Cathode material kiln sintering system and method for lithium ion battery

Abstract

The application provides a positive electrode material kiln sintering system and method of a lithium ion battery. The positive electrode material kiln sintering system of the lithium ion battery comprises a kiln main body, a sagger, an external circulation conveying line, a sagger loading device, a lifting combination device and a sagger unloading separation device. The kiln main body is formed with a material feeding inlet and a material feeding outlet. The kiln main body is provided with a conveying mechanism. Both ends of the conveying mechanism extend to at least the material feeding inlet and the material feeding outlet. The sagger is formed with a loading groove. The external circulation conveying line is arranged at the top of the kiln main body. The external circulation conveying line is used for conveying the sagger movement. The external circulation conveying line is sequentially provided with a loading area and a vibration flattening and dividing area along the conveying direction. The sagger loading device is used for loading the material to be sintered into the loading groove in the loading area, realizing the positive electrode material kiln sintering process, circulating the sagger in the three-dimensional space, reducing the number of saggars, thereby reducing the use cost of the saggars, and making the sagger processing capacity of each section in the circulation process smaller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of sintering cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, and in particular to a furnace sintering system and method for cathode materials of lithium-ion batteries. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in 3C (computers, communications, and consumer electronics) products, power batteries, and energy storage due to their energy storage capabilities, rapid charging and discharging, long cycle life, and environmental friendliness. Cathode materials play a crucial role in the performance of lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate, and ternary cathode materials. The production process of cathode materials mainly employs a high-temperature solid-state process. In this process, sintering is the most critical step, using a crucible as a carrier for the mixture of cathode material precursor and lithium source.

[0003] For the design of furnaces for positive electrode materials of lithium-ion batteries, in order to effectively increase the energy utilization rate of the sintering process, the number of saggers is increased under the premise that the furnace space allows. This results in higher sagger usage costs and a larger sagger processing volume in each stage of the sagger circulation process, while also making the furnace sintering system occupy a larger area. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems of high cost of using saggers, large sagger processing volume in each stage of the sagger circulation process, and large floor space required by traditional kiln sintering systems, and to provide a kiln sintering system and method for positive electrode materials of lithium-ion batteries.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A furnace sintering system for positive electrode materials of lithium-ion batteries, comprising:

[0007] The kiln body has a material inlet and a material outlet. The kiln body is equipped with a conveying mechanism, and both ends of the conveying mechanism extend at least to the material inlet and the material outlet, respectively.

[0008] A sagger, having a filling groove;

[0009] An external circulation conveyor line is located at the top of the kiln body. The external circulation conveyor line is used to move the saggers. The external circulation conveyor line is provided with a loading area and a vibrating and leveling dividing area in sequence along the conveying direction.

[0010] A sintering device is located above the loading area, and the sintering device is used to load the material to be sintered into the loading tank in the loading area.

[0011] A lifting assembly is provided adjacent to the external circulation conveyor line. The lifting assembly is used to transport the saggers of the external circulation conveyor line to the conveying mechanism for stacking, forming a stacked sagger assembly. The conveying mechanism is used to transport the stacked sagger assembly from the material inlet to the kiln body for sintering, and to transport the sintered stacked sagger assembly from the kiln body to the material outlet.

[0012] An unloading and separating device is provided adjacent to the external circulation conveyor line. The unloading and separating device is used to unload the saggers of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism and transport them to the external circulation conveyor line.

[0013] In one embodiment, the material inlet and the material outlet are respectively formed at both ends of the kiln body, and both ends of the conveying mechanism extend to the material inlet and the material outlet, respectively.

[0014] In one embodiment, the conveying mechanism includes a plurality of kiln rollers spaced apart.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the kiln rollers has a limiting ring protrusion on its outer peripheral wall, and a limiting groove is formed at the bottom of the sagger. The limiting ring protrusion is located in the limiting groove and is rotatably connected to the sagger.

[0016] In one embodiment, the top of the kiln body is provided with a mounting frame, and the external circulation conveyor line includes a drive motor, a conveyor belt, a first roller and a second roller. The drive motor is located on the mounting frame, and the first roller and the second roller are rotatably connected to the mounting frame. The conveyor belt is respectively sleeved on the first roller and the second roller. The power output shaft of the drive motor is connected to one end of the first roller, and the conveyor belt is used to transport the sagger.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lifting assembly includes a first lifting and transporting mechanism and a gripping and releasing mechanism. The first lifting and transporting mechanism is respectively located adjacent to the external circulation conveyor line and the kiln body. The gripping and releasing mechanism is located at the power output end of the first lifting and transporting mechanism. The gripping and releasing mechanism is used to grip or release the saggers to transport the saggers of the external circulation conveyor line to the conveying mechanism for stacking.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first lifting and conveying mechanism includes a first lifting support frame group, a second lifting support frame group, and a first translation mechanism. The first lifting support frame group and the second lifting support frame group are arranged in parallel on both sides of the external circulation conveyor line. The first translation mechanism is respectively installed at the power output end of the first lifting support frame group and the power output end of the second lifting support frame group, so that the first lifting support frame group and the second lifting support frame group jointly drive the first translation mechanism to move up and down. The gripping and releasing mechanism is installed at the power output end of the first translation mechanism.

[0019] In one embodiment, the unloading and separating device includes a second lifting and conveying mechanism and a rotary clamping mechanism. The second lifting and conveying mechanism is respectively located adjacent to the external circulation conveying line and the kiln body. The rotary clamping mechanism is located at the power output end of the second lifting and conveying mechanism. The rotary clamping mechanism is used to clamp and rotate the saggers to unload the saggers of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism and transport them to the external circulation conveying line.

[0020] In one embodiment, the external circulation conveyor line is further provided with a vibrating and leveling dividing area, and the loading area and the vibrating and leveling dividing area are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the external circulation conveyor line;

[0021] The positive electrode material kiln sintering system also includes a vibratory leveling and cutting device, which is located above the vibratory leveling and cutting area. The vibratory leveling and cutting device is used to vibrate and level the material in the sagger and cut it into blocks.

[0022] A furnace sintering method for positive electrode materials of lithium-ion batteries, comprising sintering using the furnace sintering system for positive electrode materials of lithium-ion batteries described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the furnace sintering method for positive electrode materials includes:

[0023] The sintering device loads the material to be sintered into the filling slot of the sagger on the external circulation conveyor line in the charging area.

[0024] The loaded sagger is transported to the corresponding position of the vibrating and leveling cutting device via the external circulation conveyor line.

[0025] The lifting assembly is used to transport the saggers of the external circulation conveyor line to the conveying mechanism for stacking, so as to form a stacked sagger.

[0026] The conveying mechanism transports the stacked pot assembly from the material inlet to the kiln body for sintering, and then transports the sintered stacked pot assembly from the kiln body to the material outlet.

[0027] The saggers of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism are unloaded and transported to the external circulation conveying line by the unloading and separation device.

[0028] The saggers after separation and unloading are returned to the loading area via the external circulation conveyor line.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0030] 1. In the above-mentioned lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system, during operation, the saggers first move to the loading area along the external circulation conveyor line, and the sagger loading device loads the material to be sintered into the loading trough in the loading area; then the lifting combination device transports the saggers from the external circulation conveyor line to the conveying mechanism for stacking, forming a stacked sagger assembly; then the conveying mechanism transports the stacked sagger assembly from the material inlet to the kiln body for sintering, and then transports the sintered stacked sagger assembly from the kiln body to the material outlet; finally, the unloading and separation device unloads the saggers of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism and transports them to the external circulation conveyor line.

[0031] 2. Since the two ends of the conveying mechanism extend at least to the material inlet and the material outlet respectively, and the external circulation conveying line is located at the top of the kiln body, and the external circulation conveying line is equipped with a loading area, the external circulation conveying line conveys the saggers to the corresponding positions of the loading device and the lifting assembly. The lifting assembly moves the saggers of the external circulation conveying line to the conveying mechanism to be stacked to form a stacked sagger assembly. The unloading and separating device unloads the saggers of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism and moves them to the external circulation conveying line. In this way, the sintering process of the positive electrode material in the kiln is realized, and the saggers are circulated in the three-dimensional space. At the same time, the number of saggers is reduced, thereby reducing the cost of using saggers, and the amount of saggers processed in each section of the circulation process is small.

[0032] 3. In the above-mentioned furnace sintering system for the positive electrode material of lithium-ion batteries, the saggers circulate in the three-dimensional space due to the cyclic operation of the external circulation conveyor line, lifting combination device, conveying mechanism, and unloading and separation device, thereby reducing the floor space occupied by the furnace sintering system. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, 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 the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a furnace sintering system for the positive electrode material of a lithium-ion battery according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the positive electrode material sintering system in the furnace shown.

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the cathode material sintering system from another perspective;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the cathode material sintering system in a kiln, shown from another perspective.

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of the cathode material sintering system in a kiln, shown from another perspective.

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the sagger in the sintering system of the cathode material furnace shown.

[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of the positive electrode material sintering system in the furnace is shown.

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cutting device of the vibratory leveling and cutting device in the sintering system of the cathode material kiln shown.

[0042] Figure 9 for Figure 2 Another partial schematic diagram of the positive electrode material sintering system in the kiln shown;

[0043] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the lifting assembly device for the positive electrode material kiln sintering system shown.

[0044] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A partial schematic diagram of the unloading and separation device of the positive electrode material kiln sintering system. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0046] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0047] 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 invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a lithium-ion battery cathode material sintering system 10 according to one embodiment includes a furnace body 100, a sagger 200, an external circulation conveyor line 300, a sagger loading device 400, a vibrating and leveling cutting device 500, a lifting assembly device 600, and a sagger unloading and separation device 700. The furnace body 100 has a material inlet 102 and a material outlet 104, and the furnace body 100 is equipped with a conveying mechanism 110, with both ends of the conveying mechanism 110 extending at least to the material inlet 102 and the material outlet 104, respectively.

[0049] Furthermore, the sagger 200 has a filling groove 202 for filling with the material to be sintered. An external circulation conveyor line 300 is located at the top of the kiln body 100 and is used to move the sagger 200. The sagger 200 circulates sequentially through the external circulation conveyor line 300, the lifting assembly 600, the conveying mechanism 110, and the unloading and separation device 700.

[0050] Furthermore, the external circulation conveyor line 300 is sequentially provided with a loading area and a vibrating and leveling dividing area along the conveying direction; the loading device 400 is located above the loading area, and is used to load the material to be sintered into the loading trough 202 in the loading area; the vibrating and leveling cutting device 500 is located above the vibrating and leveling dividing area, and is used to vibrate and level the material in the sagger 200 and divide it into blocks, that is, the vibrating and leveling cutting device 500 vibrates and levels the material in the sagger 200 and divides the leveled material in the sagger 200 into multiple parallel blocks. The material block vibrating and leveling cutting device 500 vibrates and levels the material in the sagger 200, making the material evenly spread in the sagger 200. Since multiple parallel material blocks in the sagger 200 simultaneously form multiple positive electrode material blocks after sintering, compared with the traditional method of one positive electrode material block corresponding to one sagger 200, the number of saggers 200 is greatly reduced, the space for ineffective loading of material is greatly reduced, and the load-bearing capacity of the kiln body 100 is reduced; under the same sintering requirements of positive electrode material blocks, the energy consumption of the kiln body 100 is reduced.

[0051] Furthermore, the lifting assembly 600 is located adjacent to the external circulation conveyor line 300. The lifting assembly 600 is used to transport the saggers 200 from the external circulation conveyor line 300 to the conveying mechanism 110 for stacking, forming a stacked sagger assembly. The conveying mechanism 110 is used to convey the stacked sagger assembly from the material inlet 102 to the kiln body 100 for sintering, and to convey the sintered stacked sagger assembly from the kiln body 100 to the material outlet 104, so that the blocky material in the saggers 200 is sintered and formed, and the saggers 200 are transported by the conveying mechanism 110 in the form of a stacked sagger assembly, so that the kiln body 100 can sinter at least two or more saggers 200 at the same time, thereby improving the energy utilization rate of the kiln body 100. The unloading and separating device 700 is located adjacent to the external circulation conveyor line 300. The unloading and separating device 700 is used to unload the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 and transport them to the external circulation conveyor line 300. That is, the unloading and separating device 700 unloads the sintered material blocks in the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 and transports the unloaded empty saggers 200 to the external circulation conveyor line 300, so that the external circulation conveyor line 300 circulates the empty saggers 200 to the loading area for recycling. There is no need to add a storage station for the empty saggers 200 in the middle, and at the same time, the sintering process is continuously realized.

[0052] In the aforementioned lithium-ion battery cathode material sintering system 10, during operation, the sagger 200 first moves to the loading area along the external circulation conveyor line 300, and the loading device 400 loads the material to be sintered into the loading trough 202 in the loading area; then the sagger 200 moves to the vibrating and leveling dividing area along the external circulation conveyor line 300, and the vibrating and leveling cutting device 500 vibrates and levels the material in the sagger 200 and divides it into blocks; then the lifting and assembly device 600 transports the sagger 200 from the external circulation conveyor line 300 to the conveying mechanism 110 for stacking, forming a stacked sagger assembly; then the conveying... The conveying mechanism 110 transports the stacked kiln assembly from the material inlet 102 into the kiln body 100 for sintering, and then transports the sintered stacked kiln assembly from the kiln body 100 to the material outlet 104. Finally, the unloading and separating device 700 unloads the kiln sags 200 of the stacked kiln assembly from the conveying mechanism 110 and transports them to the external circulation conveyor line 300. Since the two ends of the conveying mechanism 110 extend at least to the material inlet 102 and the material outlet 104, and the external circulation conveyor line 300 is located at the top of the kiln body 100, the external circulation conveyor line 300... A loading area and a vibrating and leveling dividing area are sequentially arranged along the conveying direction, so that the external circulation conveyor line 300 conveys the saggers 200 to the corresponding positions of the vibrating and leveling cutting device 500 and the lifting assembly 600. The lifting assembly 600 transports the saggers 200 from the external circulation conveyor line 300 to the conveying mechanism 110 for stacking to form a stacked sagger assembly. The unloading and separating device 700 unloads the saggers 200 from the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 and transports them to the external circulation conveyor line 300. This realizes the sintering process of the positive electrode material in the kiln, while simultaneously ensuring that the saggers 200 are... The circulating flow within the three-dimensional space allows the saggers 200 to be transported and circulated in a closed loop within the three-dimensional space, thereby reducing the number of saggers 200 and thus reducing the cost of using saggers 200. It also reduces the amount of saggers 200 processed in each stage of the circulation process. In the above-mentioned lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system 10, since the saggers 200 circulate in the external circulation conveyor line 300, lifting combination device 600, conveying mechanism 110, and unloading and separation device 700, the saggers 200 circulate within the three-dimensional space, reducing the floor space occupied by the kiln sintering system 10.

[0053] It is understood that in other embodiments, the vibratory leveling and cutting device 500 may be omitted. The loading device 400 can uniformly load the material to be sintered into the loading trough 202 in the loading area, at least eliminating the need for vibratory leveling.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, it can be understood that the stacked bowl assembly has multiple saggers 200, that is, the number of saggers 200 in the stacked bowl assembly can be two, three, or four, etc. In this embodiment, the number of stacked bowl assemblies is three. Multiple saggers 200 are stacked to form the stacked bowl assembly.

[0055] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the material inlet 102 and the material outlet 104 are respectively formed at both ends of the kiln body 100. The two ends of the conveying mechanism 110 extend to the material inlet 102 and the material outlet 104 respectively. One end of the conveying mechanism 110 extends to the material inlet 102 so that the lifting assembly 600 can directly stack the saggers 200 on the conveying mechanism 110 at the material inlet 102 to form a stacked sagger assembly. In addition, the other end of the conveying mechanism 110 extends to the material outlet 104 so that the unloading and separating device 700 can directly unload the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly one by one on the conveying mechanism 110 at the material outlet 104 and transport them to the external circulation conveying line 300.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the conveying mechanism 110 includes a plurality of kiln rollers 112 spaced apart, so that the plurality of kiln rollers 112 are arranged side by side at intervals to transport the plurality of stacked pot assemblies at intervals, which is beneficial to sintering a batch of multiple stacked pot assemblies sequentially. With the cooperation of the external circulation conveying line 300, the lifting combination device 600 and the pot unloading separation device 700, the positive electrode material kiln sintering system 10 can achieve the requirements of cyclic batch sintering.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the conveying mechanism 110 further includes a drive source 114, a driving gear 116, and multiple driven gears 118. The drive source 114 is located on the kiln body 100, the driving gear 116 is located on the power output shaft of the drive source 114, and the multiple driven gears 118 are respectively sleeved on the corresponding kiln rollers 112. The multiple driven gears 118 mesh sequentially for transmission, and the driving gear 116 meshes with one of the driven gears 118 for transmission, so that the conveying mechanism 110 can drive the multiple kiln rollers 112 to rotate synchronously relative to the kiln body 100, thereby realizing the simultaneous rotation of the multiple kiln rollers 112. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the drive source 114, the driving gear 116, and the multiple driven gears 118 are all located on the periphery of the kiln body 100. The drive source 114 can be a drive motor or a drive cylinder, etc.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment, each kiln roller 112 has a limiting ring protrusion 112a protruding from its outer peripheral wall, and a limiting groove 204 is formed at the bottom of the sagger 200. The limiting ring protrusion 112a is located within the limiting groove 204 and is in rolling connection with the sagger 200, so that the limiting groove 204 of the sagger 200 of the stacked sagger assembly is limited by the limiting ring protrusion 112a, thereby restricting the running trajectory of the stacked sagger assembly within the kiln body 100 and preventing it from deviating and causing kiln blockage or even roller collapse. In this embodiment, the limiting ring protrusion 112a surrounds the outer peripheral wall of the kiln roller 112, so that the kiln roller 112 can limit the sagger 200 of the stacked sagger assembly when rotating relative to the kiln body 100. In one embodiment, the height of the limiting ring protrusion 112a is slightly less than the depth of the limiting groove 204 of the sagger 200, and the width of the limiting ring protrusion 112a is slightly less than the width of the limiting groove 204, so that the limiting groove 204 and the limiting ring protrusion 112a can fit together when the sagger 200 is running on the kiln roller 112, preventing the sagger 200 from tilting laterally or longitudinally during operation.

[0059] Furthermore, the kiln body 100 is equipped with a heat insulation layer, enabling the kiln body to serve a heat insulation function. For example... Figure 4 As shown, further, the inner wall of the kiln body 100 is provided with upper heating rods 103 and lower heating rods 105. The upper heating rods 103 and lower heating rods 105 are respectively located on both sides of the conveying mechanism 110. The upper heating rods 103 and lower heating rods 105 simultaneously heat and sinter the stacked kiln assembly, so as to better radiate heat evenly to the material in the upper and lower kilns 200. In this embodiment, there are multiple upper heating rods 103 and multiple lower heating rods 105, with multiple upper heating rods 103 arranged side by side and multiple lower heating rods 105 arranged side by side.

[0060] In one embodiment, the kiln body 100 is further provided with an air intake system and an exhaust system. The air intake system includes an intake fan and an intake pipe. The intake ports are located at the bottom and sides of the kiln body. The side intake ports are parallel to the saggers 200 to better ensure the sintering is sufficient and consistent. The exhaust system includes an exhaust fan and an exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe is located in the heating section and cooling section of the kiln body to discharge the waste gas and residual heat generated during the positive electrode material reaction sintering process.

[0061] Furthermore, the kiln body is equipped with partitioned zones to ensure relatively uniform temperature and atmosphere in different temperature zones, guaranteeing consistent sintering of the material. In this embodiment, the kiln body is equipped with multiple partitioned zones, dividing the kiln body along the conveying mechanism 110 into a heating section, a holding section, and a cooling section. Further, the heating rate in the heating section is 1℃ / min to 2℃ / min, heating to 800℃ to 850℃, and then to 900℃ to 950℃, to better sinter the material. In this embodiment, the temperature is first raised to 800℃ to 850℃, and then raised to 900℃ to 950℃. Further, the holding time is 11h to 13h; further, the heating time is 8h to 16h, to better sinter the material.

[0062] Furthermore, a residual material collection box (not shown) is provided below the conveying end of the external circulation conveyor line 300 to collect residual material that falls onto the external circulation conveyor line 300 from the outside of the sagger 200, making the kiln sintering system 10 cleaner.

[0063] It is understandable that during the conveying process of the stacked sagger assembly by the conveying mechanism 110, the stacking dwell time, sintering dwell time, and unloading dwell time need to be considered simultaneously. In order for the lifting combination device 600 to transport the saggers 200 of the external circulation conveying line 300 to the conveying mechanism 110 to stack and form a stacked sagger assembly, and to reliably sinter the material to be sintered in the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly, and to reliably unload and transfer the sintered blocks in the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly to the external circulation conveying line 300, the sintering dwell time is greater than or equal to the stacking dwell time, and the sintering dwell time is greater than or equal to the unloading dwell time. This allows the lifting combination device 600 to transport the saggers 200 of the external circulation conveying line 300 to the conveying mechanism 110 to stack and form a stacked sagger assembly, and to reliably sinter the material to be sintered in the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly, and to reliably unload and transfer the sintered blocks in the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly to the external circulation conveying line 300.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the top of the kiln body 100 is provided with a mounting frame (not shown). The external circulation conveyor line 300 includes a drive motor (not shown), a conveyor belt 320, a first roller 330 and a second roller 340. The drive motor is mounted on the mounting frame. The first roller and the second roller are rotatably connected to the mounting frame. The conveyor belt is respectively sleeved on the first roller and the second roller. The power output shaft of the drive motor is connected to one end of the first roller. The conveyor belt is used to transport the sagger 200 to move so that the sagger 200 is moved to the loading area and the vibrating and dividing area, etc.

[0065] It is understandable that the dwell time required in the charging area and the vibrating and leveling dividing area may vary. Furthermore, there are multiple external circulation conveyor lines 300, arranged side-by-side adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, there are four external circulation conveyor lines 300: a first external circulation conveyor line, a second external circulation conveyor line, a third external circulation conveyor line, and a fourth external circulation conveyor line. These four lines are all located at the top of the kiln body 100. The first external circulation conveyor line is located near the lifting assembly 600, the second external circulation conveyor line is located near the vibrating and leveling cutting device 500, the third external circulation conveyor line is located near the filling device 400, and the fourth external circulation conveyor line is located near the unloading and separating device 700. The loading area is located on the third outer circulation conveyor line, the leveling and dividing area is located on the second outer circulation conveyor line, the lifting combination device 600 is used to transport the saggars 200 of the first outer circulation conveyor line to the conveying mechanism 110 for stacking, and the unloading and separating device 700 is used to unload the saggars 200 of the stacked saggar assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 and transport them to the fourth outer circulation conveyor line.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system 10 further includes multiple sensors 800, which are configured one-to-one with multiple external circulation conveyor lines 300. Each sensor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the drive motor of the corresponding external circulation conveyor line 300. When the sensor corresponding to each external circulation conveyor line 300 senses the sagger 200, the external circulation conveyor line 300 stops operating for a period of time in order to reliably perform operations such as filling materials, vibrating and dividing, removing the sagger 200, and placing empty sagger 200. Specifically, when the first external circulation conveyor line stops, the lifting assembly 600 is used to move the saggers 200 of the first external circulation conveyor line to the conveying mechanism 110 for stacking, that is, the lifting assembly 600 is used to move the saggers 200 of the first external circulation conveyor line away; when the second external circulation conveyor line stops, the vibrating and cutting device 500 is used to vibrate and cut the material in the saggers 200 of the second external circulation conveyor line into blocks, that is, the vibrating and cutting device 500 vibrates and cuts the material in the saggers 200 and cuts the leveled material in the saggers 200; when the third external circulation conveyor line stops, the sintering device 400 loads the material to be sintered into the filling trough 202 in the loading area; when the fourth external circulation conveyor line stops, the unloading and separating device 700 unloads the sintered material blocks from the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 and moves the empty saggers 200 to the fourth external circulation conveyor line. The sensor can be a photoelectric sensor or other sensors.

[0067] Furthermore, the cathode material kiln sintering system 10 also includes multiple clamping and positioning devices, each corresponding to a different sensor and an external circulation conveyor line 300. When a sensor detects a sagger 200 on the external circulation conveyor line 300, the external circulation conveyor line 300 stops operating, and the corresponding clamping and positioning device clamps and positions the sagger 200 to facilitate operations such as filling materials, leveling and dividing, removing the sagger 200, and placing an empty sagger 200. In this embodiment, each clamping and positioning device includes two opposing clamping components, located on opposite sides of the external circulation conveyor line 300 of the conveying mechanism 110. In this embodiment, each clamping component includes a clamping cylinder and a clamping plate, with the clamping plate connected to the power shaft of the clamping cylinder.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the vibrating and cutting device 500 further includes a vibrating device 510 and a cutting device 520. The vibrating device 510 and the cutting device 520 are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the outer circulation conveyor line 300. The vibrating and dividing area on the outer circulation conveyor line 300 includes a vibrating area and a dividing area. The vibrating area is correspondingly arranged with the vibrating device 510, and the dividing area is correspondingly arranged with the cutting device 520. In this embodiment, the vibrating device 510 is used to vibrate and level the material in the sagger 200, and the cutting device 520 is used to divide the vibrated material in the sagger 200 into multiple parallel material blocks. In this embodiment, both the vibrating area and the dividing area are equipped with clamping and positioning devices to clamp and position the sagger 200 for vibrating or dividing operations.

[0069] like Figure 1 and Figure 7As shown, the leveling device 510 further includes a vibration mechanism 512 and a lifting mechanism 514. The vibration mechanism 512 is located above the external circulation conveyor line 300. The lifting mechanism 514 includes a lifting cylinder 5142 and a lifting assembly 5144. The lifting assembly is installed on the top of the kiln body 100 and at the power output end of the lifting cylinder. The lifting assembly supports and lifts the sagger 200, causing the sagger 200 to abut against the vibration motor for leveling. In this embodiment, the lifting assembly includes a lifting seat connected to the power shaft of the lifting cylinder. Two clamping assemblies are mounted opposite each other on the lifting seat. The two clamping assemblies are used to clamp the two sides of the sagger 200, so that the lifting assembly supports and lifts the sagger 200. Furthermore, the vibration mechanism 512 includes a fixed base 5122, a vibration motor 5124, and a vibration cover plate 5126. The fixed base is installed on the kiln body 100 via a fixing frame, the vibration motor is installed on the fixed base, and the vibration cover plate is located above the leveling zone. The vibration cover plate is used to abut against the sagger 200 when the lifting assembly supports and lifts the sagger 200 to a predetermined height, so as to perform a leveling operation on the sagger 200. Furthermore, the abutting surface of the vibration cover plate 5126 is provided with a sealing protrusion 5127. The sealing protrusion elastically abuts against the filling groove 202 opening of the sagger 200, and plays a sealing role during vibration to prevent dust leakage during the leveling process.

[0070] like Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the cutting device 520 further includes a cutting drive cylinder 522 and a cutter holder 524. The cutting drive cylinder 522 is located above the kiln body 100, and the cutter holder 524 is mounted on the power shaft of the cutting drive cylinder 522. The cutting drive cylinder 522 drives the cutter holder 524 to move up and down to cut the material leveled in the sagger 200. In this embodiment, the cutter holder 524 includes a cutter fixing plate 5242 and a plurality of cutters 5244. The cutter fixing plate 5242 is mounted on the power shaft of the cutting drive cylinder 522, and the plurality of cutters 5244 are spaced apart on the cutter fixing plate 5242. The cutting drive cylinder 522 drives the cutter holder 524 to move up and down to cut the material leveled in the sagger 200.

[0071] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in one embodiment, the lifting assembly 600 includes a first lifting and transporting mechanism 610 and a gripping and releasing mechanism 620. The first lifting and transporting mechanism 610 is respectively located near the external circulation conveying line 300 and the kiln body 100. The gripping and releasing mechanism is located at the power output end of the first lifting and transporting mechanism 610. The gripping and releasing mechanism 620 is used to grip or release the saggers 200 to transport the saggers 200 of the external circulation conveying line 300 to the conveying mechanism 110 for stacking.

[0072] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in one embodiment, the first lifting and conveying mechanism 610 includes a first lifting support frame group 612, a second lifting support frame group 614, and a first translation mechanism 616. The first lifting support frame group 612 and the second lifting support frame group 614 are arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the external circulation conveyor line 300. The first translation mechanism 616 is installed at the power output end of the first lifting support frame group 612 and the power output end of the second lifting support frame group 614, so that the first lifting support frame group 612 and the second lifting support frame group 614 jointly drive the first translation mechanism 616 to move up and down. The gripping and releasing mechanism 620 is installed at the power output end of the first translation mechanism 616, so that the first translation mechanism 616 drives the gripping and releasing mechanism 620 to move horizontally. In addition, the first lifting support frame group 612 and the second lifting support frame group 614 jointly drive the first translation mechanism 616 to move up and down, thereby enabling the gripping and releasing mechanism 620 to better transport the caskets 200 of the external circulation conveyor line 300 to the conveyor mechanism 110 for stacking.

[0073] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, further, the first lifting support frame assembly 612 includes a first support frame 6122, a first lifting motor 6124, and a first slide 6126. There are two first support frames 6122 and two first lifting motors 6124. The two first support frames 6122 are arranged in parallel, and the two first lifting motors 6124 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the two first support frames 6122. The first slide 6126 is slidably connected to the two first support frames 6122 respectively. The two first lifting motors 6124 simultaneously drive the first slide 6126 to rise and slide relative to the two first support frames 6122 respectively. Furthermore, the second lifting support frame assembly 6... 14 includes a second support frame 6142, a second lifting motor 6144, and a second slide 6146. There are two second support frames 6142 and two second lifting motors 6144. The two second support frames 6142 are arranged in parallel. The two second lifting motors 6144 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the two second support frames 6142. The second slide 6146 is slidably connected to the two second support frames 6142 respectively. The two second lifting motors 6144 simultaneously drive the second slide 6146 to move up and down relative to the two second support frames 6142 respectively. The first translation mechanism 616 is installed on the first slide 6126 and the second slide 6146 respectively.

[0074] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, further, the first translation mechanism 616 includes a first translation drive motor 6162, a second translation drive motor 6164, and a translation plate 6166. The first translation drive motor 6162 is mounted on the first slide 6126, the second translation drive motor 6164 is mounted on the second slide 6146, and the translation plate 6166 is respectively mounted on the power output seats of the first translation drive motor 6162 and the second translation drive motor 6164. The gripping and releasing mechanism 620 is mounted on the translation plate 6166, causing the first translation mechanism 616 to drive the gripping and releasing mechanism 620 to translate. In this embodiment, there are multiple gripping and releasing mechanisms 620, which are spaced apart along the length of the translation plate 6166, so that multiple gripping and releasing mechanisms 620 can jointly perform gripping or releasing operations on the saucer 200, thereby making the saucer 200 more stable when moving with the gripping and releasing mechanism 620.

[0075] like Figure 10 As shown, each gripping and releasing mechanism 620 further includes a clamping cylinder 622 and two grippers 624. The two grippers 624 are respectively disposed on the two power output ends of the clamping cylinder 622. The clamping cylinder 622 drives the two grippers 624 to move closer or further away simultaneously to realize the gripping or releasing operation of the sacrificial vessel 200. Furthermore, each gripper 624 includes a gripper seat 6242 and a bent claw portion 6244. The gripper seat 6242 is fixedly connected to the power output end of the clamping cylinder 622, and the bent claw portion 6244 is connected to the end of the gripper seat 6242. The bent claw portion 6244 is bent, and the two bent claw portions 6244 are bent in a direction that moves closer to each other, so that the two grippers 624 of each gripping and releasing mechanism 620 can better grip or release the sacrificial vessel 200.

[0076] like Figure 10 and Figure 6 As shown, further, each curved claw portion 6244 is L-shaped, allowing each curved claw portion 6244 to move better from the side wall of the sagger 200, thereby enabling the two curved claw portions 6244 to better grip the sagger 200. Further, two clamping and fixing grooves 206 are provided at the bottom of the sagger 200, allowing the two curved claw portions 6244 to grip the sagger 200 through their respective clamping and fixing grooves, thus improving the gripping effect. Further, the two clamping and fixing grooves are interconnected to facilitate the machining of each groove and reduce the weight of the sagger 200. In this embodiment, the two clamping and fixing grooves are interconnected to form multiple clamping through grooves. When gripping the sagger 200, the multiple gripping and releasing mechanisms 620 are clamped one-to-one within the clamping through grooves.

[0077] like Figure 9 and Figure 11As shown, in one embodiment, the unloading and separating device 700 includes a second lifting and conveying mechanism 710 and a rotary clamping mechanism 720. The second lifting and conveying mechanism 710 is respectively located near the external circulation conveying line 300 and the kiln body 100. The rotary clamping mechanism 720 is located at the power output end of the second lifting and conveying mechanism 710. The rotary clamping mechanism 720 is used to clamp and rotate the sagger 200 so as to unload the sagger 200 of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 and transport them to the external circulation conveying line 300. In this embodiment, when unloading the sagger 200 of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110, the rotary clamping mechanism 720 clamps the sagger 200, and the second lifting and conveying mechanism 710 drives the rotary clamping mechanism 720 to move above the unloading area. The rotary clamping mechanism 720 clamps and rotates the sagger 200 clockwise to 180 degrees, so that the sintered blocks in the sagger 200 are unloaded into the unloading area. When transporting the sagger 200 of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 to the outer circulation conveying line 300, the rotary clamping mechanism 720 clamps and rotates the sagger 200 counterclockwise to 180 degrees, and the second lifting and conveying mechanism 710 drives the rotary clamping mechanism 720 to move onto the outer circulation conveying line 300.

[0078] like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the second lifting and conveying mechanism 710 further includes two third lifting support frame assemblies 712 and a second translation mechanism 714. The two third lifting support frame assemblies 712 are arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the external circulation conveyor line 300. The second translation mechanism 714 is respectively installed on the power output end of the two third lifting support frame assemblies 712, so that the two third lifting support frame assemblies 712 jointly drive the corresponding mounting plate 7265 to move up and down. There are two rotary clamping mechanisms 720. The two rotary clamping mechanisms 720 are respectively installed and fixed on the power output end of the second translation mechanism 714, so that the second translation mechanism 714 simultaneously drives the two rotary clamping mechanisms 720 to move. The two rotary clamping mechanisms 720 jointly clamp and rotate the crock 200.

[0079] like Figure 9 and Figure 11As shown, further, the second translation mechanism 714 includes two translation cylinder assemblies, which are respectively mounted on the power output ends of the two third lifting support frame assemblies 712. Two rotary clamping mechanisms 720 are respectively mounted and fixed on the power output seats of the corresponding translation cylinder assemblies. In this embodiment, each rotary clamping mechanism 720 includes a fixing plate 722, a rotary cylinder 724, and a clamping assembly 726. The fixing plate 722 of each rotary clamping mechanism 720 is mounted on the power output seat of the corresponding translation cylinder assembly, the rotary cylinder 724 is mounted on the fixing plate 722, and the clamping assembly 726 is mounted on the rotational power shaft of the rotary cylinder 724. The clamping power directions of the clamping assemblies 726 of the two rotary clamping mechanisms 720 are opposite, so that the two rotary clamping mechanisms 720 jointly clamp the crucible 200 and rotate it synchronously. Furthermore, each rotary clamping mechanism 720's clamping assembly 726 includes a push cylinder 7262, an insert plate 7264, and a lifting clamping member 7266. The power output directions of the clamping assemblies 726 of the two rotary clamping mechanisms 720 are opposite. The insert plate 7264 is mounted on the power shaft of the push cylinder 7262, and the lifting clamping member 7266 is mounted on the insert plate 7264. The clamping part of the lifting clamping member 7266 moves toward or away from the insert plate 7264, so that the clamping part acts on the top of the crucible 200 in the vertical direction to press the crucible 200 onto the insert plate 7264, so that the clamping assemblies 726 of the two rotary clamping mechanisms 720 can better clamp the crucible 200 and perform rotational operation.

[0080] like Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, further, the insert plate 7264 includes a mounting plate 7265 and a supporting extension plate 7267 connected together. The mounting plate 7265 is mounted on the power shaft of the push cylinder 7262, the lifting clamping member 7266 is mounted on the mounting plate 7265, and the supporting extension plate 7267 is connected to the end of the mounting plate 7265 away from the clamping part. When the rotating clamping mechanism 720 clamps the crucible 200, the push cylinder 7262 drives the mounting plate 7265 to move, so that the mounting plate 7265 drives the supporting extension plate 7267 to insert into the bottom of the crucible 200. The clamping part of the lifting clamping member 7266 acts on the top of the crucible 200 to press the crucible 200 onto the insert plate 7264. In this embodiment, the mounting plate 7265 and the supporting extension plate 7267 are integrally formed, which simplifies the structure of the insert plate 7264 and ensures a firm connection between the mounting plate 7265 and the supporting extension plate 7267. See also Figure 6Furthermore, slots 208 are respectively provided on the bottom of both sides of the crucible 200, and the support extension plate 7267 is inserted into the slots, so that the support extension plate 7267 can be better inserted into the bottom of the crucible 200. Furthermore, the lifting clamping component 7266 includes a lifting clamping cylinder 7267 and a pressing part 7269. The lifting clamping cylinder 622 is mounted on the mounting plate 7265, and the pressing part is fixedly connected to the power shaft of the lifting clamping cylinder 622, causing the pressing part to move towards or away from the insert plate component 7264. Specifically, the pressing part is a pressing column structure.

[0081] like Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, a photoelectric through-beam sensor assembly 1042 is further provided at the material outlet 104. The photoelectric through-beam sensor assembly is communicatively connected to the control terminal of the unloading and separation device 700. When the stacked container assembly is transported by the conveying mechanism 110 to the position corresponding to the photoelectric through-beam sensor assembly, the photoelectric through-beam sensor assembly generates a sensing signal, and the unloading and separation device 700 starts to operate, so as to unload the sintered material blocks in the saggers 200 of the stacked container assembly on the conveying mechanism 110, and transport the unloaded empty saggers 200 to the external circulation conveyor line 300, so as to achieve rapid and accurate unloading and circulation of the saggers 200. In this embodiment, the photoelectric through-beam sensor assembly includes at least one set of photoelectric through-beam sensors. It can be understood that the number of photoelectric through-beam sensors can be one or more sets. The specific number can be selected according to the number of saggers 200 or the number of layers of the stacked container assembly, so that the unloading and separation device 700 can unload the saggers 200 of the stacked container assembly one by one and transport them to the external circulation conveyor line 300.

[0082] This application also provides a furnace sintering method for positive electrode materials of lithium-ion batteries, wherein the sintering is performed using the furnace sintering system 10 for positive electrode materials of lithium-ion batteries according to any of the above embodiments. The furnace sintering method for positive electrode materials includes some or all of the following steps:

[0083] S101, the material to be sintered is loaded into the filling groove 202 of the sagger 200 on the external circulation conveyor line 300 by the sagger device 400 in the charging area.

[0084] S103, the loaded sagger 200 is conveyed to the corresponding position of the vibrating and leveling block cutting device 500 through the external circulation conveyor line 300;

[0085] S105, the material in the sagger 200 is leveled and divided into blocks by the vibrating and cutting device 500;

[0086] S107, the saggers 200 of the external circulation conveyor line 300 are transported to the conveyor mechanism 110 and stacked by the lifting combination device 600 to form a combined stack of saggers;

[0087] S109, the stacked pot assembly is conveyed from the material inlet 102 to the kiln body 100 for sintering through the conveying mechanism 110, and the sintered stacked pot assembly is conveyed from the kiln body 100 to the material outlet 104.

[0088] S111, the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 are unloaded and transported to the external circulation conveying line 300 by the unloading and separation device 700.

[0089] S113, the separated unloading sagger 200 is transferred back to the loading area via the external circulation conveyor line 300.

[0090] The above-described furnace sintering method for positive electrode materials of lithium-ion batteries uses a furnace sintering system 10 for sintering. During operation, the sagger 200 first moves to the loading area along the external circulation conveyor line 300, and the loading device 400 loads the material to be sintered into the loading trough 202 in the loading area; then the sagger 200 moves to the vibrating and leveling dividing area along the external circulation conveyor line 300, and the vibrating and leveling cutting device 500 vibrates and levels the material in the sagger 200 and divides it into blocks; then the lifting combination device 600 transports the sagger 200 from the external circulation conveyor line 300 to the conveyor. Stacking is carried out on the structure 110 to form a stacked sagger assembly; then the conveying mechanism 110 conveys the stacked sagger assembly from the material inlet 102 to the kiln body 100 for sintering, and then conveys the sintered stacked sagger assembly from the kiln body 100 to the material outlet 104; finally, the unloading and separating device 700 unloads the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 and transports them to the external circulation conveying line 300; since the two ends of the conveying mechanism 110 extend at least to the material inlet 102 and the material outlet 104 respectively, the external circulation conveying line 300 is located on the top of the kiln body 100. In addition, the external circulation conveyor line 300 is sequentially equipped with a loading area and a vibrating and leveling dividing area along the conveying direction. The external circulation conveyor line 300 transports the saggers 200 to the corresponding positions of the vibrating and leveling cutting device 500 and the lifting assembly 600. The lifting assembly 600 transports the saggers 200 from the external circulation conveyor line 300 onto the conveying mechanism 110 for stacking to form a stacked sagger assembly. The unloading and separating device 700 unloads the saggers 200 from the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 and transports them onto the external circulation conveyor line 300. This achieves the sintering process of the cathode material in the kiln, while simultaneously enabling... The sagger 200 circulates in the three-dimensional space, which is a closed-loop conveying and circulation of the sagger 200 in the three-dimensional space. At the same time, it reduces the number of saggers 200, thereby reducing the cost of using saggers 200, and making the processing volume of saggers 200 in each section of the circulation process smaller. In the above-mentioned lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system 10, since the sagger 200 circulates in the external circulation conveyor line 300, lifting combination device 600, conveying mechanism 110 and sagger unloading and separation device 700, the sagger 200 circulates in the three-dimensional space, which reduces the floor space of the kiln sintering system 10.

[0091] In one embodiment, the step of leveling and dividing the material in the sagger 200 into blocks by the leveling and cutting device 500 includes: firstly, leveling the material in the sagger 200 so that the material is evenly spread in the sagger 200; and secondly, dividing the material in the sagger 200 into blocks after the leveling operation.

[0092] To better understand the furnace sintering method for positive electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries, the following is a detailed introduction to the furnace sintering method for positive electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries:

[0093] Example 1:

[0094] First, the material is loaded into the sagger. The unsintered positive electrode material is loaded into the long slot sagger 200 (330mmL*2000mmW*100mmH). The loading amount is 108% of 6 rows of conventional sagger 200 (330mmL*330mmW*100mmH) (with the same kiln space). After loading, the material layer thickness is the same as that of conventional sagger 200.

[0095] Secondly, the material is vibrated and cut into blocks to homogenize and flatten the material in the sagger 200, and divide it into blocks to ensure the uniformity and fullness of the sintering of the material.

[0096] Secondly, the upper and lower layer saggers 200 are combined and stacked. The saggers 200 that have been vibrated and cut into pieces are stacked by a lifting device.

[0097] Secondly, the sagger 200 is sintered in the furnace. The groove at the bottom of the sagger 200 is fitted with the limiting ring of the roller bar 112 of the roller kiln. The temperature of the sintering and holding zone is 700-1000℃ (depending on the sintering process of different cathode materials), and the sintering time is 20-36h (including heating time, holding time and cooling time, depending on the sintering process of different cathode materials). In this embodiment, the heating rate is 1-2℃ / min, the temperature is raised to 800-850℃, and then raised to 900-950℃, and held for 11-13h.

[0098] Secondly, after the sagger 200 is removed from the furnace, it is separated into upper and lower saggers by the unloading and separation device 700. The separated sagger 200 is then lifted to the unloading station for unloading.

[0099] Finally, the empty casket 200 after unloading is circulated on the outer circulation line. The photoelectric sensors at both ends of the belt conveyor group and the casket 200 clamping and positioning device are used for starting and stopping the belt conveyor and positioning the casket 200.

[0100] Example 2:

[0101] First, the material is loaded into the crucible. The unsintered positive electrode material is loaded into the long groove crucible 200 (660mmL*2000mmW*100mmH). The loading amount is 113% of the amount of 6 rows of conventional crucible 200 (330mmL*330mmW*100mmH) (X is the loading amount of 6 rows of conventional crucible 200). After loading, the material layer thickness is consistent with that of conventional crucible 200.

[0102] Secondly, the material is vibrated and cut into blocks to homogenize and flatten the material in the sagger 200, and divide it into blocks to ensure the uniformity and fullness of the sintering of the material.

[0103] Secondly, the upper and lower layer saggers 200 are combined and stacked. The saggers 200 that have been vibrated and cut into pieces are stacked by a lifting device.

[0104] Secondly, the sagger 200 is sintered in the furnace. The groove at the bottom of the sagger 200 is fitted with the limiting ring of the roller bar 112 of the roller kiln. The temperature of the sintering and holding zone is 700-1000℃ (depending on the sintering process of different cathode materials), and the sintering time is 20-36h (including heating time, holding time and cooling time, depending on the sintering process of different cathode materials). In this embodiment, the heating rate is 1-2℃ / min, the temperature is raised to 800-850℃, and then raised to 900-950℃, and held for 11-13h.

[0105] Secondly, after the sagger 200 is removed from the furnace, it is separated into upper and lower saggers by the unloading and separation device 700. The separated sagger 200 is then lifted to the unloading station for unloading.

[0106] Secondly, after unloading, the empty casket 200 circulates on the outer circulation line. The photoelectric sensors at both ends of the belt conveyor group and the casket 200 clamping and positioning device are used for starting and stopping the belt conveyor and positioning the casket 200.

[0107] The following charts compare the implementation details of Examples 1, 2, and the comparative examples before and after implementation:

[0108]

[0109] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0110] 1. In the above-mentioned lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system 10, during operation, firstly, the sagger 200 moves to the loading area along the external circulation conveyor line 300, and the sagger loading device 400 loads the material to be sintered into the loading trough 202 in the loading area; then, the sagger 200 moves to the vibrating and leveling dividing area along the external circulation conveyor line 300, and the vibrating and leveling cutting device 500 vibrates and levels the material in the sagger 200 and divides it into blocks; then, the lifting and combining device 600 transports the sagger 200 from the external circulation conveyor line 300 to the conveying mechanism 110 for stacking, forming a stacked sagger assembly; then, the conveying mechanism 110 transports the stacked sagger assembly from the material inlet 102 to the kiln body 100 for sintering, and transports the sintered stacked sagger assembly from the kiln body 100 to the material outlet 104; finally, the unloading and separating device 700 unloads the sagger 200 of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 and transports it to the external circulation conveyor line 300;

[0111] 2. Since the two ends of the conveying mechanism 110 extend at least to the material inlet 102 and the material outlet 104 respectively, the external circulation conveying line 300 is located on the top of the kiln body 100. In addition, the external circulation conveying line 300 is provided with a loading area and a vibrating and leveling dividing area along the conveying direction. The external circulation conveying line 300 conveys the saggers 200 to the corresponding positions of the vibrating and leveling cutting device 500 and the lifting combination device 600. The lifting combination device 600 transports the saggers 200 of the external circulation conveying line 300 to the conveying mechanism 110 for stacking to form a stacked sagger assembly. The unloading and separating device 700 unloads the saggers 200 of the stacked sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism 110 and transports them to the external circulation conveying line 300. In this way, the sintering process of the positive electrode material in the kiln is realized, and the saggers 200 are circulated in the three-dimensional space. At the same time, the number of saggers 200 is reduced, thereby reducing the cost of using saggers 200 and making the processing volume of saggers 200 in each section of the circulation process smaller.

[0112] 3. In the above-mentioned lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system 10, the sagger 200 circulates in the three-dimensional space due to the cyclic operation of the external circulation conveyor line 300, lifting combination device 600, conveying mechanism 110, and unloading and separation device 700, thereby reducing the floor space occupied by the kiln sintering system 10.

[0113] 4. The above-mentioned lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system 10 improves the utilization rate of the kiln sintering space. Compared with the traditional multi-row saggers 200, the production capacity is increased, and the weight of the saggers 200 is reduced under the same production capacity conditions. The cost of the saggers 200 themselves is reduced, the load-bearing capacity of the kiln is reduced, and the energy absorption of the saggers 200 body is reduced.

[0114] 5. The lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system 10 mentioned above has a lower number of saggers 200, and the frequency of processing saggers 200 in each process is reduced, increasing the feasibility of increasing kiln speed and production.

[0115] 6. The use of the roller limiting ring protrusion 112a and the bottom groove of the sagger 200 in the above-mentioned lithium-ion battery positive electrode material kiln sintering system 10 reduces the abnormal tilting of the sagger 200 during transport.

[0116] 7. The external circulation conveyor line 300 of the above-mentioned lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system 10 is set above the roller kiln body to reduce the floor space occupied by the sintering area.

[0117] 8. In the above-mentioned lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system 10, the external circulation conveyor line 300 is a belt conveyor group, that is, the external circulation conveyor line 300 is a static conveyor. Compared with the traditional double-speed chain dynamic conveyor, the friction and vibration between the sagger 200 and the conveyor line body are reduced, reducing the stress damage abnormality of the sagger 200 during the conveying process, increasing the number of times the sagger 200 can be recycled to a certain extent, and reducing the risk of metal foreign objects introduced by friction.

[0118] 9. In the above-mentioned lithium-ion battery positive electrode material kiln sintering system 10, the lifting combination device 600 and the unloading and separation device 700 are combined. The sagger 200 completes the combination and separation during the lifting process, without the need for separate equipment or devices, which reduces the design cost of the entire production line.

[0119] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A positive electrode material kiln sintering system of a lithium ion battery, characterized by, The application relates to a sintering furnace, which comprises the following parts: a furnace main body, which is provided with a material feeding inlet and a material feeding outlet, and is provided with a conveying mechanism, the two ends of the conveying mechanism extending to the material feeding inlet and the material feeding outlet respectively; a sagger, which is provided with a filling groove; an outer circulating conveying line, which is arranged on the top of the furnace main body, is used for conveying sagger movement, and is provided with a sagger loading area; a sagger loading device, which is arranged above the sagger loading area, is used for loading materials to be sintered into the filling groove in the sagger loading area; a lifting combination device, which is arranged adjacent to the outer circulating conveying line, is used for carrying the sagger of the outer circulating conveying line to the conveying mechanism to form a sagger stack, the conveying mechanism is used for conveying the sagger stack from the material feeding inlet into the furnace main body for sintering, and conveying the sintered sagger stack from the furnace main body to the material feeding outlet; a sagger unloading and separating device, which is arranged adjacent to the outer circulating conveying line, is used for unloading and carrying the sagger of the sagger stack on the conveying mechanism to the outer circulating conveying line respectively; wherein the sagger unloading and separating device comprises a second lifting and carrying mechanism and a rotating clamping mechanism, the second lifting and carrying mechanism is arranged adjacent to the outer circulating conveying line and the furnace main body respectively, the rotating clamping mechanism is arranged on the power output end of the second lifting and carrying mechanism, and is used for clamping and rotating the sagger to unload and carry the sagger of the sagger stack on the conveying mechanism to the outer circulating conveying line; each rotating clamping mechanism comprises a fixed plate, a rotating cylinder and a clamping assembly, the fixed plate of each rotating clamping mechanism is mounted on the power output seat of the corresponding translational cylinder assembly, the rotating cylinder is mounted on the fixed plate, the clamping assembly is mounted on the rotating power shaft of the rotating cylinder, and the clamping power directions of the clamping assemblies of the two rotating clamping mechanisms are opposite; the clamping assembly of each rotating clamping mechanism comprises a pushing cylinder, a plug plate and a lifting clamping piece, the power output directions of the clamping assemblies of the two rotating clamping mechanisms are opposite, the plug plate is mounted on the power shaft of the pushing cylinder, the lifting clamping piece is mounted on the plug plate, and the clamping part of the lifting clamping piece moves towards or away from the plug plate; the plug plate comprises a mounting plate and a support extension plate which are connected, the mounting plate is mounted on the power shaft of the pushing cylinder, the lifting clamping piece is mounted on the mounting plate, and the support extension plate is connected to one end of the mounting plate away from the clamping part; the bottoms of the two sides of the sagger are respectively provided with a plug groove, and the support extension plate is inserted into the plug groove.

2. The lithium ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system of claim 1, wherein, The material feeding inlet and the material feeding outlet are respectively formed in the two ends of the furnace main body, and the two ends of the conveying mechanism extend to the material feeding inlet and the material feeding outlet respectively.

3. The lithium ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system of claim 1, wherein, The conveying mechanism comprises a plurality of interval arranged kiln roller bars.

4. The lithium ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system of claim 3, wherein, The outer peripheral wall of each kiln roller bar is provided with a limiting ring protrusion, the bottom of the sagger is provided with a limiting groove, and the limiting ring protrusion is located in the limiting groove and is in rolling connection with the sagger.

5. The lithium ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system of claim 1, wherein, The top of the kiln body is provided with a mounting frame, the outer circulating conveying line comprises a driving motor, a conveying belt, a first roller and a second roller, the driving motor is arranged on the mounting frame, the first roller and the second roller are both rotationally connected to the mounting frame, the conveying belt is sleeved on the first roller and the second roller respectively, the power output shaft of the driving motor is connected with one end of the first roller, and the conveying belt is used for conveying the sagger.

6. The lithium ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system of claim 1, wherein, The lifting combination device comprises a first lifting carrying mechanism and a grabbing and releasing mechanism, the first lifting carrying mechanism is arranged adjacent to the outer circulating conveying line and the kiln body respectively, the grabbing and releasing mechanism is arranged on the power output end of the first lifting carrying mechanism, and the grabbing and releasing mechanism is used for grabbing or releasing the sagger, so as to carry the sagger of the outer circulating conveying line to the conveying mechanism for stacking.

7. The lithium-ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system of claim 6, wherein, The first lifting carrying mechanism comprises a first lifting support frame group, a second lifting support frame group and a first translation mechanism, the first lifting support frame group and the second lifting support frame group are arranged in parallel on both sides of the outer circulating conveying line, the first translation mechanism is respectively installed on the power output end of the first lifting support frame group and the power output end of the second lifting support frame group, so that the first lifting support frame group and the second lifting support frame group jointly drive the first translation mechanism to move up and down; and the grabbing and releasing mechanism is installed on the power output end of the first translation mechanism.

8. The lithium ion battery cathode material kiln sintering system of claim 1, wherein, The outer circulating conveying line is also provided with a vibration flattening and dividing area, and the charging area and the vibration flattening and dividing area are sequentially arranged along the conveying direction of the outer circulating conveying line. The positive electrode material kiln sintering system also comprises a vibration flattening and block cutting device arranged above the vibration flattening and dividing area, and the vibration flattening and block cutting device is used for flattening and dividing the material in the sagger into blocks.

9. A method for sintering a positive electrode material of a lithium ion battery in a kiln, characterized by, The positive electrode material kiln sintering system of the lithium ion battery of claim 8 is used for sintering, and the positive electrode material kiln sintering method comprises the following steps: The sagger filling groove in the sagger on the outer circulating conveying line is filled with the material to be sintered through the sagger loading device in the charging area; The sagger after charging is conveyed to the position corresponding to the vibration flattening and block cutting device through the outer circulating conveying line; The sagger of the outer circulating conveying line is carried to the conveying mechanism for stacking through the lifting combination device, so as to form a combined sagger assembly; The sagger assembly is conveyed from the material inlet into the kiln body through the conveying mechanism for sintering, and the sagger assembly after sintering is conveyed from the kiln body to the material outlet; The sagger of the sagger assembly on the conveying mechanism is unloaded and carried to the outer circulating conveying line through the sagger unloading and separating device; The sagger after separating and unloading is circulated back to the charging area through the outer circulating conveying line.

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