Transport device for storing and transporting material during a treatment process, treatment device, and method for treating material

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device (10) for storing and transporting material (12) during a treatment process, in particular for producing battery material, in which the material (12) is treated with a process gas (14), the transport device comprising a plurality of process containers (16) for the material (12). The support device (10) comprises a support structure (18) for the process containers (16) which defines a receiving chamber (30.1) for process containers (16) in which a plurality of process containers (16) filled with material (12) can be detachably mounted. The support structure (18) defines the upward direction as the positive z-direction, the forward direction as the positive y-direction, and the rightward direction as the positive x-direction of a reference coordinate system which is anchored to the support structure (18) for conjoint rotation therewith. The receiving chamber (30.1) is open to the surroundings for fluid flow on an inflow side (38.1) and additionally defines an outflow side (40.1). The support structure (18) comprises a channel arrangement (32) having a flow channel (34) which is fluidically connected to the outflow side (40.1) of the receiving chamber (30.1) and leads to a flow outlet (36). The invention also relates to a treatment device and to a method for treating material (12) with a process gas (14), in which method the material (12) is conveyed through a process chamber (78) in such a transport device (10). The invention also relates to the use of Gastronorm containers (20) as receiving containers (16) for material (12) during treatment with a process gas (14).

Description

[0001] Transport device for storing and transporting material during a treatment process, treatment device and method for treating material

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a transport device for storing and transporting material during a treatment process, in particular for the production of battery material, in which the material is treated with a process gas, comprising a) a plurality of process containers for the material; b) a support structure for the process containers, which defines a receiving space for process containers, in which a plurality of process containers filled with material can be detachably stored; wherein c) the support structure defines the upward direction as the positive z-direction, the forward direction as the positive y-direction and the rightward direction as the positive x-direction of a reference coordinate system which is anchored in a rotationally fixed manner to the support structure.

[0005] The invention also relates to a treatment device for treating material with a process gas, in particular for producing battery material, comprising a) a process chamber defined in a process chamber housing; b) a process gas system by means of which the process gas can be blown into the process chamber; c) a conveying system by means of which the material can be conveyed through the process chamber. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for treating material with a process gas, in particular for producing battery material, in which the material is conveyed through a process chamber in a conveying device.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of Gastronorm containers in the treatment of material with a process gas.

[0007] 2. Description of the state of the art

[0008] The production of battery material, for example, anode material for batteries, involves a number of sequential treatment processes in which the material is treated thermally and / or with a process gas in a specific process atmosphere required for a particular treatment process. The material is usually particulate and, in particular, a powder material.

[0009] The process gas can be an inert gas or a chemically reactive gas. The process gas can also be air, which may have been conditioned, e.g., tempered and dehumidified.

[0010] For example, the material is heated to temperatures of up to over 500 °C and exposed to a chemically reactive process gas with which the material can react.

[0011] To ensure high quality, it is important that the material is heated evenly and that there are no areas with unacceptable temperature differences within the material. Furthermore, the process gas must flow homogeneously around the material and, if necessary, through it, so that the desired reaction also occurs homogeneously throughout the material.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an object of the invention to provide a transport device, a treatment device and a method of the type mentioned at the outset which take these ideas into account.

[0014] In a support device of the type mentioned above, this object is achieved in that d) the receiving space is open to the environment on an inflow side and also defines an outflow side; e) the support structure comprises a channel arrangement with a flow channel which is fluidly connected to the outflow side of the receiving space and leads to a flow outlet.

[0015] This opens up the possibility of the transport device being able to work with an extraction system that creates a negative pressure at the flow outlet. This allows process gas present in the vicinity of the receiving chamber to be effectively drawn in from the environment through the inflow side into the receiving chamber and guided through the receiving chamber.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if the flow outlet of the channel arrangement is formed in a floor structure of the supporting structure. In a treatment furnace or similar facility where the material is treated, it is more structurally feasible to install an extraction system below the floor structure of the supporting structure than in other areas.

[0017] A structurally simple basic structure is advantageous, in which the supporting structure comprises a housing unit which comprises the floor structure and also a ceiling structure as well as a front vertical end wall and a rear vertical end wall which extend between the floor structure and the ceiling structure.

[0018] In order to withstand higher treatment temperatures and possibly aggressive process gases, it is advantageous if the housing unit is made of graphite.

[0019] An effective process gas flow can be generated particularly effectively in a process chamber if, based on a given operating orientation, the inflow side of the receiving chamber is a lateral inflow side and / or the outflow side of the receiving chamber is a lateral outflow side. The inflow side can then be arranged, for example, on the left or right, and the outflow side on the right or left. A homogeneous flow across the vertical extent of the receiving chamber can be achieved by delimiting the receiving chamber on its outflow side by a channel wall of the flow channel, in which through openings are provided.

[0020] The flow distribution can be homogenized across the vertical extent of the receiving space if the channel wall defines several areas with through-openings, whereby the number of through-openings per area of ​​the channel wall is different for two immediately adjacent areas.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous if the number of through openings per area in one area is greater in the direction from top to bottom than in an area immediately adjacent in the direction downwards.

[0022] From a design perspective, it is advantageous if the duct wall is made of stainless steel, particularly a perforated stainless steel sheet, or of graphite or a CFC material (carbon fiber reinforced carbon). Corresponding through-holes can be incorporated more easily into a stainless steel wall or a radiant plate than, for example, into a graphite or CFC wall. At the same time, stainless steel or a stainless steel sheet can withstand the process conditions.

[0023] It is particularly desirable that the transport device can be loaded and unloaded automatically. Robot systems with a guided gripping tool are considered for this purpose.

[0024] In order to increase the storage capacity of the transport device, it is advantageous if the housing unit also includes a flow-tight partition wall which divides the storage space into two storage compartments.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the receiving capacity is increased if the receiving space is a first receiving space and the support structure also defines a second receiving space for process containers, in which several process containers filled with material can be removably stored. For a symmetrical design of the transport device, it is advantageous if the features specified above for the first receiving space are also provided for the second receiving space.

[0026] In order to achieve a homogeneously distributed flow of process gas through each receiving space, the channel arrangement preferably comprises a flow-tight partition wall which extends, in particular centrally, in the flow channel over its length and parallel to the channel walls, so that the flow channel is divided into a first channel arm and a second channel arm, wherein the first receiving space is fluidly connected to the first channel arm and the second receiving space is fluidly connected to the second channel arm.

[0027] Furthermore, with regard to existing receiving compartments, it is advantageous if the partition wall also divides the first channel arm into two flow branches and the second channel arm into two flow branches, so that each receiving compartment is fluidly connected to a separate flow branch.

[0028] It is advantageous if the flow outlet of the channel arrangement in the base structure of the support structure according to claim 2 is formed by an outlet channel arrangement which provides an outlet flow path for each existing channel arm.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous if the process containers are provided by Gastronorm containers, in particular Gastronorm containers in accordance with DIN EN 631-1, Part 1: Dimensions of containers, in particular the 1994-01 edition, preferably made of stainless steel. The Gastronorm containers can also, in particular, comply with DIN EN 631-1, Part 1, according to earlier or, if applicable, later editions.

[0030] Gastronorm containers are well-known as mass-produced items in the catering industry and are available inexpensively. Although these Gastronorm containers are originally used for a completely different purpose, they prove to be particularly suitable process containers in this context. Gastronorm 1 / 1 containers are preferred, as they offer a relatively large surface area with a flat design and good stability. Other container sizes, and in particular other sizes of Gastronorm containers, can also be used; this will be discussed further below.

[0031] Advantageously, the support structure comprises a holding device complementary to the process containers, which is configured such that a plurality of process containers are arranged one above the other at a distance, so that a flow path for the process gas is provided between two adjacent process containers.

[0032] The above-mentioned object is achieved in the treatment device of the type mentioned above in that the conveyor system comprises several transport devices with some or all of the features explained above.

[0033] It is particularly advantageous if the process gas system includes an extraction system that can create a vacuum at the flow outlet of a transport device. This effectively guides the process gas from the inlet side of the transport device through the receiving space, where it can react with the material present there.

[0034] From a conveying perspective, it is advantageous if the conveyor system includes a slideway on which the transport devices can be pushed through the process chamber. In this case, a conventional pusher system can be used to propel the transport devices.

[0035] If the slideway has two graphite strands on which the transport device with the above-mentioned base structure rests, on the one hand, low frictional resistance is ensured and, on the other hand, a flow path can remain for the extraction of the process gas through the extraction system.

[0036] The above-mentioned object is achieved in the method of the type mentioned at the outset by using a transport device with some or all of the features explained above.

[0037] According to the invention, Gastronorm containers, in particular Gastronorm

[0038] Containers according to DIN EN 631-1, Part 1: Dimensions of containers, in particular the 1994-01 edition, used as a container for material during treatment with a process gas, particularly for the production of battery material. As mentioned above, the Gastronorm containers can also comply with DIN EN 631-1, Part 1, in accordance with earlier or possibly later editions.

[0039] Gastronorm containers are used in particular at temperatures between 200°C and 1,000°C, preferably at temperatures between 300°C and 700°C, and more preferably at temperatures between 400°C and 500°C.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. In these drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transport device according to the invention with a plurality of process containers for material which are accommodated by a support structure;

[0043] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a process container for material provided by a Gastronorm container;

[0044] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the supporting structure;

[0045] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the horizontally sectioned support structure of Figure 3;

[0046] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the transport device looking from its underside;

[0047] Figure 6 is a front view of the transport device in transparent form;

[0048] Figure 7 is a side view of the support structure;

[0049] Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-section of a process chamber housing of a treatment furnace with a process chamber in which the transport device is arranged. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Figure 1 shows a transport device 10 for storing and transporting material 12 during a treatment process, in particular for producing battery material, in which the material 12 is treated with a process gas 14. Process gas 14 is only illustrated by arrows in Figure 8. The transport device 10 comprises several process containers 16 for the material 12, one of which is shown in Figure 2.

[0051] 1. Supporting structure

[0052] These process containers 16 are mounted in a support structure 18.

[0053] In each of the figures, a reference coordinate system is shown which is to be anchored in a rotationally fixed manner to the support structure 18 so that it moves spatially with the support structure 18. In relation to this coordinate system and taking into account the operating orientation of the support structure 18 during the treatment process, the support structure 18 defines the upward direction as the positive z-direction, the forward direction as the positive y-direction and the direction to the right as the positive x-direction. In the operating orientation, the forward direction is the transport direction in which the transport device 10 is conveyed during the treatment process. The directions below, behind and left point in the opposite direction. A vertical or a vertical plane thus runs in the z-direction and a horizontal or a horizontal plane thus runs in an xy-plane.In the figures, for the sake of clarity, not all parts and components are always provided with a reference symbol.

[0054] The support structure 18 defines a housing unit 20 comprising a horizontal floor structure 22 and a horizontal ceiling structure 24, as well as a front vertical end wall 26 and a rear vertical end wall 28 extending between the floor structure 22 and the ceiling structure 24. The housing unit 20 is made, in particular, of graphite.

[0055] The support structure 18 defines at least one, and in the present embodiment, two, receiving spaces for the process containers 16, of which a first receiving space is designated 30.1 and a second receiving space is designated 30.2. Parts and components are subsequently given a reference number with a corresponding index .1 or .2 if they are assigned to the receiving space 30.1 or 30.2, respectively.

[0056] Figures 4 to 8 show that the receiving spaces 30.1 and 30.2 adjoin a channel arrangement 32, which provides a flow channel 34, which leads on the output side to a flow outlet 36. In the present embodiment, the flow channel 34 extends from the ceiling structure 24 of the housing unit 20 to its base structure 22. The flow outlet 36 is formed there, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0057] Each receiving space 30.1, 30.2 is open to the environment on a respective inflow side 38.1, 38.2, so that process gas 14 can flow from the outside into the respective receiving space

[0058] 30.1, 30.2 can flow in when the material 12 is to be treated with process gas 14. In the present embodiment, the inflow sides 38.1 and 38.2 are lateral inflow sides, i.e., they point to the right and left, respectively.

[0059] A permeable component such as a perforated plate or a lamella structure or the like can be present on the respective inflow side 38.1, 38.2; in the present embodiment, the receiving spaces 30.1 and 30.2 are open to the environment without structural elements.

[0060] In addition, the receiving spaces 30.1, 30.2 each define an outflow side 40.1 or

[0061] 40.2, on which the receiving spaces 30.1, 30.2 are fluidly connected to the channel arrangement 32, so that process gas 14 can flow from the receiving spaces 30.1, 30.2 into the channel arrangement 32. The outflow sides 40.1 and 40.2 are lateral outflow sides in the present embodiment.

[0062] For this flow connection, the first receiving chamber 30.1 is delimited on its outflow side 40.1 by a first channel wall 42.1 of the flow channel 34, in which through-openings 44 are provided. Correspondingly, the second receiving chamber 30.2 is delimited on its outflow side 40.2 by a second channel wall 42.2 of the flow channel 34, in which through-openings 44 are also provided. In the present embodiment, the through-openings 44 are circular holes, but slots and other cross-sections can also be formed. The channel walls 42.1, 42.2 are made in particular of stainless steel and are preferably a perforated stainless steel sheet or of graphite or of one of the aforementioned CFC materials. The through-openings 44 will be discussed again below.

[0063] In addition, the channel arrangement 32 comprises a flow-tight partition 46, which extends centrally in the flow channel 34 over its length and parallel to the channel walls 42.1 and 42.2, so that the flow channel 34 is divided into a first channel arm 34.1 and a second channel arm 34.2. The first channel arm 34.1 is fluidly connected to the first receiving space 30.1 via the first channel wall 40.1, and the second channel arm 34.2 is fluidly connected to the second receiving space 30.2 via the second channel wall 40.2. The partition 46 is made of graphite. In a modification not shown, the partition 46 can also be omitted, so that the flow channel 34 is the only channel arm.

[0064] The housing unit 20 of the support structure 18 further comprises an intermediate wall 48 extending between the base structure 22 and the cover structure 24 in a direction parallel to the end walls 26, 28 of the housing unit 20. Thus, the receiving space 30.1 is divided into two receiving compartments 30.1-1 and 30.1-2, and the receiving space 30.2 is divided into two receiving compartments 30.2-1 and 30.2-2. Furthermore, the intermediate wall 48 correspondingly divides the first channel arm 34.1 into two flow branches 34.1-1 and 34.1-2 and divides the second channel arm 34.2 into two flow branches 34.2-1 and 34.2-2. The intermediate wall 48 divides the receiving spaces 30.1 and 30.2 and the flow channel 34 or its channel arms 34.1, 34.2 in a flow-tight manner.

[0065] Generally speaking, each receiving compartment 30.1-1, 30.1-2, 30.2-1 and 30.2-2 is fluidically connected to a separate flow branch 34.1-1, 34.1-2, 34.2-1 and 34.2-2, respectively.

[0066] As a result, in the present embodiment, the receiving compartment 30.1-1 is fluidly connected to the flow branch 34.1-1, the receiving compartment 30.1-2 is fluidly connected to the flow branch 34.1-2, the receiving compartment 30.2-1 is fluidly connected to the flow branch 34.2-1, and the receiving compartment 30.2-2 is fluidly connected to the flow branch 34.2-2. As Figures 4 and 6 show, the channel walls 42.1 and 42.2 are themselves formed by wall segments 42.1-1 and 42.1-2, or 42.2-1 and 42.2-2. The wall segments 42.1-1 and 42.2-1 extend between the front end wall 26 and the intermediate wall 48. The wall segments 42.1-2 and 42.2-2 extend between the intermediate wall 48 and the rear end wall 28.

[0067] 2. Process container and holding device for this

[0068] To accommodate the process containers 16 in the receiving spaces 30.1, 30.2 in a transport-safe and process-safe manner, the support structure 18 comprises a holding device 50 complementary to the process containers 16. The holding device 50 is configured such that several process containers 16 are arranged one above the other at a distance, so that a flow path for the process gas 14 is provided between two adjacent process containers 16. In practice, this distance is 5 mm to 30 mm, preferably approximately 10 mm.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the process containers 16 and the holding device 50 form an insertion system. For this purpose, the holding device 50 comprises horizontally extending insertion grooves 52 in or on the end walls 26 and 28 as well as in or on the intermediate wall 48, which each point towards the receiving compartment 30.1-1, 30.1-2, 30.2-1 or 30.2-2 adjacent to the respective wall 26, 28 or 48, and towards one another if the associated receiving compartment 30.1-1, 30.1-2, 30.2-1, 30.2-2 is the same. The insertion grooves 52 can be machined into the graphite material of the walls 26, 28, 48 or provided by separate rail elements, which can be made of stainless steel, for example, and which are correspondingly fastened to the walls 26, 28 or 48.

[0070] The process containers 16 are flat containers that have outwardly projecting edge sections 54 at least at the front and rear, with which they can be inserted into the insertion grooves 52 through the inflow side 38.1 or 38.2 of the receiving spaces 30.1, 30.2. Instead of the insertion grooves 52, support pins or the like can also be provided, onto which the process containers 16 can be pushed and then rest. For example, hooks can also be provided that can engage in complementary holes in the edge sections 54.

[0071] Overall, the process containers 16 and the holding device 50 are coordinated so that the support structure 18 can be loaded and unloaded automatically. Robot systems with a guided gripping tool are suitable for this purpose.

[0072] If, as described above, a flow-through component is provided on the inflow sides 38.1, 38.2 of the receiving spaces 30.1, 30.2, this is removed before loading and unloading of the support structure 18.

[0073] In a modification not specifically shown, the holding device 50 can also comprise a holding structure as a separate component for each of the receiving compartments 30.1-1, 30.1-2, 30.2-1 and 30.2-2, which holding structure is loaded with the material-filled process containers 16 outside the support structure 18, so that such a holding structure with the filled process containers 16 can be placed in a receiving compartment 30.1-1, 30.1-2, 30.2-1 and 30.2-2 and can be removed from the respective receiving compartment 30.1-1, 30.1-2, 30.2-1 and 30.2-2 after the treatment process with the process containers 16. Alternatively, such a separate holding structure can also be placed empty in a receiving compartment 30.1-1, 30.1-2, 30.2-1 and 30.2-2 and then loaded with the filled process containers 16 and, after the treatment process, these can be removed individually from the holding structure, which then also remains in the receiving compartment 30.1-1, 30.1-2, 30.2-1 and 30.2-2.A separate support structure can, for example, be made of graphite, such as the housing unit 20, or, as in the present embodiment, the channel walls 42.1, 42.2, of stainless steel. Another alternative material that could be considered is a CFC material, ie, carbon fiber reinforced carbon.

[0074] The process containers 16 are in particular flat containers with a receiving depth between

[0075] 10 mm and 60 mm. In the present embodiment, the process containers 16 are made of stainless steel. Preferably, such a process container 16 is provided by a Gastronorm container 20. In particular, such a Gastronorm container 20 complies with DIN EN 631-1, Part 1: Dimensions of Containers, in particular the 1994-01-01 edition or in accordance with earlier or possibly later editions.

[0076] Here, a Gastronorm container 20 with the size specification GN 1 / 1 defines a container with a width of 325 mm and a length of 530 mm. In the present embodiment, such a GN 1 / 1 Gastronorm container with a depth between 10 mm and 40 mm, in particular with a depth of 20 mm, is used as the Gastronorm container 20.

[0077] In other words, in the present embodiment, the dimensions of the transport device 10 are designed to accommodate Gastronorm containers 20 GN 1 / 1. However, the specific GN size can be tailored to the process. Consequently, Gastronorm containers 20 with other container sizes, such as GN 2 / 1, GN 1 / 2, etc., can also be used.

[0078] In any case, the transport device 10 and especially the holding device 50 are adapted in their dimensions to the existing size of the process containers 16, be it a defined Gastronorm container size or a size deviating therefrom.

[0079] 3. Soil structure

[0080] As described above, the flow channel 34 of the channel arrangement 32 leads to the flow outlet 36. In the present embodiment, the flow outlet 36 is formed by an outlet channel arrangement 56 in the base structure 22, which is fluidically connected to the channel arrangement 32.

[0081] The outlet channel arrangement 56 provides an outlet flow path for each existing channel arm 34.1, 34.2. In the exemplary embodiment described here, the outlet channel arrangement 56 forms a continuation of the flow channel 34 that widens in the left and right directions. For this purpose, the outlet channel arrangement 56 comprises two outlet channels 56.1 and 56.2 in the base structure 22 that widen to the right and left. The first outlet channel 56.1 is connected to the first flow branches 34.1-1 and 34.2-1 of the first and second channel arms 34.1, 34.2, respectively, and has a correspondingly dimensioned inlet opening 58.1 for this purpose, which is arranged centrally to the partition wall 46 and thus overlaps the flow branches 34.1-1 and 34.2-1 to the left and right of the partition wall 46. Accordingly, the second outlet channel 56.2 has an inlet opening 58.2, which is connected to the left and right of the partition wall 46 with the flow branches 34.1-2 and 34.2-2 of the channel arms 34.1,.

[0082] 34.2 overlaps.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the base structure 22 is designed as a base plate 60 and the outlet channels 56.1 and 56.2 are - viewed from below - formed by recesses 62.1 and 62.2 in the base plate 60, which then merges centrally into a vertical channel section 64.1 or 64.2, which are each in the associated inlet opening 58.1 or 58.2.

[0084] 58.2 ends.

[0085] With this design, a cross brace 66 of the floor structure 22 remains between the first outlet channel 56.1 and the second outlet channel 56.2, extending parallel to and below the partition wall 48. This also results in a circumferential frame structure 68 that encloses the outlet channels 56.1 and 56.2.

[0086] 4. Arrangement of the through openings

[0087] Figure 7 illustrates the arrangement of the through-openings 44 in the duct walls 42.1, 42.2 using a side view of the support structure 18 and a corresponding top view of the duct wall 42.1, looking through the inflow side 38.1 into the receiving space 30.1. The following statements regarding the duct wall 42.1 shown also apply to the duct wall 42.2.

[0088] In principle, the through-openings 44 can be evenly distributed in the channel wall 42.1. Alternatively, the channel wall 42.1 can define regions 70.i with i = 1 to n, wherein the number of through-openings 44 per area of ​​the channel wall 42.1 is different for two immediately adjacent, i.e., contiguous, regions 70.i and 70.i+1.

[0089] In the embodiment shown here, the channel wall 42.1 defines, from top to bottom, flow regions 70.i with i = 1 to n, in which the respective number of existing through-openings 44 per area decreases successively. The number of through-openings 44 per area is therefore greatest in region 70.1 and is always greater in a region 70.i than in the immediately adjacent region 70.i + 1 in the downward direction. Specifically, n = 7, and there are seven such regions 70.i.

[0090] The areas 7O.i extend over both channel wall segments 42.1-1 and 42.1.-2.

[0091] Between the base structure 22 and the lowest region 70.n, here the region 70.7, there remains a region 72 in which the channel wall 42.1 is impermeable to flow and has no through-openings. Viewed from below, the region 70.n begins just above the lowest insertion grooves 52 of the holding device 50.

[0092] 5. Treatment device

[0093] Figure 8 shows a schematic section of a process chamber housing 74 of a treatment furnace 76, which exemplifies a treatment device in which material 12 is treated with the process gas 14.

[0094] A process chamber 78 is defined in the process chamber housing 74, through which the material 12 is conveyed. For this purpose, the treatment furnace 76 provides a conveyor system 80 comprising a plurality of transport devices 10, which, loaded with the material 12, are conveyed through the process chamber 78. As mentioned above, the transport device 10 is conveyed in a forward direction in its operating orientation.

[0095] In this case, the area of ​​the process chamber 78 surrounding the transport device 10 is the environment to which the receiving chambers 30.1 and 30.2 of the respective inflow sides 38.1, 38.2 are open to flow. The process chamber housing 74 can be the outer housing of the treatment device 76, but the process chamber housing 74 can also be arranged in a separate outer housing of the treatment device 76, not specifically shown here.

[0096] The conveyor system 80 comprises a slideway 82, on which the transport devices 10 are pushed through the process chamber 78. The slideway 82 has two graphite strands 84, on which the transport device 10 rests with the base structure 22. The conveyor system 80 also comprises a pusher system, known per se and therefore not specifically shown, with which several transport devices 10 are pushed in an abutting row through the process chamber 78. The transport devices 10 are aligned with their front end wall 26 leading in the transport direction and with the receiving chamber 30.1 to the left and with the receiving chamber 30.2 to the right.

[0097] The treatment furnace 76 comprises a process gas system 86, with which the process gas 14 is blown into the process chamber 78. The process gas 14 is blown into the respective area of ​​the process chamber 78 next to the inflow sides 38.1 and 38.2, so that the process gas 14 can flow through the receiving chambers 30.1 and 30.2 to the respective outflow side 40.1 and 40.2, from there into the channel arrangement 32, and further to the flow outlet 36. On its flow path through the receiving chambers 30.1 and 30.2, the process gas 14 flows over and through the material 12 in the process containers 16, leading to the desired reactions and conversion processes.

[0098] For this purpose, the process gas system 86 comprises a process gas supply 88, with which the process gas 14 is blown into the process chamber 78 on both sides next to the transport devices 10. The process gas system 86 also ensures that the required process conditions are created and maintained in the process chamber 78. This includes, if necessary, conditioning of the process gas 14 and the creation of the process temperature in the process chamber 78. In principle, the transport device 10 with the process containers 16 can be used at largely any desired temperatures that can occur during treatment processes. The treatment of the material 12 with the process gas 14 takes place in particular at temperatures between 200°C and 1,000°C, preferably at temperatures between 300°C and 700°C, more preferably at temperatures between 400°C and 500°C. At these temperatures, the process containers 16, i.e. the

[0099] Gastronorm container 20 used.

[0100] In addition, the process gas system 86 includes an extraction system 90 that cooperates with the transport device 10 or with the channel arrangement 32. The extraction system 90 creates a negative pressure at the flow outlet 36, so that the process gas 14 is extracted from the flow outlet 36 of the channel arrangement 32.

[0101] The process chamber 78 is bounded at the bottom by a process chamber floor 92, in which one or more suction passages 94 are located, which are arranged transversely, i.e., from left to right or right to left, centrally below the transport devices 10. Below the process chamber floor 92 is a suction chamber 96, which is fluidly connected to the process chamber 78 via the suction passages 94.

[0102] The treatment furnace 76 can operate in cycle mode, and in the longitudinal direction of the treatment furnace, suction passages 94 are provided at a distance from one another that corresponds to a feed length of the transport devices 10 per feed operation. Thus, a transport device 10 is positioned over a respective suction opening 94 during a standstill phase.

[0103] When the extraction system 90 is now activated, the process gas 14 flows through the receiving spaces 30.1, 30.2 of the transport device 10 and further through the through openings 44 in the channel walls 42.1, 42.2 as exhaust gas 98 into the channel arrangement 32. The exhaust gas 98 is the process gas 14 after it has interacted with the material 12 in the process containers 16 and has possibly absorbed reaction products resulting from the reaction with the material 12 and now carries them with it.

[0104] In the present exemplary embodiment, the exhaust gas 98 enters the respective fluidically accessible channel arms 34.1, 34.2 or their flow branches 34.1.-1, 34.1 -2, 34.2-1 and 34.2-2 and flows further downwards to the flow outlet 36 of the channel arrangement 32. From there, the exhaust gas 98 leaves the transport device 10 via its channel outlet arrangement 56 in the direction of the process chamber floor 92 and, on its way via the suction passage 94, reaches the suction chamber 96, from where it is finally discharged.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Transport device for storing and transporting material (12) during a treatment process, in particular for producing battery material, in which the material (12) is treated with a process gas (14), with a) several process containers (16) for the material (12); b) a support structure (18) for the process containers (16), which has a receiving space (30.1) for process containers (16), in which a plurality of process containers (16) filled with material (12) can be detachably stored; wherein c) the support structure (18) defines the upward direction as the positive z-direction, the forward direction as the positive y-direction and the rightward direction as the positive x-direction of a reference coordinate system which is anchored in a rotationally fixed manner to the support structure (18); characterized in that d) the receiving space (30.1) is open to the environment on an inflow side (38.1) and also defines an outflow side (40.1); e) the support structure (18) comprises a channel arrangement (32) with a flow channel (34) which is fluidically connected to the outflow side (40.1) of the receiving space (30.1) and leads to a flow outlet (36).

2. Transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow outlet (36) of the channel arrangement (32) is formed in a base structure (22) of the support structure (18).

3. Transport device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support structure (18) comprises a housing unit (20) which contains the floor structure (22) and comprising a ceiling structure (24) and a front vertical end wall (26) and a rear vertical end wall (28) extending between the floor structure (22) and the ceiling structure (24).

4. Transport device according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing unit (20) is made of graphite.

5. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, with respect to a predetermined operating orientation, the inflow side (38.1) of the receiving space (40.1) is a lateral inflow side and / or the outflow side (40.1) of the receiving space (30.1) is a lateral outflow side.

6. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiving space (30.1) is delimited on its outflow side (40.1) by a channel wall (42.1) of the flow channel (34), in which through openings (44) are provided.

7. Transport device according to claim 6, characterized in that the channel wall (42.1) defines several areas (7O.i with i = 1 to n) with through openings (44), wherein the number of through openings (44) per area of ​​the channel wall (42.1, 42.2) is different for two immediately adjacent areas (7O.i, 7O.i+1).

8. Transport device according to claim 7, characterized in that in the direction from top to bottom the number of through openings (44) per area in a range (70.1) is larger than in an area immediately adjacent in the downward direction (70.i+ 1).

9. Transport device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the channel wall (42.1) is made of stainless steel and in particular a perforated stainless steel sheet or of graphite or of a CFC material.

10. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing unit (20) further comprises a flow-tight intermediate wall (48) which divides the receiving space (30.1) into two receiving compartments (30.1-1, 30.1-2).

11. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the receiving space (30.1) is a first receiving space (30.1) and the support structure (18) also defines a second receiving space (30.2) for process containers (16), in which a plurality of process containers (16) filled with material (12) can be detachably stored.

12. Transport device according to claim 11, characterized in that the features specified for the first receiving space (30.1) according to one of claims 5 to 10 are also provided for the second receiving space (30.2).

13. Transport device according to claim 12 with reference to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the channel arrangement (32) comprises a flow-tight partition wall (46) which extends, in particular centrally, in the flow channel (34) over its length and parallel to the channel walls (42.1 and 42.2), so that the flow channel (34) is divided into a first channel arm (34.1) and a second channel arm (34.2), wherein the first receiving space (30.1) is fluidly connected to the first channel arm (34.1) and the second receiving space (30.2) is fluidly connected to the second channel arm (34.2).

14. Transport device according to claim 13 with reference to claim 10, characterized in that the intermediate wall (48) also divides the first channel arm (34.1) into two flow branches (34.1-1, 34.1-2) and the second channel arm (34.2) into two flow branches (34.2-1, 34.2-2), so that each receiving compartment (30.1-1, 30.1-2, 30.2-1, 30.2-2) is flow-connected to a separate flow branch (34.1-1, 34.1-2, 34.2-1, 34.2-2).

15. Transport device according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the flow outlet (36) of the channel arrangement (32) in the base structure (22) of the support structure (18) according to claim 2 is formed by an outlet channel arrangement (56) which provides an outlet flow path for each existing channel arm (34.1, 34.2).

16. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the process containers (16) are provided by Gastronorm containers (20), in particular by Gastronorm containers (20) according to DIN EN 631-1, Part 1: Dimensions of the containers, in particular edition 1994-01.

17. Transport device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the support structure (18) comprises a holding device (50) complementary to the process containers (16), which is designed such that a plurality of process containers (16) are arranged one above the other at a distance, so that a flow path for the process gas (14) is provided between two adjacent process containers (16).

18. Treatment device for treating material (12) with a process gas (14), in particular for producing battery material, comprising a) a process chamber (78) defined in a process chamber housing (76); b) a process gas system (86) by means of which the process gas (14) can be blown into the process chamber (78); c) a conveying system (80) by means of which the material (12) can be conveyed through the process chamber (78); characterized in that d) the conveying system (86) comprises a plurality of transport devices (10) according to one of claims 1 to 17.

19. Treatment device according to claim 18, characterized in that the process gas system (86) comprises a suction system (90) by means of which a negative pressure can be generated at the flow outlet (36) of a transport device (10).

20. Treatment device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the conveyor system (80) comprises a slideway (82) on which the transport devices (10) can be pushed through the process space (78).

21. Treatment device according to claim 20, characterized in that the slideway (82) has two graphite strands (84) on which the transport device (10) with the base structure (22) according to claim 2 rests.

22. Method for treating material (12) with a process gas (14), in particular for producing battery material, in which the material (12) is transported in a transport device (10) is conveyed through a process space (78), characterized in that a transport device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 17 is used.

23. Use of Gastronorm containers (20), in particular of Gastronorm containers (20) according to DIN EN 631-1, Part 1: Dimensions of the containers, in particular edition 1994-01, as receiving containers (16) for material (12) during treatment with a process gas (14), in particular for the production of battery material.

24. Use of Gastronorm containers (20) according to claim 23, characterized in that the Gastronorm containers (20) are made of stainless steel.

25. Use of Gastronorm containers (20) according to claim 23 or 24 at temperatures between 200°C and 1,000°C, preferably at temperatures between 300°C and 700°C, more preferably at temperatures between 400°C and 500°C.

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