Battery needle puncture discharging device and battery recycling system

Abstract

The application provides a battery needle discharge device and a battery recycling system, and relates to the technical field of battery recycling. The battery needle discharge device comprises a water tank assembly, the water tank assembly comprises a water tank and a conveying piece, the top of the water tank is provided with a feeding port and a discharging port, the water tank is used for containing a liquid discharge medium suitable for soaking batteries, and the conveying piece is at least partially located in the water tank. The conveying piece is located in the water tank and is arranged to extend from the feeding port to the discharging port of the water tank, and is used for receiving the batteries fed from the feeding port and conveying the batteries to the discharging port. The application is beneficial to the discharge of the electrolyte in the battery and accelerates the discharge; and the transfer docking time of the discharge process and the disassembly process is shortened, and the work efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery recycling technology, and in particular to a battery needle discharge device block and a battery recycling system. Background Technology

[0002] To recover elements such as cobalt, copper, lithium, and aluminum from spent lithium-ion batteries, there are pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and direct recycling methods. Before the lithium battery recycling process, pretreatment is required, including discharging, disassembly, and separation. Disassembly of lithium batteries begins with a discharge process to ensure the safety of subsequent disassembly procedures.

[0003] Typically, the pretreatment of needle-puncture discharge is used in the discharge stage. This process involves directly immersing the needle-punctured battery in a solution and then retrieving it after discharge. This process is time-consuming and not conducive to improving work efficiency. At the same time, it is prone to thermal runaway. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a battery needle-punch discharge device and a battery recycling system, which facilitates the discharge of electrolyte in the battery and accelerates discharge; and reduces the transfer and docking time between the discharge process and the disassembly process, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0005] This application provides the following technical solution: In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a battery needle penetration discharge device, the battery needle penetration discharge device comprising: A water tank assembly includes a water tank and a conveyor. The top of the water tank has a feed port and a discharge port. The water tank is used to contain a liquid discharge medium suitable for immersing batteries. The conveyor is at least partially located inside the water tank. The portion of the conveyor located in the water tank extends from the feed port to the discharge port. The conveyor is used to receive batteries fed from the feed port and convey them to the discharge port.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the conveying member has a conveying section and a lifting section, the conveying section being located inside the water tank, the conveying section receiving batteries fed from the feeding port and conveying them to the lifting section; The bottom end of the lifting section and the end of the conveying section are connected close to each other. The top end of the lifting section passes through the discharge port and is located outside the water tank. The lifting section is used to receive the battery and convey it to the outside of the discharge port.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the conveying section is configured as a chain conveyor, the lifting section is a chain elevator, and the outlet end of the chain conveyor and the inlet end of the chain elevator are connected to form a continuous material transport path.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the battery needle penetration discharge device further includes: The needle-punching assembly is provided above the water tank. The needle-punching assembly includes a piercing member, a supporting member, and a pushing member. The supporting member is used to support the battery. The piercing member is used to puncture the battery on the supporting member. The pushing member is used to push the battery on the supporting member into the feeding port.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the puncture member includes at least one puncture needle and a puncture drive unit, the at least one puncture needle being connected to the puncture drive unit, the puncture needle being located above the support member, and the puncture drive unit being capable of driving the puncture needle to move vertically, so that the puncture needle can puncture the battery.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the needle-punching assembly further includes a drive member connected to the support member, the drive member being used to drive the support member to move, such that the battery on the support member moves synchronously; wherein the movement path of the support member has a needle-punching station and a material unloading station; When the support is located at the needle-punching station, the puncture member is used to puncture the battery on the support; When the support is located at the unloading station, the pusher is used to push the battery on the support into the feeding port.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the pusher includes a pusher section and a pusher drive section, the pusher drive section and the pusher section are connected, the pusher drive section is used to drive the pusher section to move along the pusher direction, and the battery and the feeding port located at the unloading station are located in the pusher direction.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the support member also has a loading station on its movement path, and the loading station, the needle punching station and the unloading station are arranged sequentially on the movement path of the support member. The battery needle penetration discharge device also includes: The feeding assembly includes a feeding conveyor and a feeding clamp. The feeding conveyor is used to convey batteries, and the feeding clamp is used to clamp the batteries conveyed by the feeding conveyor and transfer them to the support located at the feeding station.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the feeding clamp includes: The gripper is used to grip the battery; The clamping drive unit is connected to the gripper, and the clamping drive unit can drive the gripper to move along the feeding direction. The feeding station and the battery conveyed by the conveyor are both within the movement range of the gripper.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application also include a battery recycling system, which includes a battery needle discharge device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0015] The embodiments of this application have the following advantages: This application provides a battery needle-punch discharge device that achieves efficient and safe battery discharge through the following steps: Waste lithium batteries to be processed are fed into a water tank through a feeding port at the top. A conveyor (such as a conveyor belt) receives the batteries and continuously transports them from the feeding port to the discharge port along the inside of the tank. The water tank is filled with a liquid discharge medium (such as conductive salt water or pure water). The batteries are completely immersed during transport, and the discharge is accelerated through ion exchange between the electrolyte and the discharge medium, as well as internal short circuits caused by needle puncture. The punctured batteries continue to move during transport, and the electrolyte is more easily discharged under the flushing effect of the liquid medium and internal pressure, avoiding electrolyte residue caused by static immersion. The discharged batteries are output through the discharge port and directly enter the subsequent dismantling process, achieving seamless process integration.

[0016] Therefore, dynamic immersion combined with continuous operation of the conveyor shortens battery discharge time and solves the problem of low efficiency in traditional static immersion. The liquid medium accelerates ion diffusion and electrolyte discharge, further optimizing the discharge rate. With the battery fully immersed in the discharge medium, the heat generated by the needle puncture is rapidly absorbed by the medium, effectively suppressing the risk of thermal runaway. The conveyor achieves physical connection between the discharge and dismantling processes, reducing battery transfer waiting time and improving overall recycling efficiency. Complete electrolyte discharge facilitates subsequent metal recovery and reduces residual pollution; automated conveying reduces manual intervention costs.

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery needle penetration discharge device provided in an embodiment of this application from one perspective. Figure 2 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an acupuncture component provided in an embodiment of this application from one perspective; Figure 3 This illustration shows a structural schematic diagram of an acupuncture component provided by an embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0020] Explanation of key component symbols: 100-Water tank assembly; 110-Lifting section; 120-Water tank; 121-Feeding port; 122-Discharge port; 200-Needle-punching assembly; 210-Punching component; 211-Punching needle; 212-Punching drive unit; 213-Needle-punching station; 220-Support component; 230-Pushing component; 231-Pushing unit; 232-Pushing drive unit; 233-Unloading station; 240-Feeding conveyor component; 250-Feeding clamping component; 251-Gripper; 252-Clamping drive unit; 253-Feeding station; 260-Drive component; 300-Battery. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0022] It should be noted that when an element is said to be "fixed" to another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly" on another element, there is no intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0023] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] 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 belongs. The terminology used herein in the template description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] In related technologies, with national policies supporting the new energy vehicle industry, the installed capacity of power lithium-ion batteries continues to rise. Their average lifespan is 5 to 10 years, and a large number of lithium-ion batteries will be retired in the next few years. Improper handling could lead to serious environmental problems, causing pollution of soil, water, and air. Therefore, developing an effective and environmentally friendly lithium-ion recycling strategy can not only reduce the environmental impact of discarded lithium-ion batteries but also recover valuable resources such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Before carrying out lithium battery recycling processes, pretreatment of the lithium batteries is required, including discharge, disassembly, and separation processes. Among these, the first step in lithium battery recycling and disassembly is discharge treatment to ensure the safety of subsequent disassembly processes. Typically, the discharge stage uses needle-punch discharge pretreatment, which involves directly immersing the punctured battery in a solution and retrieving it after discharge. This process is lengthy, reducing efficiency, and is also prone to thermal runaway.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a battery needle discharge device. The battery needle discharge device includes a water tank assembly 100, which includes a water tank 120 and a conveying member. The top of the water tank 120 has a feeding port 121 and a discharging port 122. The water tank 120 is used to contain a liquid discharge medium suitable for immersing the battery 300. The conveying member is at least partially located inside the water tank 120. The portion of the conveying member located in the water tank 120 extends from the feeding port 121 to the discharging port 122. The conveying member is used to receive the battery 300 fed from the feeding port 121 and convey it to the discharging port 122.

[0028] In these embodiments, the present invention provides a battery needle-punch discharge device for pre-treating waste lithium-ion batteries 300 by needle-punch discharge, so as to achieve safe and efficient discharge and connection with subsequent dismantling processes.

[0029] The device includes a water tank assembly 100, which comprises a water tank 120 and a conveying component. The top of the water tank 120 has a feeding port 121 and a discharging port 122. The feeding port 121 is used to feed the waste battery 300 to be discharged into the device, and the discharging port 122 is used to output the battery 300 after discharge to the next process. The water tank 120 contains a liquid discharge medium. For example, in this embodiment, the liquid discharge medium is water. Of course, in other embodiments, it can also be a conductive salt solution (e.g., NaCl solution or KCl solution); or, other liquid media suitable for electrolyte neutralization and discharge can be selected according to the type of battery 300.

[0030] The conveyor is at least partially located inside the water tank 120 and extends from the feed inlet 121 to the discharge outlet 122. The conveyor is selected as a chain conveyor belt or a screw conveyor mechanism, and its surface may be provided with anti-slip or fixing structures to ensure stable contact between the battery 300 and the discharge medium during transport. The function of the conveyor is to receive the battery 300 fed into the water tank 120 and transport it to the discharge outlet 122 within the water tank 120, thereby achieving continuous discharge processing.

[0031] For example, a needle-piercing assembly 200 is provided above or on both sides of the conveyor. The needle-piercing mechanism includes multiple vertically movable piercing needles 211. The piercing needles 211 pierce the battery 300 immediately after it enters the water tank 120 to accelerate the release of electrolyte and the rapid release of internal charge in the battery 300. The piercing needles 211 are made of stainless steel or titanium alloy, which have good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Optionally, the surface of the piercing needles 211 has a hydrophobic coating to reduce wastewater residue and prevent electrolyte corrosion.

[0032] To further improve discharge efficiency and safety, a stirring device is also provided inside the water tank 120. This device can continuously or intermittently stir the liquid discharge medium to enhance the contact efficiency between the battery 300 and the discharge medium, promoting a uniform discharge reaction. For example, the stirring device can be implemented by a motor-driven rotating paddle or by bubble stirring.

[0033] During use, the operator places the used lithium-ion battery 300 into the water tank 120 through the feeding port 121. The battery 300 is then received by the conveyor and begins to move towards the discharge port 122. Simultaneously, needle piercing is initiated, automatically piercing the battery 300 to rapidly release the electrolyte inside into the discharge medium, thereby achieving rapid discharge. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the needle piercing assembly 200 can be positioned upstream of the feeding port 121, allowing for needle piercing before placement into the water tank 120.

[0034] When battery 300 is conveyed to discharge port 122, the discharge process is completed, and battery 300 can be directly conveyed to the next dismantling process, realizing seamless connection between discharge and dismantling, significantly shortening the transfer time between processes and improving the overall recycling efficiency.

[0035] In addition, the water tank 120 can be set up with multiple partitions to realize the partitioned processing of the battery 300 at different discharge stages, further improving discharge efficiency and system stability.

[0036] Therefore, dynamic immersion combined with continuous operation of the conveyor shortens the discharge time of Battery 300, solving the problem of low efficiency in traditional static immersion. The liquid medium accelerates ion diffusion and electrolyte discharge, further optimizing the discharge speed. With Battery 300 fully immersed in the discharge medium, the heat generated by the needle puncture is rapidly absorbed by the medium, effectively suppressing the risk of thermal runaway. The conveyor achieves physical connection between the discharge and dismantling processes, reducing the waiting time for Battery 300 transfer and improving overall recycling efficiency. Sufficient electrolyte discharge facilitates subsequent metal recovery and reduces residual pollution; automated conveying reduces the cost of manual intervention.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the conveying component has a conveying section and a lifting section 110. The conveying section is located inside the water tank 120. The conveying section receives the battery 300 fed into the feed port 121 and conveys it to the lifting section 110. The bottom end of the lifting section 110 is connected to the end of the conveying section that is close to each other. The top end of the lifting section 110 is inserted through the discharge port 122 and located outside the water tank 120. The lifting section 110 is used to receive the battery 300 and convey it to the discharge port 122.

[0038] In these embodiments, the conveying component includes two parts: a conveying section and a lifting section 110, which are used to realize the horizontal conveying of the battery 300 inside the water tank 120 and the vertical or inclined conveying during the discharge stage, thereby improving the overall space utilization and discharge efficiency of the device.

[0039] The conveying section is at least partially located inside the water tank 120, with its starting end near the feeding port 121, for receiving the waste batteries 300 fed into the feeding port 121. For example, the conveying section is a horizontally arranged chain conveyor belt or spiral conveyor mechanism, with positioning grooves or clamping structures on its surface to prevent the batteries 300 from sliding or tipping over during conveying, ensuring that each battery 300 can stably contact the liquid discharge medium and complete the needle-punch discharge treatment.

[0040] The bottom end of the lifting section 110 connects with the end of the conveying section near the discharge port 122, and its top end passes through the discharge port 122 and extends to the outside of the water tank 120. For example, the lifting section 110 can be an inclined or vertically arranged belt conveyor, chain conveyor, or spiral lifting device, and can be adaptively designed according to the shape and size of the battery 300. In this embodiment, a Z-shaped chain conveyor is used as an example.

[0041] In actual operation, the battery 300 is first horizontally conveyed within the water tank 120 by the conveying section, and then enters the lifting section 110, where it is lifted from inside the water tank 120 to the outside of the discharge port 122, completing the discharge process. This structural design avoids the shortcomings of traditional discharge methods that require manual retrieval or waiting for the battery 300 to float naturally, significantly improving discharge efficiency and the level of automation in discharge.

[0042] Furthermore, a protective cover or guide plate can be installed on the outside of the lifting section 110 to prevent the discharge medium from being carried out of the water tank 120 along with the battery 300. At the same time, an automatic discharge mechanism, such as a pneumatic push rod or a robotic arm, is installed at the end of the lifting section 110 to automatically transport the discharged battery 300 to the next disassembly process, so as to achieve seamless connection between discharge and disassembly.

[0043] This implementation method, by incorporating an lifting section 110, outputs the discharged battery 300 vertically or at an angle, saving equipment floor space and making it suitable for space-constrained recycling production lines. The lifting section 110 enables rapid discharge of the battery 300, avoiding the inefficiency caused by traditional retrieval methods.

[0044] In some embodiments, the conveying section is configured as a chain plate conveyor, and the lifting section 110 is configured as a chain plate elevator. The outlet end of the chain plate conveyor and the inlet end of the chain plate elevator are connected to form a continuous material transport path.

[0045] In these embodiments, the conveying components specifically include a chain conveyor and a chain elevator, both of which have the same structural form, facilitating standardized manufacturing and maintenance, while simultaneously achieving continuous and stable transmission of the battery 300 during the discharge process.

[0046] The chain conveyor is located inside the water tank 120, with its starting end near the feed inlet 121, for receiving the waste lithium-ion batteries 300 fed into the feed inlet 121. The chain conveyor is composed of multiple metal chain plates connected in sequence, with gaps between the chain plates to allow the free flow of liquid discharge medium, while having sufficient load-bearing capacity to support the weight of the battery 300 in the liquid.

[0047] The chain conveyor runs horizontally, extending from the feed port 121 to the discharge port 122. The battery 300 is continuously conveyed forward while completing the discharge process on the chain conveyor.

[0048] At the outlet end of the chain conveyor, a chain elevator is installed to connect with it. The inlet end of the chain elevator is closely connected to the outlet end of the chain conveyor, forming a continuous material transfer path; its running direction is inclined or vertical. In this embodiment, it is inclined, and its angle can be adjusted according to the production line layout, usually between 30° and 60°.

[0049] The structure of the chain plate elevator is similar to that of the chain plate conveyor, also consisting of multiple chain plates. Anti-slip structures, baffles, or positioning grooves are provided between the chain plates to prevent the battery 300 from slipping or tipping over during the lifting process. The top of the chain plate elevator passes through the discharge port 122 and extends to the outside of the water tank 120, used to transport the discharged battery 300 to the next dismantling process.

[0050] A discharge guide plate or buffer device can be installed at the end of the chain plate elevator to smoothly transfer the battery 300 to the conveyor belt of the next process, so as to avoid damage to the battery 300 or splashing of electrolyte residue due to falling.

[0051] In other embodiments, the chain conveyor and the chain elevator can also be connected by a transition conveyor belt or a rotating guide wheel structure; the tilt angle of the chain elevator can also be flexibly adjusted according to the equipment layout.

[0052] In addition, flow guide holes or flow guide grooves can be set on the surface of the chain plate to accelerate the discharge of the discharge medium, reduce the amount of liquid carried out by the battery 300, and reduce the difficulty of subsequent processing.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the battery needle discharge device further includes a needle assembly 200. The needle assembly 200 is provided above the water tank 120. The needle assembly 200 includes a piercing member 210, a support member 220, and a pushing member 230. The support member 220 is used to support the battery 300. The piercing member 210 is used to pierce the battery 300 on the support member 220. The pushing member 230 is used to push the battery 300 on the support member 220 into the feeding port 121.

[0054] In these embodiments, the battery needle discharge device further includes a needle component 200 disposed above the water tank 120 for pre-needling treatment of the battery 300 before it enters the water tank 120, so as to accelerate the release of electrolyte and rapid dissipation of charge inside the battery 300, thereby improving discharge efficiency and enhancing safety.

[0055] The needle-piercing assembly 200 comprises three main parts: a piercing member 210, a support member 220, and a pushing member 230. The support member 220 is positioned above the water tank 120, at the front end of the feeding port 121, and is used to support the waste lithium-ion batteries 300 to be processed. For example, the support member 220 is a platform structure with positioning grooves, such as a flat plate structure; alternatively, the top of the support member 220 has a supporting plane for positioning and stabilizing batteries 300 of different sizes and shapes.

[0056] The puncture element 210 is movably positioned above the support element 220 and includes multiple puncture needles 211. The puncture needles 211 can be made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or titanium alloy, possessing sufficient rigidity and puncture capability. The puncture element 210 can move up and down via a pneumatic or hydraulic drive to puncture the battery 300 on the support element 220, causing the battery 300 casing to rupture and the electrolyte to be rapidly released. The position and number of the puncture needles 211 can be selected according to the model and size of the battery 300 and are not specifically limited here.

[0057] A pusher 230 is disposed on one side or above the support 220 and is used to push the punctured battery 300 into the feeding port 121 of the water tank 120. For example, the pusher 230 can be a pneumatic push rod, a robotic arm, or a sliding push plate, and its movement direction can be horizontal or inclined to ensure that the battery 300 enters the water tank 120 smoothly. In this embodiment, the pusher 230 moves in a horizontal straight line.

[0058] Furthermore, the needle puncture assembly 200 may also be equipped with a protective cover to prevent electrolyte splashing during puncture, and a ventilation device to promptly remove any gases that may be generated during puncture, thereby improving operational safety.

[0059] In actual operation, the waste lithium-ion battery 300 is first transported to the support 220, where it is positioned and stably supported. Subsequently, the puncture member 210 descends to puncture the battery 300, causing the internal charge of the battery 300 to be released rapidly and the electrolyte to flow out.

[0060] After puncture, the pusher 230 is activated, pushing the battery 300 off the support 220 and into the water tank 120 through the feed port 121. At this point, the battery 300 is in a preliminary discharge state. After entering the liquid discharge medium, it will undergo further deep discharge treatment.

[0061] Inside the water tank 120, the chain conveyor transports the battery 300 toward the discharge port 122, while the chain elevator lifts it out of the water tank 120, completing the entire discharge and transport process.

[0062] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the puncture member 210 includes at least one puncture needle 211 and a puncture drive part 212. At least one puncture needle 211 is connected to the puncture drive part 212. The puncture needle 211 is located above the support member 220. The puncture drive part 212 can drive the puncture needle 211 to move vertically, so that the puncture needle 211 can puncture the battery 300.

[0063] In these embodiments, the puncture member 210 specifically includes at least one puncture needle 211 and a puncture drive part 212, for precisely puncturing the waste lithium-ion battery 300 on the support member 220 to achieve rapid discharge and electrolyte release.

[0064] The puncture needles 211 are positioned above the support member 220, preferably arranged vertically. Their number can be reasonably configured according to the size of the battery 300 and the electrode structure. For example, they can be set as single needles, multiple needles arranged linearly, or distributed in a matrix to adapt to different types of batteries 300.

[0065] The puncture needle 211 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials, such as 304 stainless steel, titanium alloy, or tungsten carbide, to ensure that it maintains good structural strength and wear resistance during repeated puncture operations. The end of the puncture needle 211 is designed with a conical or triangular structure to enhance the puncture force and facilitate rapid insertion into the battery 300 casing without generating excessive reaction force.

[0066] The puncture drive unit 212 is connected to the puncture needle 211 and is used to drive the puncture needle 211 to reciprocate in the vertical direction to realize the puncture and repositioning actions. The puncture drive unit 212 can be a pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, electric push rod, or servo motor with a lead screw transmission mechanism, etc. A pneumatic cylinder can be selected because of its fast response speed and high control accuracy.

[0067] During the puncture, the puncture drive unit 212 moves the puncture needle 211 downwards, piercing the battery 300 located on the support member 220, causing the battery 300 casing to rupture, exposing the internal cells, and rapidly releasing the electrolyte. After the puncture is completed, the puncture drive unit 212 drives the puncture needle 211 to reset, preparing for the next puncture operation.

[0068] To improve puncture accuracy and safety, the movement path of the puncture needle 211 can also be equipped with a guide mechanism, such as a linear guide or guide sleeve, to prevent deviation or shaking during puncture and ensure the stability and consistency of the puncture action.

[0069] In actual operation, after the waste lithium-ion battery 300 is transported to the support 220 and positioned, the control system sends a puncture command to the puncture drive unit 212. The puncture drive unit 212 drives the puncture needle 211 to move downward to puncture the battery 300.

[0070] After the puncture is completed, the puncture needle 211 is reset, the pusher 230 is activated, and the punctured battery 300 is pushed into the feeding port 121 of the water tank 120 to enter the subsequent liquid discharge medium treatment stage.

[0071] In other embodiments, the puncture needle 211 may also employ a rotary puncture structure, such as a puncture device with a helical puncture head, suitable for high-density or thick-cased batteries 300. The puncture drive unit 212 may also employ a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm to achieve non-perpendicular angle puncture, adapting to the puncture requirements of irregularly shaped batteries 300.

[0072] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the needle-punching assembly 200 further includes a drive member 260, which is connected to the support member 220. The drive member 260 is used to drive the support member 220 to move, so that the battery 300 on the support member 220 moves synchronously. The support member 220 has a needle-punching station 213 and a feeding station 233 on its movement path. When the support member 220 is located at the needle-punching station 213, the piercing member 210 is used to puncture the battery 300 on the support member 220. When the support member 220 is located at the feeding station 233, the pushing member 230 is used to push the battery 300 on the support member 220 into the feeding port 121.

[0073] In these embodiments, the needle-punching assembly 200 also includes a drive member 260, which is connected to the support member 220 and is used to drive the support member 220 to move on a preset path, so that the battery 300 is automatically transferred between the needle-punching station 213 and the unloading station 233, thereby realizing the orderly coordination of puncture and pushing operations and improving the automation level and operating efficiency of the overall equipment.

[0074] The support component 220 is a movable platform structure with a guide rail or slide rail structure underneath, which cooperates with the slide rail on the equipment frame to achieve reciprocating movement along a preset path. The upper surface of the support component 220 has multiple battery 300 positioning slots for positioning and stably supporting batteries 300 of different sizes or types.

[0075] For example, the drive component 260 is a cylinder, a servo motor, a lead screw mechanism, or a linear module, which is connected to the support component 220 and used to drive the support component 220 to reciprocate between the needle punching station 213 and the unloading station 233. Wherein: Needle puncture station 213: This is the position where the puncture member 210 performs the puncture operation. When the support member 220 moves to this position, the puncture member 210 punctures the battery 300.

[0076] Unloading station 233: This is the position where the pusher 230 performs the unloading operation. When the support 220 moves to this position, the pusher 230 pushes the punctured battery 300 into the feeding port 121 of the water tank 120.

[0077] In actual operation, the support member 220, driven by the drive member 260, first moves to the piercing station 213 to complete the piercing operation, and then moves to the unloading station 233, where the pusher member 230 pushes the battery 300 into the feeding port 121. This structural design avoids interference that occurs when the piercing and pushing actions are performed at the same position, thus improving the safety and efficiency of the operation.

[0078] In actual operation, after the waste lithium-ion battery 300 is conveyed into the positioning groove of the support 220, the drive 260 is activated, driving the support 220 to the piercing station 213. At this time, the piercing member 210 descends to pierce the battery 300, releasing the electrolyte and performing initial discharge.

[0079] After the puncture is completed, the drive component 260 actuates again, driving the support component 220 to the unloading station 233. At this time, the pusher component 230 starts, pushing the battery 300 out of the support component 220 and sending it into the water tank 120 through the feeding port 121, where it enters the liquid discharge medium to complete the subsequent discharge process.

[0080] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the pusher 230 includes a pusher part 231 and a pusher drive part 232. The pusher drive part 232 and the pusher part 231 are connected. The pusher drive part 232 is used to drive the pusher part 231 to move along the pusher direction. The battery 300 and the feeding port 121 located at the unloading station 233 are located in the pusher direction.

[0081] In these embodiments, the pusher 230 specifically includes a pusher 231 and a pusher drive 232, which are used to push the battery 300 located at the unloading station 233 into the feeding port 121 of the water tank 120 along a set pusher direction, thereby realizing the automated transfer of the battery 300 from the needle punch assembly 200 to the water tank assembly 100.

[0082] The pusher section 231 is a pusher plate structure with a certain degree of rigidity. Its shape matches the positioning groove of the battery 300 on the support member 220, ensuring stable contact with the surface of the battery 300 during the pushing process without causing damage to the battery 300. The pusher section 231 is made of stainless steel, engineering plastics, or wear-resistant alloys, and has good wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

[0083] The pusher drive unit 232 is connected to the pusher unit 231 and is used to drive the pusher unit 231 to reciprocate along a set pusher direction. The pusher drive unit 232 can be a pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, electric push rod, or servo motor with lead screw mechanism, etc., preferably a pneumatic cylinder, because it has a fast response speed and high control accuracy, and is suitable for integration with an automated control system.

[0084] In terms of structural arrangement, the battery 300 located at the unloading station 233 and the feeding port 121 of the water tank 120 are on the same straight path, that is, they are located in the pushing direction, so that the pushing part 231 can push the battery 300 directly into the feeding port 121 along the straight path, avoiding path deviation or jamming.

[0085] Furthermore, the pushing direction is perpendicular to or at a certain angle to the moving direction of the support 220; the specific angle can be optimized according to the overall layout of the equipment. The pushing unit 231 automatically resets after completing one pushing action, ready for the next operation.

[0086] Meanwhile, a guide ramp or guide plate is provided at the inlet of the feeding port 121 to guide the battery 300 smoothly into the water tank 120.

[0087] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the moving path of the support member 220 also has a loading station 253, and the loading station 253, the needle punching station 213 and the unloading station 233 are arranged sequentially on the moving path of the support member 220.

[0088] The battery needle discharge device also includes a feeding assembly, which includes a feeding conveyor 240 and a feeding clamp 250. The feeding conveyor 240 is used to convey the battery 300, and the feeding clamp 250 is used to clamp the battery 300 conveyed by the feeding conveyor 240 and transfer it to the support 220 located at the feeding station 253.

[0089] In these embodiments, a loading station 253 is also provided on the moving path of the support member 220. The loading station 253, the piercing station 213 and the unloading station 233 are sequentially arranged on the moving trajectory of the support member 220, thereby realizing the fully automated flow of the battery 300 from loading, piercing to unloading.

[0090] The battery needle discharge device also includes a feeding component, which is used to automatically transport and clamp the waste lithium-ion battery 300 to be processed onto the support 220 located at the feeding station 253, so as to realize the automatic feeding operation of the battery 300.

[0091] The feeding assembly includes a feeding conveyor 240, which is used to transport the battery 300 to be processed from the outside to a predetermined position. It is preferably a belt conveyor, chain conveyor or vibratory feeder, etc. Its conveying direction is coordinated with the moving path of the support 220 to ensure that the battery 300 can accurately reach the clamping area.

[0092] The loading clamp 250 is used to clamp the battery 300 delivered to the loading conveyor 240 and transfer it to the support 220 located at the loading station 253. For example, the loading clamp 250 is a pneumatic gripper 251, a vacuum suction cup or a multi-degree-of-freedom robot, which has good clamping stability and positioning accuracy.

[0093] The loading clamp 250 can move horizontally and / or vertically, and its movement path includes: grabbing the battery 300 from the discharge end of the loading conveyor 240, moving along a set path, and placing the battery 300 in the support 220. This action can be precisely controlled by a servo control system to ensure the stability and consistency of the clamping and placement actions.

[0094] After the support member 220 is loaded, the drive member 260 drives the support member 220 to move sequentially to the needle punching station 213 for piercing treatment, and then moves to the unloading station 233 where the pusher member 230 pushes the battery 300 into the feeding port 121 of the water tank 120 to complete the entire discharge pretreatment process.

[0095] In actual operation, the waste lithium-ion battery 300 is first conveyed to the clamping area by the feeding conveyor 240. After confirming that the battery 300 is in place, the feeding clamping device 250 is activated to clamp the battery 300 and transfer it to the support device 220 located at the feeding station 253, thus completing the automatic feeding.

[0096] Subsequently, the drive component 260 drives the support component 220 to move sequentially to the needle-punching station 213 and the unloading station 233, respectively completing the puncture and material-pushing operations. After the material-pushing is completed, the support component 220 resets, ready for the next cycle operation.

[0097] The entire process is fully automated, from feeding, piercing, and pushing the battery 300 to entering the water tank 120, and is suitable for large-scale waste battery 300 recycling production lines.

[0098] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the loading clamp 250 includes a gripper 251 and a clamping drive unit 252. The gripper 251 is used to grip the battery 300. The clamping drive unit 252 is connected to the gripper 251, and the clamping drive unit 252 can drive the gripper 251 to move along the loading direction. The loading station 253 and the battery 300 conveyed by the conveyor are both within the movement range of the gripper 251.

[0099] In these embodiments, the loading clamping member 250 specifically includes a gripper 251 and a clamping drive unit 252, which is used to clamp the battery 300 delivered by the loading conveyor 240 and transfer it to the support member 220 located at the loading station 253, so as to realize the precise clamping and automatic loading operation of the battery 300.

[0100] The gripper 251 is a mechanical structure with a clamping function. It can be a pneumatic gripper 251, an electric gripper 251, or a vacuum suction cup gripper 251. The specific form can be selected according to the shape, weight, and surface material of the battery 300. The clamping surface of the gripper 251 is equipped with a buffer pad or anti-slip structure to prevent damage or slippage to the battery 300 casing during clamping.

[0101] The clamping drive unit 252 is connected to the gripper 251 and is used to drive the gripper 251 to reciprocate along the set feeding direction so as to realize the reciprocating motion of the gripper 251 between the discharge end of the feeding conveyor 240 and the support member 220 of the feeding station 253.

[0102] The clamping drive unit 252 can be a pneumatic slide table, a servo motor combined with a lead screw and slide rail mechanism, a linear module, or a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm, etc., preferably a servo motor-driven slide rail mechanism, because it has advantages such as high positioning accuracy, fast response speed, and flexible control. In this embodiment, the clamping drive unit 252 is a multi-axis robotic arm, such as a two-axis robotic arm, a three-axis robotic arm, or a four-axis robotic arm, etc.

[0103] In terms of structural layout, the batteries 300 conveyed by the loading station 253 and the loading conveyor 240 are both within the moving range of the gripper 251, ensuring that the gripper 251 can complete the complete action cycle from gripping to placing without changing its position.

[0104] Furthermore, a guide structure, such as a linear guide rail, guide groove, or limit block, can be provided on the movement path of the gripper 251 to improve the stability of the gripping action and the repeatability of the positioning accuracy.

[0105] In actual operation, the waste lithium-ion battery 300 is conveyed to the clamping area by the feeding conveyor 240. After confirming that the battery 300 is in place, the clamping drive unit 252 is started, and the driving claw 251 moves along the feeding direction to the clamping position, and the claw 251 clamps the battery 300.

[0106] Subsequently, the clamping drive unit 252 drives the gripper 251 to move in the opposite direction along the feeding direction to the placement position, that is, above the support member 220 of the feeding station 253. The gripper 251 releases and accurately places the battery 300 in the support member 220.

[0107] After the feeding is completed, the support 220 moves sequentially to the needle punching station 213 and the unloading station 233 under the drive of the drive 260, and completes the piercing and pushing operations respectively, and finally sends the battery 300 into the feeding port 121 of the water tank 120.

[0108] In some embodiments, this application also includes a battery 300 recycling system, which includes a battery needle discharge device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0109] Since the aforementioned battery needle discharge device has the above-mentioned technical effects, the battery 300 recycling system including the battery needle discharge device should have the same technical effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0110] In all examples shown and described herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations; therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0111] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0112] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery needle penetration discharge device, characterized in that, The battery needle penetration discharge device includes: A water tank assembly includes a water tank and a conveyor. The top of the water tank has a feed port and a discharge port. The water tank is used to contain a liquid discharge medium suitable for immersing batteries. The conveyor is at least partially located inside the water tank. The portion of the conveyor located in the water tank extends from the feed port to the discharge port. The conveyor is used to receive batteries fed from the feed port and convey them to the discharge port.

2. The battery needle penetration discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying component has a conveying section and a lifting section. The conveying section is located inside the water tank. The conveying section receives the batteries put in from the feeding port and conveys them to the lifting section. The bottom end of the lifting section and the end of the conveying section are connected close to each other. The top end of the lifting section passes through the discharge port and is located outside the water tank. The lifting section is used to receive the battery and convey it to the outside of the discharge port.

3. The battery needle penetration discharge device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying section is a chain plate conveyor, and the lifting section is a chain plate elevator. The outlet end of the chain plate conveyor and the inlet end of the chain plate elevator are connected to form a continuous material transport path.

4. The battery needle penetration discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery needle penetration discharge device also includes: The needle-punching assembly is provided above the water tank. The needle-punching assembly includes a piercing member, a supporting member, and a pushing member. The supporting member is used to support the battery. The piercing member is used to puncture the battery on the supporting member. The pushing member is used to push the battery on the supporting member into the feeding port.

5. The battery needle penetration discharge device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The puncture device includes at least one puncture needle and a puncture drive unit. The at least one puncture needle is connected to the puncture drive unit. The puncture needle is located above the support member. The puncture drive unit can drive the puncture needle to move vertically, so that the puncture needle can puncture the battery.

6. The battery needle penetration discharge device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The needle-punching assembly further includes a driving component, which is connected to the support component. The driving component is used to drive the support component to move, so that the battery on the support component moves synchronously. The movement path of the support component has a needle-punching station and a material unloading station. When the support is located at the needle-punching station, the puncture member is used to puncture the battery on the support; When the support is located at the unloading station, the pusher is used to push the battery on the support into the feeding port.

7. The battery needle penetration discharge device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pusher includes a pusher section and a pusher drive section, which are connected to the pusher section. The pusher drive section is used to drive the pusher section to move along the pusher direction. The battery and the feeding port located at the unloading station are located in the pusher direction.

8. The battery needle penetration discharge device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The moving path of the support also has a loading station, and the loading station, the needle punching station and the unloading station are arranged sequentially on the moving path of the support. The battery needle penetration discharge device also includes: The feeding assembly includes a feeding conveyor and a feeding clamp. The feeding conveyor is used to convey batteries, and the feeding clamp is used to clamp the batteries conveyed by the feeding conveyor and transfer them to the support located at the feeding station.

9. The battery needle penetration discharge device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The loading clamp includes: The gripper is used to grip the battery; The clamping drive unit is connected to the gripper, and the clamping drive unit can drive the gripper to move along the feeding direction. The feeding station and the battery conveyed by the conveyor are both within the movement range of the gripper.

10. A battery recycling system, characterized in that, The battery recycling system includes a battery needle discharge device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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