deviation over its length.

[0027] Thereby, the coil of this induction heating device can be closed-loop controllable or open-loop controllable so that over the entire length of the metal part, the coil can always adjust or maintain a desired or optimal distance with respect to the metal part.

[0028] Thereby, even when unevenness occurs only partially over the entire length of the metal part, it is possible to continuously adapt the induction heating device particularly to a geometric profile with unevenness.

[0029] Therefore, it is possible to continuously correct the position of the coil, particularly the height position in the vertical direction, with respect to the metal part so that the minimum distance can always be maintained in the sense of the present invention.

[0030] In this regard, here, it is possible to continuously correct the position of the induction heating device with respect to the metal part depending on the geometric profile of the metal part so that the minimum distance can always be maintained in the sense of the present invention.

[0031] In this regard, it is also advantageous if the control device is configured to be able to correct the position of the induction heating device, particularly the position of its coil, relative to the metal object or reference plane, depending on the geometric profile of the metal object, so as to be able to always maintain the minimum distance in the sense of the present invention.

[0032] In the context of this invention, the term "total length" includes not only the central range between the leading and trailing ranges of the metal product, but also encompasses the leading or trailing range from the leading end face to the trailing end face of the metal product.

[0033] In the context of this invention, metal products are understood to be slabs, rods, spare strips, intermediate strips, wires, strips, and similar items whose longitudinal extension is far greater than their width and thickness extension.

[0034] It should be explicitly noted that these suggestions extend to metal products having infinite longitudinal extensions, particularly metal rods, slabs, and / or strips, especially metal rods, slabs, and / or strips that are joined to an endless metal strip at the beginning of a production line and separated again at the end of the production line. In this context, the term "total length" refers to the length of a continuous heating process, including any necessary modifications.

[0035] In the context of this invention, the term "minimum distance" refers to the operating distance (particularly the leading distance and trailing distance) between each coil and the metal product to be processed, and this operating distance can be kept substantially constant, in particular, by using the variable operating position of the coil in the induction heating device, or by using positional tolerances and / or shape tolerances at subsequent operating positions.

[0036] The distance between the coil and the metal part affects the efficiency of the induction heating device.

[0037] During manufacturing operations, shape tolerances of metal parts and / or positional tolerances of metal parts relative to the coil may occur. Therefore, the minimum distance can be understood as a safety distance representing a compromise between the ideal efficiency of the induction heating device and the shape tolerances and / or positional tolerances of the metal parts. In other words, the minimum distance allows for relatively safe contact between the metal parts and the coil while simultaneously enabling the optimal efficiency of the induction heating device.

[0038] Preferably, the minimum distance can be understood as the distance that allows for the optimal efficiency of the induction heating device, taking into account all boundary conditions of the manufacturing process. Thus, the minimum distance can be understood as and / or can be called the "optimal distance".

[0039] In this regard, the induction heating device allows the coil to occupy multiple different operating positions relative to the metal object, thereby enabling constant adjustment and maintenance of the desired minimum distance, and thereby achieving the most uniform heat input possible along the longest possible longitudinal portion along the metal object.

[0040] In this case, it is advantageous if the difference between the operating distance in the leading range (leading distance) and the operating distance in the subsequent central range is preferably less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, and particularly preferably less than 10% or less than 5%.

[0041] This also applies to the operating distance (tail distance) between the tail range and the center range of a metal part.

[0042] In this context, the term "front range" refers to the area in front of the metal object as viewed in the direction of transport.

[0043] The size or length of such leading ranges may vary. For example, the length of the leading range may depend on the material thickness of the metal part.

[0044] For example, the leading edge range has a length of 100 mm or 150 mm or more, measured from the front end face of the metal product.

[0045] For example, the size or length of the leading edge may depend on the type of deformation caused by the separation process of the material strands. In particular, the leading edge may have ski-like deformation or similar deformation.

[0046] In this context, the term "rear range" refers to the area behind the metal object as viewed in the direction of transport.

[0047] As described above, this configuration can occur in the leading range, and may extend for a length of 100 mm or 150 mm or more when measured from the rear end face of the metal product.

[0048] Due to this similarity, even though both include trailing ranges, the following explanation will simplify the description to focus only on the leading range.

[0049] If the operating distance between the coil and the surface product is the same along the metal product, it is possible to achieve particularly uniform electrical efficiency along the metal product.

[0050] Therefore, it can be guaranteed that the coil can always process metal objects favorably with uniform electrical efficiency, both in the leading range and the subsequent middle range.

[0051] This also applies to the operating distance between the tail range and the center range of a metal part.

[0052] This makes it possible to heat the metal part very uniformly, both in the leading range and the subsequent central range.

[0053] On the other hand, this leads to a significant reduction in production losses in this induction device.

[0054] In the context of this invention, the term "reference plane" refers to the operating plane in the induction heating apparatus, along which the metal object passes and moves in each coil. The operating plane preferably extends in the mechanical direction of the induction heating apparatus, along that mechanical direction, and preferably also through the operating range of the coils of the induction heating apparatus.

[0055] Preferably, the operating plane of the induction heating device coincides with the conveying plane of the conveying section or the conveying plane of a corresponding roller conveyor in the production line.

[0056] In this respect, the reference plane can also be defined by such a transport plane.

[0057] The conveying plane can also be achieved, for example, by the belt tension of the conveyor system or something similar.

[0058] However, the reference plane can also be set variably depending on the metalwork to be processed by the induction heating device. Therefore, the reference plane can be positioned in particular at the center of the metalwork or at the lower edge of the metalwork.

[0059] In this case, advantageously, the reference plane can be used, for example, to transform from absolute coordinates to relative coordinates.

[0060] Alternatively, the reference plane can be based on the plane of the sensor device and / or the plane of the adjustment device and / or the plane of the coil and / or the relevant geometric parameters of the metal part, in particular a plane that depends on the thickness of the metal part above the conveying plane of the metal part, or similar, preferably, the reference plane can be used to convert from the absolute coordinates of the production line to the relative coordinates of the production line.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the present invention, an "induction heating device" is understood to be a device configured to use electrical energy to induce heating of a metal object.

[0062] The temperature rise of primary products and / or intermediate products and / or finished products is essential for many method steps and is therefore an essential method step in the processing of metal products.

[0063] For this purpose, the induction heating apparatus according to the present invention is particularly useful, and each induction heating apparatus can be used at various points in a production line for manufacturing and / or processing metal products, or in a roller conveyor of a production line.

[0064] Since heat is generated within the metal object itself, and there is no need to introduce heat to the surface of the metal object from the outside by conduction, convection, and / or radiation, advantageously, this induction heating device can directly heat the metal object.

[0065] In induction heating using an induction heating device, the resonant circuit is excited by oscillation, particularly in the intermediate frequency range.

[0066] Typically, for this purpose, the power supply voltage, such as a single-phase AC voltage or a multi-phase AC voltage, is first rectified and smoothed, and a DC voltage that excites the resonant circuit is supplied to the inverter.

[0067] In the context of this invention, a "resonant circuit" is understood to be a device for inductively heating a metal object. In this case, the resonant circuit includes at least one coil and one capacitor device.

[0068] In the context of the present invention, at least one first resonant circuit can be positioned above the metal object to be heated, or above a transport section or roller conveyor associated therewith, and the metal object is transported along the transport section or roller conveyor.

[0069] In this case, the resonant circuit is further characterized by the operating range or electrical range over which the magnetic field can interact with the metal object.

[0070] In this respect, such a first coil is an upper coil of the induction heating device and is correspondingly positioned above the operating range or the metal object to be heated.

[0071] Furthermore, the induction heating apparatus may include at least one second resonant circuit having at least one second coil, which is located below the operating range or the metal object to be heated, and therefore below the first resonant circuit and the associated conveying section or roller conveyor.

[0072] The coil of an induction heating device may have less than one complete turn, one complete turn, and / or more than one complete turn, especially two or more turns, three or more turns, or four or more turns.

[0073] The portion of the coil that acts on the metal object preferably has a meandering, U-shaped, or hairpin-shaped geometric form.

[0074] In either case, each coil is positioned on one side relative to the material to be heated and can be actuated or moved relative to the metal part so that the desired electrical efficiency can be precisely adjusted to a desired optimal level, particularly over distance from the metal part.

[0075] Here, the electrical connection between the metal object and the alternating magnetic field can be brought about by longitudinal magnetic field induction and / or transverse magnetic field induction. In longitudinal magnetic field induction, the magnetic field lines extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the metal object. In transverse magnetic field induction, the magnetic field lines in the metal object extend substantially in the transverse direction of the metal object, particularly in the thickness direction and / or width direction of the metal object.

[0076] The term "metallic articles" here refers to any product containing conductive ferrous materials, steel materials, and / or non-ferrous metal materials. In particular, metallic articles may be understood as any conductive semi-finished products and / or any primary products and / or any intermediate products and / or finished products.

[0077] If the metal object is, for example, a thin metal sheet or slab, then, in the case of transverse magnetic field induction, magnetic field lines can substantially enter the metal sheet in the thickness direction and exit the metal sheet again in the thickness direction.

[0078] In the context of this invention, the term "energy supply device" is understood to mean a device configured to supply electrical energy, in particular a current having an appropriate current intensity, an appropriate voltage, and / or an appropriate frequency, for operating at least one resonant circuit.

[0079] This energy supply device can be configured to supply electrical energy to multiple resonant circuits, particularly to at least two, three, four, five, six, or more resonant circuits.

[0080] It goes without saying that the electrical connection between the energy supply device and one or more resonant circuits of this induction heating device can be structurally configured in various known ways, for example, using a suitable busbar or similar. However, in appropriately selected connection structures, power supply lines via cable connections are also possible.

[0081] This capacitor device can also be configured in different ways. Therefore, the capacitor device can comprise a single capacitor or multiple capacitors. In the latter variation, the multiple capacitors are preferably connected in parallel.

[0082] This induction heating device can be equipped with one coil or, in the case of multiple coils, a single capacitor device electrically connected to it.

[0083] In particular, in the case of multiple induction coils, multiple capacitor devices can be provided in the induction heating device. For example, each coil may be assigned exactly one capacitor device, and such capacitor device may have a single capacitor or multiple capacitors, preferably multiple capacitors connected in parallel.

[0084] Alternatively, it is also possible to assign multiple coils to a single capacitor.

[0085] In this induction heating device, a structure in which exactly one coil is electrically assigned to one capacitor device, and furthermore, multiple coils are electrically assigned to another capacitor device, can also be advantageously realized.

[0086] In this case, it is possible to implement various configuration variations depending on the application needs.

[0087] The term "adjustment device" here refers to a device that can displace the coil as needed relative to a metal object, or within the operating range or range of action of an induction heating device.

[0088] In particular, each coil is positioned and supported in a height-adjustable manner relative to the metal product, especially with respect to its thickness extension, and for such height adjustment, the coil is supported so as to be displaceable laterally relative to the metal product, or preferably perpendicular to the metal product, or transport section, conveying section, or roller conveyor, and in particular so as to be linearly displaceable.

[0089] The adjustment device may be equipped with one or more hydraulic cylinders for linear adjustment, a rack drive unit, a toggle lever, or similar components for operation.

[0090] Here, the term "height adjustment" refers to the lateral displacement of each coil, regardless of the spatial orientation of the transport section along which the metal product is conveyed.

[0091] Particularly preferably, the coil is supported in a direction perpendicular to the machine direction, for example, to adjust the minimum distance.

[0092] In this regard, the term "perpendicular" in the sense of the present invention refers to the direction lateral to the machine direction, which is the main conveying direction of the metal product.

[0093] Furthermore, the term "sensor device" refers to a device for detecting the relative position of a metal object, particularly the surface side of a metal object, with respect to an induction heating device, especially the coil of the induction heating device, or the relative position within the operating range defined by at least one coil of the induction heating device.

[0094] Therefore, the sensor device can accurately identify the geometric profile of a metal object, especially an uneven geometric profile, even when the metal object has a certain thickness.

[0095] In this case, the sensor device can be implemented in different ways, for example, optically, particularly laser-optically, acoustically, inductively, mechanically by contact, or similar means.

[0096] Preferably, at this time, an imaging method can be used to identify a surface profile or geometric profile, in some cases, in front of each coil. Based on the identified surface profile or geometric profile, each coil can be advantageously positioned relative to a metal product, for example, to achieve optimal electrical efficiency with respect to the metal product.

[0097] In addition to, or instead of, this can be used to continuously perform a series of surface scans, which makes it possible to create a surface profile or geometric profile of the metal part, preferably in each coil or immediately before it, in real time and with particular accuracy.

[0098] In some cases, even if the sensor device operates discontinuously, it may already be sufficient to determine a sufficiently accurate geometric profile.

[0099] For example, with respect to so-called ski-like deformations or similar deformations, it is advantageous to detect the relative position on the shorter side, particularly the leading edge, so that significant positional deviations in the leading edge range of the metal product can be identified early. This detection allows for at least pre-adjustment of the coil for the product to be heated, so that the coil can be adjusted more quickly to the longer side thereafter.

[0100] In any case, using this induction heating device, ideally, the optimal electrical efficiency can always be adjusted for metal objects, as the advantageous distance between the coil and the metal object can always be well adjusted at all points along the long side of the metal object and at all times.

[0101] In this configuration, the sensor device can be directly positioned on the induction heating device, for example, its frame, housing, or a similar part, and in that respect, it may also come into contact with the coil. However, alternatively, the sensor device can be positioned in front of the coil when viewed in the transport direction, and both possibilities can be realized here.

[0102] In particular, according to the present invention, the expression "operating range" with respect to a sensor device should be understood as the operating connection between the sensor device and the metal object, and the operating range may represent the range of the metal object that can be scanned and / or measured by the sensor device.

[0103] In the context of this invention, the expression "geometric profile" in relation to metal products refers to the profile of the metal product, and this expression can be understood as a deformation such as a waveform profile or something similar, or as a small defect directly present on the surface of the metal product, and such defect can be detected by the sensor device described herein.

[0104] The term "geometric profile" can, in particular, explicitly include the central range of a metal product, i.e., the range between the beginning and ending ranges of the metal product. In this respect, the geometric profile is not necessarily limited to only the beginning or ending range of a metal product; the beginning range represents the starting point where the metal product is introduced with respect to the coil, and the ending range represents the ending point to which it is derived.

[0105] It would be advantageous if target values ​​for operating parameters related to metal parts that are relevant to the operating distance, such as the thickness of the metal part, could be identified and / or otherwise provided to the control device.

[0106] In this regard, the target value may preferably be the thickness of the slab, the thickness of the bar, the thickness of the metal strip, or something similar.

[0107] In particular, this can be done by a sensor device that is appropriately configured or positioned, located before or upstream of the coil, and whose operating range is located before or upstream of the coil, or in addition to or instead of this, by using process data from a processing process carried out upstream, for example. However, the corresponding data for the target value can be based on production plan data.

[0108] Therefore, by assuming target values ​​for the relevant geometric parameters of the metal product, it is possible to favorably position the coil relative to the surface side of the metal product, particularly relative to the thickness of the metal product.

[0109] If the specified deviations of the relevant geometric parameters are below the critical tolerance, the metal object can pass through the coil, which is positioned optimally from the standpoint of electrical efficiency.

[0110] However, if the identified deviation of the relevant geometric parameters exceeds a critical tolerance, the coil position is appropriately adjusted to allow collision-free passage of the product part having the geometric deviation.

[0111] In addition, the "corresponding side" of a metal part is understood to be the surface side of the metal part that directly faces each sensor device or coil.

[0112] This means, for example, that the upper side of the metal part is directly facing the upper coil of the induction heating device, and the lower side of the metal part is correspondingly facing the lower coil of the induction heating device.

[0113] Although the terms "leading range" and "trailing range" of the metal object are used repeatedly here, it should be clearly noted that the induction heating device proposed here can also be used to heat metal strips, especially endless metal strips. In this case, the sensor device can also identify deviations in the relevant geometric parameters of the metal object used to adjust the coil.

[0114] In one preferred embodiment, the control device is configured to set a minimum distance between the metal part and the coil, particularly a first minimum distance, in a central range between the leading and trailing ranges of the metal part, and to set a minimum distance in particular a continuous manner.

[0115] In particular, the optimal distance adjustment of the coil relative to the metal object has been neglected until now, especially in the central range of metal objects. However, advantageously, this induction heating device makes it possible to set an advantageous distance even in the central range of metal objects to consistently achieve optimal electrical efficiency. This makes it possible to achieve particularly uniform heating along the entire length of the metal object.

[0116] This is especially true when the sensor device operates continuously, because it allows for reliable detection and / or consideration of any disturbances related to the metal object within the central range, particularly continuously, and especially adjustable or pre-controlled, thereby more reliably ensuring uniform heating within that range.

[0117] The induction heating device further includes the following: • A second coil, in particular a second coil of a second resonant circuit for generating a magnetic field for heating a metal object, the second coil being supported so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction, and the second coil being able to be supplied with electrical energy by an energy supply device, • An adjustment device for adjusting the second coil along the vertical direction, in particular the second adjustment device and A sensor device having a second range of action positioned in front of the second coil with respect to the conveying direction of the metal product, in particular the second sensor device is positioned in front of the second coil with respect to the conveying direction of the metal product, and in particular the second sensor device is data-connected to a control device to detect the second geometric profile of the metal product on the side of the metal product corresponding to the second coil, in particular to detect the second geometric profile of the metal product with respect to a reference plane, The control device is configured to control the vertical position of the second coil in an open-loop and / or closed-loop manner, and is configured to continuously adjust, in particular, the second minimum distance between the metal part and the second coil along the metal part, taking into account the second geometric profile of the metal part, especially in the central range of the metal part.

[0118] In this case, the second adjustment device can be implemented as an independent device in the induction heating device, or alternatively, the second adjustment device is a structural component of the first adjustment device.

[0119] The situation is similar for the second sensor device, which is either an independent device in the induction heating device or, in its place, is set as a structural component of the first sensor device.

[0120] In this case, the second coil can preferably be positioned on the side of the metal part opposite to the side corresponding to the first coil.

[0121] In this case, the second geometric profile can also be favorably associated with the aforementioned reference plane.

[0122] This induction heating device can be operated with particularly favorable electrical efficiency if the minimum distance along the metal object, especially in the central area of ​​the metal object, particularly the first minimum distance and / or the second minimum distance, is 50 mm or less, preferably 40 mm or less, and especially preferably 30 mm or less.

[0123] If the minimum distance is 20 mm or less, preferably 15 mm or less, and especially preferably 10 mm or less, the induction heating device can be operated more effectively. In this respect, it is possible to achieve particularly efficient heating of metal objects, which is due in part to the still small gap between the coil and the metal object.

[0124] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the minimum distance along the metal object, especially in the central area of ​​the metal object, particularly the first minimum distance and / or the second minimum distance, is greater than 0 mm, preferably 2 mm or more, and especially preferably 5 mm or more. This ultimately ensures the safety of the induction heating device against collisions with metal objects, and correspondingly, greater safety due to larger minimum distances is always accompanied by lower electrical resistance.

[0125] If the difference between the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance is 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, and particularly preferably 1 mm or less, then it is possible to achieve particularly uniform heating of the metal product.

[0126] This essentially allows for the setting of essentially the same minimum distance on both sides of the metal object, which enables the application of equivalent magnetic fields to the metal object on both sides, thus achieving equivalent heating of the metal object on both sides.

[0127] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first coil is configured to heat the metal product using transverse magnetic field induction, and / or if the first and second coils are configured to heat the metal product using transverse magnetic field induction and / or longitudinal magnetic field induction.

[0128] In a system with a single first coil positioned on only one side of a metal object, the induction heating device can be configured more compactly. However, in this case, only lateral magnetic field induction can be achieved.

[0129] When using two coils, for example, by vibrating the first and second coils with a phase difference of 0 to 180° relative to each other, it is possible to achieve both transverse magnetic field induction and longitudinal magnetic field induction or a mixed configuration. This is preferably done by a 180° phase shift.

[0130] In one preferred embodiment, the control device is configured to set a minimum leading distance between the metal part and the coil, particularly the first coil and / or the second coil, within the leading range of the metal part.

[0131] This further improves the uniform heating of the leading edge of the metal part relative to the rest of the metal part, thereby enabling the achievement of more consistent quality in products manufactured from the metal part. Consequently, it is also possible to significantly reduce the defect rate.

[0132] Similarly, in the leading edge of a metal product, there is almost always a larger predictable deformation deviation due to, for example, cutting of a casting strand using a cutting device or similar methods.

[0133] This is often the case, for example, in discontinuous production such as batch operations, in which case metal parts are processed intermittently, particularly heat-treated, and passed through induction heating equipment in batches.

[0134] However, significant deformation deviations can also occur due to other deformation patterns, such as ski-like deformation in the leading or trailing range of a metal product and / or wavy deformation, particularly in the central range of the metal product.

[0135] Similarly, it is advantageous if the control device is configured to set a minimum tail distance between the metal part and the coil, particularly the first coil and / or the second coil, in the tail range of the metal part, particularly the first minimum tail distance and / or the second minimum tail distance.

[0136] This also improves the uniform heating of the tail portion of the metal part compared to the rest of the metal part, thereby enabling the achievement of more consistent quality in products manufactured from the metal part. Consequently, it is possible to significantly reduce the defect rate, in particular.

[0137] The collision safety of this induction heating device can be further improved if the minimum leading distance in the leading range of the metal product, particularly the first minimum leading distance and / or the second minimum leading distance, and / or the minimum trailing distance in the trailing range of the metal product, particularly the first minimum trailing distance and / or the second minimum trailing distance, are 1.1 times, preferably 1.2 times, and especially preferably 1.3 times greater than the minimum distance in the central range of the metal product, particularly the first minimum distance and / or the second minimum distance.

[0138] The coefficients selected in this manner are particularly advantageous because larger geometric profile deviations are expected in the leading and trailing ranges compared to the central range of metal parts located between them. Therefore, it is possible to achieve high production availability.

[0139] For example, larger coefficient values ​​such as 1.4, 1.5, or 1.75 can achieve further improved crash safety, but this comes at the expense of the achievable electrical efficiency that can be uniformly achieved along the metal parts.

[0140] When the leading edge range includes 15% or less, preferably 10% or less, and particularly preferably 7.5% or less of the longitudinal extension of the metal product, it is possible to have a favorable effect on more even and uniform heating of the metal product.

[0141] A similar situation occurs when the leading range includes 12.5% ​​or less, preferably 5% or less, and particularly preferably 2.5% or less of the longitudinal extension of the metal product.

[0142] It is equally advantageous when the trailing range includes 15% or less, preferably 10% or less, and particularly preferably 7.5% or less, of the longitudinal extension of the metal product.

[0143] A similar situation occurs when the trailing range includes 12.5% ​​or less, preferably 5% or less, and particularly preferably 2.5% or less of the longitudinal extension of the metal product.

[0144] The problem of the present invention is solved by a method of operating an induction heating apparatus for heating semi-finished products and / or primary and / or intermediate and / or finished products made of metal materials, particularly iron materials, steel materials and / or non-ferrous metal materials, using a coil, particularly a first coil, and particularly an induction heating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method of operating having the following steps: The determination of the geometric profile of a metal product, particularly a first geometric profile, by a sensor device, particularly a first sensor device, on the side of the metal product corresponding to the coil, particularly the determination of the geometric profile of the metal product with respect to a reference plane, particularly with respect to a reference plane of a conveying device for conveying the metal product, particularly the determination of the target thickness of the metal product, wherein the range of operation of the sensor device, particularly the first range of operation, is positioned in front of the coil with respect to the conveying direction of the metal product. Adjusting the position of the coil, particularly the position of the first coil, along the vertical direction, particularly continuously, by an adjustment device, particularly a first adjustment device, taking into consideration the geometric profile of the metal part for adjusting the minimum distance between the metal part and the coil, particularly a first minimum distance, particularly in the central range between the leading range and the trailing range of the metal part.

[0145] As already mentioned above, the method described here makes it possible to significantly improve the production volume of product parts or product materials for metal products that have been induction-heated using an induction heating device.

[0146] In particular, to achieve optimal results from the standpoint of electrical efficiency, the minimum distance may be the same as the optimal distance.

[0147] It is particularly advantageous that the minimum distance to the metal component, especially the leading or trailing range of the metal component, is set in the coil before and / or while the metal component, especially its leading range, enters the load. This ensures that the leading range also receives the load with optimal electrical efficiency.

[0148] In a modified version of the advantageous method, an operating method is envisioned for operating an induction heating device for heating a metal object, the induction heating device comprising a second coil, and the alternative operating method comprises the following steps: - Determining the second geometric profile of a metal product by a sensor device, particularly a second sensor device, on the side of the metal product corresponding to the second coil, in particular determining the second geometric profile of the metal product with respect to a reference plane, particularly with respect to a reference plane of a conveying device for conveying the metal product, wherein the second operating range of the sensor device is positioned in front of the second coil with respect to the conveying direction of the metal product. - Adjusting the position of the second coil along the vertical direction, particularly continuously, by an adjustment device, especially a second adjustment device, taking into account the second geometric profile of the metal part for adjusting the second minimum distance between the metal part and the coil, especially in the central range of the metal part.

[0149] By using a modified version of this method, metal products can be heated more advantageously, and in particular, more uniformly heat-treated.

[0150] In particular, when using two coils, it is possible to induce both a lateral magnetic field and a longitudinal magnetic field by, for example, oscillating the first coil and the second coil with a phase difference between them, especially with a phase difference of 180°.

[0151] The advantageous minimum distance in the sense of the present invention can be easily and precisely set method-technically within the leading range when the operating method further features the following method steps. - Adjusting the position of the first coil and / or the position of the second coil along the vertical direction, particularly continuously, by an adjustment device, particularly the first adjustment device and / or the second adjustment device, within the leading range of the metal part, taking into consideration the first geometric profile and / or second geometric profile of the metal part for adjusting the minimum leading distance, particularly the first minimum leading distance and / or the second minimum leading distance.

[0152] This method of operation is equally advantageous if it is further characterized by the following additional method steps. - Adjusting the position of the first coil and / or the position of the second coil along the vertical direction, particularly continuously, by an adjustment device, particularly the first adjustment device and / or the second adjustment device, taking into account the first geometric profile and / or second geometric profile of the metal part for adjusting the minimum tail distance, particularly the first minimum tail distance and / or second minimum tail distance.

[0153] It should be explicitly stated that the subject matter of the second embodiment is advantageously combinable with the subject matter of the above embodiments of the present invention, and can be combined individually or cumulatively in any combination.

[0154] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the problem of the present invention is solved by an induction heating device for heating semi-finished products and / or primary products and / or intermediate products and / or finished products made of metal products, particularly iron materials, steel materials and / or non-ferrous metal materials. The induction heating device is equipped with a resonant circuit for generating a magnetic field to heat metal objects. The resonant circuit includes a capacitor and an inductor. The induction heating device is equipped with an energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to the resonant circuit. The induction heating device is equipped with an adjustment device for adjusting the position of the coil along the vertical direction. The induction heating device is equipped with a sensor device for detecting the geometric profile of metal objects. The induction heating device includes a control device for open-loop and / or closed-loop control of the vertical position of the coil, the control device is data-connected to a sensor device, and the control device is configured to control the vertical position of the coil in an open-loop and / or closed-loop manner. The induction heating apparatus is configured to carry out the method according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0155] Using such an advantageous induction heating device, the effects and benefits described at the beginning can also be achieved.

[0156] It should be explicitly stated that the subject matter of the third embodiment is advantageously combinable with the subject matter of the above embodiments of the present invention, and can be combined individually or cumulatively in any combination.

[0157] Furthermore, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the problems of the present invention are solved by a production line equipped with an induction heating device according to the first and / or third aspects of the present invention for manufacturing and / or processing semi-finished products and / or primary products and / or intermediate products and / or finished products consisting of metal products, particularly iron materials, steel materials and / or non-ferrous metal materials.

[0158] In a production line equipped with this induction heating device, metal parts can be heat-treated much more uniformly along the entire length of each metal part.

[0159] It goes without saying that this production line can be equipped with processing devices for mechanically processing metal products, or with multiple processing devices that operate identically or differently.

[0160] For this purpose, the metal products are transported along a transport section of the production line or a correspondingly configured roller conveyor.

[0161] It goes without saying that the production line may be equipped with other processing or manufacturing devices, such as separation devices, winding devices, individualizing devices, or similar devices.

[0162] As described above, the advantages of the induction device according to the first and / or third aspects of the present invention extend to production lines equipped with the induction device according to the first and / or second aspects of the present invention.

[0163] It should be explicitly stated that the subject matter of the third embodiment is advantageously combinable with the subject matter of the above embodiments of the present invention, and can be combined individually or cumulatively in any combination.

[0164] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the problems of the present invention are also solved by using an induction heating device that forms the basis of the present invention by one of the features and / or operating methods and / or production lines described herein.

[0165] It should be asserted here that the method described herein can be further enhanced by the additional technical features described herein, particularly the features of the apparatus, so as to allow for the advantageous development and formation of the method, or the more precise configuration and formation of the specifications of the method, especially with regard to the continuous adjustment of the minimum distance between the coil and the metal part, even when the thickness of the metal part is constant.

[0166] In order to cumulatively achieve the advantages and effects that can be attained here, the features of the solutions described above, or in each claim, can generally be combined.

[0167] Furthermore, in this application, it should be noted that indefinite articles and expressions of an indefinite number such as "one..." and "two..." should, in most cases, be interpreted as "at least one..." and "at least two..." unless it is clear from the context of a particular part or a specific sentence that only "exactly one..." and "exactly two..." are intended.

[0168] Herein, it should be noted that in this application, the expression "especially" should always be understood as introducing a preferred feature as an option. This expression should not be understood as meaning "moreover" or "that is to say."

[0169] Further advantages, details, and features of the present invention will become even clearer from the embodiments described below.

[0170] In each figure, components whose functions are at least substantially the same can be identified by the same reference numeral; therefore, it is not necessary to refer to and describe those components in all figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0171] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an induction heating apparatus for heating metal objects, with the metal object shown before it enters the induction heating apparatus. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of another induction heating apparatus shown in Figure 1, where the metal object is shown passing through the induction heating apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0172] The following description will not repeat explanations. Furthermore, individual features described in relation to one embodiment can be used separately in other embodiments.

[0173] The induction heating device 1 for heating the metal object 2, shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprises two resonant circuits 3 and 4 for generating a magnetic field (not shown) for heating the metal object 2, each having coils 6 and 7, respectively.

[0174] Electrical energy is supplied to both resonant circuits 3 and 4 by an appropriate energy supply device 5 of the induction heating device 1.

[0175] For better clarity, all cable connections in the induction heating device 1, particularly those for energy supply and data lines between individual components, are not shown.

[0176] The first coil 6 is the upper coil (not numbered again) positioned above the reference plane 9, and the second coil 7 is the lower coil (not numbered again) positioned below the reference plane 9.

[0177] The reference plane 9 is positioned between the two coils 6 and 7, and the metal product 2 is transported forward in the transport direction or conveying direction 10, i.e., from left to right, along the reference plane 9 through the induction heating device 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0178] In this case, the reference plane 9 is defined by the operating plane (not numbered again) of the induction heating device 1. Alternatively, the reference plane 9 can be defined by the roller conveyor plane (not shown) of a roller conveyor (not shown), or by a conveying device (not shown) for transporting metal products 2 of the production line 12, which is not shown in detail here.

[0179] In the exemplary embodiment shown herein, the reference plane 9 extends exemplary along the centerline of the metal product 2. However, the position of the reference plane 9 can be positioned differently depending on the metal product 2.

[0180] Coils 6 and 7 are each supported so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction 14 independently of each other, and therefore their height is adjustable.

[0181] The induction heating device 1 is equipped with an adjustment device 16 for adjusting the height of the coils 6 and 7.

[0182] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the metal part 2 has a normal target thickness 2A and a discontinuous geometric profile 18 having a shape deviation 19 in the leading range 21 of the metal part 2 on the one hand and another shape deviation 22 in the central range 24 of the metal part 2 that follows the leading range 21 on the other hand.

[0183] In addition, the induction heating device 1 is further equipped with a sensor device 26, which is positioned in front of each coil 6 or 7 when viewed in the transport direction 10.

[0184] In this respect, the sensor device 26 can reliably detect the geometric profile 18 of the metal object 2 on its surface side 28, 30 before the metal object 2 enters the coil range of the coils 6, 7 in its leading range 21.

[0185] For this purpose, the sensor device 26 can "scan" the corresponding surface side 28 or 30 with its respective operating range 32, 33, and in doing so, it is possible to accurately detect the geometric profile 18 of the metal product 2 for all height differences 34.

[0186] Advantageously, the induction heating device 1 includes a control device 40 for open-loop and / or closed-loop control of the vertical position of the coil 6 or 7, the control device 40 is data-connected to a sensor device 26 to obtain data about the geometric profile 18 of the metal object 2.

[0187] At this time, the control device 40 is configured to adjust the minimum possible distance 42 between the metal part 2 and each coil 6 or 7 along the metal part 2, taking into consideration the geometric profile 18 of the metal part 2.

[0188] In this case, if coils 6 and 7 are continuously adjusted, it is possible to achieve particularly precise electrical efficiency with respect to coils 6 and 7.

[0189] As shown in Figure 1, the coils 6 and 7 are adjusted using data on the target thickness 2A of the metal part 2 to set the minimum distance 42A from the surface side 28 or 30 of the metal part 2 before the metal part 2 enters the coil range at its leading side 21. This allows the metal part 2 to be induction heated as efficiently as possible on both sides.

[0190] As illustrated in Figure 2, the coils 6 and 7 are displaced in a direction 44 perpendicular to the radially outward direction away from the metal part, depending on the detected geometric profile 18 and based particularly on the shape deviation 19 in the leading range 21, so that they can be adjusted for the shape deviation 19 by a minimum distance 42B.

[0191] While the first coil 6 repositions itself due to another shape deviation 22 in the central range 24, the lower coil 7 is displaced to another minimum distance 42B according to a direction 46 that is substantially directed toward the metal part 2, i.e., radially inward.

[0192] When another shape deviation 22 passes through the first coil 6, the first coil 6 is similarly displaced again to its minimum distance.

[0193] Overall, this allows the induction heating device 1 to achieve particularly uniform heating of the metal object 2 along its entire length, where the rear portion of the metal object 2 is not shown.

[0194] It should be explicitly noted here that the features of the solutions described above, or in the claims and / or in each figure, can, in some cases, be combined in such a way that the described features, effects, and advantages can be appropriately and cumulatively implemented or achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 1 Induction heating device 2 Metal products 2A Target thickness 3. First (upper) resonant circuit 4. Second (lower) resonant circuit 5. Energy supply device 6. The first (upper) coil 7. The second (lower) coil 9 Reference plane 10. Transport direction or conveying direction 12 Production Lines 14 Vertical 16 Adjustment device 18 Geometric Profiles 19. Shape deviation 21. Starting range 22 Other Shape Deviations 24 Central Range 26 Sensor device 28 First (upper) surface 30 Second (lower) surface 32 First (upper) range of action 33. Second (lower) range of action 34. Height difference 40 Control device 42A Minimum distance or operating distance 42B Another minimum distance or operating distance 44 Direction away from metal objects 46 Directions that move almost towards the inside of the metal object

Claims

1. An induction heating device (1) for heating metal products (2), particularly iron materials, steel materials and / or non-ferrous metal materials, semi-finished products and / or primary products and / or intermediate products and / or finished products, - A resonant circuit (3, 4) for generating a magnetic field for heating a metal object (2), wherein the resonant circuit (3, 4) comprises at least one coil (6, 7), and the coil (6, 7) is supported so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction (14), and the resonant circuit - An energy supply device (5) for supplying electrical energy to the resonant circuits (3, 4), - An adjustment device (16) for adjusting the position of the coils (6, 7) along the vertical direction (14), - A sensor device (26) for detecting the geometric profile (18) of the metal product (2) on the side (28, 30) of the metal product (2) corresponding to the coil (6, 7), wherein the operating range (32, 33) of the sensor device (26) is positioned in front of the coil (6, 7) with respect to the transport direction of the metal product (2), - A control device (40) for open-loop and / or closed-loop control of the vertical position of the coils (6, 7), wherein the control device (40) is data-connected to the sensor device (26) and In the induction heating device (1) that is equipped with, The induction heating apparatus (1) is characterized in that the control device (40) is configured to adjust the minimum distance (42A, 42B) between the metal part (2) and the coils (6, 7) along the metal part (2), taking into consideration the geometric profile (18) of the metal part (2).

2. The induction heating apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (40) is configured to adjust the minimum distance (42A, 42B) between the metal part (2) and the coils (6, 7) in the central range (24) between the leading range (21) and the trailing range of the metal part (2).

3. The induction heating device (1) - A second coil (7), wherein the second coil (7) is supported so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction (14), and electrical energy can be supplied to the second coil (7) by the energy supply device (5), - An adjustment device (16) for adjusting the position of the second coil (7) along the vertical direction (14), - A sensor device (26) for detecting a second geometric profile (18) of the metal product (2) on the side (30) of the metal product (2) corresponding to the second coil (7), wherein the control device (40) is configured to control the vertical position of the second coil (7) in open-loop and / or closed-loop, and the control device (40) is configured to set a second minimum distance (42A, 42B) between the metal product (2) and the second coil (7) along the metal product (2), taking into consideration the second geometric profile (18) of the metal product (2), and The induction heating apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the above.

4. The induction heating apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the minimum distance (42A, 42B) is 50 mm or less, preferably 40 mm or less, and particularly preferably 30 mm or less.

5. The induction heating apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the minimum distance (42A, 42B) is greater than 0 mm, preferably 2 mm or more, and particularly preferably 5 mm or more.

6. The induction heating apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the difference between the first minimum distance (42A, 42B) and the second minimum distance (42A, 42B) is 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, and particularly preferably 1 mm or less.

7. - The first coil (6) is configured to heat the metal product (2) using a lateral magnetic field induction, and / or The induction heating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first coil (6) and the second coil (7) are configured to heat the metal product (2) using transverse magnetic field induction and / or longitudinal magnetic field induction.

8. The induction heating apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control device (40) is configured to adjust the minimum leading distance between the metal product (2) and the coils (6, 7) in the leading range (21) of the metal product (2).

9. The induction heating apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control device (40) is configured to adjust the minimum tail distance between the metal product (2) and the coils (6, 7) in the tail range of the metal product (2).

10. The induction heating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the minimum leading distance in the leading range (21) of the metal product (2) and / or the minimum trailing distance in the trailing range of the metal product (2) is 1.1 times, preferably 1.2 times, and particularly preferably 1.3 times, greater than the minimum distance (42A, 42B) in the central range (24) of the metal product (2).

11. The induction heating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the leading range (21) includes 15% or less, preferably 10% or less, and particularly preferably 7.5% or less of the longitudinal extension of the metal product (2).

12. The induction heating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the rear range includes 15% or less, preferably 10% or less, and particularly preferably 7.5% or less of the longitudinal extension of the metal product (2).

13. A method (1) for operating an induction heating device (1) for heating a metal product (2), in particular a semi-finished product and / or a primary product and / or an intermediate product and / or a finished product, using coils (6, 7), and especially an induction heating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps: - A step of using a sensor device (26) to identify the geometric profile (18) of the metal part (2) on the side (28, 30) of the metal part (2) corresponding to the coil (6, 7), wherein the operating range (32, 33) of the sensor device (26) is positioned in front of the coil (6, 7) with respect to the transport direction (10) of the metal part (2), - A step of adjusting the position of the coils (6, 7) along the vertical direction (14) by an adjustment device (16), taking into consideration the geometric profile (18) of the metal part (2) for adjusting the minimum distance (42A, 42B) between the metal part (2) and the coils (6, 7), and particularly in the central range (24) between the leading range (21) and trailing range of the metal part (2). A method of operation having the following characteristics.

14. A method for operating an induction heating device (1) for heating a metal object (2), wherein the induction heating device (1) comprises a second coil (7), the method comprising the following steps: - A step of identifying the geometric profile (18) of the metal object (2) by a sensor device (26) on the side (30) of the metal object (2) corresponding to the second coil (7), wherein the second operating range (33) of the sensor device (26) is positioned in front of the second coil (7) with respect to the transport direction (10) of the metal object (2), - A step of adjusting the position of the second coil (7) along the vertical direction (14) by an adjustment device (16), taking into consideration the geometric profile (18) of the metal part (2) for adjusting the minimum distance (42A, 42B) between the metal part (2) and the coils (6, 7), and particularly in the central range (24) of the metal part (2). A method of operation characterized by having the following features.

15. The following steps: - Taking into consideration the geometric profile (18) of the metal part (2) for adjusting the minimum leading distance, the adjustment device (16) adjusts the position of the first coil (6) and / or the second coil (7) along the vertical direction (14) in the leading range (21) of the metal part (2). The operating method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by having the following features.

16. The following steps: - Taking into account the geometric profile (18) of the metal part (2) for adjusting the minimum tail distance, the adjustment device (16) adjusts the position of the first coil (6) and / or the second coil (7) along the vertical direction (14) in the tail range of the metal part (2). The operating method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized by having the following features.

17. An induction heating device (1) for heating metal products (2), particularly iron materials, steel materials and / or non-ferrous metal materials, semi-finished products and / or primary products and / or intermediate products and / or finished products, - The induction heating device (1) is equipped with resonant circuits (3, 4) for generating a magnetic field for heating the metal product (2), The resonant circuits (3, 4) are equipped with capacitor devices and coils (6, 7), - The induction heating device (1) is equipped with an energy supply device (5) for supplying electrical energy to the resonant circuits (3, 4), - The induction heating device (1) is equipped with an adjustment device (16) for adjusting the position of the coils (6, 7) along the vertical direction (14), - The induction heating device (1) is equipped with a sensor device (26) for detecting the geometric profile (18) of the metal product (2), The induction heating device (1) is equipped with a control device (40) for open-loop and / or closed-loop control of the vertical position of the coils (6, 7), the control device (40) is data-connected to the sensor device (26), and the control device (40) is configured to control the vertical position of the coils (6, 7) in an open-loop and / or closed-loop manner. The induction heating device (1) is configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 13 to 16.

18. A production line (12) for manufacturing and / or processing semi-finished products and / or primary products and / or intermediate products and / or finished products, comprising an induction heating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or 16, wherein the products are made of metal (2), particularly iron, steel and / or non-ferrous metal materials.

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

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