TWM643995U - Transverse flux induction coil assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A transverse flux induction coil assembly wherein the assembly includes two poles, each pole comprising a pair of spaced apart coils wherein at least one of a spacing between the poles and the pole pitch is adjustable to control the power density transferred to a workpiece across its width. In some embodiments, movable flux shields are also adjusted to control power density transferred along edge portions of the workpiece.

Description

Transverse Flux Induction Coil Assembly Accessories

This creation is about a transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly accessory, especially a transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly accessory for heating flat products.

Induction heaters can be used to heat various continuous flat strips/sheets of conductive products with a thickness of 2 and a width of 3 and a length of 4, as shown in Figure 1. Previously, induction heating was achieved using a solenoidal coil 6 wrapped on the outside of the strips or sheets 1, as shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 1 shows the heating of a specific section width 5 of a sheet 1 . FIG. 2 shows a conventional solenoid coil 6 wrapped on the outside of the sheet 1 . After an AC current is applied to the coil 6, the electromagnetic field generated by the coil 6 will induce eddy currents around the surface of the sheet 1, mirroring the current in the coil 6, and Joule heating the sheet 1. However, solenoid coil heating systems are not suitable for this application due to the following disadvantages. Firstly, the thinner the sheet 1 is, the higher the induction frequency is required to generate efficient inductive coupling with the sheet 1 . However, if the frequency is too high, the edge or surface of the sheet 1 will be overheated before the center of the sheet 1 reaches the desired temperature. Since thin sheets require higher frequencies and thicker sheets require lower frequencies, a single power supply with a larger frequency range may be required, or multiple power supplies must be set for different heating thicknesses, thus affecting the cost-effectiveness of induction heating . Furthermore, for very thin sheets 1, the frequency required to effectively heat the strip may be higher than can reasonably be provided by the associated device, and thus is not ideal if conventional solenoid coil induction techniques are used for heating.

Transverse flux induction heating is a known technique. For example, US Patent No. 9,462,641, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a transverse induction heating device that can be used to heat strip sections of sheet material. Existing current transverse induction heating devices cannot correctly and accurately control the power density transmitted to the entire length of the sheet, often causing problems such as overheating of the edge of the strip or insufficient heating of the central part or strip. In addition, the range of strip sizes that can be processed by existing transverse induction heating devices is generally limited.

The present invention provides a transverse flux induction coil assembly having two poles, each of which comprises a pair of separate coils, at least one of the pole spacing and the pole pitch being adjustable for controlling transmission to a workpiece width power density above. In some embodiments, the invention can also adjust the power density delivered along the edge of the workpiece by adjusting the movable flux shield.

In one aspect of the present invention, a transverse flux induction coil assembly for inductively heating at least a portion of an associated flat workpiece traveling in a process direction relative to a transverse flux induction coil assembly, the associated flat The workpiece has opposing first workpiece sides and second workpiece sides and opposing first workpiece edges and second workpiece edges, and the transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly includes a first planar coil and a second planar coil, both is disposed on a first common plane spaced apart from and facing the first workpiece side, extends between the first workpiece edge and the second workpiece edge, and is electrically connected to each other in series. The first planar coil and the second planar coil are coplanar and separated, and at least one of the first planar coil and the second planar coil can move in the first common plane to change the distance between them.

At least one of the first planar coil and the second planar coil is adjustable to change the pitch of the coil. The first planar coil may consist of a first lead-out arm and a first lead-back arm, The first lead-out arm and the first return arm extend along a common direction and are in a spaced relationship. The first lead-out arm and the first return arm can be physically and electrically coupled to a first end rail. The first At least one of the lead-out arm and the first guide-back arm is movably mounted on the first end rail, so that the first lead-out arm and the first guide-back arm can move closer and farther relative to each other to change the first Coil pitch of planar coil. The second planar coil can be composed of a second lead-out arm and a second lead-back arm, the second lead-out arm and the second lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are spaced apart, the second lead-out arm and the second lead-back arm The arm can be coupled to a second end rail, and at least one of the second lead-out arm and the second return arm is movably mounted on the second end rail such that the second lead-out arm and the second guide arm The return arm can be relatively moved closer and farther to change the coil pitch of the second planar coil.

The first planar coil and the second planar coil may each be coupled to a first common rail, at least one of the first coil and the second coil is movably supported by the first common rail, so as to The opponent moves closer and farther away. The first lead-back arm of the first coil and the second lead-out arm of the second coil can be coupled to the first common rail, and at least one of the first lead-back arm and the second lead-out arm can move relative to the common rail, so as to The distance between the first planar coil and the second planar coil is changed.

The assembly may further comprise a third planar coil and a fourth planar coil disposed on a second common plane, the second common plane being spaced apart from the second workpiece side and facing the second workpiece side, extending between the edge of the first workpiece and the edge of the second workpiece, and electrically connected in series with the first planar coil and the second planar coil. The third planar coil and the fourth planar coil can be coplanarly separated on the second common plane, and at least one of the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil can be moved on the second common plane to change both space between intervals. At least one of the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil is adjustable to change the coil pitch.

The third planar coil may be composed of a third lead-out arm and a third lead-back arm, the third lead-out arm and the third lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are spaced apart, the third lead-out arm and the third The return arm is physically and electrically coupled to a third end rail. At least one of the third lead-out arm and the third guide-back arm is movably mounted on the third end rail, thus making the third lead-out arm and the third guide-back arm It can be moved closer and farther to change the coil pitch of the third planar coil. The four-planar coil can be composed of a fourth lead-out arm and a fourth lead-back arm. The fourth lead-out arm and the fourth lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are spaced apart. The fourth lead-out arm and the fourth lead-back arm is coupled to a fourth end rail, at least one of the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth return arm is movably mounted on the fourth end rail, thus making the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth return arm The arms can be relatively moved closer and farther to change the coil pitch of the fourth planar coil.

The third planar coil and the fourth planar coil are each coupled to a second common rail, at least one of the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil is movably supported by the second common rail, In order to move closer and farther away from each other. The third return arm of the third coil and the fourth lead-out arm of the fourth coil can be coupled to the second common rail, at least one of the third return arm and the fourth lead-out arm can move relative to the second common rail , to change the distance between the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil. The second return arm of the second planar coil and the third lead-out arm of the third planar coil can be fixedly connected as one.

The assembly may also include at least one flux shield disposed between the first common plane and the first workpiece side, spaced from the first common plane and the first workpiece side, and facing an edge of the first workpiece and at least one of the second workpiece edges, wherein at least one flux shield is movable in a direction transverse to the associated workpiece.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a transverse flux induction coil assembly for inductively heating at least a portion of an associated flat workpiece traveling in a process direction relative to a transverse flux induction coil assembly, the associated The flat workpiece has opposite first and second workpiece sides and opposite first and second workpiece edges, and the transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly for induction heating includes: a first planar coil and a a second planar coil disposed on a first common plane spaced from and facing the first workpiece side and extending between the first workpiece edge and the second workpiece edge and electrically connected in series with each other, wherein at least one of the first planar coil and the second planar coil can be adjusted to change the pitch of the coil.

The first planar coil may be composed of a first lead-out arm and a first lead-back arm, the first lead-out arm and the first lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are spaced apart, the first lead-out arm and the first The return arm is physically and electrically coupled to a first end rail. At least one of the first lead-out arm and the first lead-back arm is movably mounted on the first end rail, so that the first lead-out arm and the first lead-back arm can move closer and farther relative to each other to change Coil pitch of the first planar coil. The second planar coil can be composed of a second lead-out arm and a second lead-back arm, the second lead-out arm and the second lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are spaced apart, the second lead-out arm and the second lead-back arm The arm is coupled to a second end rail. At least one of the second lead-out arm and the second guide-return arm is mounted on the second end rail in a movable manner, so that the second lead-out arm and the second guide-return arm can move closer and farther relative to each other to change Coil pitch of the second planar coil.

The assembly may also include a third planar coil and a fourth planar coil, both of which are disposed on a second common plane, the second common plane being separated from the second workpiece side and facing the second workpiece side, extending between the edge of the first workpiece and the edge of the second workpiece, and electrically connected in series with the first planar coil and the second planar coil. At least one of the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil is adjustable to change the coil pitch. The third planar coil can be composed of a third lead-out arm and a third lead-back arm, the third lead-out arm and the third lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are spaced apart, the third lead-out arm and the third lead-back arm The arm is physically and electrically coupled to a third end rail, and at least one of the third lead-out arm and the third return arm may be movably mounted on the third end rail, thereby enabling the third lead-out arm The arm and the third guide arm can be moved closer and farther relative to each other, so as to change the coil pitch of the third planar coil. The fourth planar coil can be composed of a fourth lead-out arm and a fourth lead-back arm, the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are spaced apart, the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth lead-back arm The arm is coupled to a fourth end rail, and at least one of the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth return arm is movably mounted on the fourth end rail such that the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth return arm It can be relatively moved closer and farther to change the coil pitch of the fourth planar coil.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for inductively heating a strip-shaped workpiece, comprising: supplying current to a transverse flux inductor coil assembly, the transverse flux inductor coil Coil assembly for inductively heating at least a portion of an associated flat workpiece traveling in a process direction relative to a transverse flux induction coil assembly, the associated workpiece having opposing first and second workpiece sides and opposing first The workpiece edge and the second workpiece edge, and the transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly includes: a first planar coil and a second planar coil, both of which can be arranged on a first common plane, and the first common plane may be separated from and facing the first workpiece side, and extend between the first workpiece edge and the second workpiece edge, and be electrically connected in series with each other, wherein the first planar coil and the second planar coil are coplanarly separated , and at least one of the first planar coil and the second planar coil can move in the first common plane to change the interval between them; and adjust the interval between the first coil and the second coil. At least one of the first planar coil and the second planar coil is adjustable to change the coil pitch, and the method may also include adjusting the pitch of the at least one coil.

1: sheet body

2: slice thickness

3: film width

4: Film length

5: width

6: Coil

7: Inductor

50: Induction heating group accessories

52A: Pole

52B: Pole

54: Extraction arm

56: First end (near end)

58: Second end (remote end)

60: End rail/guide

62: Return arm

64: Common rail/guide

66:Exit arm

68: End rail/guide

70: return arm

74: Connector

76: Extraction arm

78: end rail

80: return arm

82: Common rail/guide

84: Leading arm

86: end rail

88: Guide arm

A: Arrow

C: Wide Elliptical Coil

C1~C4: Coil

I: Current

I _I : current

I _S : current

LS: Magnetic laminate

P: pole

P1: Pole

P2: Pole

P _I : power density

PP: Pole pitch

S: strip

SH: Shield

SM: sheet

SP: Interval

SRG: discrete return gap

[Fig. 1] is a three-dimensional perspective view depicting a sheet to be heated according to the present invention.

[Fig. 2] is a three-dimensional perspective view of a conventional solenoid coil covering a sheet to be heated.

[FIG. 3] It is a three-dimensional perspective view of a transverse magnetic flux wide-format elliptical coil for heating a strip.

[FIG. 4] is a perspective view showing the flow of AC current in the coil of [FIG. 3].

[FIG. 5] is a perspective view showing the electric current generated in the strip by the [FIG. 3] coil.

[ Fig. 6 ] is a perspective view showing a pair of wide elliptical coils on both sides of the bar.

[Fig. 7a] is a plan view showing the flow of AC current in the [Fig. 6] coil.

[FIG. 7b] is a plan view showing the flow of AC current in the coil of the discrete loopback inductor.

[FIG. 8a] is a plan view showing current generation in a strip using [FIG. 7b] discrete return-leading transverse flux inductors.

[FIG. 8b] is a plan view showing the power density generated in a strip by discrete return-leading transverse flux inductors.

[FIG. 9a] is a three-dimensional perspective view showing the first configuration in which a pair of wide elliptical coils are arranged on each side of the strip.

[FIG. 9b] is a three-dimensional perspective view showing a second configuration in which a pair of wide elliptical coils are arranged on each side of the strip.

[Fig. 10a] is a perspective view showing the first configuration of a pair of wide oval coils and flux shields on each side of the strip.

[Fig. 10b] is a three-dimensional perspective view showing a second configuration with a pair of wide oval coils and flux shields on each side of the strip.

[FIG. 11a] is a three-dimensional perspective view showing the first arrangement of a pair of wide elliptical coils and flux shields on both sides of the narrow strip.

[FIG. 11b] is a three-dimensional perspective view showing a second arrangement of a pair of wide elliptical coils and flux shields on both sides of the narrow strip.

[FIG. 12] is a perspective view of an inductor assembly having a magnetic lamination stack outside the coil assembly.

[Fig. 13] is a three-dimensional perspective view of an example induction heating assembly according to the invention.

[Fig. 14] is another three-dimensional perspective view of an example induction heating assembly of this invention.

[FIG. 15] is a three-dimensional perspective view of the induction heating assembly and the sheet strips exemplified in [FIG. 13] and [FIG. 14].

[FIG. 16] is a three-dimensional perspective view of the induction heating assembly in [FIG. 15] under the first configuration.

[FIG. 17] is a three-dimensional perspective view of the induction heating assembly in [FIG. 15] in the second configuration.

[FIG. 18] An exemplary induction heating assembly having a movable flux shield in [FIG. 15] in a first configuration Perspective view below.

[ FIG. 19 ] is a perspective view of the exemplary induction heating assembly with movable flux shield in [ FIG. 18 ] in a second configuration.

[ FIG. 20 ] is a perspective view of the exemplary induction heating assembly with movable flux shield in [ FIG. 18 ] in a third configuration, the strips being narrow strips of sheet material.

[Fig. 21] is a schematic diagram of the adjustment effect of pole pitch width.

[Figure 22] is a schematic diagram of the adjustment effect of the discrete return gap.

[ Fig. 23 ] is a schematic diagram of the effect of adjusting the overlap of the magnetic flux shield.

In the drawings, like elements are labeled with like numerals, and features are not necessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, the so-called "coupling" includes indirect or direct electrical or mechanical connection or a combination thereof. For example, if one device is coupled to another device, the connection may be through a direct electrical connection or through an indirect electrical connection via one or more intervening devices and connections. The following is a description of the configuration and/or interconnection of various structures in a state where the circuitry is energized and operating to produce one or more operational characteristics of the various circuits, systems, and/or components.

Because conventional solenoid induction heating is not conducive to the application of extremely thin strips or sheets, the industry has replaced it with transverse magnetic flux technology, and a variety of designs have been developed so far. Many of these are awkward to use and involve many parts, requiring frequent maintenance. In one example, a single frequency or a transverse flux design with a small frequency variation can be selected to efficiently heat the flat strip/sheet within the frequency range supported by a single power supply. The ideal goal is to minimize the frequency without overheating any part of the sheet. Another disadvantage of the solenoid type coil is that it wraps the sheet with the coil, so it is inconvenient to move the sheet from the heating work area to the bending work area. If it is desired to heat the workpiece in the shape of a strip, wrap the continuous strip in the coil In this case, the coil cannot be removed. And if the width of the workpiece is large, the typical linear seam annealing coil usually cannot provide uniform heating to the entire width of the workpiece. Therefore, there is a real need for an induction heating coil arrangement that does not need to surround the sheet/strip to be heated.

Please also refer to Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. In one aspect, the present invention provides a transverse magnetic flux coil, which is designed so that the conductive strip S passes between a pair of wide-version elliptical coils C, and the coils are collectively called a pole P, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of the structure of the transverse magnetic flux induction heating coil, showing the relationship between the configuration of the pole P and the strip S. Figure 4 shows the application of current I _I to the wide version of the elliptical coil C. Fig. 5 shows the current IS generated on the surface (typically both sides) of the strip _S. Generally speaking, the coils C are arranged in a straight line or a mirror image on both sides of the strip, but this is not a necessary condition for the implementation of the present invention. The coils C are electrically connected in series with each other, so that the currents _II in the coils C on each side of the strip S are in phase with each other, as shown in FIG. 4 . Therefore, the induced current I _S shown in FIG. 5 is generated.

Please also refer to FIG. 6, FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b. In one example, a pair of wide-version elliptical transverse flux coils C1 (for example, the first planar coil) and a coil C2 (for example, the second planar coil) are respectively arranged on both sides of the strip S. planar coil), and the coil C3 and the coil C4 form at least two poles P1 and P2. Each surface coil C1, C2 is electrically connected in series and in phase with each other, acting like a discrete lead-back inductor, as shown in Fig. 7a. Figure 7b shows the configuration and current flow of a typical discrete flyback inductor 7. Figures 7a and 7b show the arrangement of coils C1, C2 (Figure 7a) of the present invention as inductively as a conventional discrete flyback inductor 7 (Figure 7b).

Figures 8a and 8b respectively show the current I produced by the discrete return transverse flux inductor (Figure 8a) and the power density P _I produced by the discrete return transverse flux inductor in the strip S (Figure 8b). In discrete lead-out inductors, the heating of the strip S mainly occurs in the middle section of the inductor assembly, where the current is double/nearly double that of the lead-out area. Since the power is proportional to the value of the current squared times the resistance (P=I ² .R), if the current density in the middle conductor of the magnetic pole pair is doubled, the power generated in the strip S will increase by four times. In a typical discrete feedback design transverse flux inductor, the induced current is similar to that shown in Fig. 8a, which can produce the relative power density P _I distribution in the strip S as shown in Fig. 8b.

Figures 9a and 9b show the spacing SP between the two poles P1 and P2 in the transverse inductor, as shown in Figure 7a, which can be adjusted to change the heating pattern in the width direction of the strip S. This example can adjust the spacing SP between the central arms of the wide-format elliptical coils C1 and C2, C3 and C4 shown in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b. This feature makes it possible to adjust the power density across the strip S and thus control the resulting temperature profile across the strip S.

As shown in Fig. 10a, Fig. 10b, Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b, other aspects of the present invention provide one or more magnetic flux shields SH made of high-conductivity materials. The shield SH is arranged between the coils C1, C2 and the strip S to be heated, as shown in Fig. 10(a) and Fig. 10(b). The shield SH is movable (for example along the length of the sheet as shown in FIG. 1 ) and serves to shield the edge of the strip S from electromagnetic fields, thereby preventing the edge of the strip S from overheating. The shield SH is adjustable, so it can also provide the same function when used in the narrow strip S as shown in Fig. 11(a) and Fig. 11(b). Figures 10a and 10b show that the present invention is provided with an adjustable flux shield SH to control the strip S edge temperature. Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b show that the magnetic flux shield SH is adjustable, so when it is used in a narrow strip S, its function is not affected.

Referring also to FIG. 12 , the concept disclosed in some examples of the present invention may also include magnetic laminates LS stacked on top of each other, which are located outside the coil, away from the strip S, as shown in FIG. 12 . The magnetic laminated sheet LS helps to improve the efficiency of the inductor, and at the same time prevents stray fields outside the coil C from accidentally inducing heat to other conductive objects outside the inductor. Fig. 12 shows an inductor assembly having a stack of magnetic laminations LS on the outside of the coil assembly.

13 to 20 illustrate various aspects of an exemplary embodiment of the induction heating assembly 50 of the present invention, which has two poles 52A, 52B, and is capable of implementing all of the adjustments described above, including adjusting the discrete return gap SRG, adjusting one or more poles The pole pitch PP and/or adjust the position of one or more flux shields SH, thereby producing a more uniform heating effect on strips S of various widths through a single induction heating assembly 50 .

The components in the induction heating assembly 50 will be described in sequence according to the current flow in the assembly, and the functions of the induction heating assembly 50 will be explained. The arrow A in Fig. 13 indicates the flow direction of the current in the assembly. The first coil C1 of pole 52A has an outgoing arm 54 which receives incoming coils at a first (proximal) end 56. current from a suitable power source (not shown). As described herein, the proximal end and the distal end of the phase arm of the coil are based on the current flow direction, the arm end receiving the current is the proximal end, and the arm end where the current flows out of the phase arm is the distal end. Therefore, the lead-out arm 54 is movably supported by the end rail 60 or the guide member 60 at the second end (distal end) 58 and is electrically coupled thereto. The end rail 60 is conductive or includes a conductive structure to electrically couple the outgoing arm 54 and the return arm 62 . The distal end of the guide arm 62 is movably supported by the common rail 64 or the guide member 64 and is electrically coupled thereto. The common rail 64 is conductive or includes a conductive structure, and can electrically couple the phase arm 62 of the coil C1 to the lead-out arm 66 of the coil C2. The lead-out arm 66 is electrically coupled to the end rail 68 or the guide 68 . The end rail 68 is conductive or includes a conductive structure to electrically couple the phase arm 66 to the return arm 70 of the coil C2. Coil C2 is electrically coupled to coil C3 of pole 52B via connector 74 . The lead-out arm 76 of the coil C3 is electrically coupled to the end rail 78 . The end rail 78 is conductive or includes a conductive structure for electrically coupling the outgoing arm 76 to the return arm 80 . The lead-back arm 80 is electrically coupled to the common rail 82 or the guide 82, which can electrically couple the coil C3 to the lead-out arm 84 of the coil C4. The lead-out arm 84 is electrically coupled to the terminal rail 86, which is conductive or includes a conductive structure, and can electrically couple the lead-out arm 84 to the lead-back arm 88 of the coil C4. In this article, the term common rail is used to refer to the rail or guide that connects the coils of adjacent poles, while the end rail is used to refer to the rail or guide that connects the outgoing arm and the return arm of a specific coil pieces.

It should be known that the coils C1, C2, C3 and C4 are connected in series, and the lead-out arms and lead-back arms of each pair of coils (C1/C4 and C2/C3) are arranged so that on each side of the sheet to be heated, each coil pair lead-out arm have the same current flow direction, and the return arms of each coil pair have the same current flow direction.

Lead-out arms 54, 66, 76, and 84 are movably coupled to respective end rails at their distal ends and can slide relative to the end rails, while return arms 62, 70, 80, and 88 are each near their proximal ends. The end is fixed to the individual end rail. Meanwhile, the lead-out arms 66 and 84 are slidably coupled to respective common rails at their proximal ends. Therefore, the sliding connection at the end rail allows the lead-out arm and the return arm of the coil to move closer and farther relative to each other, thereby adjusting the coil section, and the sliding connection at the common rail enables the magnetic poles to move closer and farther relative to each other, thereby adjusting Discrete return gap SRG.

14, it should be known that the relative movement between the lead-out arms 54, 66, 76, and 84 and the return arms 62, 70, 80, and 88 helps to change the discrete return gap (such as the distance between the two poles 52A, 52B) and the poles. At least one of distances (such as the distance between the lead-out arm and the return arm in a magnetic pole). The main function of the sliding of the leading arm on the end rail is to cause the change of the pole pitch, and the main function of the sliding of the guide arm 62 and the leading arm 84 on their respective common rails is to cause the change of the discrete return gap SRG.

Figures 15-17 depict examples of possible adjustments of pole pitch PP and/or discrete return gap SRG. In FIG. 15 , the two poles 52A, 52B have a first pole pitch PP and are separated by a first discrete return gap SRG. In FIG. 16, the two poles 52A, 52B have the same pole pitch PP as shown in FIG. 15, but the two poles 52A, 52B are moved closer to each other, so the discrete return gap SRG is shortened. In FIG. 17 , the discrete guide gap SRG between the two poles 52A, 52B is the same as that shown in FIG. 16 , but the respective pole pitches PP of the two poles 52A, 52B are shortened due to the lead-out arms 66, 84 sliding on the common rail. It should be known that adjusting the pole pitch PP and/or the discrete return gap SRG can improve the accuracy of this creative assembly in heating strips of various widths and thicknesses by making the magnetic flux generated by the coil more compact or more dispersed, and/or Improve the uniformity of heating for a specific strip S.

Please refer to FIGS. 18 to 20 , which illustrate an induction heating assembly 50 with a flux shield SH disposed between the coils C1 - C4 and the sheet SM. The flux shield SH is generally aligned along the end rail and the common rail, and its shape and size are matched to the longitudinal edge of the sheet to prevent excessive heating at the edge. The sheet SM in FIGS. 18 and 19 is a wide strip S, and the overlapping portion of the flux shield SH and the sheet SM is larger in FIG. 19 and smaller in FIG. 18 . The sheet SM in Figure 20 is a narrow strip S, and the flux shield SH is moved inwardly to cover at least a portion of the lengthwise edge of the sheet SM.

It is understood that the adjustments described above may be performed in the present invention using various actuators such as linear actuators, servo mechanisms, and the like. In some embodiments, some or all of the above adjustments may be performed manually. In other embodiments, various sensors can be used to sense the state of the sheet, and one or more parameters of the assembly 50 can be adjusted in real time according to the sensing data. For example, various thermal sensors can be used to monitor the temperature of the strip to detect overheating or colder areas, and the assembly 50 is adjusted to eliminate or reduce these areas. Edge tracking sensors can also be used to determine the position of the edge of the sheet and position the flux shield relative thereto with greater precision.

Figures 21 to 23 graphically show the effect of the above adjustments, pole pitch, discrete return gap and shield position on a strip of sheet material of a particular width. In each figure, the x-axis represents position across the width of the stripe and the y-axis represents the time-averaged relative power density delivered to the stripe. Figure 21 shows various pitches including wide pitch (dotted line), medium pitch (dashed line) and narrow pitch (solid line). As can be seen in the figure, all the lines overlap at the midline of the strip, but deviate towards the edge of the strip, the wider pole spacing produces the maximum power density transfer at the edge, and the narrower pole spacing produces the minimum power density transmission at the edge. Different discrete return gaps are shown in Figure 22, including larger discrete return gaps (dotted lines) and smaller discrete return gaps (solid lines). As can be seen in the figure, all the lines overlap at the midline of the strip, but deviate toward the edge of the strip. Larger discrete return gaps produce the largest power density transfer at the edge, and smaller discrete return gaps produce the smallest edge. Site power density transfer. It should be appreciated that changing the pole pitch generally produces a larger overall change in power density transfer than changing the discrete return gap.

Accordingly, the adjustment of the pitch width can be regarded as a coarse adjustment, and the adjustment of the discrete return gap can be regarded as a fine adjustment. Therefore, in practice, the pole pitch can be set to a certain width first to achieve the baseline power density transfer, and then the discrete return gap can be used to further fine-tune the power density transfer.

Figure 23 shows two ways of flux shield overlap, reduced gap overlap (dashed line) and increased gap overlap (solid line). Reduced overlap results in greater power density delivery at the edge of the strip. The overlap of the flux shield can be adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment of the magnetic pole pitch and the adjustment of the discrete return gap, so as to fine-tune the power density transfer for a specific strip.

There may be various modifications to the examples described, and there may also be other implementations, and these changes all belong to the protection category of this creation.

C1~C4: Coil

P1: Pole

P2: Pole

S: strip

SP: Interval

Claims (18)

A transverse flux induction coil assembly for inductively heating at least a portion of an associated flat workpiece having opposing first The workpiece side and the second workpiece side and the opposing first workpiece edge and the second workpiece edge, the transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly for induction heating includes: a first planar coil and a second planar coil, both disposed on a first common plane, said first common plane being spaced from and facing the first workpiece side and extending in between the edge of the first workpiece and the edge of the second workpiece, and electrically connected in series with each other; Wherein, the first planar coil and the second planar coil are coplanar and separated, and at least one of the first planar coil and the second planar coil can move in the first common plane to change the distance between the two. the said interval. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first planar coil and the second planar coil is adjustable to change a pitch of the coil. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly accessory as described in claim 2, wherein the first planar coil is composed of a first lead-out arm and a first lead-back arm, and the first lead-out arm and the first lead-back arm the arms extend in a common direction and are in a spaced relationship, the first lead-out arm and the first return arm are physically and electrically coupled to a first end rail, the first lead-out arm and the first guide At least one of the return arms is movably mounted on the first end rail, so that the first lead-out arm and the first lead-back arm can move closer and farther relative to each other to change the position of the first planar coil. a coil pitch; and Wherein, the second planar coil is composed of a second lead-out arm and a second lead-back arm, the second lead-out arm and the second lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are in a spaced relationship, the second the lead-out arm and the second return arm are coupled to a second end rail, at least one of the second lead-out arm and the second return arm is movably mounted on the second end rail, Therefore, the second lead-out arm and the second return arm can be relatively moved closer or farther away, so as to change a coil pitch of the second planar coil. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly as described in claim 3, wherein each of the first planar coil and the second planar coil is coupled to a first common rail, and at least one of the first coil and the second coil One is supported by the first common rail in a movable manner so as to move closer and farther toward the other side. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly as described in claim 4, wherein the first lead-back arm of the first coil and the second lead-out arm of the second coil are coupled to the first common rail, the At least one of the first return arm and the second lead-out arm can move relative to the first common rail to change a distance between the first planar coil and the second planar coil. As described in claim 5, the transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly further includes a third planar coil and a fourth planar coil, both of which are arranged on a second common plane, and the second common plane is the same as The second workpiece side is separated to face the second workpiece side, extends between the first workpiece edge and the second workpiece edge, and is electrically connected in series with the first planar coil and the second planar coil. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly as described in claim 6, wherein, the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil are coplanarly separated on the second common plane, and the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil At least one of the planar coils is movable on the second common plane to change the separation therebetween. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least one of the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil is adjustable to change a pitch of the coil. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly accessory as described in claim 8, wherein the third planar coil is composed of a third lead-out arm and a third lead-back arm, and the third lead-out arm and the third lead-back arm the arms extend in a common direction and are in a spaced relationship, the third lead-out arm and the third return arm are physically and electrically coupled to a third end rail, the third lead-out arm and the third guide arm At least one of the return arms is mounted on the third end rail in a movable manner, so that the third lead-out arm and the third return arm can move closer and farther relative to each other to change the position of the third planar coil. A coil pitch; Wherein, the fourth planar coil is composed of a fourth lead-out arm and a fourth lead-back arm, and the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are spaced apart from each other. The lead-out arm and the fourth return arm are coupled to a fourth end rail, at least one of the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth return arm is movably mounted on the fourth end rail , so that the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth lead-back arm can move closer and farther relative to each other, so as to change a coil pitch of the fourth planar coil. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly as described in claim 9, wherein the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil are each coupled to a second common rail, the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil At least one of them is supported by the second common rail in a movable manner so as to move closer and farther toward the other side. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly as described in claim 10, wherein the third lead-back arm of the third coil and the fourth lead-out arm of the fourth coil are coupled to the second common rail, the At least one of the third return arm and the fourth lead arm can move relative to the second common rail to change a distance between the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly according to claim 11, wherein the second return arm of the second planar coil and the third lead-out arm of the third planar coil are fixedly connected as one. The transverse flux induction coil assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one flux shield disposed between the first common plane and the first workpiece side, and the first common plane and The first workpiece side is spaced and faces at least one of the first workpiece edge and the second workpiece edge, wherein the at least one flux shield is movable in a direction transverse to the associated workpiece. A transverse flux induction coil assembly for inductively heating at least a portion of an associated flat workpiece having an opposed first workpiece traveling in a process direction relative to the transverse flux induction coil assembly Side and second workpiece side and opposite first workpiece edge and second workpiece edge, the transverse flux induction coil assembly for induction heating includes: a first planar coil and a second planar coil, both disposed on a first common plane, said first common plane being spaced from and facing the first workpiece side and extending in between the edge of the first workpiece and the edge of the second workpiece, and electrically connected in series with each other; Wherein, at least one of the first planar coil and the second planar coil can be adjusted to change a pitch of the coil. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly as described in claim 14, Wherein, the first planar coil is composed of a first lead-out arm and a first lead-back arm, the first lead-out arm and the first lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are in a spaced relationship, the first The outgoing arm and the first return arm are physically and electrically coupled to a first end rail, at least one of the first outgoing arm and the first return arm is movably mounted on the first end rail, so that the first lead-out arm and the first guide-return arm can move closer and farther relative to each other, so as to change a coil pitch of the first planar coil; and Wherein, the second planar coil is composed of a second lead-out arm and a second lead-back arm, the second lead-out arm and the second lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are in a spaced relationship, the second the lead-out arm and the second return arm are coupled to a second end rail, at least one of the second lead-out arm and the second return arm is movably mounted on the second end rail, Therefore, the second lead-out arm and the second return arm can be relatively moved closer or farther away, so as to change a coil pitch of the second planar coil. As described in claim 15, the transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly further includes a third planar coil and a fourth planar coil, both of which are arranged on a second common plane, and the second common plane is the same as The second workpiece side is separated to face the second workpiece side, extends between the first workpiece edge and the second workpiece edge, and is electrically connected in series with the first planar coil and the second planar coil. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least one of the third planar coil and the fourth planar coil is adjustable to change a pitch of the coil. The transverse magnetic flux induction coil assembly accessory as described in claim 17, wherein the third planar coil is composed of a third lead-out arm and a third lead-back arm, the third lead-out arm and the third lead-back arm extending along a common direction and in a spaced relationship, the third lead-out arm and the third return arm are physically and electrically coupled to a third end rail, the third lead-out arm and the third return arm At least one of the arms is movably mounted on the third end rail, so that the third lead-out arm and the third guide-return arm can move closer and farther relative to each other to change one of the third planar coils. coil pitch; and Wherein, the fourth planar coil is composed of a fourth lead-out arm and a fourth lead-back arm, and the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth lead-back arm extend along a common direction and are spaced apart from each other. the lead-out arm and the fourth return arm are coupled to a fourth end rail, at least one of the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth return arm is movably mounted on the fourth end rail, Therefore, the fourth lead-out arm and the fourth lead-back arm can be relatively moved closer or farther away, so as to change a coil pitch of the fourth planar coil.