Graphitization furnace and battery production system

Abstract

The invention provides a graphitization furnace and a battery production system. The graphitization furnace comprises: a furnace body (100), wherein a material channel (101) is arranged in the furnace body (100); at least part of the first electrode (200) is located in the material channel (101); the second electrode (300) is used for forming a part of channel section of the material channel (101); the insulating part (400) is used for isolating the first surface (310) of the first electrode (200) from the first surface (310) of the second electrode (300), the second surface (320) of the second electrode (300) and the first electrode (200) generate an electric field, the second surface (320) is the inner surface of a partial channel section formed by the second electrode (300), and the first surface (310) intersects with the second surface (320). According to the technical scheme, the second surface of the first electrode and the second surface of the second electrode can form an electric field which is relatively concentrated in area and relatively high in energy density in the material channel, so that the production performance of the graphitization furnace is improved.

Description

Graphitization furnace and battery production system Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of mechanical engineering technology, and more specifically, to a graphitization furnace and a battery production system. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of energy technology, batteries have become an indispensable part of human life. Currently, carbon materials are widely used in battery negative electrode materials. Among them, graphitized carbon materials (also referred to as graphite materials) have been widely commercialized due to their long service life, stable structure and low cost.

[0003] A graphitization furnace is a device that can generate graphite materials. Its performance is extremely important for the production of graphite and batteries. In view of this, how to improve the performance of the graphitization furnace is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a graphitization furnace and a battery production system, which can improve the performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0006] In a first aspect, a graphitization furnace is provided, comprising: a furnace body, wherein a material channel is provided in the furnace body; a first electrode, wherein at least a portion of the first electrode is located in the material channel; a second electrode, wherein the second electrode is used to form a partial channel section of the material channel, and the polarity of the second electrode is opposite to that of the first electrode; and an insulating member, wherein the insulating member is used to isolate a first surface of the first electrode from a first surface of the second electrode, wherein the second surface of the second electrode generates an electric field with the first electrode, and the second surface is an inner surface of the partial channel section formed by the second electrode, and the first surface intersects with the second surface.

[0007] Through the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application, in addition to the furnace body, the first electrode and the second electrode, the graphitization furnace is also provided with an insulating member. The insulating member can isolate the first electrode from part of the surface of the second electrode (i.e., the first surface), and only the other part of the surface of the second electrode (the second surface) forms an electric field with the first electrode. The second surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode can form an electric field with a relatively concentrated area and a high energy density in the material channel, so that the carbonaceous material passing through the material channel receives higher electric field energy and generates higher heat to generate graphitized material with better quality, thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the first surface includes: a surface of the second electrode facing the inlet of the material channel.

[0009] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the surface of the second electrode facing the feed port of the material channel is separated from the first electrode by an insulating member. The surface of the second electrode facing the feed port will not generate an electric field with the first electrode, and thus will not interfere with or affect the heating of the carbonaceous material entering the material channel through the feed port, which is conducive to centralized and efficient heating of the carbonaceous material in the material channel, thereby improving the quality uniformity and stability of the graphite material.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the first surface includes: a surface of the second electrode that is arranged opposite to the extending direction of the material channel.

[0011] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the surfaces of the second electrode that are relatively arranged along the extension direction of the material channel are separated from the first electrode by an insulating part. When the carbonaceous material flows in the material channel, the surfaces of the second electrode that are relatively arranged along the extension direction of the material channel will not generate an electric field with the second electrode, and only the surface forming the material channel will generate an electric field with the second electrode, so that the carbonaceous material flowing in the material channel can be heated more concentratedly and efficiently, so as to further improve the quality uniformity and stability of the graphite material.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the insulating member is attached to the first surface of the second electrode to isolate the first electrode from the first surface of the second electrode.

[0013] This embodiment's technical solution simplifies the installation of the insulating member within the graphitization furnace and effectively provides reliable insulation between the first and second surfaces of the first and second electrodes, thereby creating a more integrated electric field between the first and second surfaces, thereby improving the performance of the graphitization furnace. Furthermore, the insulating member, attached to the first surface of the second electrode, also provides thermal insulation for the second electrode, reducing heat loss at the second electrode and further improving the performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the insulating member includes a cylindrical insulating portion, which is used to form at least a partial channel section of the material channel.

[0015] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the insulating member is designed as a cylindrical insulating portion, which can be reused to form at least a portion of the material channel within the furnace body, thereby reducing the need for additional materials used to form the material channel. This technical solution can reduce the manufacturing cost of the graphitization furnace while maintaining the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0016] In some possible implementations, at least a portion of the first electrode is located inside the cylindrical insulating portion.

[0017] In the technical solution of this embodiment, in addition to serving as an insulating isolation, the cylindrical insulating part is arranged around at least a portion of the first electrode, and can also serve as insulation and protection for at least a portion of the first electrode, thereby reducing the heat loss of at least a portion of the first electrode, which is beneficial to improving the heating effect of the first electrode on the carbonaceous material, thereby further improving the quality of the generated graphite material and the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the second electrode is embedded in the cylindrical insulating portion, so that the cylindrical insulating portion isolates the first surface of the second electrode from the first electrode.

[0019] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the tubular insulating portion can not only provide a good isolation effect on the first surface of the second electrode and the first electrode, but the second electrode can also be fixed in the tubular insulating portion more conveniently and stably, so that the tubular insulating portion and the second electrode have a relatively stable positional relationship.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the second surface of the second electrode is flush with the inner surface of the cylindrical insulating portion; or, the second surface of the second electrode is recessed toward the outside of the furnace body relative to the inner surface of the cylindrical insulating portion.

[0021] In the technical solution of this embodiment, an electric field can be formed between the second surface of the second electrode and the first electrode located in the cylindrical insulating portion, while the first surface of the second electrode and the cylindrical insulating portion are attached to each other. The first surface of the second electrode does not protrude from the cylindrical insulating portion to form an electric field with the first electrode, and the cylindrical insulating portion isolates the first surface of the second electrode from the first electrode. Therefore, the technical solution of this embodiment can form a more concentrated electric field between the first and second electrodes, thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the graphitization furnace further includes: a heat insulating member disposed on a side of the insulating member facing the outside of the furnace body.

[0023] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, a heat insulating member is provided on the side of the insulating member facing the outside of the furnace body, which can provide heat insulation and thermal insulation for the internal space of the furnace body, reduce heat loss inside the furnace body, and make the core temperature inside the furnace body reach above the graphitization temperature, thereby improving the quality of the generated graphite material and the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the thermal insulation component includes a cylindrical thermal insulation portion, and the insulating component includes a cylindrical insulating portion, and the cylindrical thermal insulation portion is sleeved on the outer circumference of the cylindrical insulating portion.

[0025] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the cylindrical heat insulation part and the cylindrical insulating part are fitted together, and the fixed connection method between the two is highly reliable, and the cylindrical heat insulation part can provide good thermal insulation and heat preservation effects on the internal space of the cylindrical insulating part (such as the material channel and the carbonaceous material contained in the material channel), thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0026] In some possible implementations, a length dimension of the cylindrical heat insulating portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical heat insulating portion is greater than or equal to a length dimension of the cylindrical insulating portion in the axial direction.

[0027] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the cylindrical insulation part has a larger size in the axial direction, and can completely cover the periphery of the cylindrical insulation part in the axial direction, thereby achieving a better thermal insulation effect on the cylindrical insulation part.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the thickness of the cylindrical heat insulating portion in the radial direction of the cylindrical heat insulating portion is greater than or equal to the thickness of the cylindrical insulating portion in the radial direction.

[0029] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the thickness of the cylindrical heat insulation part is designed to be larger, which is conducive to further improving the thermal insulation performance of the cylindrical heat insulation part, thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0030] In some possible implementations, a ratio between a thickness D2 of the tubular heat insulating portion in the radial direction and a thickness D1 of the tubular insulating portion in the radial direction satisfies: 1≤D2 / D1≤4. Further, 3.5≤D2 / D1≤4.

[0031] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, when the radial dimension of the interior of the furnace body is constant, by designing the ratio of the thickness dimension of the tubular heat insulation part to the tubular insulating part in the radial direction to be between 1 and 4 or even between 3.5 and 4, the strength, thermal insulation performance and temperature resistance of the graphitization furnace can be taken into account, thereby comprehensively improving the overall performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0032] In some possible embodiments, the thermal insulation component includes a first end surface close to the inlet of the material channel, the insulating component includes a second end surface close to the inlet, and the angle between the first end surface and the second end surface is an obtuse angle.

[0033] In this embodiment, a deposit of carbonaceous material may form on the first end surface of the thermal insulation member near the feed inlet and the second end surface of the insulating member near the feed inlet. In this case, the angle between the first and second end surfaces is designed to be an obtuse angle, which facilitates the accumulated carbonaceous material to slide from the first end surface to the second end surface, and then to the feed inlet, where it enters the material channel, achieving graphitization of the carbonaceous material.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the first end surface is connected to the second end surface.

[0035] In the technical solution of this embodiment, the first end face and the second end face may be connected to form a continuous interface, so as to facilitate the sliding of the carbonaceous material in the continuous interface, thereby entering the material channel for graphitization conversion.

[0036] In some possible implementations, in the extension direction of the material channel, the maximum distance H1 between the first end surface and the second end surface and the distance H2 from the second end surface to the second electrode satisfy: 3≤H2 / H1≤10. Further, 3≤H2 / H1≤5.

[0037] In the technical solution of this embodiment, when the distance H2 from the second end face to the second electrode is constant, the height difference between the first end face and the second end face can be designed to maintain a certain range, so as to further facilitate the carbonaceous material to slide from the first end face to the second end face, thereby entering the material channel through the second end face for graphitization conversion.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the graphitization furnace further includes: a heat-insulating member disposed on a side of the heat-insulating member facing the outside of the furnace body.

[0039] This embodiment employs a heat-insulating element on the side of the heat-insulating element facing the outside of the furnace body, further insulating the interior of the furnace body and reducing heat loss. This technical solution further increases the core temperature within the furnace body to above the graphitization temperature, thereby improving the quality of the generated graphite material and the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0040] In some possible implementations, the heat-insulating element includes a cylindrical heat-insulating portion and the heat-insulating element includes a cylindrical heat-insulating portion, and the cylindrical heat-insulating portion is sleeved on the outer circumference of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion.

[0041] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the cylindrical heat-insulating part and the cylindrical heat-insulating part are fitted together, and the fixed connection method between the two is highly reliable. In addition, the cylindrical heat-insulating part can have a good heat-insulating effect on the cylindrical heat-insulating part and its internal space (such as the cylindrical insulating part, the material channel and the carbonaceous material contained in the material channel), thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0042] In some possible implementations, the length dimension of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion is greater than or equal to the length dimension of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion in the axial direction.

[0043] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the size of the cylindrical insulation part in the axial direction is larger, and it can completely cover the periphery of the cylindrical insulation part in the axial direction, thereby achieving a better insulation effect on the cylindrical insulation part.

[0044] In some possible implementations, an exhaust port is provided on the heat-insulating component, and a cavity area is provided between the heat-insulating component and the exhaust port.

[0045] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, an exhaust port is provided on the insulation component, so that the reaction gas generated during the conversion of carbonaceous material into graphite material can be discharged from the inside of the furnace body in a timely manner, thereby reducing the gas pressure inside the furnace body, reducing the impact of the reaction gas on the furnace body, and improving the overall performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0046] In some possible embodiments, the graphitization furnace further includes a furnace cover; in the extension direction of the material passage, a minimum distance H3 between the insulating member and the furnace cover and a distance H4 between the end surface of the insulating member facing the material inlet and the second electrode satisfy the following conditions: 0.5 ≤ H4 / H3 ≤ 2.5. Furthermore, 1.2 ≤ H4 / H3 ≤ 1.5.

[0047] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, when the distance H4 between the end face of the insulating member facing the feed port and the second electrode is constant, by designing the minimum distance H3 between the insulating member and the furnace cover to meet the following requirements: 0.5≤H4 / H3≤2.5 or even 1.2≤H4 / H3≤1.5, a relatively appropriate distance can be maintained between the insulating member and the furnace cover, which can not only meet the thermal insulation requirements of the carbonaceous material, but also accommodate the reaction gas generated during the buffered graphitization conversion process, facilitate the discharge of the reaction gas, and comprehensively improve the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0048] In some possible embodiments, the second electrode includes: an electrode ring, the hollow area of ​​the electrode ring is used to form a partial channel section of the material channel; the second surface of the second electrode is the inner circumference of the electrode ring, and the inner circumference of the electrode ring forms an electric field with the first electrode.

[0049] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the second electrode is designed to be in the shape of an electrode ring, so that the inner surface of the second electrode and the first electrode can form a uniform and concentrated conical electric field (or also called an umbrella-shaped electric field). This electric field can uniformly and effectively heat the carbonaceous material passing through, which is beneficial to improving the overall quality of the graphite material.

[0050] In some possible embodiments, the second electrode includes: an electrode pair, wherein the two electrodes in the electrode pair are arranged opposite to each other with a gap therebetween, and the gap is used to form a partial channel section of the material channel; the second surface of the second electrode is the two opposite surfaces of the two electrodes in the electrode pair, and the two opposite surfaces form an electric field with the first electrode.

[0051] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the second electrode is designed as an electrode pair, so that the two opposite surfaces of the electrode pair can form a symmetrical electric field with the first electrode. The electric field can symmetrically and concentratedly heat the carbonaceous material passing through, which is beneficial to improving the overall quality of the graphite material.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the second electrode includes: a plurality of electrode pairs, wherein a plurality of electrodes in the plurality of electrode pairs are arranged around the material channel.

[0053] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, multiple electrode pairs in the second electrode can form a concentrated conical electric field with the first electrode. The coverage area of ​​this electric field is large, which can effectively heat the carbonaceous material passing through, which is beneficial to further improve the overall quality of the graphite material.

[0054] In some possible implementations, the plurality of electrodes are arranged at equal intervals around the circumference of the material channel.

[0055] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, multiple electrode pairs in the second electrode can form a uniform and concentrated conical electric field with the first electrode, which can uniformly and effectively heat the carbonaceous material passing through, which is beneficial to further improve the overall quality of the graphite material.

[0056] In some possible implementations, along the flow direction of the material in the material channel, the second electrode is located below the first electrode.

[0057] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the second electrode and the first electrode are arranged at intervals along the flow direction of the material in the material channel, and a certain material channel space can be provided between the second electrode and the first electrode. The second electrode and the first electrode form an electric field in the material channel space, and can fully heat the carbonaceous material flowing through the material channel space to produce graphite material with stable quality.

[0058] In some possible implementations, the first electrode is located in a partial channel section of the material channel formed by the second electrode.

[0059] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, when the first electrode is located in a partial channel section of the material channel formed by the second electrode, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is small, which is conducive to generating a more concentrated electric field between the two, thereby further improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0060] In some possible implementations, the insulating member is made of a fire-resistant material.

[0061] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the insulating member will not be affected by the high-temperature carbonaceous material while providing insulation performance, thereby improving the overall performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0062] In a second aspect, a battery production system is provided, comprising: a graphitization furnace according to the first aspect or any possible embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the graphitization furnace is used to produce negative electrode graphite material for a battery.

[0063] Through the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application, in addition to the furnace body, the first electrode and the second electrode, the graphitization furnace is also provided with an insulating member. The insulating member can isolate the first electrode from part of the surface of the second electrode (i.e., the first surface), and only the other part of the surface of the second electrode (the second surface) forms an electric field with the first electrode. The second surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode can form an electric field with a relatively concentrated area and a high energy density in the material channel, so that the carbonaceous material passing through the material channel receives higher electric field energy and generates higher heat to generate graphitized material with better quality, thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative work.

[0065] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a graphitization furnace provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG2 is another schematic structural diagram of a graphitization furnace provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG3 is another schematic structural diagram of a graphitization furnace provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0068] FIG4 is another schematic structural diagram of a graphitization furnace provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a cylindrical insulating portion and a cylindrical heat-insulating portion provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG6 is another schematic structural diagram of a cylindrical insulating portion and a cylindrical heat-insulating portion provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG7 is another schematic structural diagram of a graphitization furnace provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG8 is a schematic top view of the insulating member, the heat insulating member, the heat retaining member, the second electrode and the material channel in the embodiment shown in FIG7 ;

[0073] FIG9 is another schematic structural diagram of a graphitization furnace provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0074] In the drawings, the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0075] Marking Description:

[0076] 10-graphitization furnace;

[0077] 100-furnace body, 101-material channel, 1011-feeding port;

[0078] 200-first electrode;

[0079] 300 - second electrode, 310 - first surface of the second electrode, 320 - second surface of the second electrode;

[0080] 400 - insulating member, 410 - cylindrical insulating portion, 411 - second end surface;

[0081] 510 - cylindrical heat insulation portion, 511 - first end surface;

[0082] 610-cylindrical insulation part;

[0083] 700-furnace cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present application, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, that is, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0085] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means more than two; the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not strictly perpendicular, but is within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but is within the allowable error range.

[0086] The directional words appearing in the following description are all directions shown in the figures, and do not limit the specific structure of this application. In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0087] The term "and / or" in this application simply describes an association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0088] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or a primary-secondary relationship.

[0089] References to "embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments.

[0090] This application relates to a graphitization furnace that, through heating, converts carbon atoms from a chaotic layer structure into an ordered graphite crystal structure, thereby achieving graphitization of non-graphitic carbon. Graphitization is intended to improve the thermal and electrical conductivity of carbon materials, enhance their thermal shock resistance and chemical stability, impart lubricity and wear resistance, increase their purity, reduce their hardness, and facilitate machining.

[0091] Currently, graphitization furnaces are primarily used for high-temperature processing, including the sintering and graphitization of carbon materials, graphitization of polyimide (PI) films, graphitization of thermally conductive materials, sintering of carbon fiber ropes, sintering and graphitizing of carbon fiber filaments, graphite purification, and other materials that can be graphitized in a carbon environment. In some specific applications, graphite treated in a graphitization furnace can be used to form the negative electrode material of batteries. For example, graphite is currently a major negative electrode material in lithium batteries.

[0092] In this application, a battery refers to a physical module that includes one or more battery cells to provide electrical energy. A battery generally includes a casing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. Optionally, the battery cell may include a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-ion primary battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Among them, graphite can be used as the negative electrode active material of the battery cell, and is combined with the positive electrode active material of the battery cell (for example, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium or lithium manganese oxide, etc.) to realize the movement of metal ions to form an electric current.

[0093] In some graphitization furnace designs, a positive electrode and a negative electrode are installed inside the furnace. One end of each electrode is connected to a DC or AC power source, and the other ends are positioned opposite each other, forming an electric field between them. When the carbonaceous material entering the graphitization furnace passes through this electric field, it is energized, and the carbonaceous material reaches the graphitization temperature through its own electrical resistance heating, thereby achieving graphitization.

[0094] In the design of this graphitization furnace, the electric field formed between the three-dimensional end face of the positive electrode and the three-dimensional end face of the negative electrode will cover a larger area. As an example, in some specific implementations, the negative electrode is a three-dimensional ring structure, and the positive electrode is a columnar structure. The two are arranged relative to each other, and an electric field is formed between the end of the positive electrode of the columnar structure facing the negative electrode and the entire surface of the negative electrode of the ring structure facing the positive electrode. In this embodiment, because the electric field covers a larger area, when the power received by the electrode is constant, the electric field energy generated by the electrode per unit volume is small, that is, the electric field energy density is small, which will affect the graphitization quality of the carbonaceous material passing through the electric field.

[0095] In view of this, the present application provides a new graphitization furnace, which includes: a furnace body, a first electrode, a second electrode and an insulating member, wherein a material channel is provided in the furnace body, at least a portion of the first electrode is located in the material channel, and the second electrode is used to form a partial channel section of the material channel, and the polarity of the second electrode is opposite to that of the first electrode. The insulating member is used to isolate the first surface of the first electrode from the second electrode, and the second surface of the second electrode generates an electric field with the first electrode. The second surface of the second electrode is the inner surface of the partial channel section formed by the second electrode, and the first surface and the second surface of the second electrode intersect. In the technical solution provided by the present application, an insulating member is provided in the graphitization furnace, which can isolate the first electrode from the partial surface (i.e., the first surface) of the second electrode, and only the other partial surface (the second surface) of the second electrode forms an electric field with the first electrode. The second surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode can form an electric field with a relatively concentrated area and a high energy density in the material channel, so that the carbonaceous material passing through the material channel receives higher electric field energy, generates higher heat, and produces a graphitized material with better quality.

[0096] The graphitization furnace involved in this application can be applied to any graphite production system, such as carbon material sintering and graphitization systems, PI film graphitization systems, thermal conductive material graphitization systems, carbon fiber rope / carbon fiber filament sintering and graphitization systems, graphite purification systems, etc. This application does not limit the specific application scenarios of the graphitization furnace.

[0097] As an example, in some practical applications, the graphite material produced by the graphitization furnace described in this application can be used as the negative electrode material of a battery. In other words, in this application, the graphitization furnace can be used in a battery production system. The graphitization furnace can serve as a type of process equipment in a battery production line.

[0098] FIG1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a graphitization furnace 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0099] As shown in FIG1 , the graphitization furnace 10 includes a furnace body 100, a first electrode 200, a second electrode 300, and an insulating member 400. A material channel 101 is provided within the furnace body 100. At least a portion of the first electrode 200 is located within the material channel 101. The second electrode 300 is used to form a partial channel section of the material channel 101. The second electrode 300 has an opposite polarity to that of the first electrode 200. The insulating member 400 is used to isolate the first electrode 200 from a first surface 310 of the second electrode 300. The second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 generates an electric field with the first electrode 200. The second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 is the inner surface of the partial channel section formed by the second electrode 300. The first surface 310 and the second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 intersect.

[0100] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, a cavity is formed inside the furnace body 100, and a material channel 101 may be formed in the cavity. The carbonaceous material used to generate the graphite material may flow in the material channel 101 and be graphitized under the action of high temperature.

[0101] Optionally, as shown in FIG1 , the material channel 101 may pass through the wall of the furnace body 100 , and after the carbonaceous material passing through the material channel 101 is converted into graphite material, the graphite material may be output to the outside of the furnace body 100 through the material channel 101 .

[0102] Optionally, the material channel 101 may extend in a direction parallel to the direction of gravity, and the carbonaceous material entering the material channel 101 may flow in the material channel 101 under the action of gravity. Alternatively, in other alternative embodiments, the material channel 101 may extend in other directions. In this embodiment, other auxiliary components may be provided inside the furnace body 100 to drive the carbonaceous material to flow in the material channel 101.

[0103] The first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300 can be the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively, of the graphitization furnace 10. The second electrode 300 can be disposed through the wall of the furnace body 100, with at least a portion of the second electrode 300 located outside the furnace body 100. The first electrode 200 can be fixed to an opening of the furnace body 100 by a fixing device. At least a portion of the first electrode 200 can be located within the material channel 101, i.e., within the furnace body 100, while another portion of the first electrode 200 can be located outside the furnace body 100.

[0104] The parts of the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300 located outside the furnace body 100 can be connected to a power source through an electrical connector, so that an electric field is formed between the parts of the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300 located inside the furnace body 100 to provide energy to the carbonaceous material in the material channel 101 inside the furnace body 100.

[0105] Inside the furnace body 100 , the second electrode 300 can be used to form a partial channel section of the material channel 101 . In other words, the electrode wall of the second electrode 300 can serve as the channel wall of the partial channel section of the material channel 101 .

[0106] As an example, in the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the second electrodes 300 are located on both sides of the material channel 101 along the radial direction, and the second electrodes 300 can serve as the channel walls on both sides of a portion of the channel section in the material channel 101. Alternatively, in other alternative examples, the second electrode 300 can also be located on one side of the material channel 101 along the radial direction, and the second electrode 300 can serve as the channel wall on one side of a portion of the channel section in the material channel 101.

[0107] The insulating member 400 is used to isolate the first electrode 200 from the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300. No electric field is formed between the first electrode 200 and the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300. However, there is no insulating member 400 or other insulating component between the second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200. Therefore, an electric field is formed between the second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200.

[0108] As described above, the second electrode 300 can be used to form a partial channel section of the material channel 101. The second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 can be understood as the inner surface of the partial channel section formed by the second electrode 300. The first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 intersects with the second surface 320.

[0109] In summary, through the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application, in addition to the furnace body 100, the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300, the graphitization furnace 10 is also provided with an insulating member 400. The insulating member 400 can isolate the first electrode 200 and part of the surface of the second electrode 300 (i.e., the first surface 310), and only another part of the surface of the second electrode 300 (the second surface 320) forms an electric field with the first electrode 200. The first electrode 200 and the second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 can form an electric field with a relatively concentrated area and a high energy density in the material channel 101, so that the carbonaceous material passing through the material channel 101 receives higher electric field energy and generates higher heat to generate graphitized material with better quality, thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace.

[0110] In some implementations of the embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG. 1 , the first surface 310 includes: a surface of the second electrode 300 facing the material inlet of the material channel 101 .

[0111] For example, when the material channel 101 extends along the direction of gravity, the second electrode 300 can be disposed below the inlet of the material channel 101. The surface of the second electrode 300 facing the inlet of the material channel 101 is the upper surface of the second electrode 300. In other words, the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 can include the upper surface of the second electrode 300.

[0112] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the surface of the second electrode 300 facing the feed port of the material channel 101 is separated from the first electrode 200 by an insulating member 400. The surface of the second electrode 300 facing the feed port will not generate an electric field with the first electrode 200, and thus will not interfere with or affect the heating of the carbonaceous material entering the material channel 101 through the feed port, which is conducive to centralized and efficient heating of the carbonaceous material in the material channel 101, thereby improving the quality uniformity and stability of the graphite material.

[0113] In some other implementations of the embodiments of the present application, the first surface 310 includes: a surface of the second electrode 300 that is oppositely arranged along the extension direction of the material channel 101.

[0114] FIG2 shows another schematic structural diagram of the graphitization furnace 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0115] As an example, as shown in FIG2 , when the material channel 101 extends in the direction of gravity, the second electrode 300 may be disposed below the inlet of the material channel 101. The surfaces of the second electrode 300 that are disposed opposite each other along the extension direction of the material channel 101 are the upper and lower surfaces of the second electrode 300. In other words, the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 may include the upper and lower surfaces of the second electrode 300.

[0116] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the surfaces of the second electrode 300 that are relatively arranged along the extension direction of the material channel 101 are isolated from the first electrode 200 by an insulating member 400. When the carbonaceous material flows in the material channel 101, the surfaces of the second electrode 300 that are relatively arranged along the extension direction of the material channel 101 will not generate an electric field with the second electrode 300, but only the surface forming the material channel 101 generates an electric field with the second electrode 300, so that the carbonaceous material flowing in the material channel 101 can be heated more concentratedly and efficiently, so as to further improve the quality uniformity and stability of the graphite material.

[0117] Alternatively, as shown in FIG1 , the end of the first electrode 200 facing the interior of the furnace body 100 may be located between the second electrode 300 and the inlet of the material channel 101. Alternatively, as shown in FIG2 , the end of the first electrode 200 facing the interior of the furnace body 100 may be located within the portion of the material channel 101 formed by the second electrode 300.

[0118] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , due to the distance between the end of the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300, the surface of the second electrode 300 away from the inlet of the material channel 101 is relatively far from the end of the first electrode 200, resulting in a small or no electric field between them. In this case, the insulating member 400 can be provided only on the surface of the second electrode 300 facing the inlet of the material channel 101, and not on the surface of the second electrode 300 away from the inlet of the material channel 101. For example, if the material channel 101 extends in the direction of gravity, the insulating member 400 can be provided only on the upper surface of the second electrode 300, and not on the lower surface of the second electrode 300. Of course, to further provide a more concentrated and effective electric field between the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300, the surface of the second electrode 300 away from the inlet of the material channel 101 can also be provided with an insulating member 400.

[0119] In the embodiment shown in FIG2 , because the end of the first electrode 200 is relatively close to the second electrode 300, the surfaces of the second electrode 300 that are disposed opposite each other along the extension direction of the material channel 101 may interfere with the electric field between the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300, thereby affecting the heating of the carbonaceous material therein. In view of this, the surfaces of the second electrode 300 that are disposed opposite each other along the extension direction of the material channel 101 may be provided with insulating members 400 , thereby generating a more concentrated and effective electric field between the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300, reducing interference with the electric field by other factors, thereby facilitating improved heating efficiency and effect of the carbonaceous material, and thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10 .

[0120] Optionally, in order to save costs, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the insulating member 400 may be provided on only one of the two surfaces of the second electrode 300 that are opposite to each other along the extension direction of the material channel 101 .

[0121] In some implementations of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the insulating member 400 is attached to the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 to isolate the first electrode 200 from the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 .

[0122] 1 and 2 , the insulating member 400 may be attached to a portion of the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300, where the portion intersects the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300. Alternatively, in some alternative embodiments, the insulating member 400 may be attached to the entire first surface 310 of the second electrode 300.

[0123] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the installation method of the insulating member 400 inside the graphitization furnace 10 is relatively simple, and it can effectively provide relatively reliable insulation between the first electrode 200 and the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300, thereby creating a relatively integrated electric field between the first electrode 200 and the second surface 320 of the second electrode 300, thereby improving the performance of the graphitization furnace 10. In addition, the insulating member 400 attached to the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 can also provide thermal insulation for the second electrode 300, reducing heat loss at the second electrode 300, thereby further improving the performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0124] In other embodiments, the insulating member 400 may not be attached to the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300, but may have a certain gap between it and the first surface 310. In this embodiment, the insulating member 400 is located between the first electrode 200 and the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300, and may also isolate the first electrode 200 and the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 from each other without generating an electric field.

[0125] FIG3 shows another schematic structural diagram of the graphitization furnace 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0126] As shown in FIG3 , in the graphitization furnace 10, the insulating member 400 includes a cylindrical insulating portion 410, which is used to form at least a portion of the material channel 101 within the furnace body 100. In other words, in the embodiment of the present application, the cylindrical insulating portion 410 can serve as the channel wall of at least a portion of the channel section.

[0127] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 along the radial direction can be designed to suit the furnace body 100. For example, if the furnace body 100 is a square furnace body, the cylindrical insulating portion 410 can be a square cylindrical insulating portion, i.e., its cross-sectional shape along the radial direction is square. For another example, if the furnace body 100 is a circular furnace body, the cylindrical insulating portion 410 can be a circular cylindrical insulating portion, i.e., its cross-sectional shape along the radial direction is circular.

[0128] Optionally, the axial length of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 may be greater than the radial diameter of the cylindrical insulating portion 410. The cylindrical insulating portion 410 may have a sufficient length to form at least a portion of the material channel 101 within the furnace body 100, thereby facilitating the flow of the carbonaceous material within the at least portion of the channel.

[0129] Through the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the insulating member 400 is designed as a cylindrical insulating portion 410. This cylindrical insulating portion 410 can be reused to form at least a portion of the material channel 101 within the furnace body 100, thereby reducing the amount of additional material used to form the material channel 101. This technical solution can reduce the manufacturing cost of the graphitization furnace 10 while maintaining the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0130] 3 , in the embodiment of the present application, at least a portion of the first electrode 200 may be located within the cylindrical insulating portion 410 . That is, at least a portion of the first electrode 200 is located within the material channel section formed by the cylindrical insulating portion 410 .

[0131] It can be understood that the radial dimension of the first electrode 200 is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical insulating portion 410. When the first electrode 200 is disposed in the cylindrical insulating portion 410, there is a gap between the surface of the first electrode 200 and the inner surface of the cylindrical insulating portion 410, and the gap is used to pass the carbonaceous material.

[0132] In the embodiment of the present application, in addition to serving as an insulating isolation function, the cylindrical insulating portion 410 is disposed around at least a portion of the first electrode 200, and can also serve as an insulation and protection function for at least a portion of the first electrode 200, thereby reducing the heat loss of at least a portion of the first electrode 200, which is beneficial to improving the heating effect of the first electrode 200 on the carbonaceous material, thereby improving the quality of the generated graphite material and the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0133] 3 , optionally, in some embodiments, the second electrode 300 may be embedded in the tubular insulating portion 410 , so that the tubular insulating portion 410 isolates the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 from the first electrode 200 .

[0134] Specifically, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the second electrode 300 is embedded in the tubular insulating portion 410 so that the tubular insulating portion 410 is attached to the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 , thereby isolating the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 from the first electrode 200 .

[0135] As an example, the second electrode 300 can be a strip electrode, which can be embedded in the cylindrical insulating part 410 along the extension direction. The side of the strip electrode is attached to the cylindrical insulating part 410, and the end face of the strip electrode can serve as the channel wall of a partial channel section in the material channel 101.

[0136] As another example, the second electrode 300 may be a ring-shaped electrode that is radially embedded in the cylindrical insulating portion 410. The surface of the ring-shaped electrode distributed in the axial direction is attached to the cylindrical insulating portion 410, and the inner surface of the ring-shaped electrode in the radial direction may serve as the channel wall surface of a portion of the channel section in the material channel 101. Alternatively, in this example, the cylindrical insulating portion 410 may be divided into two parts by the second electrode 300, and the two parts are respectively attached to the two sides of the second electrode 300 in the axial direction.

[0137] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the cylindrical insulating portion 410 can not only provide a good isolation effect on the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200, but the second electrode 300 can also be fixed in the cylindrical insulating portion 410 more conveniently and stably, so that the cylindrical insulating portion 410 and the second electrode 300 have a relatively stable positional relationship.

[0138] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 is flush with the inner surface of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 . Alternatively, in other embodiments, the second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 is recessed relative to the inner surface of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 toward the exterior of the furnace body 100 .

[0139] Specifically, in these two embodiments, while an electric field is formed between the second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200 located on the cylindrical insulating portion 410, the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 and the cylindrical insulating portion 410 are attached to each other. The first surface 310 does not protrude from the cylindrical insulating portion 410 to form an electric field with the first electrode 200. The cylindrical insulating portion 410 isolates the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 from the first electrode 200. Therefore, through the technical solutions of these two embodiments, a relatively concentrated electric field can be formed between the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300, thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0140] Based on the embodiment shown in FIG3 , FIG4 shows another schematic structural diagram of the graphitization furnace 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0141] As shown in FIG4 , in the embodiment of the present application, the graphitization furnace 10 further includes: a heat insulating member (shown as a cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 in FIG4 ), which is arranged on a side of the insulating member 400 (shown as a cylindrical insulating portion 410 in FIG4 ) facing the outside of the furnace body 100 .

[0142] Specifically, the thermal insulation member can be made of a thermal insulation material to provide thermal insulation. As an example and not a limitation, the thermal insulation member can be made of a lightweight carbonaceous material. On the one hand, the thermal insulation member is lightweight, which can reduce the overall weight of the graphitization furnace 10. On the other hand, the thermal insulation member is made of a carbonaceous thermal insulation material, which is both heat-resistant and relatively low in cost.

[0143] Through the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, a heat insulating member is provided on the side of the insulating member 400 facing the outside of the furnace body 100, which can provide a heat insulating and heat-preserving effect on the internal space of the furnace body 100, reduce the heat loss inside the furnace body 100, and make the core temperature inside the furnace body 100 reach above the graphitization temperature, thereby improving the quality of the generated graphite material and the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0144] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 4 , the thermal insulation component includes a cylindrical thermal insulation portion 510 , which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 .

[0145] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the cylindrical heat insulation portion 510 is coaxially arranged with the cylindrical insulating portion 410 and fits into each other. The inner diameter size of the cylindrical heat insulation portion 510 can match the outer diameter size of the cylindrical insulating portion 410, so that the inner circumferential wall of the cylindrical heat insulation portion 510 and the outer circumferential wall of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 are tightly attached to each other, and the cylindrical heat insulation portion 510 can provide good thermal insulation effect for the cylindrical insulating portion 410.

[0146] Furthermore, when the cylindrical insulating portion 410 is used to form the material channel 101 inside the furnace body 100 , the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 can provide good heat insulation and thermal insulation effects on the material channel 101 and the carbonaceous material inside.

[0147] Through the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 and the cylindrical insulating portion 410 are fitted together, and the fixed connection method between the two is highly reliable. In addition, the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 can provide good thermal insulation and heat preservation effects on the internal space of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 (such as the material channel 101 and the carbonaceous material contained in the material channel 101), thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0148] Figure 5 shows a schematic structural diagram of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 and the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the structural schematic diagram shown in Figure 5 can be a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 and the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 along the axial plane.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 5 , in the embodiment of the present application, the length dimension L2 of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 in the axial direction of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 may be greater than or equal to the length dimension L1 of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 in the axial direction.

[0150] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 is coaxially arranged with the cylindrical insulating portion 410 , and the axial direction of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 is the axial direction of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 .

[0151] Through the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the cylindrical insulation part 510 has a larger size in the axial direction, and can completely cover the periphery of the cylindrical insulation part 410 in the axial direction, thereby achieving a better thermal insulation effect on the cylindrical insulation part 410.

[0152] In addition, as shown in FIG. 5 , in the embodiment of the present application, the thickness dimension D2 of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 in the radial direction of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 may be greater than or equal to the thickness dimension D1 of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 in the radial direction.

[0153] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the radial thickness dimension D2 of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 is the radial wall thickness dimension of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510. Similarly, the radial thickness dimension D1 of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 is the radial wall thickness dimension of the cylindrical insulating portion 410.

[0154] Through the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the thickness dimension D2 of the cylindrical heat insulation part 510 is designed to be larger, which is conducive to further improving the thermal insulation performance of the cylindrical heat insulation part 510, thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0155] Alternatively, in some embodiments, through extensive experimentation, it has been determined that the ratio of the radial thickness D2 of the tubular heat insulating portion 510 to the radial thickness D1 of the tubular insulating portion 410 satisfies the following: 1 ≤ D2 / D1 ≤ 4. Alternatively, the ratio D2 to D1 may further satisfy 3.5 ≤ D2 / D1 ≤ 4. For example, D2 / D1 may be 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, or 4, etc.

[0156] Specifically, because the cylindrical insulating portion 410 forms the material passage 101, it is exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures (e.g., above 2600°C) and is subject to the impact of carbonaceous materials. Therefore, the cylindrical insulating portion 410 must not only provide insulation but also possess certain strength, heat resistance, and fire resistance. The radial thickness D1 of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 significantly affects its strength and various properties.

[0157] As described above, the radial thickness D2 of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 significantly affects the thermal insulation performance of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510. Given a constant radial dimension within the furnace body 100, by designing the radial thickness ratio of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 to the cylindrical insulating portion 410 to be between 1 and 4, or even between 3.5 and 4, the strength, thermal insulation, and temperature resistance of the graphitization furnace 10 can be balanced, thereby comprehensively improving the overall performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0158] Figure 6 shows another schematic structural diagram of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 and the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the structural schematic diagram shown in Figure 6 can be another cross-sectional view of the cylindrical insulating portion 410 and the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 along the axial plane.

[0159] As shown in Figure 6, in an embodiment of the present application, the thermal insulation member (shown in the figure as a cylindrical thermal insulation portion 510) includes a first end face 511 close to the feed port 1011 of the material channel 101, and the insulating member (shown in the figure as a cylindrical insulating portion 410) includes a second end face 411 close to the feed port 1011 of the material channel 101, and the angle α between the first end face 511 and the second end face 411 is an obtuse angle.

[0160] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the feed port 1011 of the material channel 101 is used to receive carbonaceous material input from the outside. A pile of carbonaceous material may be formed at the first end face 511 of the thermal insulation member near the feed port 1011 and the second end face 411 of the insulating member 400 near the feed port 1011. In this case, the angle α between the first end face 511 and the second end face 411 is designed to be an obtuse angle, which facilitates the accumulated carbonaceous material to slide from the first end face 511 to the second end face 411, and then to the feed port 1011 to enter the material channel 101, thereby achieving graphitization conversion of the carbonaceous material.

[0161] As an example, as shown in Figure 6 , the first end surface 511 of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 can be the side surface of a truncated cone structure, with the height of the truncated cone structure parallel to the extension direction of the material channel 101. The second end surface 411 of the insulating member 400 can be perpendicular to the extension direction of the material channel 101, and thus parallel to the bottom surface of the truncated cone structure. In this embodiment, the angle α between the second end surface 411 of the insulating member 400 and the first end surface 511 of the cylindrical heat insulating portion 510 can be understood as the bottom angle of the truncated cone structure.

[0162] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first end surface 511 is connected to the second end surface 411 .

[0163] In this embodiment, the first end surface 511 and the second end surface 411 may be connected to form a continuous interface, so as to facilitate the sliding of the carbonaceous material in the continuous interface, thereby entering the material channel 101 for graphitization conversion.

[0164] Alternatively, in some embodiments, through extensive experiments, it has been determined that, in the extension direction of the material channel 101, the maximum distance H1 between the first end surface 511 and the second end surface 411 and the distance H2 from the second end surface 411 to the second electrode 300 satisfy the following relationship: 3 ≤ H2 / H1 ≤ 10. Alternatively, the ratio of H1 to H2 may further satisfy the following relationship: 3 ≤ H2 / H1 ≤ 5. For example, H2 / H1 may be 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, etc.

[0165] In this embodiment, when the distance H2 from the second end face 411 to the second electrode 300 is constant, the height difference between the first end face 511 and the second end face 411 can be designed to maintain a certain range, so as to further facilitate the carbonaceous material to slide from the first end face 511 to the second end face 411, and thus enter the material channel 101 through the second end face 411 for graphitization conversion.

[0166] FIG7 shows another schematic structural diagram of the graphitization furnace 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application, based on the embodiment shown in FIG4 . FIG7 may be a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the graphitization furnace 10 . FIG8 shows a schematic top view of the insulating member 400 , the heat shield, the thermal insulation member, the second electrode 300 , and the material channel 101 in the embodiment shown in FIG7 . FIG8 may be a cross-sectional view of the graphitization furnace 10 .

[0167] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the embodiment of the present application, the graphitization furnace 10 further includes: a heat preservation member (shown in the figure as a cylindrical heat preservation portion 610), which is arranged on the side of the heat insulation member (shown in the figure as a cylindrical heat insulation portion 510) facing the outside of the furnace body 100.

[0168] Specifically, the insulation component can be made of a rigid and strong insulating refractory material. By way of example and not limitation, the insulation component can be composed, from the outside of the furnace body 100 to the inside, of a steel plate, a ceramic fiber product, a lightweight refractory material, and a heavy refractory material. The outer layer of the insulation component facing the outside of the furnace body 100 has strength and rigidity, effectively resisting external forces. The inner layer of the insulation component facing the inside of the furnace body 100 has fire resistance, effectively withstanding the higher temperatures inside the furnace body 100. The insulation component is composed of a multi-layer structure, thereby also improving its thermal insulation performance.

[0169] By adopting the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, a heat-insulating member is provided on the side of the heat-insulating member facing the outside of the furnace body 100, which can further insulate the interior space of the furnace body 100 and reduce heat loss within the furnace body 100. Therefore, by adopting this technical solution, the core temperature within the furnace body 100 can be further increased to above the graphitization temperature, thereby improving the quality of the generated graphite material and the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0170] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , the above-mentioned heat-insulating component includes: a cylindrical heat-insulating portion 610 , which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 510 .

[0171] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the cylindrical insulation portion 610 is coaxially arranged with the cylindrical heat insulation portion 510 and fits into each other. The inner diameter size of the cylindrical insulation portion 610 can match the outer diameter size of the cylindrical heat insulation portion 510, so that the inner circumferential wall of the cylindrical insulation portion 610 and the outer circumferential wall of the cylindrical heat insulation portion 510 are tightly attached to each other, and the cylindrical insulation portion 610 can further provide insulation effect for the cylindrical heat insulation portion 510.

[0172] Through the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 610 and the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 510 are fitted together, and the fixed connection method between the two is highly reliable. In addition, the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 610 can provide a good heat-insulating effect on the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 510 and its internal space (for example, the cylindrical insulating portion 410, the material channel 101, and the carbonaceous material contained in the material channel 101), thereby improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0173] Optionally, in some embodiments, the length dimension L3 of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 610 in the axial direction of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 610 may be greater than or equal to the length dimension L2 of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 510 in the axial direction.

[0174] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 610 is coaxially arranged with the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 510 , and the axial direction of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 610 is the axial direction of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 510 .

[0175] Through the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the cylindrical insulation part 610 has a larger size in the axial direction, and can completely cover the periphery of the cylindrical insulation part 510 in the axial direction, thereby achieving a better insulation effect on the cylindrical insulation part 510.

[0176] 7 , an exhaust port 611 is provided on the heat-insulating member (shown as the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 610 in the figure), and a cavity area is provided between the heat-insulating member (shown as the cylindrical heat-insulating portion 510 in the figure) and the exhaust port 611 .

[0177] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the exhaust port 611 provided on the insulation component can penetrate the insulation component and the furnace wall of the furnace body 100 , and the exhaust port 611 can be used to discharge the reaction gas generated during the conversion of carbonaceous material into graphite material to the outside of the furnace body 100 .

[0178] A cavity region is defined between the heat insulating member and the exhaust port 611 , so that the reaction gas can pass through the cavity region and enter the exhaust port 611 , and the heat insulating member will not block the exhaust port 611 .

[0179] It is understandable that in the embodiment of the present application, in addition to the cavity area between the heat insulation component and the exhaust port 611, there is also a cavity area between the insulating component 400 and the exhaust port 611, and the insulating component 400 will not block the exhaust port 611.

[0180] Through the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, an exhaust port 611 is provided on the insulation component, so that the reaction gas generated during the conversion of the carbonaceous material into the graphite material can be discharged from the inside of the furnace body 100 in a timely manner, thereby reducing the gas pressure inside the furnace body 100, reducing the impact of the reaction gas on the furnace body 100, and improving the overall performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0181] Continuing with FIG. 7 , in the embodiment of the present application, the graphitization furnace 10 may further include a furnace cover 700 . Through numerous experiments, it has been found that, in the extension direction of the material channel 101 , the minimum distance H3 between the insulating member 400 (shown as the cylindrical insulating portion 410 in the figure) and the furnace cover 700 and the distance H4 from the end surface of the insulating member 400 facing the feed port 1011 to the second electrode 300 satisfy the following conditions: 0.5 ≤ H4 / H3 ≤ 2.5. Alternatively, the ratio of H3 to H4 may further satisfy the following conditions: 1.2 ≤ H4 / H3 ≤ 1.5. For example, H4 / H3 may be equal to 0.5, 1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2, 2.2, or 2.5, etc.

[0182] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, when the minimum distance between the insulating member 400 and the furnace cover 700 is large, the length of the insulating member 400 inside the furnace body 100 is small, which may affect the thermal insulation performance of the carbonaceous material inside the furnace body 100. In addition, the cavity area formed inside the furnace body 100 is large, which easily accumulates a large amount of carbonaceous material, making it difficult for the accumulated carbonaceous material to be fully heated, thereby affecting the quality of the generated graphite material.

[0183] When the minimum distance between the insulating member 400 and the furnace cover 700 is small, the cavity area formed inside the furnace body 100 is small, which is not conducive to accommodating the reaction gas generated during the buffering graphitization conversion process, and thus will have a certain impact on the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0184] In view of this, in the embodiment of the present application, when the distance H4 from the end face of the insulating member 400 facing the feed port 1011 to the second electrode 300 is constant, by designing the ratio of the minimum distance H3 and H4 between the insulating member 400 and the furnace cover 700 to meet the following conditions: 0.5≤H4 / H3≤2.5 or even 1.2≤H4 / H3≤1.5, a relatively appropriate distance can be maintained between the insulating member 400 and the furnace cover 700, which can not only meet the insulation requirements of the carbonaceous material, but also accommodate the reaction gas generated during the buffered graphitization conversion process, facilitate the discharge of the reaction gas, and comprehensively improve the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0185] Optionally, the end face of the insulating member 400 facing the feed port 1011 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 above may be the second end face in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 above, and the distance H4 from the end face of the insulating member 400 facing the feed port 1011 to the second electrode 300 may be the same as the distance H2 from the second end face 411 of the insulating member 400 to the second electrode 300 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .

[0186] Optionally, in some implementations of the above embodiments, the second electrode 300 includes: an electrode ring, the hollow area of ​​the electrode ring is used to form a partial channel section of the material channel 101, the second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 is the inner circumferential surface of the electrode ring, and the inner circumferential surface of the electrode ring forms an electric field with the first electrode 200.

[0187] Optionally, the cross section of the electrode ring may be square or rectangular, the upper surface and / or lower surface of the electrode ring may be the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 , and the upper surface and / or lower surface of the electrode ring may be attached by the insulating member 400 .

[0188] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the second electrode 300 is designed to be in the shape of an electrode ring, so that the inner surface of the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200 can form a uniform and concentrated conical electric field (or also called an umbrella-shaped electric field). This electric field can uniformly and effectively heat the carbonaceous material passing through, which is beneficial to improving the overall quality of the graphite material.

[0189] Alternatively, in other implementations of the above embodiments, the second electrode 300 includes an electrode pair, wherein the two electrodes of the electrode pair are disposed opposite each other with a gap therebetween, and the gap is used to form a partial channel section of the material channel 101. The second surface 320 of the second electrode 300 is the two opposing surfaces of the two electrodes of the electrode pair, and the two opposing surfaces form an electric field with the first electrode 200.

[0190] Alternatively, the two electrodes in the electrode pair may be strip electrodes, for example, square strip electrodes or rectangular strip electrodes. The side surfaces of the strip electrodes parallel to the extension direction may be the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300, and the side surfaces of the strip electrodes may be attached to the insulating member 400. The end surfaces of the strip electrodes in the extension direction may be the second surface 320 of the second electrode 300. The two opposing end surfaces of the two opposing strip electrodes may form an electric field with the first electrode 200.

[0191] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the second electrode 300 is designed as an electrode pair, so that the two opposite surfaces of the electrode pair can form a symmetrical electric field with the first electrode 200. This electric field can symmetrically and concentratedly heat the carbonaceous material passing through, which is beneficial to improving the overall quality of the graphite material.

[0192] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second electrode 300 may include: a plurality of electrode pairs, wherein a plurality of electrodes in the plurality of electrode pairs are arranged around the material channel 101 .

[0193] Specifically, in this embodiment, the electrodes in the plurality of electrode pairs may be located at the same height in the extension direction of the material channel 101. The two electrodes in each electrode pair are disposed at both ends of the material channel 101 in the radial direction.

[0194] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, multiple electrode pairs in the second electrode 300 can form a concentrated conical electric field with the first electrode 200. The electric field has a large coverage area and can effectively heat the carbonaceous material passing through, which is beneficial to further improve the overall quality of the graphite material.

[0195] Optionally, the multiple electrodes in the multiple electrode pairs may be arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the material channel 101 .

[0196] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, multiple electrode pairs in the second electrode 300 can form a uniform and concentrated conical electric field with the first electrode 200, which can uniformly and effectively heat the carbonaceous material passing through, which is beneficial to further improve the overall quality of the graphite material.

[0197] Optionally, in some implementations of the above embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 3 to 4, and 7, the second electrode 300 is located below the first electrode 200 along the flow direction of the material in the material channel 101. Optionally, the first surface 310 of the second electrode 300 includes the upper surface of the second electrode 300.

[0198] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200 are arranged at intervals along the flow direction of the material in the material channel 101, and a certain material channel 101 space can be provided between the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200. The second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200 form an electric field in the material channel 101 space, and can fully heat the carbonaceous material flowing through the material channel 101 space to produce graphite material with stable quality.

[0199] FIG9 shows another schematic structural diagram of the graphitization furnace 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0200] As shown in FIG9 , the first electrode 200 is positioned within a portion of the material channel 101 formed by the second electrode 300. For example, if the second electrode 300 comprises an electrode ring, the first electrode 200 may be positioned within the hollow region of the electrode ring. For another example, if the second electrode 300 comprises an electrode pair, the first electrode 200 may be positioned within the gap between two electrodes in the electrode pair.

[0201] Through the technical solution of this embodiment, when the first electrode 200 is located in a partial channel section of the material channel 101 formed by the second electrode 300, the distance between the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300 is small, which is conducive to generating a more concentrated electric field between the two, thereby further improving the production performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0202] Optionally, in some implementations of the above embodiments, the end surface of the second electrode 300 facing the first electrode 200 can be a plane, or, as the carbonaceous material flushes the second electrode 300 in the material channel 101, the end surface of the second electrode 300 facing the first electrode 200 can also be a conical surface or other types of surfaces.

[0203] Optionally, in some implementations of the above embodiments, the insulating member 400 is made of a refractory material. By way of example and not limitation, the insulating member 400 may be made of a carbon refractory brick. The carbon refractory brick can be in direct contact with the high-temperature carbonaceous material, providing insulation while not being affected by the high-temperature carbonaceous material, thereby improving the overall performance of the graphitization furnace 10.

[0204] The present application also provides a battery production system, comprising the graphitization furnace 10 in any of the above embodiments, wherein the graphitization furnace 10 is used to produce negative electrode graphite materials for batteries.

[0205] It is understandable that the battery production system may include, in addition to the graphitization furnace 10 for producing the negative electrode graphite material of the battery, related equipment for producing other battery materials.

[0206] The battery production system may be a battery production line, and a plurality of devices in the battery production line may be arranged in the same centralized location, or may also be arranged in separate locations.

[0207] It should be noted that in the above embodiments of the present application, only part of the structure of the graphitization furnace 10 is listed. In addition to the structures involved in the above embodiments, the graphitization furnace 10 in the present application may also include other system structures of the graphitization furnace in the relevant technology, such as a feeding system, a discharging system, an electrical system of the electrode, an electrode clamping system, an exhaust treatment system, etc. The relevant technical solutions of each system can be found in the specific description in the relevant technology, and will not be discussed in detail herein.

[0208] Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made thereto and components may be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but encompasses all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A graphitization furnace, characterized in that: include: A furnace body (100), wherein a material channel (101) is provided in the furnace body (100); A first electrode (200), at least a portion of the first electrode (200) is located in the material channel (101); a second electrode (300), the second electrode (300) being used to form a partial channel section of the material channel (101), the second electrode (300) having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode (200); An insulating member (400), the insulating member (400) is used to isolate the first electrode (200) from the first surface (310) of the second electrode (300), the second surface (320) of the second electrode (300) and the first electrode (200) generate an electric field, the second surface (320) is the inner surface of the partial channel section formed by the second electrode (300), and the first surface (310) and the second surface (320) intersect.

2. The graphitization furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first surface (310) includes: a surface of the second electrode (300) facing the material inlet of the material channel (101).

3. The graphitization furnace according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first surface (310) includes: a surface of the second electrode (300) that is arranged opposite to the material channel (101) along an extension direction of the material channel (101).

4. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The insulating member (400) is attached to the first surface (310) of the second electrode (300) to isolate the first electrode (200) from the first surface (310) of the second electrode (300).

5. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The insulating member (400) comprises a cylindrical insulating portion (410), and the cylindrical insulating portion (410) is used to form at least a partial channel section of the material channel (101).

6. The graphitization furnace according to claim 5, characterized in that: At least a portion of the first electrode (200) is located inside the cylindrical insulating portion (410).

7. The graphitization furnace according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The second electrode (300) is embedded in the cylindrical insulating portion (410), so that the cylindrical insulating portion (410) isolates the first surface (310) of the second electrode (300) from the first electrode (200).

8. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The second surface (320) of the second electrode (300) is flush with the inner surface of the cylindrical insulating portion (410); or, The second surface (320) of the second electrode (300) is recessed toward the outside of the furnace body (100) relative to the inner surface of the cylindrical insulating portion (410).

9. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The graphitization furnace further comprises: a heat insulating member, which is arranged on a side of the insulating member (400) facing the outside of the furnace body (100).

10. The graphitization furnace according to claim 9, characterized in that: The heat insulating component comprises a cylindrical heat insulating portion (510), and the insulating component (400) comprises a cylindrical insulating portion (410), wherein the cylindrical heat insulating portion (510) is sleeved on the outer circumference of the cylindrical insulating portion (410).

11. The graphitization furnace according to claim 10, characterized in that: The length dimension of the cylindrical heat insulating portion (510) in the axial direction of the cylindrical heat insulating portion (510) is greater than or equal to the length dimension of the cylindrical insulating portion (410) in the axial direction.

12. The graphitization furnace according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The thickness dimension of the cylindrical heat insulating portion (510) in the radial direction of the cylindrical heat insulating portion (510) is greater than or equal to the thickness dimension of the cylindrical insulating portion (410) in the radial direction.

13. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The ratio between the thickness dimension D2 of the cylindrical heat insulating portion (510) in the radial direction and the thickness dimension D1 of the cylindrical insulating portion (410) in the radial direction satisfies: 1≤D2 / D1≤4.

14. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that: The heat insulating component includes a first end surface (511) close to the feed port (1011) of the material channel (101), and the insulating component (400) includes a second end surface (411) close to the feed port (1011), and the angle between the first end surface (511) and the second end surface (411) is an obtuse angle.

15. The graphitization furnace according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first end surface (511) is connected to the second end surface (411).

16. The graphitization furnace according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: In the extension direction of the material channel (101), the maximum distance H1 between the first end surface (511) and the second end surface (411) and the distance H2 from the second end surface (411) to the second electrode (300) satisfy: 3≤H2 / H1≤10.

17. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that: The graphitization furnace further comprises: a heat-insulating component, which is arranged on a side of the heat-insulating component facing the outside of the furnace body (100).

18. The graphitization furnace according to claim 17, characterized in that: The heat-insulating component comprises a cylindrical heat-insulating portion (610) and the heat-insulating component comprises a cylindrical heat-insulating portion (510), and the cylindrical heat-insulating portion (610) is sleeved on the outer circumference of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion (510).

19. The graphitization furnace according to claim 18, characterized in that: The length dimension of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion (610) in the axial direction of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion (610) is greater than or equal to the length dimension of the cylindrical heat-insulating portion (510) in the axial direction.

20. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that: An exhaust port (611) is provided on the heat-insulating component, and a cavity area is provided between the heat-insulating component and the exhaust port (611).

21. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that: The graphitization furnace further comprises: a furnace cover (700); In the extension direction of the material channel (101), the minimum distance H3 between the insulating member (400) and the furnace cover (700) and the distance H4 from the end surface of the insulating member (400) facing the material inlet (1011) of the material channel (101) to the second electrode (300) satisfy: 0.5≤H4 / H3≤2.

5.

22. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that: The second electrode (300) comprises: an electrode ring, wherein the hollow area of ​​the electrode ring is used to form a partial channel section of the material channel (101); The second surface (320) of the second electrode (300) is the inner circumference of the electrode ring, and the inner circumference of the electrode ring forms an electric field with the first electrode (200).

23. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that The second electrode (300) comprises: an electrode pair, wherein two electrodes in the electrode pair are arranged opposite to each other with a gap therebetween, and the gap is used to form a partial channel section of the material channel (101); The second surface (320) of the second electrode (300) is two opposite surfaces of the two electrodes in the electrode pair, and the two opposite surfaces form an electric field with the first electrode (200).

24. The graphitization furnace according to claim 23, characterized in that: The second electrode (300) comprises: a plurality of electrode pairs, wherein a plurality of electrodes in the plurality of electrode pairs are arranged around the material channel (101).

25. The graphitization furnace according to claim 24, characterized in that: The plurality of electrodes are arranged at equal intervals around the circumference of the material channel (101).

26. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that Along the flow direction of the material in the material channel (101), the second electrode (300) is located below the first electrode (200).

27. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that The first electrode (200) is located in a partial channel section of the material channel (101) formed by the second electrode (300).

28. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that The insulating member (400) is made of a fire-resistant material.

29. A battery production system, characterized in that: include: The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the graphitization furnace is used to produce negative electrode graphite material for a battery.

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