Transverse type induction heating device

Abstract

In the present invention, the volumes of cores (1120, 1220) are made to differ between a heating upstream-side area and a heating downstream-side area.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transverse induction heating device. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-121377, filed on July 29, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] An induction heating device is an apparatus for heating a conductive plate. The induction heating device has a coil. An alternating magnetic field (AC magnetic field) is generated from the coil of the induction heating device. The alternating magnetic field induces eddy currents in the conductive plate. The conductive plate is heated by Joule heat based on the eddy currents. One such induction heating device is a transverse type induction heating device. The transverse type induction heating device induces eddy currents in the conductive plate by causing an alternating magnetic field to cross the conductive plate approximately perpendicularly (preferably perpendicularly).

[0003] Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe techniques for transverse type induction heating devices. Patent Document 1 discloses that one U-shaped core, a core consisting of two U-shaped cores arranged side by side, and a core consisting of three or more U-shaped cores arranged side by side can be used as the core of a transverse type induction heating device.

[0004] Patent Document 2 also discloses that a core (E-shaped core) in which the two U-shaped cores described above are arranged side by side is used as a core for a transverse type induction heating device.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses that a core having a plurality of legs arranged in a staggered pattern at regular intervals in the conveyance direction of a conductive plate is used as the core of a transverse type induction heating device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-257894 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-27470 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 2-69959 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the alternating magnetic field that crosses the conductor plate is uniform between the entry side (upstream side in the conveying direction of the conductor plate) and exit side (downstream side in the conveying direction of the conductor plate) of the transverse type induction heating device. Therefore, the amount of heat applied to the conductor plate is the same between the entry side and exit side of the transverse type induction heating device. Therefore, there is a risk that the quality required for the conductor plate will not be met.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a transverse type induction heating device that can induction heat a conductor plate so as to meet the quality required for the conductor plate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Transverse type induction heating device of the present invention First example ofis a transverse type induction heating device having an upper inductor and a lower inductor arranged to face each other with a conductor plate therebetween, and which induction heats the conductor plate by crossing an alternating magnetic field across the plate surface of the conductor plate, wherein the upper inductor and the lower inductor each have a coil and a core, and the volume of one of the cores in the upper inductor and the volume of one of the cores in the lower inductor are different between an upstream heating region and a downstream heating region of the one core, respectively, and the upstream heating region of the core is a region upstream of a reference position of the core in the conveyance direction of the conductor plate, and the downstream heating region of the core is a region downstream of the reference position of the core in the conveyance direction of the conductor plate. the reference position of the core is a central position in the heating length direction between the most upstream end position of the coil of the core and the most downstream end position of the coil of the core, the heating length direction is a direction parallel to the conveyance direction of the conductor plate, the most upstream end position of the coil of the core is a position of an end that is located most upstream in the heating length direction among the ends of the coil arranged with respect to the core, and the most downstream end position of the coil of the core is a position of an end that is located most downstream in the heating length direction among the ends of the coil arranged with respect to the core, the same main magnetic flux flows in one of the cores that the upper inductor has, and the same main magnetic flux flows in one of the cores that the lower inductor has, and the main magnetic flux is a magnetic flux that passes through the conductor plate, The ratio of the volume of the core in the heating amount increasing region to the volume of the core in the heating amount decreasing region is 5.1 or more, the heating amount decreasing region is the region of the heating upstream region and the heating downstream region where the volume of the core is smaller, and the heating amount increasing region is the region of the heating upstream region and the heating downstream region where the volume of the core is larger. do. A second example of the transverse type induction heating device of the present invention is a transverse type induction heating device having an upper inductor and a lower inductor arranged to face each other with a conductor plate sandwiched therebetween, and inductively heating the conductor plate by crossing an alternating magnetic field across the plate surface of the conductor plate, wherein the upper inductor and the lower inductor each have a coil and a core, and the volume of one of the cores in the upper inductor and the volume of one of the cores in the lower inductor are each a heating upstream region of the one core. and the heating downstream region of the one core, the heating upstream region of the core is an upstream region in the conveying direction of the conductor plate from the reference position of the core, the heating downstream region of the core is an downstream region in the conveying direction of the conductor plate from the reference position of the core, the reference position of the core is a central position in the heating length direction between the most upstream end position of the coil of the core and the most downstream end position of the coil of the core, the heating length direction is a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the conductor plate, is the position of the end located most upstream in the heating length direction among the ends of the coils arranged relative to the core, and the most downstream end position of the coil of the core is the position of the end located most downstream in the heating length direction among the ends of the coils arranged relative to the core, and the same main magnetic flux flows in one of the cores that the upper inductor has, and the same main magnetic flux flows in one of the cores that the lower inductor has, and the main magnetic flux is a magnetic flux that passes through the conductor plate, and the core is the central body includes a central leg disposed in a hollow region of the core, and a central body through which the same main magnetic flux as that flowing in the central leg flows, the tip surface of the central leg faces the conductor plate with a gap therebetween, the central body includes a region closer to the increased heat amount region than the central leg, the increased heat amount region being the region of the upstream heating region or the downstream heating region which has a larger volume of the core, the central body is disposed on the rear side of the coil, and the rear side is opposite to the side on which the conductor plate is present. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a transverse type induction heating device. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a plan view showing an example of a transverse type induction heating device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a bottom view showing an example of a transverse type induction heating device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view showing an example of a transverse type induction heating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of a transverse type induction heating device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a main magnetic flux flowing in an induction heating device. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram conceptually showing an example of the amount of heat generated by a conductor plate heated using the induction heating device of this embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram conceptually showing an example of the amount of heat generated by a conductor plate heated using two common induction heating devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the term "sameness" in terms of length, position, size, spacing, etc., includes not only being strictly the same but also being different within the spirit of the invention (e.g., being different within the tolerance range established at the time of design). In addition, for the convenience of explanation and notation, in each figure, only parts necessary for explanation are shown, simplified as necessary. In each figure, the x, y, and z coordinates indicate the orientation relationship in each figure. A symbol with a cross mark (×) inside a white circle (○) indicates that the axis is positive in the direction from the front to the back of the page. A symbol with a black circle (●) inside a white circle (○) indicates that the axis is positive in the direction from the back to the front of the page. In this embodiment, the x, y, and z planes are horizontal, and the z axis direction is the height direction.

[0012] 1 to 4 are diagrams showing an example of a transverse type induction heating device. In this embodiment, the conveying direction of the conductor plate M is the positive direction of the y axis, the width direction of the conductor plate M is the x axis direction, and the plate thickness direction of the conductor plate M is the z axis direction. In this case, the upstream side of the conveying direction of the conductor plate M is the negative direction of the y axis, and the downstream side is the positive direction of the y axis. Here, the direction parallel to the conveying direction of the conductor plate M (positive direction of the y axis) (i.e., the y axis direction) will be referred to as the heating length direction. The heating length direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the conductor plate M.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a cross section (yz cross section) of a transverse type induction heating device 1000 taken perpendicular to the width direction (x-axis direction) of the conductor plate M. FIG. 2A shows a top view (plan view) of the transverse type induction heating device 1000 (positive side of the z-axis). FIG. 2B shows a bottom view (bottom view) of the transverse type induction heating device 1000 (negative side of the z-axis). FIG. 3 shows a rear view (rear view) of the transverse type induction heating device 1000 as seen from the upstream side (negative side of the y-axis) in the conveyance direction of the conductor plate M. FIG. 4 shows a front view (front view) of the transverse type induction heating device 1000 as seen from the downstream side (positive side of the y-axis) in the conveyance direction of the conductor plate M. In the following description, the conveying direction of the conductive plate M will be abbreviated as the conveying direction as necessary, the width direction of the conductive plate M will be abbreviated as the width direction as necessary, and the thickness direction of the conductive plate M will be abbreviated as the thickness direction as necessary.

[0014] The transverse type induction heating device 1000 induces heating of the conductor plate M by applying an alternating magnetic field substantially perpendicularly (preferably perpendicularly) to the surface of the conductor plate M during transportation. The conductor plate M is, for example, a metal plate such as a steel plate. In the following description, the transverse type induction heating device will be abbreviated as "induction heating device" as necessary. An example of the configuration of the induction heating device 1000 will be described below. The dimensions (W1 to W5) of the induction heating device 1000 will be described later in the section "Design Method."

[0015] (Induction heating device 1000) The induction heating device 1000 includes an upper inductor 1100 and a lower inductor 1200. The upper inductor 1100 and the lower inductor 1200 are disposed with a gap in the thickness direction (z-axis direction) of the conductor plate M so as to face each other with the conductor plate M sandwiched therebetween. In this manner, the thickness direction (z-axis direction) of the conductor plate M corresponds to the direction in which the upper inductor 1100 and the lower inductor 1200 face each other. The induction heating device 1000 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrates a case in which the upper inductor 1100 and the lower inductor 1200 are in a plane-symmetric relationship with respect to an imaginary plane SL. The imaginary plane SL is a plane that passes through the center of the conductor plate M in the thickness direction (z-axis direction) and is parallel to the width direction (x-axis direction) and the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction). Note that the imaginary plane SL is not an actual plane.

[0016] The upper inductor 1100 and the lower inductor 1200 have coils 1110 and 1210 and cores 1120 and 1220, respectively. The number of turns of the coils 1110 and 1210 is N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1). The number of turns of the coils 1110 and 1210 is not limited. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example in which the number of turns N of the coils 1110 and 1210 is 5. The coils 1110 and 1210 are arranged, for example, such that the center lines of the coils 1110 and 1210 are substantially perpendicular (preferably perpendicular) to the plate surface of the conductive plate M. The coils 1110 and 1210 may be electrically connected in series or in parallel. In this case, the AC current flowing through the coils 1110 and 1210 is supplied from the same AC power source. The coils 1110 and 1210 may not be electrically connected. In this case, the AC current flowing through the coils 1110 and 1210 is supplied from separate AC power sources. Note that being electrically connected in series has the same meaning as the series connection commonly used in the field of electrical circuits. Furthermore, "electrically connected in parallel" has the same meaning as "parallel connection" commonly used in the field of electrical circuits. In the following description, "electrically connected in series" will be simply referred to as "series connected" as necessary. Furthermore, "electrically connected in parallel" will be simply referred to as "parallel connected" as necessary.

[0017] It is desirable that the alternating current flowing from the AC power source to the coils 1110 and 1210 causes the magnetic flux generated from the coils 1110 and 1210 to have approximately the same (preferably the same) direction at the same time, and that the alternating magnetic field generated from the coils 1110 and 1210 intersects the plate surface of the conductor plate M approximately perpendicular (preferably perpendicular).

[0018] 1, 2A, and 2B, when the coils 1110 and 1210 are connected in series, the total number of turns in the coils 1110 and 1210 in the induction heating device 1000 is 10 (=2×5). On the other hand, when the coils 1110 and 1210 are connected in parallel, the total number of turns in the coils 1110 and 1210 in the induction heating device 1000 is 5.

[0019] 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the coils 1110, 1210 are made of copper pipes. The copper pipes have, for example, a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. A cooling medium (for example, cooling water) is supplied to the hollow portion of the copper pipe. For simplicity of notation, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, an example in which the coils 1110, 1210 are made of spiral copper pipes is illustrated. However, the configuration of the coils 1110, 1220 is not limited to this configuration. The induction heating device 1000 may have coils of a known configuration employed in induction heating devices.

[0020] Coils 1110 and 1210 are disposed (wound) on cores 1120 and 1220, respectively. Cores 1120 and 1220 are made of a soft magnetic material. The volumes of cores 1120 and 1220 differ between the upstream heating region and the downstream heating region. The upstream heating region is a region upstream of reference position SP in the transport direction (negative side of the y-axis). The downstream heating region is a region downstream of reference position SP in the transport direction (positive side of the y-axis). In the following description, the upstream side in the transport direction and the downstream side in the transport direction will be abbreviated as upstream side and downstream side, respectively, as necessary.

[0021] The reference position SP is the center position in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) between the coil most upstream end position MU and the coil most downstream end position MD. The coil most upstream end position MU is the end position located most upstream (negative side of the y-axis) in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) among the end positions of the coils 1110, 1210. The coil most downstream end position MD is the end position located most downstream (positive side of the y-axis) in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) among the end positions of the coils 1110, 1210.

[0022] 1, when the number of coils 1110, 1210 arranged in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) for one core 1120, 1220 is one, the coil most upstream end position MU is the end position of the coil 1110, 1210 that is located most upstream (negative side of the y-axis) in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) among the end positions of the coil 1110, 1210. Also, the coil most downstream end position MD is the end position of the coil 1110, 1210 that is located most downstream (positive side of the y-axis) in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) among the end positions of the coil 1110, 1210.

[0023] On the other hand, when multiple coils are arranged side by side with a gap in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) relative to one core 1120, 1220, the coil most upstream end position MU is determined for the coil located most upstream in the heating length direction (negative side of the y-axis) among the multiple coils. That is, the coil most upstream end position MU is the position of the end most upstream in the heating length direction among the positions of the ends of the coil located most upstream in the heating length direction. Also, the coil most downstream end position MD is determined for the coil located most downstream in the heating length direction among the multiple coils. That is, the coil most downstream end position MD is the position of the end most downstream in the heating length direction among the positions of the ends of the coil located most downstream in the heating length direction.

[0024] As described above, the volume of one core 1120 included in the upper inductor 1100 differs between the upstream heating region of the one core 1120 and the downstream heating region of the one core 1120. Similarly, the volume of one core 1220 included in the lower inductor 1200 differs between the upstream heating region of the one core 1220 and the downstream heating region of the one core 1220.

[0025] Here, the same main magnetic flux flows through one core 1120 of the upper inductor 1100. Similarly, the same main magnetic flux flows through one core 1220 of the lower inductor 1200. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main magnetic flux flowing through the induction heating device 1000. Note that FIG. 5 shows a simplified configuration of the coils 1110 and 1210. Also, hatching indicating a cross section is omitted in FIG. 5.

[0026] The main magnetic flux is a magnetic flux that contributes to heating the conductive plate M. The main magnetic flux is a magnetic flux that passes through the conductive plate M among the magnetic flux generated from the cores 1120 and 1220. The main magnetic flux is approximately perpendicular (preferably perpendicular) to the plate surface of the conductive plate M. As shown in FIG. 5, the magnetic flux lines φ1 to φ32 that represent the main magnetic flux each have the same start point and end point. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the path (magnetic path) formed by the individual magnetic flux lines φ1 to φ32 is a closed path. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the path (magnetic path) formed by the magnetic flux lines φ1 to φ32 is a closed path that passes through the core 1120 of the upper inductor 1100, the conductive plate M, and the core 1220 of the lower inductor 1200.

[0027] In upper inductor 1100, the same main magnetic flux flows through core 1120. That is, a path (magnetic path) formed by the same magnetic flux lines φ1 to φ32 exists inside core 1120. Therefore, core 1120 is a single core. Similarly, in lower inductor 1200, the same main magnetic flux flows through core 1220. That is, a path (magnetic path) formed by the same magnetic flux lines φ1 to φ32 exists inside core 1220. Therefore, core 1220 is a single core. FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a case where cores 1120 and 1220 are integral with each other. Assume that multiple parts forming a core are arranged with a gap between them. When the same main magnetic flux flows through the multiple parts, the core formed by the multiple parts is a single core.

[0028] On the other hand, in upper inductor 1100, a core through which the same main magnetic flux as this main magnetic flux does not flow is not the same core (i.e., a different core). Similarly, in lower inductor 1200, a core through which the same main magnetic flux as this main magnetic flux does not flow is a different core. Furthermore, even if the same main magnetic flux flows through cores, core 1120 of upper inductor 1100 and core 1220 of lower inductor 1200, are different cores.

[0029] As described above, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a case where the upper inductor 1100 has one core 1120. FIGS. 1 to 4 also illustrate a case where the volume of the heating downstream region of the core 1120 is larger than the volume of the heating upstream region of the core 1120. Similarly, FIGS. 1 to 4 also illustrate a case where the lower inductor 1200 has one core 1220. FIGS. 1 to 4 also illustrate a case where the volume of the heating downstream region of the core 1220 is larger than the volume of the heating upstream region of the core 1220. The reason why the volumes of the heating downstream regions of the cores 1120 and 1220 are made larger than the volumes of the heating upstream regions of the cores 1120 and 1220 is to make the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M passing through the heating downstream region larger than the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M passing through the heating upstream region (i.e., the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M). In the following description, the region with a smaller core volume, either the heating upstream region or the heating downstream region, will be referred to as the "heating amount reduction region" as needed. The region with a larger core volume will be referred to as the "heating amount increase region" as needed. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a case where the heating upstream region is the heating amount reduction region and the heating downstream region is the heating amount increase region. This is what is meant by the fact that the "heating amount reduction region" is shown below the heating upstream region and the "heating amount increase region" is shown below the heating downstream region in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B.

[0030] 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the region of the induction heating device 1000 in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) from the coil most upstream end position MU to the reference position SP is the heating upstream region (heating amount reduction region). Also, FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B illustrate an example in which the region of the upper inductor 1100 in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) from the reference position SP to the most downstream position CD is the heating downstream region (heating amount increase region). Similarly, FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B illustrate an example in which the region of the lower inductor 1200 in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) from the reference position SP to the most downstream position CD is the heating downstream region (heating amount increase region). The most downstream position CD is the position of the end of the upper inductor 1100 or the lower inductor 1200 that is located most downstream in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) (the positive side of the y-axis).

[0031] Contrary to the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the volume of the upstream heating region may be larger than the volume of the downstream heating region in one core of the upper inductor. Similarly, the volume of the upstream heating region may be larger than the volume of the downstream heating region in one core of the lower inductor. This is done when the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M passing through the upstream heating region is greater than the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M passing through the downstream heating region (i.e., the amount of heat applied to the conductor plate M). In this case, the downstream heating region is the reduced heat amount region, and the upstream heating region is the increased heat amount region. For example, by rotating the induction heating device 1000 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 by 180°, an example of an induction heating device is realized in which the volume of the core in the upstream heating region is larger than that in the downstream heating region. Therefore, illustration of such an induction heating device is omitted. Note that the position of the rotation axis in the heating length direction (y-axis direction) when the induction heating device 1000 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is rotated by 180° is, for example, the reference position SP. The position of the rotation axis in the width direction (x-axis direction) is, for example, the center position of the cores 1120 and 1220. the law of nature The direction in which the rotation axis extends is, for example, the plate thickness direction (z-axis direction).

[0032] As described above, the volumes of the cores 1120, 1220 are made different between the heating upstream region and the heating downstream region. Therefore, the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M passing through the heating downstream region (i.e., the amount of heat applied to the conductor plate M) can be made different from the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M passing through the heating upstream region so as to meet the quality required of the conductor plate M. This makes it possible to improve the quality of the conductor plate M.

[0033] The degree to which the heat generation amount of the conductor plate M passing through the heating downstream region and the heat generation amount of the conductor plate M passing through the heating upstream region must differ in order to satisfy the quality required of the conductor plate M is determined, for example, based on the results of a simulation experiment or numerical analysis. In the simulation experiment, for example, the conductor plate M is heated using an experimental device that simulates induction heating of the conductor plate M. The quality of the conductor plate M can be confirmed from the conductor plate M after heating. In the numerical analysis, for example, a numerical simulation is performed that simulates induction heating of the conductor plate M. In the numerical simulation, for example, at least one of calculations of the magnetic flux density inside and outside the conductor plate M, the magnetic properties of the conductor plate M, and the crystalline structure of the conductor plate M is calculated. The quality of the conductor plate M can be confirmed from the results of the numerical simulation.

[0034] The ratio of the volume of the cores 1120, 1220 in the increased heating amount region to the volume of the cores 1120, 1220 in the reduced heating amount region is determined depending on the difference between the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M passing through the downstream heating area and the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M passing through the upstream heating area. From the viewpoint of clearly differentiating the quality of the conductor plate M between when such a difference is made and when it is not made, it is preferable that the ratio of the volume of the cores 1120, 1220 in the increased heating amount region to the volume of the cores 1120, 1220 in the reduced heating amount region is 5.1 or more.

[0035] 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which cores 1120, 1220 each have central leg portions 1121, 1221, central trunk portions 1122, 1222, end trunk portions 1123, 1223, and end leg portions 1124, 1224. For convenience of notation and explanation, in FIGS. 1 to 4, the central leg portions 1121, 1221, central trunk portions 1122, 1222, end trunk portions 1123, 1223, and end leg portions 1124, 1224 are shown by two-dot chain lines (phantom lines).

[0036] The central legs 1121 and 1221 are disposed in the hollow regions of the coils 1110 and 1210, respectively. FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the central legs 1121 and 1221 are disposed so that the center positions of the central legs 1121 and 1221 in the heating longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) are the reference position SP. The end legs 1124 and 1224 are disposed closer to the increased heat amount region than the coils 1110 and 1210, respectively (on the positive y-axis side in FIGS. 1 to 4). The central trunks 1122 and 1222 and the end trunks 1123 and 1223 are disposed closer to the rear side than the coils 1110 and 1210, respectively. The rear side is the side opposite to the side where the conductive plate M is present (i.e., the side where the conductive plate M is not present). The rear side of the upper inductor 1100 is the side where the lower inductor 1200 is not present. The rear side of lower inductor 1200 is the side where upper inductor 1100 is not present. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the rear side of coil 1110 is on the positive side of coil 1110 along the z-axis, and the rear side of coil 1210 is on the negative side of coil 1210 along the z-axis. Central body portions 1122 and 1222 include areas closer to the increased heat amount region than central leg portions 1121 and 1221, respectively (on the positive side of the y-axis in FIGS. 1 to 4). End body portions 1123 and 1223 are disposed closer to the increased heat amount region than central body portions 1122 and 1222 and coils 1110 and 1210, respectively.

[0037] 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the central legs 1121, 1221, the central trunks 1122, 1222, the end trunks 1123, 1223, and the end legs 1124, 1224 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Also, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the central legs 1121, 1221, the central trunks 1122, 1222, the end trunks 1123, 1223, and the end legs 1124, 1224 have the same length in the width direction (x-axis direction). Also, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the tip surfaces (end surfaces on the conductive plate M side) of the central legs 1121, 1221 are positioned closer to the conductive plate M than the coils 1110, 1210. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the coils 1110, 1210 are disposed closer to the conductor plate M than the tip surfaces of the end legs 1124, 1224. Also, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the central body portions 1122, 1222 and the end body portions 1123, 1223 have the same length in the plate thickness direction (z-axis direction). Also, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the central body portion 1122 and the end body portion 1123 are magnetically connected to form a single rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. Similarly, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the central body portion 1222 and the end body portion 1223 are magnetically connected to form a single rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. Note that being magnetically connected means that the same main magnetic flux flows as the main magnetic flux described above with reference to FIG. 5.

[0038] 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the central body portion 1122 is disposed closer to the rear surface than the central leg portion 1121. Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the base end surface (the end surface opposite the conductive plate M) of the central leg portion 1121 is connected to the central body portion 1122 without a break. Therefore, the same main magnetic flux as that flowing through the central body portion 1122 flows in the central leg portion 1121. Also, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the central body portion 1122 is disposed upstream of the end body portion 1123. Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the downstream end surface of the central body portion 1122 is connected to the upstream end surface of the end body portion 1123 without a break. Therefore, the same main magnetic flux as that flowing through the end body portion 1123 flows in the central body portion 1122.

[0039] 1 to 4 show an example in which the end body portion 1123 is disposed closer to the rear side than the end leg portion 1124. to 1 to 4 show an example in which the base end surface of the end leg 1124 is seamlessly connected to the end body 1123. Therefore, the same main magnetic flux as that flowing through the end leg 1124 flows through the end body 1123. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the tip surfaces of the central leg 1121 and the end leg 1124 face the plate surface of the conductive plate M (the surface on the positive side of the z-axis) with a gap therebetween.

[0040] Similarly, an example is shown in which the central body 1222 is arranged closer to the rear surface than the central leg 1221. Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 4 show an example in which the base end surface (the end surface opposite the conductive plate M) of the central leg 1221 is connected to the central body 1222 without a gap. Therefore, the same main magnetic flux as that flowing through the central body 1222 flows in the central leg 1221. Also, FIGS. 1 to 4 show an example in which the central body 1222 is arranged upstream of the end body 1223. Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 4 show an example in which the downstream end surface of the central body 1222 is connected to the upstream end surface of the end body 1223 without a gap. Therefore, the same main magnetic flux as that flowing through the end body 1223 flows in the central body 1222.

[0041] 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the end-side body 1223 is disposed closer to the rear surface than the end-side leg 1224. Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the base end surface of the end-side leg 1224 is connected seamlessly to the end-side body 1223. Therefore, the same main magnetic flux as that flowing through the end-side leg 1224 flows through the end-side body 1223. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the tip surfaces of the central leg 1221 and the end leg 1224 face the plate surface of the conductive plate M (the surface on the negative side of the z-axis) with a gap therebetween.

[0042] 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the positions of the ends in the width direction (x-axis direction) of the central legs 1121, 1221, the central trunk portions 1122, 1222, the end trunk portions 1123, 1223, and the end legs 1124, 1224 are all aligned. That is, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the positions of the ends on the positive x-axis direction of the central legs 1121, 1221, the central trunk portions 1122, 1222, the end trunk portions 1123, 1223, and the end legs 1124, 1224 are all aligned. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the positions of the ends on the negative x-axis direction of central legs 1121, 1221, central trunks 1122, 1222, end trunks 1123, 1223, and end legs 1124, 1224 are all the same.

[0043] 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the portions of the cores 1120, 1220 other than the central leg portions 1121, 1221 and the central trunk portions 1122, 1222 are not present in the heat amount reduction region.

[0044] For convenience of explanation, the cores 1120 and 1220 have been described here as being divided into central leg portions 1121 and 1221, central trunk portions 1122 and 1222, end trunk portions 1123 and 1223, and end leg portions 1124 and 1224, respectively. However, the central legs 1121 and 1221, the central trunk portions 1122 and 1222, the end trunk portions 1123 and 1223, and the end leg portions 1124 and 1224 are all integral with one another. Therefore, there are no boundaries between the central legs 1121 and 1221, the central trunk portions 1122 and 1222, the end trunk portions 1123 and 1223, and the end leg portions 1124 and 1224. However, these may be manufactured as separate parts and then combined to form a single core. For example, at least two of the central leg 1121, the central body 1122, the end body 1123, and the end leg 1124 may be arranged with a gap between them. However, the at least two parts are configured and arranged so that the same main magnetic flux flows through the at least two parts. Similarly, the central leg 1221, the central body 1222, and the end body Part 1At least two portions of the end leg 1223 and the end leg 1224 may be spaced apart from one another, provided that the at least two portions are constructed and arranged such that the same main magnetic flux flows through the at least two portions.

[0045] Furthermore, the induction heating device 1000 of this embodiment has leakage flux reduction members 1140 and 1240. The leakage flux reduction members 1140 and 1240 are arranged to reduce leakage of magnetic flux generated when the cores 1120 and 1220 are excited by AC currents flowing through the coils 1110 and 1210, respectively. The leakage flux is magnetic flux that does not contribute to heating the conductive plate M. The leakage flux is magnetic flux generated from the cores 1120 and 1220 that does not pass through the conductive plate M.

[0046] The leakage flux reduction members 1140, 1240 are arranged in the reduced heat amount region. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a case in which the leakage flux reduction members 1140, 1240 are arranged to face the end faces on the rear side of the coils 1110, 1210 with a gap therebetween. This embodiment also illustrates a case in which the leakage flux reduction members are not arranged in the increased heat amount region. However, the leakage flux reduction members may be arranged in the increased heat amount region.

[0047] 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the leakage flux reduction members 1140 and 1240 are each a single plate. Also, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the widthwise (x-axis) lengths of the leakage flux reduction members 1140 and 1240 are the same as the widthwise lengths of the cores 1120 and 1220, respectively. Also, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the heating longitudinal length (y-axis) lengths of the leakage flux reduction members 1140 and 1240 are the value obtained by subtracting the heating longitudinal length of the central leg portions 1121 and 1221 from the heating longitudinal length of the central trunk portions 1122 and 1222, respectively. Also, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the positions of the rear surface of the leakage flux reduction members 1140 and 1240 and the rear surface of the cores 1120 and 1220 are aligned (the positions of the surfaces in the z-axis direction are the same). 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the positions of the widthwise (x-axis) ends of the leakage flux reduction members 1140, 1240 and the widthwise (x-axis) ends of the cores 1120, 1220 are aligned (the positions of the ends on the positive and negative sides of the x-axis are the same). Also, Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an example in which the plate surfaces of the plates constituting the leakage flux reduction members 1140, 1240 are approximately parallel (preferably parallel) to the plate surface of the conductive plate M.

[0048] The leakage flux reduction members 1140, 1240 are preferably made of a non-magnetic material in order to reduce leakage of magnetic flux that occurs when the cores 1120, 1220 are excited by an AC current flowing through the coil 1110. Furthermore, in order to suppress heat generation from the induction heating device 1000, the leakage flux reduction members 1140, 1240 are more preferably made of copper, which has high thermal conductivity. This embodiment illustrates a case in which the leakage flux reduction members 1140, 1240 each include a single copper plate. Alternatively, the leakage flux reduction members 1140, 1240 may be made of, for example, multiple copper plates stacked with their plate surfaces facing each other.

[0049] The induction heating device 1000 of this embodiment also includes intervening members 1130 and 1230. The intervening members 1130 and 1230 are used to position the leakage flux reduction members 1140 and 1240, respectively, and to ensure electrical insulation between the coils 1110 and 1210 and the leakage flux reduction members 1140 and 1240. The intervening members 1130 and 1230 are disposed between the leakage flux reduction members 1140 and 1240, respectively, and the coils 1110 and 1210. From the viewpoints of ensuring electrical insulation between the coils 1110 and 1210 and the leakage flux reduction members 1140 and 1240 and reducing the amount of soft magnetic material in the heat reduction region, the intervening members 1130 and 1230 are preferably made of a resin material. Examples of the resin material include glass epoxy resin and phenolic resin. 1 to 4, the interposition members 1130, 1230 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the same size as the space between the leakage magnetic flux reduction members 1140, 1240 and the coils 1110, 1210, respectively.

[0050] 1, in the induction heating device 1000 of this embodiment, the cores 1120 and 1220 are not located upstream (in the negative direction of the y-axis) of the central legs 1121 and 1221, respectively. Upstream side The magnetic flux that comes out in the negative direction of the y-axis is likely to become leakage flux that does not pass through the conductive plate M. In contrast, by arranging the leakage flux reducing members 1140 and 1240, the magnetic flux that comes out from the cores 1120 and 1220 is more likely to flow from the cores 1120 and 1220 than from the cores 1120 and 1220. Upstream side The magnetic flux emerging in the negative direction of the y-axis is more likely to be directed toward the conductive plate M than when the leakage flux reducing members 1140, 1240 are not arranged (see the magnetic flux lines φ19, φ21, φ23, φ25, φ27, φ29, and φ31 shown in FIG. 5). Therefore, these magnetic fluxes are less likely to become leakage flux (i.e., they are more likely to become main magnetic flux).

[0051] The induction heating device 1000 may have a shield plate (not shown) for preventing overheating of the edge portion (edge ​​portion in the width direction) of the conductor plate M. For example, the shield plate is disposed between the edge portion of the conductor plate M and the cores 1120, 1220, respectively. The shield plate may also move according to the width of the conductor plate M and the amount of meandering (amount of movement in the width direction) of the conductor plate M. The shield plate is intended to prevent the main magnetic flux from passing through the edge portion of the conductor plate M, and is not intended to reduce leakage magnetic flux.

[0052] FIG. 6A is a diagram conceptually showing an example of the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M heated using the induction heating device 1000 of this embodiment. FIG. 6B is a diagram conceptually showing an example of the amount of heat generated by the conductor plate M heated using two general induction heating devices. The two general induction heating devices are used for heating the conductor plate M in the heating longitudinal direction ( y-axis direction ) are arranged with a gap between them.

[0053] In Figure 6A, P min is the minimum value of the heat generation amount at a certain portion of the conductor plate M while it is passing through the induction heating device 1000. This portion is, for example, the central portion in the width direction (x-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 6A, the heat generation amount at each portion of the conductor plate M while it is passing through the induction heating device 1000 of this embodiment is minimum at the coil's most upstream end position MU. max is the maximum value of the heat generation amount at a certain portion of the conductor plate M while it is passing through the induction heating device 1000. As shown in FIG. 6A, the heat generation amount at each portion of the conductor plate M while it is passing through the induction heating device 1000 of this embodiment is maximum at the most downstream position CD. Also, in FIG. 6A, P A , P B is the amount of heat generated at a certain location of the conductive plate M passing through the central legs 1121 and 1221 of the induction heating device 1000.

[0054] As described above, in the induction heating device 1000 of this embodiment, the volume of the heating upstream region and the volume of the heating downstream region are made different in one core 1120, 1220. By adjusting the volume of the heating upstream region and the volume of the heating downstream region, the heat generation amount of each part of the conductor plate M passing through the central legs 1121, 1221 of the induction heating device 1000 can be calculated as the heat generation amount P A , P B (This is indicated by the double-headed arrows in FIG. 6A). Therefore, the heat generation amount of the conductor plate M downstream of the reference position SP (i.e., the heat generation amount for the conductor plate M) can be made different from the heat generation amount of the conductor plate M upstream of the reference position SP. Therefore, it is possible to achieve, with one core 1120, 1220, a difference between the temperature rise rate in the heating longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) in the region upstream of the reference position SP and the temperature rise rate in the heating longitudinal direction in the region downstream of the reference position SP. From the above, it is possible to adjust the quality of the conductor plate M by adjusting the volume of the heating upstream region and the volume of the heating downstream region.

[0055] In Fig. 6B, CU1 represents the most upstream position of the induction heating device located upstream of the two typical induction heating devices. The most upstream position is the end position of the upper inductor or the lower inductor that is located most upstream (negative side of the y-axis) in the heating length direction (y-axis direction). Note that in the induction heating device 1000 of this embodiment, the most upstream coil end position MU and the most upstream position are shown as an example.

[0056] MU1 represents the most upstream end position of the coil of the induction heating device located on the upstream side. SP1 represents the reference position of the induction heating device located on the upstream side. MD1 represents the most downstream end position of the coil of the induction heating device located on the upstream side. CD1 represents the most downstream position of the induction heating device located on the upstream side.

[0057] P 1minis the minimum value of the heat generation amount at a certain portion of the conductor plate M while passing through the induction heating device located upstream of the two common induction heating devices. As shown in FIG. 6B, the heat generation amount at each portion of the conductor plate M while passing through the induction heating device located upstream is minimum at the coil's most upstream position CU1. 1max is the maximum value of the heat generation amount at a certain portion of the conductor plate M while it is passing through the induction heating device located on the upstream side. As shown in FIG. 6B, the heat generation amount at each portion of the conductor plate M while it is passing through the induction heating device located on the upstream side is maximum at the most downstream position CD1. Also, in FIG. 6B, P 1C is the amount of heat generated at a certain portion of the conductive plate M passing through the central leg of the induction heating device arranged on the upstream side.

[0058] In a typical induction heating device, the volume of one core is the same in the upstream heating region and the downstream heating region. Therefore, of the two typical induction heating devices, the heat generation amount P of each part of the conductor plate M passing through the central leg of the induction heating device located on the upstream side is 1C is the maximum value P of the heat generation amount at the relevant portion of the conductor plate M passing through the induction heating device arranged on the upstream side. 1max It is fixed at 1 / 2 of the value.

[0059] In FIG. 6B, CU2 represents the most upstream position of the induction heating device located downstream of the two common induction heating devices. MU2 represents the most upstream end position of the coil of the induction heating device located downstream. SP2 represents the reference position of the induction heating device located downstream. MD2 represents the most downstream end position of the coil of the induction heating device located downstream. CD2 represents the reference position of the induction heating device located downstream. under This represents the most downstream position of the induction heating device located on the downstream side.

[0060] P 2minis the minimum value of the heat generation amount at a certain portion of the conductor plate M while passing through the induction heating device located downstream of the two common induction heating devices. As shown in FIG. 6B, the heat generation amount at each portion of the conductor plate M while passing through the induction heating device located downstream is minimum at the coil's most upstream position CU2. 2max is the maximum value of the heat generation amount at a certain portion of the conductor plate M while it is passing through the induction heating device located downstream. As shown in FIG. 6B, the heat generation amount at each portion of the conductor plate M while it is passing through the induction heating device located downstream is maximum at the most downstream position CD2. Also, in FIG. 6B, P 2C is the amount of heat generated at a certain portion of the conductive plate M passing through the central leg of the induction heating device arranged downstream.

[0061] As mentioned above, in a typical induction heating device, the volume of one core is the same in the upstream heating region and the downstream heating region. Therefore, of the two typical induction heating devices, the heat generation amount P of each part of the conductor plate M passing through the central leg of the induction heating device located downstream is 2C is the maximum value P of the heat generation amount at the part of the conductor plate M passing through the induction heating device located downstream. 2max It is fixed at 1 / 2 of the value.

[0062] In the induction heating devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the volume of one core is the same in the heating upstream region and the heating downstream region. Therefore, it is only possible to make the heat generation amount of the conductor plate M upstream of the reference positions SP1 and SP2 (i.e., the heat generation amount of the conductor plate M) equal to the heat generation amount of the conductor plate M downstream of the reference positions SP1 and SP2. Furthermore, unless multiple induction heating devices are used, it is not possible to adjust the heat generation amount of the conductor plate M in the heating longitudinal direction (y-axis direction). In other words, unless multiple cores are used as the cores of the upper inductor, it is not possible to adjust the heat generation amount of the conductor plate M in the heating longitudinal direction (y-axis direction). Similarly, unless multiple cores are used as the cores of the lower inductor, it is not possible to adjust the heat generation amount of the conductor plate M in the heating longitudinal direction (y-axis direction). Therefore, compared to the induction heating device 1000 of this embodiment, the time required for the conductor plate M to be heated by the induction heating device is longer. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6B , a region where the conductor plate M is not heated is generated between the two induction heating devices. As a result, there is a risk that the temperature of the conductor plate M will drop while being transported between the two induction heating devices. As a result of the above, there is a risk that the quality required for the conductor plate M will not be met, and there is also a risk that the following disadvantages will occur, for example: a large space must be secured for the installation of the induction heating devices; and installation of multiple induction heating devices will increase costs.

[0063] (Design method) Next, an example of a method for designing the dimensions of the cores 1120 and 1220 to configure an induction heating device that can induction heat a conductor plate so as to satisfy the quality required for the conductor plate will be described. Here, we will explain an example of a method for designing the dimensions of the cores 1120 and 1220 when the upstream heating region is a reduced heating amount region and the downstream heating region is an increased heating amount region.

[0064] The length (mm) of the leakage magnetic flux reduction members 1140, 1240 in the heating longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) is defined as W1. The length (mm) of the central body portions 1122, 1222 in the heating longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) is defined as W2 (>W1). The length (mm) of the end body portions 1123, 1223 in the heating longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) is defined as W3. The length (mm) of the end leg portions 1124, 1224 in the plate thickness direction (z-axis direction) is defined as W4. The length (mm) of the region of the central leg portions 1121, 1221 that protrudes toward the conductor plate M beyond the tip surfaces of the coils 1110, 1210 in the plate thickness direction (z-axis direction) is defined as W5. Note that W1 to W5 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 represent these lengths.

[0065] Also, a certain part of the conductive plate M Rank The heat generation ratio (%) of the part in question when focused on is P (P1 to P4). The heat generation ratio P of a certain part of the conductor plate M is expressed as a percentage of the ratio of the heat generation amount of the part when the part passes through the induction heating device 1000 (the heating upstream region and the heating downstream region) to the heat generation amount of the part when the part passes through the heating upstream region. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the heat generation ratio P is P A ÷P max x100 and P B ÷P max It is expressed as ×100.

[0066] The inventors performed numerical analysis on an induction heating device using cores with different combinations of W1 to W5, and calculated the heat generation ratio P for each combination. Note that all conditions other than the W1 to W5 values ​​are the same. In the following mathematical expressions, the values ​​given as symbols P1 to P4 and W1 to W5 are assumed to be 0 (zero) or positive values. Therefore, for example, -W1 is assumed to be 0 (zero) or a negative value.

[0067] First, we calculated P1, the heat generation ratio P when only W1 and W2 were varied, through numerical analysis. Note that when W1 and W2 were varied, the condition W2 > W1 was satisfied. Furthermore, when W1 + W2 was kept constant and W1 was shortened from the state shown in FIG. 1, W2 was lengthened by assuming that a portion of the region of the intervening members 1130, 1230 and the leakage flux reduction members 1140, 1240 shown in FIG. 1 on the side of the increased heat generation region (the positive side of the y-axis in FIG. 1) was the core 1120 region. In other words, we extended the central body portions 1122, 1222 toward the reduced heat generation region (the negative side of the y-axis in FIG. 1). However, the coil's most upstream end position MU was not changed. Then, from the results of the numerical analysis, we calculated a regression equation (regression coefficients and constants) showing the relationship between P1 and W1 and W2. As a result, by making P1 a function of W1 / (W1+W2), as in the following equation (1), the results of the numerical analysis could be reproduced well. In equation (1), the larger W1 becomes, the smaller P1 becomes. Note that equation (1) is a simple regression equation with W1 / (W1+W2) as an explanatory variable.

[0068]

number

[0069] Next, P2, which is the heat generation ratio P when W3 is varied in addition to W1 and W2, was calculated by numerical analysis. From the results of the numerical analysis, a regression equation including P1 in equation (1) was calculated by regression analysis as a regression equation showing the relationship between P2 and W1, W2, and W3. As a result, the results of the numerical analysis could be reproduced well by expressing P2 as an equation in which the function f(W3 / (W2+W3) of W3 / (W2+W3) is subtracted from P1, as in equation (2) below. In equation (2), the larger W3 is, the smaller P2 becomes. The function f(W3 / (W2+W3)) on the right-hand side of equation (2) indicates that when end-side bodies 1123, 1223 are present, each region of conductor plate M generates more heat by the value of the function f(W3 / W2+W3) in the downstream heating region (region of increased heating) compared to when end-side bodies 1123, 1223 are not present. Note that equation (2) is a multiple regression equation with W1 / (W1+W2) and W3 / (W2+W3) as explanatory variables.

[0070]

number

[0071] Next, we performed numerical analysis to calculate P4, which is the heat generation ratio P when W4 is varied in addition to W1, W2, and W3. From the results of the numerical analysis, we then performed regression analysis to calculate a regression equation that includes P2 from equation (2) as a regression equation showing the relationship between P4 and W1, W2, W3, and W4. As a result, we were able to accurately reproduce the results of the numerical analysis by expressing P3 as an equation that subtracts the function f(W4) of W4 from P2, as shown in equation (3) below. In equation (3), P3 decreases as W4 increases. The function f(W4) on the right side of equation (3) indicates that when end legs 1124 and 1224 are present, each region of conductor plate M generates more heat by f(W4) in the downstream heating region (region of increased heat generation) than when end legs 1124 and 1224 are not present. Equation (3) is a multiple regression equation with W1 / (W1+W2), W3 / (W2+W3), and W4 as explanatory variables.

[0072]

number

[0073] Finally, we numerically calculated the heat generation ratio P4 for different W1, W2, W3, W4, and W5. From the results of the numerical analysis, we calculated a regression equation that includes P3 in equation (3) as a regression equation showing the relationship between P and W1, W2, W3, W4, and W5. As a result, we were able to accurately reproduce the results of the numerical analysis by expressing P4 as an equation that adds a function f(W5) of W5 to P3, as shown in equation (4) below. In equation (4), P4 increases as W5 increases. The function f(W5) on the right side of equation (4) indicates that when the center legs 1121 and 1221 protrude toward the conductor plate M beyond the tip surfaces of the coils 1110 and 1210, each region of the conductor plate M generates more heat by f(W5) in the upstream heating region (the reduced heating region) than when they do not. Equation (4) is a multiple regression equation with W1 / (W1+W2), W3 / (W2+W3), W4, and W5 as explanatory variables.

[0074]

number

[0075] By determining P4 based on the quality required for the conductive plate M to be heated and selecting W1, W2, W3, W4, and W5 to satisfy equations (1) to (4), W1, W2, W3, W4, and W5 can be designed. At least one of W1, W3, W4, and W5 may be 0 (zero). W1 being 0 (zero) means that the intervening members 1130, 1230 and the leakage magnetic flux reduction members 1140, 1240 are not arranged. W3 being 0 (zero) means that the end-side bodies 1123, 1223 and the end-side legs 1124, 1224 are not arranged. W4 being 0 (zero) means that the end-side legs 1124, 1224 are not arranged. On the other hand, W2 cannot be 0 (zero).

[0076] As mentioned above, P4 is determined based on the results of, for example, a simulation experiment or a numerical analysis. When a simulation experiment is performed, for example, the conductor plate is heated by induction heating or another method with different heat input amounts in a region corresponding to the reduced heat amount region and a region corresponding to the increased heat amount region. By checking the quality of the conductor plate after heating, it is confirmed whether or not the required quality of the conductor plate is met. In this case, P4 is determined using the heat input amount when the required quality of the conductor plate is met. Furthermore, when a numerical analysis is performed, for example, the region corresponding to the reduced heat amount region and the region corresponding to the increased heat amount region are determined. in Heat input Amount The crystalline structure and magnetic properties of the conductor plate are calculated when the conductor plate is induction heated with different input temperatures. It is also possible to calculate evaluation indices for the crystalline structure and magnetic properties of the conductor plate in the numerical analysis. In this case, if the calculated results satisfy the quality requirements for the conductor plate, P4 is determined using the heat input at that time.

[0077] (Other embodiments) It should be noted that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features. [Industrial Applicability]

[0078] The present invention can be used, for example, to heat a conductive plate.

Claims

1. an upper inductor and a lower inductor arranged to face each other with a conductor plate therebetween; A transverse type induction heating device that inductively heats a conductor plate by crossing an alternating magnetic field across a plate surface of the conductor plate, each of the upper inductor and the lower inductor has a coil and a core; a volume of the one core included in the upper inductor and a volume of the one core included in the lower inductor are different between a heating upstream region of the one core and a heating downstream region of the one core, the heating upstream region of the core is a region upstream of a reference position of the core in a conveyance direction of the conductor plate, the heating downstream region of the core is a region downstream of a reference position of the core in a conveyance direction of the conductor plate, the reference position of the core is a central position in the heating length direction between the most upstream end position of the coil of the core and the most downstream end position of the coil of the core, the heating longitudinal direction is a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the conductor plate, the most upstream end position of the coil of the core is the position of the end that is located most upstream in the heating longitudinal direction among the ends of the coil that are arranged with respect to the core, the most downstream end position of the coil of the core is the position of the end portion of the coil disposed relative to the core that is located most downstream in the heating length direction, The same main magnetic flux flows through one of the cores of the upper inductor, The same main magnetic flux flows through one of the cores of the lower inductor, the main magnetic flux is a magnetic flux passing through the conductor plate, a ratio of the volume of the core in the increased heating region to the volume of the core in the reduced heating region is 5.1 or greater; the heating amount reduction region is the region of the heating upstream region or the heating downstream region, whichever region has a smaller volume of the core; A transverse type induction heating device, wherein the increased heating amount region is the region with the larger volume of the core out of the upstream heating region and the downstream heating region.

2. The core is a central leg portion disposed in a hollow region of the coil; a central body portion through which the same main magnetic flux as that flowing in the central leg portion flows, a tip end surface of the central leg portion faces the conductive plate with a gap therebetween; the central body portion includes a region closer to the increased heat amount region than the central leg portion, the central trunk portion is disposed on the rear side of the coil, 2. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 1, wherein the rear surface side is opposite to the side where the conductive plate is present.

3. An upper inductor and a lower inductor are arranged facing each other with a conductor plate sandwiched therebetween, A transverse type induction heating device that inductively heats a conductor plate by crossing an alternating magnetic field across a plate surface of the conductor plate, each of the upper inductor and the lower inductor has a coil and a core; a volume of the one core included in the upper inductor and a volume of the one core included in the lower inductor are different between a heating upstream region of the one core and a heating downstream region of the one core, the heating upstream region of the core is a region upstream of a reference position of the core in a conveyance direction of the conductor plate, the heating downstream region of the core is a region downstream of a reference position of the core in a conveyance direction of the conductor plate, the reference position of the core is a central position in the heating length direction between the most upstream end position of the coil of the core and the most downstream end position of the coil of the core, the heating longitudinal direction is a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the conductor plate, the most upstream end position of the coil of the core is the position of the end that is located most upstream in the heating longitudinal direction among the ends of the coil that are arranged with respect to the core, the most downstream end position of the coil of the core is the position of the end portion of the coil disposed relative to the core that is located most downstream in the heating length direction, The same main magnetic flux flows through one of the cores of the upper inductor, The same main magnetic flux flows through one of the cores of the lower inductor, the main magnetic flux is a magnetic flux passing through the conductor plate, The core is a central leg portion disposed in a hollow region of the coil; a central body portion through which the same main magnetic flux as that flowing in the central leg portion flows, a tip end surface of the central leg portion faces the conductive plate with a gap therebetween; the central body portion includes a region closer to the increased heat amount region than the central leg portion, the increased heating amount region is one of the heating upstream region and the heating downstream region, which has a larger volume of the core; the central trunk portion is disposed on the rear side of the coil, The back side is the side opposite to the side where the conductive plate is present, in this transverse type induction heating device.

4. each of the upper inductor and the lower inductor has a leakage flux reducing member for reducing leakage flux; the leakage magnetic flux includes magnetic flux generated from the core that does not pass through the conductive plate, The leakage magnetic flux reduction member is disposed in a heat amount reduction region, 4. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 1, wherein the reduced heating amount region is the region of the upstream heating region and the downstream heating region in which the volume of the core is smaller.

5. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 4 , wherein the leakage magnetic flux reducing member comprises a non-magnetic material.

6. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 5 , wherein the leakage flux reducing member comprises copper.

7. The leakage magnetic flux reducing member is not disposed in the increased heat amount region, 5. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 4, wherein the increased heating amount region is one of the upstream heating region and the downstream heating region, whichever region has a larger volume of the core.

8. the leakage magnetic flux reduction member is disposed on the rear side of the coil, 5. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 4, wherein the rear surface side is opposite to the side where the conductive plate is present.

9. 5. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 4, wherein each of the upper inductor and the lower inductor has an interposing member for electrically insulating the leakage magnetic flux reducing member from the coil.

10. the leakage magnetic flux reduction member has one or more plates, The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 4 , wherein the surface of the plate is substantially parallel to the surface of the conductive plate.

11. each of the upper inductor and the lower inductor has a leakage flux reducing member for reducing leakage flux; the leakage magnetic flux includes magnetic flux generated from the core that does not pass through the conductive plate, The leakage magnetic flux reduction member is disposed in a heat amount reduction region, the heating amount reduction region is the region of the heating upstream region or the heating downstream region, whichever region has a smaller volume of the core; 4. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 2, wherein the length of the central body portion in the heating length direction is longer than the length of the leakage magnetic flux reduction member in the heating length direction.

12. the core has an end-side body portion through which a main magnetic flux identical to a main magnetic flux flowing in the center-side body portion flows, 4. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 2, wherein the end body portion is positioned closer to the rear surface than the coil, and closer to the increased heat amount region than the central leg portion and the coil.

13. The core is a main magnetic flux flowing through the end-side body portion and a main magnetic flux flowing through the end-side leg portion; the end-side legs are disposed closer to the increased heat amount region than the central-side trunk portion and the coil, and are disposed closer to the conductor plate than the end-side trunk portion, 13. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 12, wherein the tip end surfaces of the end legs face the conductive plate with a gap therebetween.

14. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 13 , wherein the coil is disposed closer to the conductor plate than the tip end surfaces of the end legs.

15. a portion of the core other than the central leg portion and the central trunk portion is not present in a heat amount reduction region; 4. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 2, wherein the reduced heating amount region is one of the upstream heating region and the downstream heating region, the region having a smaller core volume.

16. 4. The transverse type induction heating device according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the core in the heating downstream region is larger than the volume of the core in the heating upstream region.

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