Optimal design method, induction heating device, and induction heating method

Abstract

To appropriately heat an object to be heated.SOLUTION: An optimal design method includes the steps of placing a plurality of coils in the vicinity of an object to be heated, applying a magnetic field to the object to be heated by passing an alternating current through the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated, and predicting optimal values of parameters for the plurality of coils on the basis of the heating result of the object to be heated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optimal design method, an induction heating device, and an induction heating method.

Background Art

[0002] As a method of fusing a thermoplastic composite material, induction heating is known in which a magnetic field is applied to the composite material by passing an alternating current through a coil installed in the vicinity of the composite material (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a composite material is heated by induction heating, the induced current (eddy current) generated inside the composite material may concentrate at the ends of the composite material, and the temperature at the ends of the composite material may become higher than the surroundings. The quality of heat fusion depends on temperature conditions and the like. Therefore, in order to keep the quality of the composite material constant, it is desirable to make the temperature of the composite material uniform throughout the area during induction heating. As a method of equalizing the temperature throughout the composite material, a method of installing a plurality of coils in the vicinity of the composite material and utilizing the electromagnetic interference generated when an alternating current is passed through the plurality of coils can be considered. However, since there are many design variables in the coil, it is difficult to design the coil for appropriately performing induction heating.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optimal design method, an induction heating device, and an induction heating method capable of appropriately heating an object to be heated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The optimal design method of the present disclosure includes the steps of arranging a plurality of coils near the object to be heated, applying an alternating current to the plurality of coils to apply a magnetic field to the object to be heated to heat the object to be heated, and predicting an optimal value of a parameter related to the plurality of coils based on a heating result of the object to be heated.

[0007] The induction heating device of the present disclosure includes a control device that predicts and sets parameters of a plurality of coils arranged near the object to be heated by the optimal design method of the present disclosure, a plurality of the coils arranged near the object to be heated, and a temperature measuring device that measures the temperature of the object to be heated. The control device sets parameters of the plurality of coils, applies an alternating current to the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated, and determines whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on a measurement result of the temperature of the object to be heated measured by the temperature measuring device.

[0008] The induction heating device of the present disclosure includes a control device that performs heating control according to conditions set by the optimal design method of the present disclosure, a plurality of coils arranged near the object to be heated, and a temperature measuring device that measures the temperature of the object to be heated. The control device sets parameters of the plurality of coils according to the object to be heated according to the conditions set by the optimal design method, applies an alternating current to the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated, and determines whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on a measurement result of the temperature of the object to be heated measured by the temperature measuring device.

[0009] The induction heating method of the present disclosure includes the steps of setting parameters of a plurality of coils arranged near the object to be heated using a prediction model according to the object to be heated, applying an alternating current to the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated, measuring the temperature of the object to be heated, and determining whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on a measurement result of the measured temperature of the object to be heated.

[0010] The induction heating method of the present disclosure includes: a step of setting parameters of a plurality of coils arranged near an object to be heated according to conditions set using a prediction model according to the object to be heated; a step of flowing an alternating current through the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated; a step of measuring the temperature of the object to be heated; and a step of determining whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on the measurement result of the measured temperature of the object to be heated.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, the object to be heated can be appropriately heated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment. In addition, the components in the following embodiments include those that can be replaced by those skilled in the art and are easy to replace, or those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the components described below can be combined as appropriate, and when there are a plurality of embodiments, it is also possible to combine each embodiment.

[0014] [Embodiment] The optimal design method according to the present embodiment determines design variables (parameters) related to a plurality of coils used for fusing a composite material by induction heating using a machine learning method.

[0015] An example of an analysis model of the composite material structure according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of an analysis model of the composite material structure according to the present embodiment.

[0016] The analysis model M includes a flat plate 10, a dry cloth 11, a stringer 12, coils 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. The analysis model M is a model simulating a composite material structure that induces heating of the flat plate 10 and the stringer 12 by passing an alternating current through the coils 14a to 14d and thermally fusing the flat plate 10 and the stringer 12.

[0017] The flat plate 10 is a model of a thermoplastic carbon fiber composite (CFRTP: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermo Plastics). The flat plate 10 is a type of the first carbon fiber composite. The stringer 12 is a model of a thermoplastic carbon fiber composite with an L-shaped cross-section. The stringer 12 is thermally fused to the upper surface of the flat plate 10. The stringer 12 is a type of the second carbon fiber composite. In this embodiment, one of the objects to be heated is described as the flat plate 10 in a flat shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the flat plate 10 may be, for example, a curved plate processed into a curved surface shape. In this embodiment, the stringer 12 is described as a carbon fiber composite formed in an L shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The stringer 12 may be formed, for example, in a T shape, an I shape, a hat shape, or an omega shape.

[0018] The dry cloth 11 is a model of a carbon dry cloth located between the flat plate 10 and the stringer 12. The dry cloth 11 is a heating element. The dry cloth 11 is thinner than the flat plate 10 and the stringer 12. The dry cloth 11 is wider than the fusion surface between the flat plate 10 and the stringer 12. By making the dry cloth 11 wider than the fusion surface between the flat plate 10 and the stringer 12, it is possible to prevent the current flowing through the flat plate 10 from concentrating at the ends.

[0019] Coils 14a to 14d are models of coils arranged below the flat plate 10. Coils 14a to 14d are arranged near the flat plate 10. Coils 14a to 14d may also be collectively referred to as coil 14. An alternating current having a predetermined frequency and phase flows through coils 14a to 14d. By passing an alternating current through coils 14a to 14d, a magnetic field is generated around coils 14a to 14d. The magnetic field generated around coils 14a to 14d causes induced currents (eddy currents) to be generated inside the flat plate 10, the dry cross 11, and the stringer 12. The flat plate 10, the dry cross 11, and the stringer 12 each generate heat due to Joule heating when an induced current flows through them. The flat plate 10, the dry cross 11, and the stringer 12 each melt by generating heat. Here, coils 14a to 14d at least heat and melt the dry cross 11. Thereby, the flat plate 10 and the stringer 12 can be fused.

[0020] In the present embodiment, in the analysis model M, using machine learning to appropriately heat the flat plate 10, the optimal values of the design variables of the coil 14, including the shape, number, arrangement position of the coil 14 arranged to appropriately heat the flat plate 10, the phase and frequency of the alternating current flowing through the coil, etc., are predicted. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when fusing the flat plate 10 and the stringer 12, the optimal values of the design variables of the coil 14 that can minimize the standard deviation of the temperature over the entire area and the alternating current flowing through the coil 14 are predicted. In the present embodiment, the coil 14 is described as being a solenoid coil, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The coil 14 may be, for example, a single pancake coil or a double coil arranged above and below the fusion part. Also, in the present embodiment, it is described that the flat plate 10 is heated with the position of the coil 14 fixed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure may, for example, heat the flat plate 10 while moving the coil 14.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 3, a configuration example of the analysis device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the analysis device according to the present embodiment.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the analysis device 100 includes an input unit 102, an output unit 104, a control unit 106, and a storage unit 108. The analysis device 100 is a computing device such as a personal computer. The analysis device 100 may be composed of a single device, or may be composed of a plurality of devices combined with a computing device and a server device or the like.

[0023] The input unit 102 is composed of input devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel.

[0024] The output unit 104 is composed of output devices such as a monitor and a speaker.

[0025] The control unit 106 controls each part of the analysis device 100. The control unit 106 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The control unit 106 executes a program for controlling the operation of the analysis device 100 according to the present invention. The control unit 106 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 106 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0026] The storage unit 108 stores, for example, the calculation content of the control unit 106 and information such as programs. The storage unit 108 includes at least one of, for example, a main storage device such as a RAM and a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 108 stores a prediction model 108a.

[0027] The prediction model 108a is an AI (Artificial Intelligence) model. The prediction model 108a is a model for identifying the design variables of a coil arranged in the vicinity of the flat plate 10 in order to appropriately heat an object to be heated such as the flat plate 10. The prediction model 108a uses, as one data set, the temperature distribution of the object to be heated when the object to be heated is heated and the design variables of the coil, and learns a plurality of data sets as teacher data to construct a learned AI model. The control unit 106 inputs, to the prediction model 108a, the temperature distribution of the object to be heated, the shape, number, arrangement position of the coil, and the phase and frequency of the alternating current flowing through the coil when the object to be heated is heated by the coil. Thereby, the control unit 106 identifies the shape, number, arrangement position of the coil arranged in the vicinity of the object to be heated, and the phase and frequency of the alternating current flowing through the coil. As the AI model, the prediction model 108a may use any model. For example, the prediction model 108a may use a CNN (Conventional Neural Network: Convolutional Neural Network) model. Note that the prediction model 108a may be a learned AI model that uses, as one data set, the magnetic field distribution of the object to be heated when a magnetic field is applied to the object to be heated by the coil 14 and the design variables of the coil, and learns a plurality of data sets as teacher data to construct the model.

[0028] (Optimal Design Method) The optimal design method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart relating to the optimal design method according to the present embodiment.

[0029] The control unit 106 performs an initial setting (step S10). Specifically, the control unit 106 arranges a plurality of coils 14 with respect to the object to be heated. More specifically, the control unit 106 sets the design variables of the plurality of coils 14 to an initial state.

[0030] Using FIGS. 5 and 6, the basic arrangement of the coil according to this embodiment will be described. FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the basic arrangement of the coil according to this embodiment.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 106 arranges four coils, namely coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, and coil 14d. Coil 14a and coil 14b are arranged along the X-axis direction. The center of coil 14a and the center of coil 14b coincide with the origin O in the X-axis direction. Coil 14c and coil 14d are arranged along the Y-axis direction. The center of coil 14c and the center of coil 14d coincide with the origin O in the Y-axis direction. Let the distance between coil 14a and coil 14b be L1. Let the distance between coil 14c and coil 14d be L2. Coils 14a to 14d are each circular in shape. Assume that coils 14a to 14d are of the same shape. Let the outer diameter of coils 14a to 14d be Di respectively. Assume that an alternating current of the same phase flows through coil 14a and coil 14b. Assume that an alternating current of the same phase flows through coil 14c and coil 14d. Let the phase difference of the alternating current flowing through coil 14a and coil 14c be p.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 6, the coil 14 is arranged below the flat plate 10. Let the distance between the flat plate 10 and the coil 14 be zi. Let the number of turns of the coil 14 be n.

[0033] In this embodiment, the distance L1, the distance L2, the outer diameter Di, the phase difference p of the alternating current, the distance zi, and the number of turns n are design variables. Note that the design variables are not limited to these, and other physical quantities may be used as design variables.

[0034] In the initial state, for example, let the distance L1 be 2 mm, the distance L2 be 8 mm, the outer diameter Di be 18 mm, the phase difference p of the alternating current be 180°, the distance zi be 2 mm, and the number of turns n of the coil be 9 turns. Other values may be used as the initial state.

[0035] The control unit 106 analyzes the temperature distribution of the object to be heated (step S12). Specifically, the control unit 106 analyzes the temperature distribution across the entire flat plate 10 when the fusion location reaches an appropriate temperature when the flat plate 10 is induction-heated by passing a predetermined alternating current through the coils 14a to 14d. More specifically, the control unit 106 analyzes the temperature distribution across the entire flat plate 10 using the method of electromagnetic field-thermal conduction coupled analysis. Note that the control unit 106 may perform only the analysis of the magnetic field distribution across the entire flat plate 10. That is, the control unit 106 may perform only the analysis of the magnetic field distribution across the entire flat plate 10 and calculate the optimal conditions of the heating method. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0036] The control unit 106 calculates the temperature variation across the entire object to be heated (step S14). Specifically, the control unit 106 calculates the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire flat plate 10 based on the analysis result of step S12. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0037] The control unit 106 adds the calculation result of the temperature variation across the entire object to be heated as learning data (step S16). Specifically, the control unit 106 adds learning data associating the design variables of the plurality of coils 14 with the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire flat plate 10 to the prediction model 108a. Then, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0038] The control unit 106 executes an optimization process (step S18). Based on the analysis result in step S16, the control unit 106 uses the prediction model 108a to execute a multi-objective optimization process for minimizing the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire flat plate 10 and the alternating current flowing through the coil 14. Specifically, the control unit 106 changes the design variables from the initial values set in step S10 and analyzes the temperature distribution of the object to be heated for various combinations of the design variables. Specifically, the control unit 106 executes a multi-objective optimization process to calculate a Pareto solution set of the design variables for minimizing the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire flat plate 10 and the alternating current flowing through the coil 14. Then, the control unit 106 compares the analysis results of the temperature distribution of the object to be heated for various combinations of the design variables. Based on the comparison result, the control unit 106 identifies the design variables for minimizing the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire flat plate 10 and the alternating current flowing through the coil 14. Thereby, for example, the control unit 106 calculates a Pareto solution such that the distance L1 is 2 mm, the distance L2 is 26 mm, the outer diameter Di is 26 mm, the phase difference p of the alternating current is 80°, the distance zi is 2 mm, and the number of turns n of the coil is 17 turns. Then, it proceeds to step S20.

[0039] The control unit 106 updates the design variables (step S20). The control unit 106 updates the design variables set to the initial values in step S10 to the design variables calculated in step S18. Specifically, the control unit 106 changes the design variables according to the Pareto solution selected by the user from among the Pareto solution set calculated in step S18. The control unit 106 may have a function of automatically selecting the optimal one from among the Pareto solution set. Then, it proceeds to step S22.

[0040] The control unit 106 determines whether to end the process (step S22). The control unit 106 determines to end the process when the value of the desired design variable is obtained, when an operation to end the process is received, and the like. When it is determined to end the process (step S22; Yes), the process of FIG. 4 ends. When it is not determined to end the process (step S22; No), the process proceeds to step S12. That is, in the present embodiment, when the value of the desired design variable is not obtained and when it is not determined that an operation to end the process is received, the processes of steps S12 to S20 are repeatedly executed.

[0041] The optimal design method may include, for example, a process of setting the time until the temperature of the flat plate 10 reaches an appropriate temperature. Thereby, the time for fusing the flat plate 10 and the stringer 12 can also be appropriately set.

[0042] The optimal design method may include, for example, a process of setting a heating location. For example, the optimal design method may include a process of setting a location to be heated and a location not to be heated on the flat plate 10. For example, the optimal design method may include a process of setting to heat the entire area of the flat plate 10 or only a specific location. Thereby, the flat plate 10 can be appropriately heated.

[0043] The optimal design method may include a process of setting the phases and frequencies of the alternating currents flowing through the coils 14a to 14d. For example, the phases of the alternating currents flowing through the coils 14a to 14d may be set to different phases. For example, the frequencies of the alternating currents flowing through the coils 14a to 14d may be set to respective frequencies.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the multi-objective optimization process, the standard deviation of the temperature over the entire area of the flat plate 10, and the process of specifying the design variables for minimizing the alternating current flowing through the coil 14 have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, as the multi-objective process, the design variables for minimizing the time to reach a desired temperature may be specified.

[0045] In this embodiment, the process of identifying design variables for minimizing two parameters, i.e., the multi-objective optimization process, the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire flat plate 10, and the alternating current flowing through the coil 14, has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in this embodiment, design variables for minimizing three or more parameters may be identified.

[0046] [Coil Arrangement Pattern] In this embodiment, by executing the process of FIG. 4, the arrangement pattern of the coil 14 is determined. Hereinafter, an example of calculating the arrangement pattern of the coil 14 will be described.

[0047] (First Arrangement Pattern) With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first arrangement pattern of the coil according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a top schematic view showing the first arrangement pattern of the coil according to this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the first arrangement pattern of the coil according to this embodiment. The first arrangement pattern is the basic arrangement pattern of this embodiment.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, in the first arrangement pattern, four coils, i.e., coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, and coil 14d, are arranged. Coils 14a to 14d have the same circular shape. The upper and lower surfaces of coils 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are arranged parallel to the flat plate 10. Coils 14a to 14d are arranged in a diamond shape in the XY plane. Coils 14a and 14b are arranged along the X-axis direction. The center of coil 14a and the center of coil 14b are located on the same X-axis in the XY plane. Coils 14c and 14d are arranged along the Y-axis direction. The center of coil 14c and the center of coil 14d are located on the same Y-axis in the XY plane. The distances between coil 14a and coil 14c, between coil 14c and coil 14b, between coil 14b and coil 14d, and between coil 14d and coil 14a are the same.

[0049] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 8, coil 14a and coil 14b are disposed below the flat plate 10. Coil 14a and coil 14b are disposed at the same position in the Z-axis direction. Although not shown in Figure 8, coil 14c and coil 14d are disposed in the same manner as coil 14a and coil 14b.

[0050] (Second Arrangement Pattern) The second arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a top schematic view showing the second arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the second arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9, in the second arrangement pattern, four coils, namely coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, and coil 14d, are disposed. Coils 14a to 14d have the same circular shape. The upper and lower surfaces of coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, and coil 14d are disposed parallel to the flat plate 10. Coils 14a to 14d are disposed in a square shape in the XY plane. Coil 14a and coil 14b are arranged along the X-axis direction. The center of coil 14a and the center of coil 14b are located on the same X-axis in the XY plane. Coil 14a and coil 14c are arranged along the Y-axis direction. The center of coil 14a and the center of coil 14c are located coaxially in the Y-axis direction. Coil 14c and coil 14d are arranged along the X-axis direction. The center of coil 14c and the center of coil 14d are located in the same X-axis direction in the XY plane. Coil 14b and coil 14d are arranged along the Y-axis direction. The center of coil 14b and the center of coil 14d are located coaxially in the Y-axis direction. The distances between coil 14a and coil 14c, between coil 14c and coil 14b, between coil 14b and coil 14d, and between coil 14d and coil 14a are the same. Note that the four coils from coil 14a to coil 14d may be arranged in a rectangular shape in the XY plane.

[0052] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10, coil 14a and coil 14b are disposed below the flat plate 10. Coil 14a and coil 14b are arranged at the same position in the Z-axis direction. Although not shown in Figure 10, coil 14c and coil 14d are arranged in the same manner as coil 14a and coil 14b.

[0053] (Third Arrangement Pattern) With reference to Figure 11 and Figure 12, the third arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a top schematic view showing the third arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the third arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment.

[0054] As shown in Figure 11, in the third arrangement pattern, four coils, namely coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, and coil 14d, are arranged. Coils 14a to 14d have the same circular shape. The upper and lower surfaces of coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, and coil 14d are arranged parallel to the flat plate 10. Coils 14a to 14d are arranged in a parallelogram shape in the XY plane. Coil 14a and coil 14b are arranged along the X-axis direction. The center of coil 14a and the center of coil 14b are located on the same X-axis in the XY plane. Coil 14c and coil 14d are arranged along the X-axis direction. The center of coil 14c and the center of coil 14d are located on the same X-axis in the XY plane. The distance between coil 14a and coil 14b is the same as the distance between coil 14c and coil 14d. The distance between coil 14a and coil 14c is the same as the distance between coil 14b and coil 14d. The straight line connecting the center of coil 14a and the center of coil 14c is parallel to the straight line connecting the center of coil 14b and the center of coil 14d.

[0055] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, coil 14a and coil 14b are disposed below the flat plate 10. Coil 14a and coil 14b are arranged at the same position in the Z-axis direction. Although not shown in FIG. 12, coil 14c and coil 14d are arranged in the same manner as coil 14a and coil 14b.

[0056] (Fourth Arrangement Pattern) With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the fourth arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic top view showing the fourth arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the fourth arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 13, in the fourth arrangement pattern, four coils, namely coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, and coil 14d, are arranged. Coils 14a to 14d have the same circular shape. The upper and lower surfaces of coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, and coil 14d are arranged parallel to the flat plate 10. Coils 14a to 14d are arranged in a trapezoidal shape in the XY plane. Coil 14a and coil 14b are arranged along the X-axis direction. The center of coil 14a and the center of coil 14b are located on the same X-axis in the XY plane. Coil 14c and coil 14d are arranged along the X-axis direction. The center of coil 14c and the center of coil 14d are located on the same X-axis in the XY plane. The distance between coil 14a and coil 14b is longer than the distance between coil 14c and coil 14d.

[0058] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 14, coil 14a and coil 14b are disposed below the flat plate 10. Coil 14a and coil 14b are arranged at the same position in the Z-axis direction. Although not shown in FIG. 14, coil 14c and coil 14d are arranged in the same manner as coil 14a and coil 14b.

[0059] (Fifth Arrangement Pattern) With reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the fifth arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a top schematic view showing the fifth arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the fifth arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 15, in the fifth arrangement pattern, three coils, namely coil 14a, coil 14b, and coil 14c, are arranged. Coils 14a to 14c have the same circular shape. The upper and lower surfaces of coils 14a, 14b, and 14c are arranged parallel to the flat plate 10. Coils 14a to 14c are arranged in a triangular shape in the XY plane. Coils 14a and 14b are arranged along the X-axis direction. The centers of coil 14a and coil 14b are located on the same X-axis in the XY plane. The distance between coil 14a and coil 14b, the distance between coil 14a and coil 14c, and the distance between coil 14b and coil 14c are the same. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 15, coils 14a to 14c are arranged in an equilateral triangle shape. Coils 14a to 14c may also be arranged in an isosceles triangle shape.

[0061] FIG. 16 shows the cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 16, coils 14a and 14b are arranged below the flat plate 10. Coils 14a and 14b are arranged at the same position in the Z-axis direction. Although not shown in FIG. 16, coil 14c is arranged in the same manner as coils 14a and 14b.

[0062] (Sixth arrangement pattern) With reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the sixth arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a top schematic view showing the sixth arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the sixth arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 17, in the sixth arrangement pattern, five coils, namely coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, coil 14d, and coil 14e, are arranged. The upper and lower surfaces of coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, coil 14d, and coil 14e are arranged parallel to the flat plate 10. Coils 14a to 14d have the same circular shape. Coil 14e has a circular shape smaller than that of coils 14a to 14d. Coils 14a to 14d are arranged in the XY plane in the same manner as the second arrangement pattern. Coil 14e is arranged at the center of coils 14a to 14d in the XY plane.

[0064] Coil 14e may be arranged at a position other than the center of coils 14a to 14d in the XY plane. Coils 14a to 14e may each have a different shape. Also, in the sixth arrangement pattern, although five coils 14 from coil 14a to coil 14e are arranged, six or more coils 14 may be arranged.

[0065] Fig. 18 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in Fig. 17. As shown in Fig. 18, coil 14a, coil 14b, and coil 14e are arranged below the flat plate 10. Coil 14a, coil 14b, and coil 14e are arranged at the same position in the Z-axis direction. Although not shown in Fig. 18, coil 14c and coil 14d are arranged in the same manner as coil 14a, coil 14b, and coil 14e.

[0066] (Seventh Arrangement Pattern) The seventh arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. Fig. 19 is a top schematic view showing the seventh arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the seventh arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 19, in the seventh arrangement pattern, four coils, namely coil 14Aa, coil 14Ab, coil 14Ac, and coil 14Ad, are arranged. Coils 14Aa to 14Ad have the same rectangular shape. The upper and lower surfaces of coils 14Aa, 14Ab, 14Ac, and 14Ad are arranged parallel to the flat plate 10. Coils 14Aa to 14Ad are arranged in the same manner as the second pattern.

[0068] Coils 14Aa to 14Ad may be square, rectangular, or other polygonal shapes. Coils 14Aa to 14Ad may each have a different polygonal shape. At least one of coils 14Aa to 14Ad may be circular.

[0069] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G in FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 20, coils 14Aa and 14Ab are arranged below the flat plate 10. Coils 14Aa and 14Ab are arranged at the same position in the Z-axis direction. Although not shown in FIG. 20, coils 14Ac and 14Ad are arranged in the same manner as coils 14Aa and 14Ab.

[0070] (Eighth Arrangement Pattern) The eighth arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 21 is a top schematic view showing the eighth arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the eighth arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 21, in the eighth arrangement pattern, four coils, namely coil 14a, coil 14b, coil 14c, and coil 14d, are arranged. The upper and lower surfaces of coils 14a, 14b, and 14c are arranged parallel to the flat plate 10. Coils 14a to 14d have the same circular shape. In the XY plane, coils 14a to 14d are arranged in the same manner as the first pattern.

[0072] FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H in FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 22, the coil 14a is disposed below the flat plate 10. The coil 14b is disposed above the flat plate 10. That is, in the eighth arrangement pattern, the coil 14 is disposed above and below the flat plate 10. The distance between the flat plate 10 and the coil 14a and the distance between the flat plate 10 and the coil 14b may be the same or different. Although not shown in FIG. 22, the coil 14c may be disposed above the flat plate 10 or below the flat plate 10. The coil 14d may be disposed above the flat plate 10 or below the flat plate 10. Each of the coils 14a to 14d may be disposed above the flat plate 10.

[0073] (The ninth arrangement pattern) The ninth arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. FIG. 23 is a schematic top view showing the ninth arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment. FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the ninth arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 23, in the ninth arrangement pattern, four coils, namely, the coil 14a, the coil 14b, the coil 14c, and the coil 14d are arranged. The coils 14a to 14d have the same circular shape. The coils 14a to 14d are arranged in the XY plane in the same manner as the first pattern.

[0075] FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 23. As shown in FIG. 24, coil 14a and coil 14b are disposed below the flat plate 10. Coil 14a and coil 14b are disposed at an inclination with respect to the flat plate 10. In the example shown in FIG. 24, coil 14a and coil 14b are disposed at an inclination such that, for example, the upper surfaces face the center of the flat plate 10 in the X-axis direction. Coil 14a and coil 14b may be disposed such that their respective upper surfaces face different directions. Although not shown in FIG. 24, coil 14c and coil 14b may be disposed in any direction. Among coils 14a to 14d, at least one may be disposed such that the upper and lower surfaces are parallel to the flat plate 10. At least one of coils 14a to 14d may be disposed at an inclination above the flat plate 10.

[0076] (The 10th arrangement pattern) The 10th arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. 25 is a schematic top view showing the 10th arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment. FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the 10th arrangement pattern of the coil according to the present embodiment.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 25, in the 10th arrangement pattern, three coils, namely coil 14a, coil 14b, and coil 14c, are arranged. Coils 14a to 14c are arranged linearly along the Y-axis direction on the XY plane. Coil 14a, coil 14b, and coil 14c are arranged such that their upper and lower surfaces are parallel to the flat plate 10. The distance between coil 14a and coil 14b and the distance between coil 14a and coil 14c are the same. Coils 14a, coil 14b, and coil 14c may also be arranged linearly along the X-axis direction.

[0078] FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line J-J in FIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 26, the coil 14a is disposed below the flat plate 10. Although not shown in FIG. 26, the coil 14b and the coil 14 are arranged in the same manner as the coil 14a. At least one of the coil 14a, the coil 14b, and the coil 14c may be disposed above the flat plate 10.

[0079] (Modification of the Tenth Arrangement Pattern) A modification of the tenth arrangement pattern will be described. The tenth arrangement pattern shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 has been described as having three coils arranged linearly, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. FIG. 27 is a top schematic view showing a modification of the tenth arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 27, in the modification of the tenth arrangement pattern, two coils, namely the coil 14a and the coil 14b, are arranged. The coil 14a and the coil 14b are arranged linearly along the Y-axis direction. That is, the number of coils arranged along the Y-axis direction may be two.

[0081] (Eleventh Arrangement Pattern) The eleventh arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29. FIG. 28 is a top schematic view showing the eleventh arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the eleventh arrangement pattern of the coils according to the present embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 28, in the eleventh arrangement pattern, one coil 14B is arranged. The coil 14B has a racetrack shape. The length of the coil 14B in the Y-axis direction is longer than the length in the X-axis direction. The length of the coil 14B in the X-axis direction may also be longer than the length in the Y-axis direction. The design variables of the coil 14B can be the major diameter, the minor diameter, the length of the straight portion, and the arrangement angle with respect to the moving direction.

[0083] FIG. 29 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line K-K in FIG. 28. As shown in FIG. 29, coil B is disposed below the flat plate 10. The upper surface of coil 14B is arranged parallel to the flat plate 10. The upper surface of coil 14B may also be arranged inclined with respect to the flat plate 10. Coil 14B may also be arranged above the flat plate 10.

[0084] As described above, the analysis device 100 calculates, for example, the arrangement pattern of coil 14 with respect to the object to be heated according to the object to be heated, as shown in the first arrangement pattern to the eleventh arrangement pattern. By heating the object to be heated with the arrangement pattern of the coil calculated by the analysis device 100, the object to be heated can be appropriately heated.

[0085] In addition, although the calculation examples of the first arrangement pattern to the eleventh arrangement pattern have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in the present disclosure, the first arrangement pattern to the eleventh arrangement pattern may be appropriately combined. For example, it may be an arrangement pattern different from the first arrangement pattern to the eleventh arrangement pattern.

[0086] [Induction heating device] With reference to FIG. 30, a configuration example of the induction heating device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the induction heating device according to the present embodiment.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 30, the induction heating device 200 includes a control device 210, a temperature measurement device 220, a coil 230a, a coil 230b, a coil 230c, and a coil 240d. A power supply 300 is connected to the control device 210. The control device 210 receives power from the power supply 300. The power supply 300 supplies power to the control device 210.

[0088] The induction heating device 200 is a device for heating the flat plate 20 using the coils 230a to 230d in order to fuse the flat plate 20 and the stringer 22. The flat plate 20 is an actual thermoplastic carbon fiber composite corresponding to the flat plate 10. The stringer 22 is an actual thermoplastic carbon fiber composite corresponding to the stringer 12.

[0089] The control device 210 controls each part of the induction heating device 200. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 210 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 31, the control device 210 includes a communication unit 212, a control unit 214, and a storage unit 216.

[0090] The communication unit 212 executes communication between the control device 210 and an external device. The communication unit 212 executes communication between, for example, the control device 210 and the temperature measurement device 220.

[0091] The control unit 214 controls each part of the induction heating device 200. The control unit 214 has, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 214 executes a program for controlling the operation of the induction heating device 200 according to the present invention. The control unit 214 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 214 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0092] The storage unit 216 stores, for example, the calculation content of the control unit 214 and information such as programs. The storage unit 216 includes at least one of, for example, a main storage device such as a RAM and a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD. The storage unit 216 stores a prediction model 216a.

[0093] The prediction model 216a is an AI model corresponding to the prediction model 108a. That is, the prediction model 216a is a model for identifying the design variables of coils 230a to 230d of the flat plate 20 for appropriately heating the flat plate 20. In other words, the control device 210 stores in advance a prediction model 216a corresponding to the prediction model 108a used in the optimal design method.

[0094] The temperature measuring device 220 measures the temperature of the flat plate 10. The temperature measuring device 220 is realized by, for example, a thermal camera. The temperature measuring device 220 may be a thermocouple. The temperature measuring device 220 may be other temperature measuring devices.

[0095] Coils 230a to 230d are induction coils corresponding to coils 14a to 14d. The design variables of coils 230a to 230d are designed according to the design variables calculated by the analysis device 100. Coils 230a to 230d may also be collectively referred to as coil 230.

[0096] [Fusion method] The first fusion method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 32. FIG. 32 is a flowchart relating to the first fusion method according to this embodiment.

[0097] Based on the result of the optimization process, the control unit 214 sets the parameters of the coil 230 according to the object to be heated (step S30). Specifically, the control unit 214 uses the prediction model 216a to set the positions of the coils 230a to 230d in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction according to the flat plate 20. The outer diameter and the number of turns of the coils 230a to 230d may be set in advance according to the flat plate 20 which is the object to be heated. Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0098] The control unit 214 heats the object to be heated (step S32). Specifically, the control unit 214 uses the prediction model 216a according to the flat plate 20 to pass an alternating current through the coils 230a to 230d, generating a magnetic field around the coils 230a to 230d, thereby heating the flat plate 20. Then, it proceeds to step S34.

[0099] The control unit 214 acquires temperature information (step S34). Specifically, the control unit 214 controls the temperature measuring device 220 to measure the temperature of the flat plate 20 heated by the coils 230a to 230d, and acquires temperature information regarding the measurement result of the temperature from the temperature measuring device 220. Then, it proceeds to step S36.

[0100] The control unit 214 determines whether the temperature of the flat plate 20 is appropriate (step S36). Specifically, the control unit 214 determines whether the temperature of the flat plate 20 is appropriate as the temperature for fusing the flat plate 20 and the stringer 22. If it is determined that the temperature is appropriate (step S36; Yes), it proceeds to step S38. If it is determined that the temperature is not appropriate (step S36; No), it proceeds to step S32.

[0101] The control unit 214 fuses the object to be heated (step S38). Specifically, the control unit 214 uses, for example, a pressing device (not shown) to press the flat plate 20 and the stringer 22 to fuse the flat plate 20 and the stringer 22. Then, the process of FIG. 32 ends.

[0102] The second fusing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 33. FIG. 33 is a flowchart regarding the second fusing method according to the present embodiment.

[0103] The process of step S50 is the same as the process of step S30 shown in FIG. 32, so the description is omitted.

[0104] The control unit 214 heats the object to be heated while moving the coil 230 (step S52). The control unit 214 uses the prediction model 216a according to the flat plate 20 to pass an alternating current from the coil 230a to the coil 230d and heat the entire area of the flat plate 20 while moving the coil 230a to the coil 230d. For example, the control unit 214 calculates the heat generation distribution in the vertical direction of the flat plate 20 based on the prediction model 216a. The control unit 214 heats the entire area of the flat plate 20 while moving the coil 230a to the coil 230d so that, for example, the heat generation distribution in the vertical direction of the flat plate 20 becomes uniform. Then, it proceeds to step S54.

[0105] The process of step S54 is the same as the process of step S34 shown in FIG. 32, so the description is omitted.

[0106] The control unit 214 determines whether the flat plate 20 is appropriately heated (step S56). Specifically, the control unit 214 calculates the standard deviation of the temperature of the entire area of the flat plate 20 based on the temperature information acquired in step S54, and determines that it is appropriately heated when the calculated standard deviation of the temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value of the standard deviation of the temperature may be arbitrarily set according to the design. The predetermined value of the standard deviation of the temperature may be, for example, 0 °C or set to 5 °C or less. When it is determined that it is appropriately heated (step S56; Yes), it proceeds to step S58. When it is not determined that it is appropriately heated (step 56; No), it proceeds to step S62.

[0107] The processes of step S58 and step S60 are the same as the processes of step S36 and step S38 shown in FIG. 32, respectively, so the description is omitted.

[0108] When it is determined as No in step S56, the control unit 214 changes the heating conditions (step S62). Specifically, the control unit 214 registers the set conditions in step S56 and the calculation result of the standard deviation in step S56 in the prediction model 216a. Based on the prediction model 216a, the control unit 214 changes the arrangement positions of the coils 230a to 230d, the distances from the flat plate 20, the conditions of the phases and frequencies of the alternating currents flowing through the coils 230a to 230d, the movement conditions of the coils 230a to 230d, etc. The phases of the alternating currents flowing through the coils 230a to 230d may be the same or different from each other. The frequencies of the alternating currents flowing through the coils 230a to 230d may be the same or different from each other. Then, the process proceeds to step S64.

[0109] The control unit 214 heats the flat plate 20 under the changed heating conditions (step S64). Specifically, the control unit 214 heats the flat plate 20 according to the heating conditions changed in step S62. For example, the control unit 214 heats the flat plate 20 while changing the arrangement pattern of the coils 230a to 230d while moving the coils 230a to 230d. Then, the process proceeds to step S54. That is, the control unit 214 performs feedback control on the coils 230a to 230d based on the heating result of the flat plate 20.

[0110] In this embodiment, the heating device that heats the object to be heated has been described for the induction heating device 200 that heats the object to be heated by the induction heating method using a plurality of coils, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the heating device that heats the object to be heated may be a laser heating device that irradiates the object to be heated with a laser for heating.

[0111] Also, although the induction heating device 200 has been described as being equipped with the prediction model 216a, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The induction heating device 200 may store, for example, information regarding heating conditions learned according to the prediction model 216a instead of the prediction model 216a. Even in this case, the induction heating device 200 can heat the object to be heated according to the heating conditions.

[0112] The optimal design method, induction heating device, and induction heating method described in this embodiment are understood, for example, as follows.

[0113] The optimal design method of the first aspect includes a step of arranging a plurality of coils near the object to be heated, a step of applying an alternating current to the plurality of coils to apply a magnetic field to the object to be heated and heat the object to be heated, and a step of predicting an optimal value of a parameter regarding the plurality of coils based on the heating result of the object to be heated.

[0114] According to the optimal design method of the first aspect, a predicted value of a parameter including the arrangement position of a plurality of coils for heating the object to be heated can be predicted based on the heating result of the object to be heated. Thereby, a parameter including the arrangement position of a plurality of coils for heating the object to be heated can be obtained.

[0115] The optimal design method of the second aspect includes the steps of predicting the optimal values of parameters related to a plurality of coils: calculating the magnetic field distribution of the object to be heated; calculating the standard deviation of the magnetic field across the entire object to be heated based on the magnetic field distribution of the object to be heated; using a prediction model for predicting the minimum value of the standard deviation of the magnetic field across the entire object to be heated and the value of the alternating current flowing through the coil, with the standard deviation of the magnetic field across the entire object to be heated as input data, to predict the optimal values of parameters related to the plurality of coils. Thereby, the predicted values of parameters including the arrangement positions of the plurality of coils for heating the object to be heated can be optimized using the prediction model which is an AI model. Therefore, the predicted values of parameters including the arrangement positions of the plurality of coils for heating the object to be heated can be easily calculated.

[0116] The optimal design method of the third aspect includes the steps of predicting the optimal values of parameters related to a plurality of coils: calculating the temperature distribution of the object to be heated; calculating the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire object to be heated based on the temperature distribution of the object to be heated; using a prediction model for predicting the minimum value of the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire object to be heated and the value of the alternating current flowing through the coil, with the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire object to be heated as input data, to predict the optimal values of parameters related to the plurality of coils. Thereby, the predicted values of parameters including the arrangement positions of the plurality of coils for heating the object to be heated can be optimized using the prediction model which is an AI model. Therefore, the predicted values of parameters including the arrangement positions of the plurality of coils for heating the object to be heated can be easily calculated.

[0117] The optimal design method of the fourth aspect includes the step of predicting the optimal values of parameters related to a plurality of coils: predicting a plurality of combinations of a plurality of items included in the parameters related to the coils that can be candidates for the optimal solution. Thereby, a desired optimal solution can be easily set according to the conditions from among the plurality of candidates for the optimal solution.

[0118] In the optimal design method of the fifth aspect, the parameters regarding the plurality of coils include at least one of information regarding the shape, the number of turns, the arrangement position, the outer diameter, the relative positional relationship, the distance from the object to be heated, the phase of the alternating current flowing through the coil, and the frequency of the alternating current flowing through the coil. Thereby, various parameters regarding the coil can be appropriately designed.

[0119] In the optimal design method of the sixth aspect, the parameters regarding the plurality of coils include information regarding at least the combination of the phase and the frequency of the alternating current flowing through the plurality of coils. Thereby, the optimal design method of the sixth aspect can set conditions for more appropriately heating the object to be heated.

[0120] In the optimal design method of the seventh aspect, the object to be heated is a first carbon fiber composite material and a second carbon fiber composite material having a different shape from the first carbon fiber composite material. Thereby, appropriate conditions can be set according to the shape of the object to be heated.

[0121] The induction heating device of the eighth aspect includes a control device that predicts, sets, and stores the parameters of a plurality of coils arranged near the object to be heated by the optimal design method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a plurality of coils arranged near the object to be heated, and a temperature measuring device that measures the temperature of the object to be heated. The control device sets the parameters of the plurality of coils, passes an alternating current through the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated, and determines whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on the measurement result of the temperature of the object to be heated measured by the temperature measuring device.

[0122] According to the induction heating device of the eighth aspect, parameters including the arrangement position of the plurality of coils are optimized according to the optimal design method to heat the object to be heated. Thereby, the object to be heated can be appropriately heated.

[0123] The induction heating device according to the ninth aspect is such that the control device sets the parameters of a plurality of coils using a prediction model according to the object to be heated. The control device passes an alternating current through the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated, and determines whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on the measurement result of the temperature of the object to be heated measured by the temperature measuring device. According to the induction heating device of the ninth aspect, parameters including the arrangement positions of the plurality of coils are optimized using a prediction model according to an optimal design method, and the object to be heated is heated. Thereby, the object to be heated can be appropriately heated.

[0124] The induction heating device according to the tenth aspect is such that the control device heats the object to be heated while moving a plurality of coils. Thereby, the object to be heated can be heated more appropriately.

[0125] The induction heating device according to the eleventh aspect is such that the control device changes the arrangement pattern of a plurality of coils while moving the plurality of coils according to the measurement result of the temperature of the object to be heated measured by the temperature measuring device. Thereby, feedback control can be performed based on the heating result of the object to be heated, so that the object to be heated can be heated more appropriately.

[0126] The induction heating device according to the twelfth aspect includes a control device that performs heating control according to the conditions set by the optimal design method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a plurality of coils arranged near the object to be heated, and a temperature measuring device that measures the temperature of the object to be heated. The control device sets the parameters of the plurality of coils according to the object to be heated according to the conditions set by the optimal design method, passes an alternating current through the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated, and determines whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on the measurement result of the temperature of the object to be heated measured by the temperature measuring device.

[0127] According to the induction heating device of the twelfth aspect, parameters including the arrangement positions of the plurality of coils are optimized according to the conditions set by the optimal design method, and the object to be heated is heated. Thereby, the object to be heated can be appropriately heated.

[0128] The induction heating method according to the 13th aspect includes steps of predicting and setting parameters of a plurality of coils arranged near an object to be heated, passing an alternating current through the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated, measuring the temperature of the object to be heated, and determining whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on the measurement result of the measured temperature of the object to be heated.

[0129] According to the induction heating method of the 13th aspect, parameters including the arrangement positions of the plurality of coils are optimized according to the optimal design method to heat the object to be heated. Thereby, the object to be heated can be appropriately heated.

[0130] The induction heating method according to the 14th aspect includes steps of setting parameters of a plurality of coils arranged near an object to be heated according to conditions set using a prediction model according to the object to be heated, passing an alternating current through the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated, measuring the temperature of the object to be heated, and determining whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on the measurement result of the measured temperature of the object to be heated.

[0131] According to the induction heating device of the 14th aspect, parameters including the arrangement positions of the plurality of coils are optimized according to the conditions set by the optimal design method to heat the object to be heated. Thereby, the object to be heated can be appropriately heated.

[0132] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited by the contents of these embodiments. Further, the above-described components include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, substantially the same ones, and those within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or changes of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the above-described embodiments.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0133] 10, 20 flat panel 12, 22 stringer 14, 230 coil 100 analysis device 102 input unit 104 output unit 106, 214 control unit 108, 216 memory unit 108a, 216a prediction model 200 induction heating device 210 control device 212 communication unit 220 temperature measurement device 300 power supply

Claims

1. A step of arranging a plurality of coils in the vicinity of an object to be heated; A step of applying an alternating current to the plurality of coils to apply a magnetic field to the object to be heated and heating the object to be heated; A step of predicting an optimum value of a parameter related to the plurality of coils based on the heating result of the object to be heated; including The step of predicting the optimum value of the parameter related to the plurality of coils is A step of calculating a magnetic field distribution of the object to be heated; A step of calculating a standard deviation of the magnetic field over the entire area of the object to be heated based on the magnetic field distribution of the object to be heated; Using the standard deviation of the magnetic field over the entire area of the object to be heated as input data, and using a prediction model for predicting the minimum value of the standard deviation of the magnetic field over the entire area of the object to be heated and the value of the alternating current flowing through the coil, a step of predicting the optimum value of the parameter related to the plurality of coils; An optimum design method including.

2. A step of arranging a plurality of coils in the vicinity of an object to be heated; A step of applying an alternating current to the plurality of coils to apply a magnetic field to the object to be heated and heating the object to be heated; A step of predicting an optimum value of a parameter related to the plurality of coils based on the heating result of the object to be heated; including The step of predicting the optimum value of the parameter related to the plurality of coils is A step of calculating a temperature distribution of the object to be heated; A step of calculating a standard deviation of the temperature over the entire area of the object to be heated based on the temperature distribution of the object to be heated; Using the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire object to be heated as input data, a prediction model for predicting the minimum value between the standard deviation of the temperature across the entire object to be heated and the value of the alternating current flowing through the coil is used to predict the optimal values of the parameters for the plurality of coils. An optimal design method including the above.

3. The step of predicting the optimal values of the parameters for the plurality of coils predicts a plurality of combinations of a plurality of items included in the parameters for the coils that can be candidates for the optimal solution. The optimal design method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The parameters for the plurality of coils include at least one of information regarding shape, number of turns, arrangement position, outer diameter, relative positional relationship, distance from the object to be heated, phase of the alternating current flowing through the coil, and frequency of the alternating current flowing through the coil. The optimal design method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The parameters for the plurality of coils include information regarding at least a combination of the phase and frequency of the alternating current flowing through the plurality of coils. The optimal design method according to claim 4.

6. The object to be heated is a first carbon fiber composite material and a second carbon fiber composite material having a different shape from the first carbon fiber composite material. The optimal design method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A control device that predicts and sets the parameters of a plurality of coils arranged in the vicinity of an object to be heated by the optimal design method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A plurality of the coils arranged in the vicinity of the object to be heated, And a temperature measuring device that measures the temperature of the object to be heated. The control device sets parameters of a plurality of the coils, passes an alternating current through the plurality of the coils to heat the object to be heated, and determines whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on the measurement result of the temperature of the object to be heated measured by the temperature measurement device. Induction heating device. **Claim 8** The control device sets parameters of a plurality of the coils by using a prediction model according to the object to be heated, passes an alternating current through the plurality of the coils to heat the object to be heated, and determines whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on the measurement result of the temperature of the object to be heated measured by the temperature measurement device. The induction heating device according to claim 7. **Claim 9** The control device heats the object to be heated while moving a plurality of the coils. The induction heating device according to claim 7 or 8. **Claim 10** The control device changes the arrangement pattern of a plurality of the coils while moving the plurality of the coils according to the measurement result of the temperature of the object to be heated measured by the temperature measurement device. The induction heating device according to any one of claims 7 to 9. **Claim 11** A control device that performs heating control according to conditions set by the optimal design method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A plurality of coils arranged near the object to be heated, and a temperature measurement device that measures the temperature of the object to be heated. The control device sets parameters of a plurality of the coils according to the object to be heated according to the conditions set by the optimal design method, passes an alternating current through the plurality of the coils to heat the object to be heated, and determines whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on the measurement result of the temperature of the object to be heated measured by the temperature measurement device. Induction heating device. **Claim 12** The step of predicting and setting parameters of a plurality of coils arranged near an object to be heated by the optimal design method according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The step of flowing an alternating current through the plurality of coils to heat the object to be heated; The step of measuring the temperature of the object to be heated; The step of determining whether the temperature of the object to be heated is appropriate based on the measurement result of the measured temperature of the object to be heated; An induction heating method comprising:

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