EP0742680B9 - Induktionsheizsystem für Härtung über 360 Grad von Beschichtungen von Dosenkörpern - Google Patents

Induktionsheizsystem für Härtung über 360 Grad von Beschichtungen von Dosenkörpern Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0742680B9
EP0742680B9 EP19960303035 EP96303035A EP0742680B9 EP 0742680 B9 EP0742680 B9 EP 0742680B9 EP 19960303035 EP19960303035 EP 19960303035 EP 96303035 A EP96303035 A EP 96303035A EP 0742680 B9 EP0742680 B9 EP 0742680B9
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
workpiece
tube
bodies
induction coil
heating
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EP19960303035
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0742680A3 (de
EP0742680A2 (de
EP0742680B1 (de
Inventor
Barbara Sprenger
Robert A. Sprenger
Mark G. Gacka
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Nordson Corp
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Nordson Corp
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Publication of EP0742680B1 publication Critical patent/EP0742680B1/de
Publication of EP0742680B9 publication Critical patent/EP0742680B9/de
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/10—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
    • H05B6/101—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications for local heating of metal pieces
    • H05B6/103—Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications for local heating of metal pieces multiple metal pieces successively being moved close to the inductor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/02—Induction heating
    • H05B6/36—Coil arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for curing a coating on to an electrically conductive cylindrical workpiece, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for inductively heating metal can bodies for partially curing or curing a coating thereon, and for transporting the can bodies through the induction heating apparatus.
  • the process of manufacturing 3-piece metal cans for the storage of food and perishable items typically involves forming a cylindrical can body from a sheet of pre-coated metal and then attaching two pre-coated lids to the opposite ends of the can body.
  • the pre-coat protects the contents of can against contamination and prevents corrosion of the metal can by the can contents.
  • the edges of the sheet are welded together along the seam. The welding process damages the protective pre-coat around the seam, thereby necessitating application of a side stripe of protective coating at least in the area of the seam.
  • a protective coat around 360° of the circumference of the can body during the can fabrication process after the seam has been welded. This may be done instead of using pre-coated can stock, or in addition to the pre-coated can stock where an extra layer of protective coating is desired.
  • Application of a 360° coating after the seam has been welded further may allow the step of applying the protective side stripe to the welded seam to be omitted.
  • a protective coating may be applied to the can body in the form of a powder resin or as a solvent-based liquid. After the protective coating has been applied to the can body, the coating is cured onto the can body through a heating process which is generally a function of both heating and time.
  • the protective coating applied around the circumference of the can body may detach before it is cured, it is important that the coating be heated as soon as possible after its application to adhere the coating to the can body. It is also important that a can body is evenly heated to ensure that all portions of the coating are fully cured without overheating any one section. Heating a can body too little may result in insufficient curing of the coating thereon, and heating a can body too much may cause blistering of the coating and possibly a reflowing of the metal from which the can is formed. Blistering of the coating results in an uneven and poorly finished protective coat.
  • a can body In conventional can fabrication assembly lines, a can body is typically transported from the coating process to a heating oven to cure the coatings generally by convection air flow.
  • Such systems tend to be large and bulky, requiring a large amount of space within the fabrication site.
  • much of the heat generated by such ovens is absorbed into the walls and air within the heating chamber, and only a small portion of the heat generated, in most cases about 20%, actually heats the can bodies. Therefore, such systems are inefficient and expensive to operate.
  • Can bodies typically leave the coating process in single file.
  • the can bodies are taken from their single file and lined up generally ten to twenty cans across for entry into the curing oven. After the heating process, the can bodies are again realigned in single file.
  • Such a procedure has two-fold disadvantages. First, equipment and extra processing steps are necessary both to line up and realign the can bodies before and after the heating process. This adds to the time and cost of the fabrication process. Second, the can bodies must be handled to align them in rows prior to curing of the protective coating, which handling may result in loss of or damage to the protective coating.
  • a further problem associated with convection heating to cure, in particular, liquid coatings is that such conventional heating mechanisms heat from the outside of the coating inward.
  • the outer surface of the coating tends to form a skin, and the liquid underneath gets trapped and blisters in trying to break through the outer skin.
  • Induction heaters are known for heating electrically conductive workpieces. Induction heating fundamentally involves passing an oscillating current through an induction coil to create an oscillating magnetic field in which the electrically conductive workpiece is placed. Heat is produced in the workpiece due to eddy current losses resulting from circulating currents induced in the workpiece by the field. It is significant that the amount of heat produced within a workpiece is directly related to the separation distance between the workpiece and the induction coil. Where other system parameters remain constant, the smaller the separation distance between the workpiece and the induction coil, the greater the amount of heat generated within the can body.
  • Prior art induction heating systems have typically operated at high frequencies in the order of 100kHz to 250 kHz. High frequencies tend to minimize the depth to which currents are generated beneath the surface of a workpiece (the "skin effect"). Consequently, the heat generated within a workpiece by high frequency currents is concentrated near the surface of the workpiece.
  • the first disadvantage relates to heating uniformity within the can body. Factors such as deformities in a workpiece and unintended movement of the workpiece with respect to the conveyor path cause a variation in the separation distance between the workpiece and the induction coil, which as stated above will vary the amount of heat generated within the workpiece.
  • a problem with high frequency currents is that such currents intensify this heating non-uniformity because of the high heat concentration near the surface of the workpiece. As such, different portions of a workpiece may be heated to greatly varying degrees depending on the proximity to the coil and other factors. Consequently, localized overheating can easily and frequently does occur, even before other parts of the workpiece are heated to a desired temperature.
  • GB-A-2 118 051 discloses a method of curing a coating onto on electrically conductive cylindrical workpiece by induction heating comprising the steps of generating an oscillating magnetic field; transporting the workpiece through the field for curing the coating onto the inner surface of the workpiece.
  • the document furthermore discloses an apparatus for carrying out the curing method.
  • induction heat welding does not present many of the problems presented by induction heat drying and curing, and several important distinctions exist between the two processes. For example, welding processes need not be concerned with heating a workpiece too quickly. As long as a sufficient amount of heat is generated within the workpiece for a controlled period of time, the weld will be properly formed. However, in a curing process, if the workpiece is heated too quickly, blistering of a liquid coating may occur (as described above) and a powder may cure before it is able to evenly flow around the surface of the can body.
  • induction heat welding presents a one dimension positioning problem. That is, as shown in cross section view of Fig. 1, at a given moment during the welding process, an induction heater is heating what amounts to a single point along the seam passing thereunder, indicated at arrow A on the workpiece. As indicated above, the amount of heat generated within a workpiece is directly related to the distance between the workpiece and the induction heating element. Therefore, in order to control the amount of heat generated at a point on the weld seam, it is only necessary to control the position of the induction heater with respect to that one point.
  • induction curing around 360° of a cylindrical workpiece such as a can body presents a two dimension positioning problem. That is, as shown in the cross section view of Fig. 2, at a given moment during the curing process, the induction heater must heat all points around the circumference of the workpiece, indicated by arrows B 1 , B 2 , ... B i . Thus, in order to control the amount of heat generated at each point around the circumference, it is necessary to control the position of the induction heater with respect to each such point. Applicants are unaware of any conventional systems for accomplishing curing around 360° of a can body.
  • the invention in general relates to 360° induction heating of a can body to heat, dry, cure and/or partially cure a protective coating applied thereto.
  • the can bodies are inductively heated by placing them in a medium frequency (500 Hz to 50 kHz), oscillating magnetic field preferably generated by a multiple turn induction coil helically wound around the transport path of the can body.
  • a medium frequency 500 Hz to 50 kHz
  • oscillating magnetic field preferably generated by a multiple turn induction coil helically wound around the transport path of the can body.
  • Can bodies are conveyed lengthwise, end-to-end, through the induction heating apparatus on a conveyor which receives the can bodies from the protective coating process.
  • the can bodies and conveyor pass through the induction heating apparatus within a non-conductive isolation tube.
  • the isolation tube isolates the can bodies from the induction heating apparatus so that circulating air within the apparatus does not blow off the coating within the can bodies, and any coating which does become dislodged from the can bodies is maintained within the tube and does not fall onto the induction coil, electrical components or apparatus interior.
  • the induction coil is helically wound around the entire length of the isolation tube so that a magnetic field is set up within the isolation tube to heat the can bodies.
  • the diameter of the isolation tube is only slightly larger than the diameter of a can so that the can bodies travel through the heater in a relatively fixed and centered position with respect to the isolation tube and induction coil. As such, the can bodies are uniformly heated around their entire circumference.
  • an air circulation system may be provided within the heating apparatus to cool the induction coil.
  • the current travels more deeply within the conductors leading to and within the inductive coil, and as such, the electrical conductors do not become excessively hot. Therefore, the electrical components and the induction coil may be cooled by a relatively simple and inexpensive convection air flow system.
  • a further result of using medium frequency currents is that the conventional centrally water cooled tubing may be replaced by smaller diameter wire within the coil.
  • Such a coil offers advantages relative to conventional copper tubing that it is less expensive to use and also a larger number of turns or loops may be wrapped around a given length of the isolation tube if desired, thereby further reducing current flow requirements.
  • Temperature sensors may be provided within the isolation tube for monitoring the temperature of the can bodies passing therethrough to enable a shut down of the power supply if the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.
  • the conveyor system After leaving the apparatus, the conveyor system carries the cured or partially cured can bodies to an adjacent processing station or another conveyor system.
  • Figs. 1 through 9 in general relate to an induction heater and conveyor system for curing or partially curing protective coatings onto can bodies during the can fabrication process. While the present invention is described in the context of a manufacture of a can for food or other such perishable items, it is understood that the present invention may be used in a wide variety of applications where it is desired to cure or otherwise evenly heat around 360° of a cylindrical workpiece. Moreover, although the invention is described with respect to ferromagnetic steel can bodies, it is understood that the present invention may be used to heat other electrically conductive workpieces such as aluminum can bodies.
  • a protective powder coating is electrostatically charged during the coating process to attract and attach the powder coating particles to the interior of a can body, which can body is electrically grounded.
  • the protective coating must thereafter be cured onto the can body.
  • an induction heating system is used to heat the can bodies to dry, fuse, cure and/or partially cure the protective coating onto the can bodies.
  • the protective coating may be completely cured within the induction heating apparatus of the present invention, thereby omitting the need for a conventional convection oven.
  • the induction heating apparatus according to the present invention may be used in addition to a conventional convection oven, whereby the induction heating apparatus partially cures the protective coating in a process taking place either before (“pre-curing") or after ("post-curing") heating of the can bodies within the convection oven.
  • pre-curing pre-curing
  • post-curing after heating of the can bodies within the convection oven.
  • curing quality can be improved by a pre-curing or post-curing process i.e. a method of curing according to the present invention.
  • the can bodies need not be handled with as much care and the line speed may be increased between the coating application station and the conventional convection oven.
  • an induction heating apparatus 100 for heating a plurality of can bodies 102.
  • the can bodies enter the heating apparatus at a front end 105 and exit through a rear end 107.
  • a chain 118 is provided for transporting the can bodies 102 through the heating apparatus in longitudinal orientation, i.e. , the central axis of a can body cylinder is substantially parallel to the direction of motion of the can body, and the can bodies may abut or nearly abut each other end-to-end.
  • the apparatus 100 includes a housing 104, a portion of which is cut away as shown in Fig. 3 to expose an isolation tube 106 and an induction coil 108 passing through an interior chamber 109 defined by housing 104.
  • the apparatus 100 further includes a power supply 110, control circuitry 112, and a blower 114 for circulating air throughout chamber 109.
  • the power supply 110, control circuitry 112 and blower 114 are shown symbolically on Fig. 3.
  • Housing 104 preferably surrounds the induction coil 108 on all six sides of the heating apparatus 100, and preferably comprises a conductive metallic material so as to shield the power supply and control circuitry from, and to provide operator protection against, the medium frequency oscillating currents in the coil 108.
  • the oscillating magnetic field set up by the induction coil 108 is concentrated within tube 106. As such, only minimal heating of housing 104 occurs.
  • Vents may be provided in the top and/or sides of housing 104 to allow circulating air which has been heated by the induction coil 108 to leave the housing.
  • the can bodies 102 are transported through the heating apparatus 100 within an isolation tube 106.
  • the tube 106 runs the entire length of the chamber 109 and may be sealed to the housing 104 wall by hubs on both ends of the tube.
  • can bodies passing through the tube 106 are physically isolated from the chamber 109, such that cooling air circulating within the apparatus does not blow off the coating within the can bodies, and any coating which does become dislodged from the can bodies is maintained within the tube 106 and does not fall onto the heating coil 108 or the chamber interior 109.
  • isolation tube 106 is preferably provided with a diameter only slightly larger than the diameter of can bodies 102.
  • the inner diameter of tube 106 may be approximately 4-3/4 inches.
  • the most can bodies 102 may be off center within tube 106 is approximately one-quarter inch. It is understood that the clearance between the can bodies 102 and the tube 106 may be lesser or greater in alternative embodiments.
  • the tube 106 may be the heated air from chamber 109 to promote even heating as result of air convection, and also to carry off the solvents evaporated from the protective coating.
  • Isolation tube 106 is electrically non-conductive so as not to be heated by induction coil 108. Moreover, tube 106 is magnetically non-conductive so as not to interfere with the magnetic field established by induction coil 108. Any of several materials may be used as isolation tube 106, but a preferred material is Pyrex® due to its high heat resistance, transparency so as to allow can viewing, and low cost. Although not critical to the present invention, tube 106 may have a wall thickness of approximately 0.2 to 0.4 inches. Such tubing is available from F.J. Gray Company, Jamaica, New York, 11435.
  • can body 102 is supported within tube 106 on a chain 118, which chain is in turn supported within a channel 120 resting on the bottom of the tube 106.
  • Channel 120 is provided so that the chain 118 will not abrade or wear out the bottom of isolation tube 106.
  • Chain 118 is preferably formed of stainless steel. Although stainless steel is an electrical conductor, the chain 118 does not overheat because the chain is only within the heating apparatus for a portion of its overall travel path (as shown on Fig. 7). Moreover, chain 118 is preferably provided with a cross-sectional diameter on the order of about 0.125 to 0.25 inches, which is small as compared to the cross-sectional area of the induction coil. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, where the cross-sectional area of an electrical conductor is small as compared to the cross-sectional area of an induction coil, very little heat is coupled within the electrical conductor. Therefore, the chain 118 does not overheat. It is understood that chain 118 may be comprised of other materials in alternative embodiments of the invention. Channel 120 is preferably formed of an electrically non-conductive material, such as for example a ceramic or high molecular density plastic.
  • channel 120 is approximately 0.7 inches and the combined height of the chain 118 and channel 120 together is approximately 0.35 inches.
  • channel 120 may extend along the entire upper surface of conveyor system 124.
  • tube 106 may be removable so that different diameter tubes may be used.
  • tube 106 is replaced by first disconnecting chain 118 and removing it from the tube. Thereafter, the channel 120 is disconnected and the induction coil 108 is disconnected from the power source. Next, the hubs supporting the tube 106 within housing 104 are removed, and the tube 106 is slid out from within the coil 108 and apparatus 100. In one embodiment of the invention, the coil 108 is also removed at this point. Next, the new diameter coil and tube are inserted.
  • the tube 106 may be selected so as to always provide an approximately one-quarter inch clearance with respect to a can body 102.
  • the coil 108 can be replaced when the tube 106 is replaced so that the coil is tightly wound about and substantially concentric with any diameter tube used.
  • a single tube and coil may be used for various diameter can bodies and the entire upper surface of conveyor system 124 including channel 120 may be raised or lowered relative to the tube 106 so as to maintain concentricity between the coil 108 and can bodies 102.
  • Induction coil 108 is provided for uniformly heating can bodies 102.
  • This oscillating current generates AC eddy currents, also oscillating at the same frequency, around the circumference of can bodies 102 so as to heat the can bodies as they move through the tube 106.
  • a medium frequency current is used, which current tends to generate currents deeper within the can bodies 102.
  • the deeper currents allow distribution of the generated heat across a larger a cross-sectional area of can bodies 102. Therefore, where the separation distance between the coil 108 and the can body 102 varies, the change in the generated heat will be shared over a greater cross-sectional area of the can body. Sharing the change in heat generation over a larger cross-sectional area reduces the overall temperature change at any point within the cross-sectional area of the can body. In this way, the present invention minimizes temperature changes resulting from undesirable variations in the separation distance between the coil 108 and the can body 102.
  • the medium frequency current carried through the wire leading to and in coil 108 is distributed more evenly through the wire. As such, relatively little heat is generated within coil 108, and coil 108 may be formed with inexpensive standard 8 gauge magnet wire. It is understood, however, that other materials may be used for the induction coil if desired, such as for example multi-filar litz wire.
  • the coil 108 extends approximately the entire length of heating apparatus 100, and each turn of the coil may be spaced approximately 0.125 to 0.25 inches from the next adjacent turn, thereby yielding 4 to 8 turns per inch.
  • the spacing between the turns of coil 108 may be more or less than the above disclosed range in alternative embodiments of the invention.
  • the coil 108 may be comprised of coil turns having a small diameter, such as that provided by 8 gauge magnet wire or smaller. As such, where there is no spacing between adjacent turns, a large number of turns may be provided per unit length of tube 106, thereby reducing the current required to heat can bodies 102.
  • power source 100 preferably supplies approximately 3.5 kilowatts to coil 108 resulting in a tank current of approximately 150 to 200 amps RMS.
  • the above described current, frequency, turns per inch, spacing between the coil 108 and the can body 102, can body thickness, and heating path length may combine to heat a can body 102 from ambient temperature upon entry into apparatus 100 to approximately 220°C at the exit of apparatus 100 in approximately 4 seconds.
  • the disclosed values for power, current, frequency, spacing and temperature are merely examples, and each may vary in alternative embodiments of the present invention.
  • different protective coatings cure at different temperatures.
  • the temperature generated within can bodies 102 may be varied by changing the length of an induction heating apparatus 100.
  • more than one induction heating apparatus 100 according to the present invention may be aligned lengthwise adjacent to each other to increase the path length of can bodies 102 through the induction heating process.
  • other system parameters such as spacing between adjacent turns of coil 108, the output of power supply 110, and/or throughput speed of the can bodies may be varied to also vary the heat generation within can bodies 102.
  • the turns of the induction coil may be provided more closely together at the front end of the tube 106 than at the rear end of tube 106.
  • turns of coil 108 per unit length may be increased or decreased at any portion along the length of coil 108 to thereby provide greater or lesser heating, respectively, in that portion of the coil.
  • a relatively simple airflow cooling system may be employed to prevent induction coil 108 from overheating.
  • a blower 114 may be provided on top of the control circuitry 112 to circulate cooling air up and around coil 108.
  • blower 114 may be included along the length of coil 108 and the air flow may be cooled prior to circulation within the chamber 109. Moreover, it is understood that blower 114 may be provided at various locations within the chamber 109 to cool the induction coil 108.
  • Embodiments of the present invention may further included a closed-loop temperature control for monitoring the temperature of the can bodies 102 as they pass through the tube 106.
  • one or more temperature sensors 119 may be provided within tube 106 to sense the temperature of can bodies 102.
  • Sensor 119 may be a conventional temperature sensor such as an infrared (IR) sensor available from Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co., St. Louis, MO, 63146. Should the temperature of the can bodies 102 be higher than a predetermined temperature, the sensor 119 quickly senses this condition and a signal is sent to the control circuitry 112 to turn off the AC current source. This stops all current flow through the can bodies 102, thereby almost immediately preventing the can bodies 102 from becoming any hotter.
  • IR infrared
  • the temperature sensor 119 may send another signal to control circuitry 12 to once again turn on the AC current source.
  • the temperature sensor 119 may be omitted in alternative embodiments of the invention.
  • the front end 105 or rear end 107 of heating apparatus 100 may include a line motion sensor system comprised of an emitter 121 and a sensor 122 as shown in Fig. 6.
  • Emitter 121 may for example be a conventional light source for emitting a light beam 125, in which case sensor 122 may be a conventional optical sensor.
  • sensor 122 may be a conventional optical sensor.
  • sensor 122 sends a signal to the control circuitry 112 to shut down the power supply to induction coil 108, thereby preventing overheating of the can bodies within the heating apparatus 100.
  • shutting down the power supply almost immediately prevents the can bodies 102 from becoming any hotter.
  • temperature sensor(s) 119 and the line motion sensor system may both be used to prevent overheating of the can bodies within the heating apparatus 100.
  • the line motion sensor system may be used to determine when the conveyor system has shut down, to thereupon shut off current to the induction coil 108.
  • the power supply 110 is an alternating current power supply with current outputs that are connected to opposite ends of the coil 108 via wires 152 (Fig. 10).
  • the frequency of current oscillation is essentially the same as the resonant. frequency of the coil in combination with tank capacitors (not shown) within the power supply 110, which is on the order of 8 kHz. Other frequencies can also be used if appropriate tank capacitors are used.
  • the power supply 110 when the power supply 110 is first activated, it automatically but conventionally determines the frequency which optimizes power transfer into the workpiece given the tank capacitance and inductance.
  • the current output of the power supply 110 should be relatively continuous with low harmonic content.
  • Low harmonic content reduces the skin effect for the lead wires 152 to the tank capacitors and coil, thereby permitting the use of smaller wire leads.
  • the tank capacitors should be as close as possible to the coil 108.
  • the power supply 110 output be continuously adjustable during activation and de-activation, rather than adjustable merely by a low-frequency duty cycle. This is because duty cycle pulses can cause the can bodies to vibrate and thereby undesirably shake loose some of the protective coating.
  • Activation and de-activation of the power supply 110 may for example be accomplished by gradually increasing and decreasing, respectively, the DC voltage to the power supply 110.
  • General considerations regarding power supplies are disclosed in, for example, Lowdon, "Practical Transformer Design Handbook", 2nd ed. (TAB Books, 1989 ), incorporated herein by reference.
  • control circuitry 112 preferably comprises a conventional central processing unit (CPU) 150 for monitoring operation of the power supply 110 and for monitoring temperature and can travel through the apparatus 100 via feedback signals from the temperature sensor 119 and line motion sensor 122, respectively, described above.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • the control circuitry may further be connected to a conventional input/output device (not shown) to allow screen display of system parameters such as power output, current frequency and can body temperature, and to allow dynamic control and alteration of such system parameters.
  • Conveyor system 124 is provided for transporting can bodies 102 from the protective coating process, through the heating apparatus 100, and to the next processing station.
  • Conveyor system 124 includes the endless chain 118, can guides 126a and 126b, drive wheels 128-134, and tension wheel 136.
  • Chain 118 is preferably a conventional stainless steel 0.125 to 0.25 inch chain having a generally flat upper surface profile.
  • can bodies 102 may rest on and be transported by any of various conveyor systems such as a linear motor, belt drive, pusher, puller, gravity slide, etc., with the limitation that the conveyor loop must be capable of disconnection and reconnection to allow isolation tube 106 through which the conveyor passes to be changed.
  • the length of the entire loop of chain 118 is approximately 50 feet.
  • the entrance to the induction heating apparatus 100 is approximately 3 inches to 3 feet away from the spray coating apparatus, and optimally about 1.5 feet.
  • can bodies from the spray coating process are transferred in single file to a section 138 of the conveyor system 124 and thereafter conveyed by chain 118 through the heating apparatus.
  • can bodies 102 are conveyed along a section 140 to the next processing station.
  • a conventional magnetic elevator may be used to transfer can bodies 102 off of chain 118 at the end of the induction heating process.
  • a mechanism such as a mechanical arm conveyor may be used to transfer the can bodies.
  • chain 118 includes a plurality of hooks 142 which are spaced apart slightly greater than a length of a can body 102.
  • Can bodies are placed on the chain 118 from the spray coating process station and are maintained in a predetermined spacing from each other on chain 118 by means of the hooks 142.
  • the hooks 142 may be omitted, and the can bodies 102 held in position due to contact with the chain 118.
  • can bodies are prevented from rolling in a direction perpendicular to the direction of throughput by a pair of can guides 126a and 126b mounted on either side of the top surface of the conveyor system 124.
  • the can guides 126a and 126b preferably run along the entire upper surface of the conveyor system 124 except within the heating apparatus 100.
  • friction wheels 128, 130, 132 and 134 may be provided for advancing chain 118 as result of friction or meshed engagement between the chain 118 and the friction wheels.
  • One or more of the friction wheels may be rotated by a drive motor (not shown) to thereby advance chain 118.
  • conveyor system 124 may further include a tension wheel 136 translationally mounted and biased in a direction away from friction wheels 130 and 132 to maintain tension within the chain 118.
  • the chain 118 and channel 120 may be raised or lowered to accommodate different diameter cans in a concentric relationship with coil 108. Therefore, wheels 128 and 130 may be vertically adjustable to raise or lower the height of the chain 118 with respect to the heating apparatus 100. Similarly, the channel 120 is adjustably mounted so that it may be raised or lowered with the chain 118. Any slack in chain 118 may be taken up by translation of wheel 136 as described above.
  • the conveyor system 124 is preferably capable of advancing can bodies 102 at a rate of up to approximately 1350 cans per minute and optimally about 600 cans per minute.
  • An induction heating system as described above can be used to dry, pre-cure, post-cure or cure coatings around 360° of a can body. Different coatings and line speeds may be accommodated by adjusting the amount of heat generation within can bodies 102 as discussed above.
  • the heating and conveyor system according to the present invention offers several advantages over conventional convection heating systems for curing around 360° of a can body.
  • the disclosed induction heating system is capable of heating can bodies with an 80 to 90% efficiency, as compared to approximately 20% with conventional convection ovens.
  • an induction heating apparatus according to the present invention does not require mass handlers or single filers for aligning cans into rows and realigning the cans into single file, respectively.
  • the induction heating apparatus according to the present invention is extremely compact, occupying fraction of the space of conventional convection heating ovens, and is operationally more cost efficient than conventional convection ovens.

Claims (9)

  1. Verfahren zum wenigstens teilwelsen Aushärten einer Beschichtung auf einem elektrisch leitfähigem zylindrischem Werkstück (102) mittels induktiver Erwärmung, umfassend die Schritte:
    (a) Erzeugen eines magnetischen Wechselfeldes einer Frequenz von etwa 500 Hz bis 50 kHz entlang eines Heizpfades;
    (b) Transportieren des Werkstücks (102) durch das in Schritt (a) erzeugte magnetische Feld entlang des Heizpfades; und
    (c) zumindest teilweises Aushärten der Beschichtung auf dem Werkstück (102) entlang eines 360° Umfanges das Werkstück (102) während des Schrittes (b).
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, weiter umfassend den Schritt, den Umfang des Werkstück (102) In Bezug auf das magnetische Feld während Schritt (b) zu zentrieren.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, worin der Schritt, das Werkstück In Bezug auf das magnetische Feld zu zentrieren den Schritt umfasst, die Bewegung des Werkstück (102) an allen Seiten des Umfangs des Werkstücks (102) während des Schrittes (b) physikalisch zu begrenzen.
  4. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Schritt (a) des Erzeugens eines magnetischen Wechselfeldes die Schritte umfasst:
    (a) Bereitstellen einer schreubenförmig entlang und um den Heizpfad herum angeordneten Induktionsspule (108); und
    (b) Erzeugen eines Wechselstroms innerhalb der Induktionsspule (108) mit einer Frequenz von etwa 500 Hz bis 50 kHz oszilliert.
  5. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der Schritt (o) des Zentrierens des Umfangs des Werkstücks (102) in Bezug auf das magnetische Feld den Schritt umfasst, das Werkstück (102) so zu stützen, dass es im wesentlichen konzentriech mit der Induktionsspula (108) ist.
  6. Vorrichtung (100) zum Aushärten einer Beschichtung auf einem elektrisch leitfähigem zylindrischem Werkstück (102) entlang eines 360 Grad Umfangs des Werkstücks durch Induktionserwärmung, umfassend
    ein innerhalb der Vorrichtung (100) befindliches zylindrisches Rohr (106), welches, einen größeren Durchmesser hat als ein Durchmesser des Werkstück (102),
    eine schraubenförmig um das Rohr (106) gewundene Induktionsspule (108), Mittel (110) zum Erzeugen eines mit einer Frequenz von etwa 50 Hz bis 50 kHz oszillierenden Stroms innerhalb der Induktionsspule (108), sodass ein magnetisches Wechselfeld innerhalb des Rohres (106) erzeugt wird,
    Fördermittel (124) zum Fördem des Werkstück (102) durch das Rohr (106), die mit dem Rohr (106) beim Unterstützen des Werkstücks (102) innerhalb des Rohres (106) zusammenwirken, sodass das Werkstück im Wesentlichen konzentrisch mit der Induktionsspule (108) ist und Steuermittel (112) zur Steuerung der Stromerzeugungsmittel (110).
  7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, worin in die Steuermittel (112) so arbelten, dass die Stromerzeugungsmittel (110) abgeschaltet werden, wenn eine Temperatur des Werkstücks (102) einen vorbestimmten Wert übersteigt, während sich das Werkstück (102) innerhalb des Rohres (106) befindet.
  8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, welter umfassend Umwälzmittel (114) zum Umwälzen von Luft um die Induktionsspule (108) herum, um die Induktionsspule (108) vor Überhitzung zu schützen.
  9. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 6,7 oder 8, worin der Innendurchmesser des Rohres (106) etwa 12,7 mm (0,5 Zoll) größer ist als der Durchmesser des Werkstück (102).
EP19960303035 1995-05-10 1996-04-30 Induktionsheizsystem für Härtung über 360 Grad von Beschichtungen von Dosenkörpern Expired - Lifetime EP0742680B9 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US43888195A 1995-05-10 1995-05-10
US438881 1995-05-10

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EP0742680A2 EP0742680A2 (de) 1996-11-13
EP0742680A3 EP0742680A3 (de) 1997-04-23
EP0742680B1 EP0742680B1 (de) 2002-02-13
EP0742680B9 true EP0742680B9 (de) 2007-10-24

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JP (1) JPH092432A (de)
DE (1) DE69619155T2 (de)

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TNSN00088A1 (fr) * 1999-04-26 2002-05-30 Int Paper Co Systeme et methode a mouvement variable
KR100393487B1 (ko) * 2001-06-21 2003-08-06 지엠대우오토앤테크놀로지주식회사 피스톤 스커트부의 코팅층 형성방법과 이 방법을 수행하는피스톤 스커트부의 코팅층 자화장치
EP1570709B1 (de) 2002-12-09 2016-05-25 Nordson Corporation Induktionströckner
EP1826516A1 (de) * 2006-02-28 2007-08-29 Rösler Italiana S.r.L. Vorrichtung zur Trocknung von Metallstücken.
IT1392169B1 (it) 2008-12-02 2012-02-22 Leva Impianto e procedimento per la verniciatura interna di contenitori metallici
US9451658B2 (en) 2011-05-10 2016-09-20 Nordon Corporation Induction oven for curing coatings on containers
CN110495248B (zh) * 2016-09-27 2022-08-12 诺维尔里斯公司 加热系统和加热金属的方法
CN111744737A (zh) * 2019-03-26 2020-10-09 临沂华庚新材料科技有限公司 用于加热管道的设备
US20220195577A1 (en) * 2019-05-24 2022-06-23 Dai-Ichi High Frequency Co., Ltd. System and method of performing a metal coating process using induction heating techniques
IT201900009384A1 (it) * 2019-06-18 2020-12-18 Rheavendors Services Spa Dispositivo riscaldatore d'acqua a passaggio configurato per riscaldare acqua in una macchina per la preparazione e l'erogazione di bevande
CN113637824B (zh) * 2021-08-09 2022-12-02 湘潭大学 一种搅拌筒内叶片高频感应加热热处理装置及其实施方法

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DE1039672B (de) * 1956-09-18 1958-09-25 Alfons Mall K G Maschinen U Me Vorrichtung zur Waermebehandlung von Hohlkoerpern durch Induktion
US3290476A (en) * 1963-09-28 1966-12-06 Deutsche Edelstahlwerke Ag Chain conveyor for parts subjected to induction heating
US4421781A (en) * 1982-03-29 1983-12-20 Tri/Valley Growers Continuous vacuum curing and solvent recovery coating process
US4456804A (en) * 1982-07-13 1984-06-26 Campbell Soup Company Method and apparatus for application of paint to metal substrates
NL8902697A (nl) * 1989-11-01 1991-06-03 Thomassen & Drijver Werkwijze en inrichting voor het vervaardigen van metalen busrompen met een inwendige deklaag.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69619155T2 (de) 2002-09-26
DE69619155D1 (de) 2002-03-21
EP0742680A3 (de) 1997-04-23
EP0742680A2 (de) 1996-11-13
JPH092432A (ja) 1997-01-07
EP0742680B1 (de) 2002-02-13

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