Graphitization furnace
By setting up umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zones and optimizing the electrode structure in the graphitization furnace, the problem of incomplete graphitization of materials was solved, resulting in the consistency of graphitized products and an increase in the service life of the electrode columns.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Incomplete graphitization of materials in the graphitization furnace due to uneven electric field or insufficient heating time reduces the consistency of graphitized products.
A graphitization furnace is designed to form at least two umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zones by setting a second electrode in the axial direction of the material channel between the upper and lower electrode columns, so that the material is continuously heated and the heating time is extended. The heating uniformity is improved by optimizing the electrode spacing and conductive ring structure.
This improves the consistency of graphitized products and the lifespan of the lower electrode post, reduces the frequency of lower electrode post replacement, and ensures complete graphitization of materials.
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Figure CN223965875U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of power battery technology, and in particular to a graphitization furnace. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and other fields due to their high energy density and long lifespan. A graphitization furnace is a device that utilizes the resistive properties of materials, applying an electric field through electrodes to the materials within the furnace, causing them to generate heat and undergo a high-temperature reaction during the energization process, thus graphitizing the materials. For example, the materials can be used as negative electrode materials in batteries.
[0003] However, in some embodiments, when the material is heated in the graphitization furnace, the uneven electric field or the heating time is too short, which may result in the material not being completely graphitized, thus reducing the consistency of the graphitized product. Utility Model Content
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a graphitization furnace to address the problem of reduced product consistency caused by incomplete graphitization of materials in existing graphitization furnaces.
[0005] A graphitization furnace includes a furnace body, a first electrode, and a second electrode. A material channel is provided within the furnace body. The first electrode is at least partially located within the material channel and extends along a first direction, which is the axial direction of the material channel. The second electrode is arranged around the material channel and has the opposite polarity to the first electrode. The first electrode includes an upper electrode post and a lower electrode post, which are spaced apart along the first direction. In this first direction, the second electrode is located between the upper and lower electrode posts. In this graphitization furnace, the second electrode is located between the upper and lower electrode posts along the axial direction of the material channel. Electric fields are formed between the second electrode and the upper electrode post, and between the second electrode and the lower electrode post, respectively, thus forming at least two umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zones. The material in the material channel is continuously heated through these at least two umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zones before being discharged. This extends the heating time of the material, allowing for complete graphitization and improving the consistency of the graphitized product.
[0006] In some embodiments, the end of the upper electrode post facing the lower electrode post has a first end face, and the end of the lower electrode post facing the upper electrode post has a second end face. The second end face and the first end face are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart along a first direction. In this way, an umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone can be formed between the second end face and the first end face, thereby allowing the material to be continuously heated through the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone.
[0007] In some embodiments, the second electrode has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, with the second surface close to the lower electrode post and the first surface close to the upper electrode post; in the first direction, the distance between the second end face and the second surface is equal to or greater than the distance between the first end face and the first surface. This makes the height of the high-temperature zone between the second end face and the second surface equal to or greater than the height of the high-temperature zone between the first end face and the first surface, which helps to extend the service life of the lower electrode post and reduce the replacement frequency of the lower electrode post.
[0008] In some embodiments, the ratio of the distance between the second end face and the second surface to the distance between the first end face and the first surface ranges from 1 to 1.5. Thus, by limiting the range of the ratio between the distance between the second end face and the second surface and the distance between the first end face and the first surface, the durability of the lower electrode post is improved, which helps to reduce the replacement frequency of the lower electrode post.
[0009] In some embodiments, the ratio of the distance between the second end face and the second surface to the distance between the first end face and the first surface ranges from 1.1 to 1.3. This ensures that the ratio of the distance between the second end face and the second surface to the distance between the first end face and the first surface is within an optimal range, which helps to optimize the lifespan of the lower electrode post and further reduce the replacement frequency of the lower electrode post.
[0010] In some embodiments, the area of both the first end face and the second end face is 0.2m². 2 ~0.8m 2 Thus, by limiting the area range of the first and second end faces, the distribution range of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone can be limited, while the volume of the upper and lower electrode posts can also be limited.
[0011] In some embodiments, the area of both the first end face and the second end face is 0.4m². 2 ~0.55m 2 Thus, the areas of the first and second end faces are within the optimal range, the distribution range of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone is optimized, and the volume of the upper and lower electrode posts is also optimized.
[0012] In some embodiments, the second electrode further has a third end face, which is configured as a portion of the material channel, with the first surface and the second surface located on opposite sides of the third end face along a first direction. Thus, by limiting the area of the third end face, the thickness of the second electrode can be limited, allowing the second electrode to meet the height requirements of the material channel without occupying excessive space.
[0013] In some embodiments, the area of the third end face ranges from 0.3m². 2 ~0.85m 2Thus, by limiting the area of the third end face, the thickness of the second electrode can be limited, allowing the second electrode to meet the height requirements of the material channel without occupying too much space.
[0014] In some embodiments, the area of the third end face ranges from 0.42m². 2 ~0.5m 2 Thus, the area of the third end face is within the optimal range, allowing the second electrode to better meet the height requirements of the material channel, while also optimizing the design of the thickness of the second electrode.
[0015] In some embodiments, the second electrode includes at least one pair of second electrode pillars, with two pillars in each pair distributed on both sides of the material channel along a second direction, which is the radial direction of the material channel. Thus, the second electrode, comprising paired second electrode pillars, can increase the distribution range of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone between the second electrode and the first electrode, resulting in more uniform heating of the material within the furnace and thereby improving the consistency of the graphitized product.
[0016] In some embodiments, the second electrode further includes a conductive ring connected to the second electrode posts, with each second electrode post surrounding the outer periphery of the conductive ring and extending along a second direction. Thus, the arrangement of the second electrode posts around the outer periphery of the conductive ring increases the distribution range of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone between the second electrode and the first electrode, improving the heating uniformity of the material during flow and thus enhancing the consistency of the graphitized product.
[0017] In some embodiments, the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the conductive ring is 1.2 to 2.0. Thus, by limiting the ratio of the inner and outer diameters of the conductive ring, the space occupied by the hollow portion of the conductive ring and the overall space occupied by the conductive ring can be limited, reducing the probability of current deviation while rationally designing the volume of the conductive ring.
[0018] In some embodiments, the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the conductive ring is 1.2 to 1.45. This ratio is within an optimal range, further reducing the probability of current deviation while optimizing the design of the conductive ring's volume.
[0019] In some embodiments, the ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring to the outer diameter of the first electrode is 1.1 to 2.4. Thus, by limiting the ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring to the outer diameter of the first electrode, the volume ratio of the hollow portion of the conductive ring to the first electrode can be limited, allowing the material to pass smoothly and uniformly through the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone between the second electrode and the first electrode.
[0020] In some embodiments, the ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring to the outer diameter of the first electrode is 1.2 to 1.5. This places the inner diameter of the conductive ring and the outer diameter of the first electrode within an optimal range, further improving the uniformity of material graphitization and optimizing the volume of the first and second electrodes.
[0021] In some embodiments, there are at least two upper electrode posts, and these posts are spaced apart circumferentially along the material channel. This allows for flexible adjustment of the electric field strength and its distribution area according to actual needs.
[0022] In some embodiments, there are at least two lower electrode posts, and these posts are spaced apart circumferentially along the material channel. This allows for flexible adjustment of the electric field strength and its distribution area according to actual needs.
[0023] In some embodiments, both the upper and lower electrode posts are constructed as solid columnar structures. This allows for a more concentrated distribution of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zones.
[0024] In some embodiments, the furnace body includes an inner lining, an insulation layer, and a heat-resistant layer, which are sequentially fitted around the material channel from the inside out. Thus, the furnace body comprises at least three layers, improving insulation performance while reducing the cost of the graphitization furnace. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a graphitization furnace in some embodiments of this application.
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second electrode in some embodiments of this application.
[0027] Figure 3 This is a top view of a graphitization furnace in some embodiments of this application.
[0028] Figure 4 This is a top view of a graphitization furnace in some other embodiments of this application.
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a graphitization furnace in some other embodiments of this application.
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a battery in some embodiments of this application.
[0031] Figure label:
[0032] 20. Battery; 21. Housing; 22. Battery cell; 100. Furnace body; 101. Material channel; 200. First electrode; 210. Upper electrode post; 211. First end face; 220. Lower electrode post; 221. Second end face; 300. Second electrode; 301. First surface; 302. Second surface; 303. Third end face; 310. Second electrode post; 320. Conductive ring. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.
[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.
[0035] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.
[0036] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.
[0037] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0038] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).
[0039] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.
[0040] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0041] Currently, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and other fields due to their high energy density and long lifespan. A graphitization furnace is a device that utilizes the resistive properties of materials, applying an electric field through electrodes to the materials within the furnace, causing them to generate heat and undergo a high-temperature reaction during the energization process, thus graphitizing the materials. For example, the materials can be used as negative electrode materials in batteries.
[0042] However, in some embodiments, when the material is heated in the graphitization furnace, the uneven electric field or the heating time is too short, which may result in the material not being completely graphitized, thus reducing the consistency of the graphitized product.
[0043] Based on the above considerations, a graphitization furnace and battery production system were designed. In the axial direction of the material channel, the second electrode is located between the upper electrode column and the lower electrode column. Electric fields are formed between the second electrode and the upper electrode column, and between the second electrode and the lower electrode column, respectively, which forms at least two umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zones. The material in the material channel is discharged after being continuously heated by at least two umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zones, which prolongs the heating time of the material and enables the material to be completely graphitized, thus improving the consistency of the product.
[0044] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment, the graphitization furnace includes a furnace body 100, a first electrode 200, and a second electrode 300. The furnace body 100 has a material channel 101. The first electrode 200 is at least partially located within the material channel 101 and extends along a first direction, which is the axial direction of the material channel 101. The second electrode 300 is arranged around the material channel 101 and has the opposite polarity to the first electrode 200. The first electrode 200 includes an upper electrode post 210 and a lower electrode post 220, which are spaced apart along the first direction. In the first direction, the second electrode 300 is located between the upper electrode post 210 and the lower electrode post 220.
[0045] It should be noted that the first direction is Figure 1 The X direction is shown. The material channel 101 has an inlet and an outlet. The material is fed into the material channel 101 through the inlet and graphitized in the high-temperature environment inside the furnace body 100. Finally, the graphitized product is output through the outlet.
[0046] In the embodiments of this application, the material channel 101 can be a cylindrical, prismatic, or other shaped channel, as long as it can allow material to flow.
[0047] In the embodiments of this application, the furnace body 100 is constructed to provide a processing environment for materials. This processing environment is typically isolated from the atmosphere and can be a vacuum environment, an atmospheric environment (such as a nitrogen atmosphere, an inert gas atmosphere, or a reducing atmosphere), depending on the processing requirements. The furnace body 100 includes a furnace shell, which is typically made of metal, possessing high strength and lightweight. A heat-insulating structure can also be installed inside the furnace shell, reducing heat loss from the interior of the furnace body 100 and keeping the surface temperature of the furnace shell low, thus saving energy and reducing the risk of burns. The furnace body 100 can have various shapes, such as, but not limited to, cylinders or prisms.
[0048] In embodiments of this application, the first electrode 200 is configured as a component at least partially located within the material channel 101 and extending along a first direction. The first electrode 200 possesses good electrical conductivity; for example, the material of the first electrode 200 can be metal, graphite, etc. The number of first electrodes 200 is not limited to one; the first electrode 200 has a columnar structure, such as cylindrical, square prism, or prismatic, etc., and the number and specific structure of the first electrodes 200 are not limited. Optionally, the current density of the first electrode 200 is 15 A / cm². 2 ~30A / cm 2 The current load is 30000A~70000A, and the resistivity is less than 6μΩm.
[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the second electrode 300 is configured to surround the material channel 101 and is a component with the opposite polarity to the first electrode 200; that is, one of the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200 is a positive electrode and the other is a negative electrode. The second electrode 300 has good conductivity; for example, the material of the second electrode 300 can be metal, graphite, etc. The number of second electrodes 300 is not limited to one; the second electrode 300 can be a ring-shaped and / or columnar structure, and the number and specific structure of the second electrodes 300 are not limited. Optionally, the current density of the second electrode 300 is 15 A / cm². 2 ~35A / cm 2 The current load is 30000A~50000A, and the resistivity is less than 8μΩm.
[0050] In the embodiments of this application, the first electrode 200 includes an upper electrode post 210 and a lower electrode post 220, which are spaced apart along a first direction. For example, the upper end of the upper electrode post 210 is located inside the material channel 101 and the lower end is located outside the material channel 101, and the upper end of the lower electrode post 220 is located inside the material channel 101 and the lower end is located outside the material channel 101. The lower ends of the upper electrode post 210 and the upper ends of the lower electrode post 220 are spaced apart along the first direction, and the upper ends of the upper electrode post 210 and the lower ends of the lower electrode post 220 are respectively connected to a power source. The upper electrode post 210 and the lower electrode post 220 have the same polarity, and their shapes, sizes, and numbers can be the same or different.
[0051] In the graphitization furnace described above, the second electrode 300 is located between the upper electrode column 210 and the lower electrode column 220 along the axial direction of the material channel 101. Electric fields are formed between the second electrode 300 and the upper electrode column 210, and between the second electrode 300 and the lower electrode column 220, respectively, which forms at least two umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zones. The material in the material channel 101 is discharged after being continuously heated by at least two umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zones, which prolongs the heating time of the material and enables the material to be completely graphitized, thus improving the consistency of the graphitized product.
[0052] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 1 The upper electrode post 210 has a first end face 211 at the end facing the lower electrode post 220, and the lower electrode post 220 has a second end face 221 at the end facing the upper electrode post 210. The second end face 221 and the first end face 211 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along a first direction.
[0053] In the embodiments of this application, the first end face 211 can be a planar or curved surface structure. For example, refer to... Figure 1 When the end of the upper electrode post 210 facing the lower electrode post 220 is a straight cylindrical structure, the first end face 211 is a planar structure; for example, refer to Figure 5 When the end of the upper electrode post 210 facing the lower electrode post 220 is a conical structure, the first end face 211 is an arc surface structure.
[0054] In the embodiments of this application, the second end face 221 can be a planar or curved surface structure. For example, refer to... Figure 1 When the end of the lower electrode post 220 facing the upper electrode post 210 is a straight cylindrical structure, the second end face 221 is a planar structure; for example, refer to Figure 5 When the end of the lower electrode post 220 facing the upper electrode post 210 is a conical structure, the second end face 221 is an arc-shaped structure.
[0055] In the embodiments of this application, the second end face 221 and the first end face 211 can be parallel to each other to ensure a uniform electric field distribution between them. This results in consistent heating of the material between the second end face 221 and the first end face 211, reducing the probability of coking and improving material flowability. For example, both the second end face 221 and the first end face 211 are perpendicular to the axial direction of the material channel 101, so that they are arranged parallel to each other.
[0056] With the above configuration, an umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone can be formed between the second end face 221 and the first end face 211, thereby enabling the material to be continuously heated through the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone.
[0057] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 1 The second electrode 300 has a first surface 301 and a second surface 302 disposed opposite to each other in the first direction. The second surface 302 is close to the lower electrode post 220, and the first surface 301 is close to the upper electrode post 210. In the first direction, the distance between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 is equal to or greater than the distance between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301.
[0058] It should be noted that the distance between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 in the first direction is the vertical distance L1 between the second end face 221 and the first surface 301; the distance between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301 in the first direction is the vertical distance L2 between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301.
[0059] In the embodiments of this application, the second electrode 300 has a first surface 301 and a second surface 302 disposed opposite to each other in a first direction, that is, the second electrode 300 has two surfaces opposite to each other in its thickness direction. The first surface 301 and the second surface 302 can both be planar, or both can be curved, or one can be planar and the other can be curved. The shape of the first surface 301 and the second surface 302 is not limited here.
[0060] In the embodiments of this application, an umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature region is formed between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302. The distance between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 affects the height of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature region. Similarly, an umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature region is formed between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301. The distance between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301 also affects the height of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature region. Since the first electrode 200 is a consumable, it needs to be replaced after its service life reaches its limit. Replacing the upper electrode post 210 is relatively easy, while replacing the lower electrode post 220 is more complex.
[0061] With the above settings, the height of the high-temperature zone between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 is equal to or greater than the height of the high-temperature zone between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301, which helps to improve the service life of the lower electrode post 220 and reduce the replacement frequency of the lower electrode post 220.
[0062] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 1 The ratio of the distance between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 to the distance between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301 is in the range of 1 to 1.5.
[0063] By setting the above parameters, and by limiting the ratio range of the distance between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 and the distance between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301, the durability of the lower electrode post 220 is improved, which helps to reduce the replacement frequency of the lower electrode post 220.
[0064] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 5 The ratio of the distance between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 to the distance between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301 is in the range of 1.1 to 1.3.
[0065] With the above settings, the ratio of the distance between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 and the distance between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301 is in the optimal range, which is conducive to optimizing the service life of the lower electrode post 220 and further reducing the replacement frequency of the lower electrode post 220.
[0066] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 1The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.2m². 2 ~0.8m 2 .
[0067] In the embodiments of this application, the first end face 211 is the end of the upper electrode post 210 facing the lower electrode post 220. The larger the diameter of the upper electrode post 210, the larger the area of the first end face 211, and the wider the distribution area of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301.
[0068] In the embodiments of this application, the second end face 221 is the surface of the lower electrode post 220 facing the upper electrode post 210. The larger the diameter of the lower electrode post 220, the larger the area of the second end face 221, and the wider the distribution area of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302.
[0069] By setting the area of the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 as described above, the distribution area of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone can be limited, while the volume of the upper and lower electrode posts 220 can also be limited.
[0070] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 5 The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.4m². 2 ~0.55m 2 .
[0071] With the above settings, the areas of the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 are in the optimal range, the distribution range of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high temperature zone is optimized, and the volume of the upper and lower electrode posts 220 is optimized.
[0072] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 1 The second electrode 300 also has a third end face 303, which is configured as a partial channel segment of the material channel 101. The first surface 301 and the second surface 302 are located on opposite sides of the third end face 303 along the first direction.
[0073] It should be noted that the third end face 303 is constructed as a part of the channel segment of the material channel 101, which can be understood as: the third end face 303 serves as the inner wall of a part of the channel segment within the material channel 101.
[0074] In the embodiments of this application, the third end face 303 can be a planar or arc-shaped structure, as long as the third end face 303 is compatible with other channel segments of the material channel 101.
[0075] With the above configuration, the third end face 303 is constructed as a partial channel segment of the material channel 101, which improves the space utilization rate of the second electrode 300 in the furnace body 100.
[0076] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The area of the third end face 303 is 0.3m². 2 ~0.85m 2 .
[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the area of the third end face 303 is also the area of the third end face 303 in the first direction (i.e. Figure 1 The height in the X direction (as shown) and in Figure 2 The product of the widths in the Z direction is shown. Since the third end face 303 is a portion of the channel segment constructed as the material channel 101, the height of the third end face 303 in the first direction will affect the height of the material channel 101, and at the same time affect the thickness of the second electrode 300.
[0078] By limiting the area of the third end face 303, the thickness of the second electrode 300 can be limited, so that the second electrode 300 meets the height requirements of the material channel 101 without occupying too much space.
[0079] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 5 The area of the third end face 303 is 0.42m². 2 ~0.5m 2 .
[0080] With the above settings, the area of the third end face 303 is in the optimal range, so that the second electrode 300 can better meet the height requirements of the material channel 101, and the thickness of the second electrode 300 is optimized.
[0081] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 1 The second electrode 300 includes at least one pair of second electrode posts 310, and two of the second electrode posts 310 in each pair are distributed on both sides of the material channel 101 along a second direction, which is the radial direction of the material channel 101.
[0082] It should be noted that the second direction is Figure 1 The Y direction is shown. The two second electrode posts 310 in each pair of second electrode posts 310 are distributed on both sides of the material channel 101 along the second direction. It can be understood that the second electrode posts 310 are inserted into the furnace body 100 along the second direction, and the two second electrode posts 310 in each pair of second electrode posts 310 are arranged opposite each other.
[0083] In the embodiments of this application, the two second electrode posts 310 in each pair of second electrode posts 310 have the same height, that is, the positions of each second electrode post 310 in the first direction are the same, so that the material can be heated and graphitized in a region at the same height, reducing the probability of inconsistency in graphitized products due to uneven heating of the material. The first surface 301 and the second surface 302 of each second electrode post 310 can be flush, or only one of the first surface 301 and the second surface 302 of each second electrode post 310 can be flush.
[0084] In the embodiments of this application, the two second electrode posts 310 in each pair of second electrode posts 310 have the same size in the second direction, and the length of each second electrode post 310 inserted into the furnace body 100 in the second direction is consistent, so as to facilitate the formation of a uniform electric field.
[0085] With the above configuration, the second electrode 300 includes a pair of second electrode posts 310, which can increase the distribution range of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone between the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200, so that the material is heated more evenly in the furnace body 100, thereby improving the consistency of the graphitized product.
[0086] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 2 The second electrode 300 also includes a conductive ring 320 connected to the second electrode post 310, with each second electrode post 310 surrounding the outer periphery of the conductive ring 320 and extending along the second direction.
[0087] It should be noted that the cross-section of the conductive ring 320 is the third end face 303. The conductive ring 320 has good conductivity and can conduct electricity with the second electrode post 310.
[0088] In the embodiments of this application, each second electrode post 310 is arranged around the outer periphery of the conductive ring 320, that is, the conductive ring 320 connects each second electrode post 310. The conductive ring 320 and each second electrode post 310 can be fixed in various ways. For example, the conductive ring 320 and each second electrode post 310 can be an integral structure or a separate structure. No specific limitation is made here.
[0089] In the embodiments of this application, the conductive ring 320 is a hollow ring structure. The conductive ring 320 can be a closed circular ring, a semi-closed semi-circular ring, or other forms of ring structure. The number of conductive rings 320 is not limited to one. When the number of conductive rings 320 is at least two, each conductive ring 320 is arranged side by side along the first direction, and each conductive ring 320 connects the second electrode post 310 at the same height, so that high-temperature zones can be formed at different positions in the axial direction of the material channel 101.
[0090] With the above arrangement, each second electrode post 310 is arranged around the outer periphery of the conductive ring 320, which can increase the distribution range of the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone between the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200, improve the heating uniformity of the material during the flow process, and help improve the consistency of graphitized products.
[0091] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 2 The ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 is 1.2 to 2.0.
[0092] It should be noted that the outer diameter of the conductive ring 320 is D1, and the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 is D2. The ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 reflects the size of the hollow portion of the conductive ring 320 relative to its total area. A larger ratio indicates a smaller hollow portion relative to the total area of the conductive ring 320; conversely, a smaller ratio indicates a larger hollow portion relative to the total area of the conductive ring 320.
[0093] By setting the above parameters and limiting the ratio of the inner and outer diameters of the conductive ring 320, the space occupied by the hollow part of the conductive ring 320 and the overall space occupied by the conductive ring 320 can be limited, thereby reducing the probability of current deviation and rationally designing the volume of the conductive ring 320.
[0094] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 5 The ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 is 1.2 to 1.45.
[0095] With the above settings, the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 is in the optimal range, which further reduces the probability of current deviation while optimizing the design of the volume of the conductive ring 320.
[0096] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 2 and Figure 1 The ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter of the first electrode 200 is 1.1 to 2.4.
[0097] It should be noted that the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 is D2, and the outer diameter of the first electrode 200 is D3. The ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter of the first electrode 200 reflects the relative size of the hollow portion of the conductive ring 320 and the first electrode 200. The larger the ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter of the first electrode 200, the larger the volume ratio of the hollow portion of the conductive ring 320 to the first electrode 200.
[0098] By setting the above, by limiting the ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter of the first electrode 200, the volume ratio of the hollow part of the conductive ring 320 to the first electrode 200 can be limited, so that the material can pass smoothly and uniformly through the umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zone between the second electrode 300 and the first electrode 200.
[0099] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 2 and Figure 1 The ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter of the first electrode 200 is 1.2 to 1.5.
[0100] With the above settings, the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 and the outer diameter of the first electrode 200 are in the optimal range, which further improves the uniformity of material graphitization and optimizes the volume of the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300.
[0101] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 4 The number of upper electrode posts 210 is at least two, and each upper electrode post 210 is distributed circumferentially along the material channel 101.
[0102] In the embodiments of this application, each upper electrode post 210 can be arranged in a rectangular array, a circular array, or other forms. The shape and size of each upper electrode post 210 can be exactly the same, which is beneficial for the uniform distribution of the electric field, or the shape and size of each upper electrode post 210 can be different.
[0103] With the above settings, the intensity and distribution area of the electric field can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs.
[0104] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 4 The number of lower electrode posts 220 is at least two, and each lower electrode post 220 is distributed circumferentially along the material channel 101.
[0105] In the embodiments of this application, each lower electrode post 220 can be arranged in a rectangular array, a circular array, or other forms. The shape and size of each lower electrode post 220 can be exactly the same, which is beneficial for the uniform distribution of the electric field, or the shape and size of each lower electrode post 220 can be different.
[0106] With the above settings, the intensity and distribution area of the electric field can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs.
[0107] Please refer to some embodiments in this application. Figure 5 Both the upper electrode post 210 and the lower electrode post 220 are constructed as solid columnar structures.
[0108] In the embodiments of this application, the columnar structure includes cylindrical, prismatic, or other shaped columnar structures. The upper electrode column 210 and the lower electrode column 220 may have the same or different shapes.
[0109] The above settings can make the distribution of umbrella-shaped or frustum-shaped high-temperature zones more concentrated.
[0110] Please refer to Figure 6 In one embodiment, the battery production system includes the graphitization furnace described above, which is used to prepare the negative electrode material of the battery 20.
[0111] It should be noted that the graphitization furnace is used to prepare the negative electrode material of battery 20, and the negative electrode material can be graphite. The graphitization furnace transforms the random layer structure of carbon atoms into an ordered graphite crystal structure by heating, thereby achieving graphitization.
[0112] In the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 6 The battery 20 includes a housing 21 and individual battery cells 22, with the individual battery cells 22 housed within the housing 21. The battery 20 can contain multiple individual battery cells 22, which can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof. A combination thereof means that multiple individual battery cells 22 are connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple individual battery cells 22 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof, and then the entire assembly is housed within the housing 21. Alternatively, the battery 20 can be composed of multiple individual battery cells 22 first connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form a battery module, and then these battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form a whole, which is also housed within the housing 21. The battery 20 may also include other structures; for example, it may include a busbar component for electrical connection between the multiple individual battery cells 22.
[0113] Each battery cell 22 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited to these. The battery cell 22 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes.
[0114] To investigate the effect of different values of graphitization furnace parameters on the degree of graphitization of the product, several comparative experiments were set up to test and compare the relevant parameters of the graphitization furnace.
[0115] It should be noted that the degree of graphitization refers to the extent to which carbon atoms in a carbon material arrange themselves to form a structure similar to graphite crystals. In an ideal graphite crystal, carbon atoms are arranged in regular hexagonal layers. However, in actual carbon materials, the arrangement of carbon atoms may contain various defects and disorder. Therefore, the degree of graphitization is an indicator of how closely the structure of a carbon material resembles the ideal graphite structure.
[0116] Therefore, the higher the degree of graphitization of a product, the more stable its structure and the better its performance. In practical applications, different products have different requirements for the degree of graphitization. Taking one embodiment of this application as an example, the acceptable standard for the degree of graphitization of the product is 91.2%. That is to say, when the degree of graphitization of the product is greater than or equal to 91.2%, the product is qualified and meets the production requirements. If the degree of graphitization of the product is less than 91.2%, the product is considered unqualified.
[0117] Furthermore, in actual production, the degree of graphitization of a product is usually detected using X-ray diffraction. When X-rays irradiate a crystal, diffraction occurs, and crystal planes with different interplanar spacings will produce diffraction peaks at specific angles. Therefore, by measuring parameters such as the position, intensity, and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the diffraction peaks in the XRD pattern of carbon materials, the degree of graphitization can be calculated using relevant formulas.
[0118] In this comparative experiment, Examples 1-3 and Comparative Example 1 were set up. All other structures and experimental conditions in each example and comparative example were the same. The only change was the ratio of the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter D3 of the first electrode 200. The results were evaluated by testing the degree of graphitization of the products in each example and comparative example, as follows:
[0119] Example 1:
[0120] Both the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300 are made of graphite, and there is only one of each. The distance L2 between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 is equal to the distance L1 between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301. The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.2m². 2 The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.4m². 2 The area of the third end face 303 is 0.3m². 2 The ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the conductive ring 320 to the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 is 1.2, and the ratio of the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter D3 of the first electrode 200 is 1.2. The graphitization degree of the product was tested to be 91.8%.
[0121] Example 2:
[0122] Both the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300 are made of graphite, and there is only one of each. The distance L2 between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 is equal to the distance L1 between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301. The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.2m². 2 The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.4m². 2 The area of the third end face 303 is 0.3m². 2The ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the conductive ring 320 to the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 is 1.2, and the ratio of the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter D3 of the first electrode 200 is 1.3. The graphitization degree of the product was tested to be 92.6%.
[0123] Example 3:
[0124] Both the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300 are made of graphite, and there is only one of each. The distance L2 between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 is equal to the distance L1 between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301. The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.2m². 2 The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.4m². 2 The area of the third end face 303 is 0.3m². 2 The ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the conductive ring 320 to the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 is 1.2, and the ratio of the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter D3 of the first electrode 200 is 1.45. The graphitization degree of the product was tested to be 91.3%.
[0125] Comparative Example 1:
[0126] Both the first electrode 200 and the second electrode 300 are made of graphite, and there is only one of each. The distance L2 between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 is equal to the distance L1 between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301. The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.2m². 2 The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.4m². 2 The area of the third end face 303 is 0.3m². 2 The ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the conductive ring 320 to the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 is 1.2, and the ratio of the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter D3 of the first electrode 200 is 3.0. The graphitization degree of the product was tested to be 90.1%.
[0127] As can be seen from the above, when the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 and the outer diameter D3 of the first electrode 200 are within the above ratio range, the graphitization degree of the product is high and meets the standard. However, when the inner diameter D2 of the conductive ring 320 and the outer diameter D3 of the first electrode 200 exceed the ratio range, the graphitization degree of the product does not meet the standard.
[0128] According to some embodiments of this application, see Figures 1 to 5In one embodiment, the graphitization furnace includes a furnace body 100, a first electrode 200, and a second electrode 300. The furnace body 100 has a material channel 101. The first electrode 200 is at least partially located within the material channel 101 and extends along a first direction. The second electrode 300 is disposed around the material channel 101 and has the opposite polarity to the first electrode 200. The first electrode 200 includes an upper electrode post 210 and a lower electrode post 220. The end of the upper electrode post 210 facing the lower electrode post 220 has a first end face 211, and the end of the lower electrode post 220 facing the upper electrode post 210 has a second end face 221. The second end face 221 and the first end face 211 are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart along the first direction. The area of both the first end face 211 and the second end face 221 is 0.4 m². 2 ~0.55m 2 Both the upper electrode post 210 and the lower electrode post 220 are constructed as solid columnar structures.
[0129] The second electrode 300 has a first surface 301, a second surface 302, and a third end face 303. The second surface 302 is close to the lower electrode post 220, the first surface 301 is close to the upper electrode post 210, and the third end face 303 is configured as a partial channel segment of the material channel 101. The area of the third end face 303 is 0.42 m². 2 ~0.5m 2 The ratio of the distance between the second end face 221 and the second surface 302 to the distance between the first end face 211 and the first surface 301 ranges from 1.1 to 1.3. The second electrode 300 includes a conductive ring 320 and at least one pair of second electrode posts 310. Each second electrode post 310 is disposed around the outer periphery of the conductive ring 320 and extends along the second direction. The ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 is 1.2 to 1.45, and the ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring 320 to the outer diameter of the first electrode 200 is 1.2 to 1.5.
[0130] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A graphitization furnace, characterized in that, include: Furnace body (100), with material passage (101) inside; The first electrode (200) is at least partially located within the material channel (101) and extends along a first direction, the first direction being the axial direction of the material channel (101); The second electrode (300) is disposed around the material channel (101) and has the opposite polarity to the first electrode (200); The first electrode (200) includes an upper electrode post (210) and a lower electrode post (220), which are spaced apart along the first direction; in the first direction, the second electrode (300) is located between the upper electrode post (210) and the lower electrode post (220).
2. The graphitization furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper electrode post (210) has a first end face (211) at one end facing the lower electrode post (220), and the lower electrode post (220) has a second end face (221) at one end facing the upper electrode post (210). The second end face (221) and the first end face (211) are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the first direction.
3. The graphitization furnace according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second electrode (300) has a first surface (301) and a second surface (302) disposed opposite to each other in the first direction. The second surface (302) is close to the lower electrode post (220), and the first surface (301) is close to the upper electrode post (210). In the first direction, the distance between the second end face (221) and the second surface (302) is equal to or greater than the distance between the first end face (211) and the first surface (301).
4. The graphitization furnace according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ratio of the distance between the second end face (221) and the second surface (302) to the distance between the first end face (211) and the first surface (301) is in the range of 1 to 1.
5.
5. The graphitization furnace according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ratio of the distance between the second end face (221) and the second surface (302) to the distance between the first end face (211) and the first surface (301) is in the range of 1.1 to 1.
3.
6. The graphitization furnace according to claim 3, characterized in that, The area of both the first end face (211) and the second end face (221) is 0.2m. 2 ~0.8m 2 .
7. The graphitization furnace according to claim 6, characterized in that, The area of both the first end face (211) and the second end face (221) is 0.4m². 2 ~0.55m 2 .
8. The graphitization furnace according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second electrode (300) also has a third end face (303), which is configured as a partial channel segment of the material channel (101), wherein the first surface (301) and the second surface (302) are located on opposite sides of the third end face (303) along the first direction.
9. The graphitization furnace according to claim 8, characterized in that, The area of the third end face (303) is 0.3m. 2 ~0.85m 2 .
10. The graphitization furnace according to claim 9, characterized in that, The area of the third end face (303) is 0.42m. 2 ~0.5m 2 .
11. The graphitization furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second electrode (300) includes at least one pair of second electrode posts (310), with two of the second electrode posts (310) in each pair distributed on both sides of the material channel (101) along a second direction, which is the radial direction of the material channel (101).
12. The graphitization furnace according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second electrode (300) further includes a conductive ring (320) connected to the second electrode post (310), and each of the second electrode posts (310) is arranged around the outer periphery of the conductive ring (320) and extends along the second direction.
13. The graphitization furnace according to claim 12, characterized in that, The ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the conductive ring (320) is 1.2 to 2.
0.
14. The graphitization furnace according to claim 13, characterized in that, The ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the conductive ring (320) is 1.2 to 1.
45.
15. The graphitization furnace according to claim 12, characterized in that, The ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring (320) to the outer diameter of the first electrode (200) is 1.1 to 2.
4.
16. The graphitization furnace according to claim 15, characterized in that, The ratio of the inner diameter of the conductive ring (320) to the outer diameter of the first electrode (200) is 1.2 to 1.
5.
17. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, The number of the upper electrode posts (210) is at least two, and each of the upper electrode posts (210) is distributed circumferentially at intervals along the material channel (101).
18. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, The number of the lower electrode posts (220) is at least two, and each of the lower electrode posts (220) is distributed circumferentially at intervals along the material channel (101).
19. The graphitization furnace according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, Both the upper electrode post (210) and the lower electrode post (220) are constructed as solid columnar structures.