Intelligent filling system and method for lithium battery electrolyte

Abstract

The present invention discloses an intelligent filling method and system for a lithium battery electrolyte. The method first places the electrolyte ton barrel at the filling station and connects it to its liquid path and gas path, and determines the docking tightness at the connection port through gas pressure stability detection to avoid safety problems caused by electrolyte leakage during filling. In addition, the method and system of the present invention also allow switching between different electrolytes and realizing connection correctness detection, which can reduce production costs and avoid human operation errors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lithium battery production equipment, and particularly relates to an intelligent filling system and method for lithium battery electrolyte. Background Art

[0002] As an important component of lithium-ion batteries, electrolyte lithium salts are usually stored in special-structured 1000L ton barrels. Since the electrolyte will produce pungent odors when exposed to air or water, it will affect human health. Moreover, during manual filling, it is also easily affected by the quality of personnel and filling methods, and there are phenomena such as inconsistent barrel weight and pressure after filling, seriously affecting the filling effect. In addition, traditional filling methods also have defects such as high labor intensity of workers, time-consuming and laborious, and high production costs.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to develop an intelligent filling system that can replace manual filling. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above problems and provide a safer intelligent filling system and method for lithium battery electrolyte.

[0005] As the first aspect of the present invention, an intelligent filling method for lithium battery electrolyte is provided, which includes:

[0006] Step 1: Connect the infusion connection pipeline to the filling connection port of the electrolyte ton barrel, and connect the gas transmission connection pipeline to the gas pipeline connection port of the electrolyte ton barrel to achieve the docking of the electrolyte ton barrel with the filling pipeline and the gas pipeline. The pressure sensor is directly or indirectly connected to the gas transmission connection pipeline.

[0007] Step 2: The plug-and-play detection component detects whether the infusion connection pipeline docked with the electrolyte ton barrel in the previous step is the specified pipeline; if it is detected that the currently connected pipeline is the specified pipeline, proceed to the next step; if it is detected that the pipeline connection is incorrect, stop filling and / or emit an audible and visual alarm signal.

[0008] Step 3: The control device turns on the gas transmission connection pipeline to fill the electrolyte ton barrel and the gas pipeline with working gas. After the air pressure is stable, delay for a predetermined time and detect the air pressure through the pressure sensor; if the detected air pressure is stable and does not drop, it indicates that the docking seal of the electrolyte ton barrel is effective and filling operation is allowed; if the detected air pressure is unstable, it means that the docking of the electrolyte ton barrel is not tight, and the control device (205) stops filling or emits an audible and visual alarm.

[0009] Step 4: The control device opens the infusion connection pipeline to perform the filling operation, fills the electrolyte into the electrolyte ton barrel, and stops until the predetermined weight or volume is reached or stops after delaying for a predetermined time to complete the filling operation.

[0010] According to the above intelligent filling method of lithium battery electrolyte, in the step S2, the positioning detection module of the plugging detection component performs positioning detection on whether the quick connector is placed in its installation cavity. If it is detected that the quick connector of the infusion connection pipeline to be filled after docking is still in the installation cavity, it indicates a docking error, and the control device stops filling or issues an audible and visual alarm.

[0011] According to the above intelligent filling method of lithium battery electrolyte, it further includes step S31: secondary weighing, which is performed after S3. To ensure the filling weight, the weighing mechanism performs secondary weighing. After comparing the weight change after the connector is docked with the weight of the empty barrel, the system automatically records the start of filling after removing the tare weight; when the filling weight reaches 99%, the filling stops; the infusion connection pipeline is switched to the purging mode to purge the remaining residue in the pipeline into the barrel.

[0012] According to the above intelligent filling method of lithium battery electrolyte, the on-off controllable ball valve of the filling solvent pipeline adopts an explosion-proof electric valve, and the valve opening and closing angle can be controlled by the PLC analog quantity. During the filling process, according to the feedback of the weighing module, the valve opening and closing angle is linearly controlled to control the pipeline flow rate to meet the filling accuracy requirements.

[0013] According to the above intelligent filling method of lithium battery electrolyte, there are at least two infusion connection pipelines, which are independently arranged, so that different electrolytes can be filled according to needs at the same filling station, improving production efficiency.

[0014] According to the above intelligent filling method of lithium battery electrolyte, the infusion connection pipeline includes a first connecting pipe, a first valve member, a second connecting pipe, a second valve member and a third connecting pipe. One end of the first connecting pipe is connected to the electrolyte pipeline, and the other end is connected to the third connecting pipe through the first valve member. One end of the second connecting pipe is connected to the working air pipeline, and the other end is connected to the third connecting pipe through the second valve member.

[0015] According to the above intelligent filling method of lithium battery electrolyte, the infusion connection pipeline further includes a three-way valve. The first valve member, the second valve member and the third connecting pipe are respectively connected to the three interfaces of the three-way valve, and the first valve member and the second valve member are arranged adjacent to the three-way valve, so that the pipeline residue can be purged as clean as possible.

[0016] As the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte, including at least one filling station unit. The filling station unit includes a plurality of filling stations, and each filling station can accommodate at least one electrolyte ton barrel to fill a predetermined mass or volume of electrolyte into the electrolyte ton barrel.

[0017] The filling station includes at least one liquid infusion connection pipeline for connecting to the electrolyte pipeline to be filled, as well as a working gas positive pressure pipeline and a working gas negative pressure pipeline. Whether the liquid infusion connection pipeline is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel is controlled by a filling control valve, and whether the working gas positive pressure pipeline is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel is controlled by a gas control valve. A pressure sensor is directly or indirectly connected to the electrolyte ton barrel to detect the air pressure. The filling control valve, the gas control valve, and the pressure sensor are respectively electrically connected to a control device.

[0018] The intelligent filling system further includes a plugging and unplugging detection component for detecting whether the quick connector of the liquid infusion connection pipeline is correctly docked with the electrolyte ton barrel.

[0019] Among them, the control device turns on the gas transmission connection pipeline through the gas control valve to fill the electrolyte ton barrel and the gas path with working gas. After the air pressure is stable, it delays for a predetermined time and detects the air pressure through the pressure sensor. If the detected air pressure is stable and does not drop, it indicates that the docking and sealing of the electrolyte ton barrel are effective, and filling operation is allowed. If the detected air pressure is unstable, it means that the docking of the electrolyte ton barrel is not tight, and the control device stops filling or issues an audible and visual alarm.

[0020] According to the above intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte, the filling station includes at least two independent liquid infusion pipelines, and the working gas positive pressure pipeline is the first pipeline.

[0021] According to the above intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte, the filling station includes a second pipeline, a third pipeline, a fourth pipeline, and a fifth pipeline. The second pipeline, the third pipeline, and the fourth pipeline are respectively three independent electrolyte lending pipelines, and the fifth pipeline is the working gas negative pressure pipeline; the five pipelines are connected to the second connection valve, the third connection valve, or the fifth connection valve of the electrolyte ton barrel through four connection pipelines.

[0022] The connection pipeline includes a first connection pipe, a first valve member, a second connection pipe, a second valve member, and a third connection pipe.

[0023] According to the above intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte, the connection pipeline includes a liquid infusion connection pipeline and a gas transmission connection pipeline. The liquid infusion connection pipeline is used to connect the second pipeline, the third pipeline, or the fourth pipeline to the electrolyte ton barrel, and at the same time, it also connects the first pipeline to the electrolyte ton barrel. The gas transmission connection pipeline is only used to connect the first pipeline and the fifth pipeline to the electrolyte ton barrel.

[0024] According to the intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte described above, one end of the first connecting pipe of the liquid infusion connecting pipeline is connected to the first pipeline, and the other end is connected to one end of the third connecting pipe through a first valve member. The other end of the third connecting pipe is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel. The second pipeline, the third pipeline or the fourth pipeline is communicated with the third connecting pipe through a second connecting pipe and a second valve member, so that the second pipeline, the third pipeline or the fourth pipeline is communicated with the electrolyte ton barrel.

[0025] According to the intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte described above, one end of the first connecting pipe of the gas transmission connecting pipeline is connected to the first pipeline, and the other end is connected to one end of the third connecting pipe through a first valve member. The other end of the third connecting pipe is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel. The fifth pipeline is communicated with the third connecting pipe through a second connecting pipe and a second valve member, so that the fifth pipeline is communicated with the electrolyte ton barrel.

[0026] According to the intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte described above, a tee structure is further formed on the third connecting pipe, and both the first valve member and the second valve member are connected close to the tee structure.

[0027] According to the intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte described above, the plugging detection component is arranged corresponding to the liquid infusion connecting pipeline. The plugging detection component includes a quick connecting pipe and a detection component. The first end of the quick connecting pipe is connected to the third connecting pipe of the liquid infusion connecting pipeline, and the other end is formed as a quick connector; the detection component is fixed to the inner side of the lower end of the operation window on the filling main body.

[0028] On the filling main body of the plugging detection component, there is also a display device for displaying the filling state, and the display device is electrically connected to the control device.

[0029] Inside the filling main body of the plugging detection component, there is also a barrel cavity for accommodating the electrolyte ton barrel.

[0030] The filling station of the plugging detection component includes a filling main body, and the front side of the filling main body is covered by a panel and a door plate. The door plate is movably arranged to form an operation window after being opened.

[0031] The intelligent filling system and method for lithium battery electrolyte of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0032] 1. For the filling station unit of a single line, there are a total of 3 sets of configured kettles. The three groups of pipelines are independent of each other and do not share pipelines, avoiding the risk of material cross-contamination.

[0033] 2. When manually selecting pipelines and plugging and docking, there may be a situation where the joint docking is not tight and not sealed. To avoid the leakage of electrolyte during filling, the nitrogen purge solenoid valve is opened before filling for online pressure detection. If the pressure is stable and does not drop, it is determined that the docking seal is effective, thus effectively avoiding the leakage of electrolyte.

[0034] 3. To ensure the filling weight, the weighing mechanism conducts secondary weighing before filling. After comparing the weight change after the connection of the joint with the weight of the empty barrel, the system automatically records and removes the tare weight. When the filling weight reaches 99%, the filling stops; the valve automatically switches to the purging valve to purge the remaining residue in the pipeline into the barrel. Moreover, the main filling branch valve adopts an explosion-proof electric valve, and the opening and closing angle of the valve can be controlled by PLC analog quantity to hover and feedback at any angle. During the filling process, according to the weighing feedback, the opening and closing angle of the valve is linearly controlled to control the pipeline flow rate, meeting the filling accuracy.

[0035] 4. All three groups of filling pipelines are equipped with the function of pipeline plugging and unplugging detection mechanism. Each group of pipelines is equipped with a pipeline plugging and unplugging detection mechanism. When the pipeline is taken by mistake manually, the detection mechanism will give an alarm prompt to prevent problems with the filling variety caused by the manual mis-taking of the pipeline. Of course, the number of filling pipelines can also be set to other values according to needs.

[0036] 5. The development of the present invention can replace the traditional manual filling of ton barrels, and can fill ton barrels simultaneously in batches. Manually select the pipeline to plug and connect, and realize automatic detection of the docking sealing effect, automatic weighing of the self-weight, automatic filling, automatic secondary weighing, and automatic nitrogen filling and pressurization. Ensure that there is no leakage of the electrolyte during filling, which will not cause harm to the human body; and achieve no waste in the process flow, saving costs for customers and increasing profits.

[0037] 6. Four weighing modules are evenly installed at the bottom of the weighing platform to ensure a high-precision weighing result of +200g; the weighing value can be checked at any time on the weighing display screen; when the ton barrel is transported to the weighing platform by the RGV, the value of the empty barrel needs to be recorded once. After judging that the docking seal is effective, the value of the empty barrel needs to be recorded a second time. After comparing the weights of the two barrels, the system automatically records and removes the tare weight; during the filling process, continuous weighing is carried out, and the opening and closing angle of the explosion-proof electric valve is controlled by PLC analog quantity feedback.

[0038] 7. Among them, the on-off controllable ball valve of the filling solvent pipeline adopts an explosion-proof electric valve, and the opening and closing angle of the valve can be controlled by PLC analog quantity. During the filling process, according to the feedback of the weighing module, the opening and closing angle of the valve is linearly controlled to control the pipeline flow rate, meeting the filling accuracy. Description of the Drawings

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an enlarged schematic structural diagram of part A in the embodiment;

[0041] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an enlarged schematic structural diagram of part B in the embodiment;

[0042] Figure 4 is Figure 1 Rear schematic view of the embodiment;

[0043] Figure 5 is Figure 4 Schematic structural view of the intelligent filling system after removing each electrolyte ton barrel;

[0044] Figure 6 is Figure 5 Enlarged schematic view of the structure at C in;

[0045] Figure 7 is Figure 1 Schematic structural view of the ton barrel of the embodiment;

[0046] Figure 8 is Figure 1 Schematic structural view of the pipeline at the top of a certain filling station in the embodiment;

[0047] Figure 9 is Figure 8 Schematic structural view of the infusion connection pipeline in;

[0048] Figure 10 is Figure 8 Schematic structural view of the gas transmission connection pipeline in;

[0049] Figure 11 Schematic structural view of the plug - in detection component of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 12 is Figure 11 Cross - sectional view of;

[0051] Figure 13 is Figure 12 Partial enlarged schematic view of.

[0052] Among them, filling station unit 10, filling main body 20, filling station 11, electrolyte ton barrel 22, first pipeline 101, second pipeline 102, third pipeline 103, fourth pipeline 104, fifth pipeline 105, first connecting pipe 106, first valve member 107, second connecting pipe 108, second valve member 109, third connecting pipe 110, panel 201, door panel 202, operation window 203, display device 204, control device 205, barrel cavity 206, air pipe connecting piece 207, weighing platform 211, foot pad 212, weighing module 213, barrel frame 221, barrel body 222, first connection valve 223, second connection valve 224, third connection valve 225, fourth connection valve 226, fifth connection valve 227, sixth connection valve 228, pressure detection unit 229, notch 230, barrel foot 231, lifting port 232, plug - in detection component 300. Detailed implementation manners

[0053] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention and thus more clearly define the scope of protection of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with respect to certain specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the following are only some specific embodiments of the concept of the present invention and only a part of the embodiments of the present invention. The specific and direct descriptions of the relevant structures are only for the convenience of understanding the present invention, and each specific feature does not of course and directly limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. Conventional selections and substitutions made by those skilled in the art under the guidance of the concept of the present invention shall be regarded as being within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0054] An intelligent filling system for a lithium battery electrolyte includes at least one filling station line. Each filling station line includes at least one filling station unit 10. Each filling station unit includes three filling stations 11 on the left, middle, and right. Each filling station 11 can accommodate an electrolyte ton barrel 22 to fill a predetermined mass or volume of electrolyte into the electrolyte ton barrel 22.

[0055] The filling station 11 includes a filling main body 20. The front side of the filling main body 20 is covered by a panel 201 and a door panel 202, so that most of the area of the front side of the filling main body 20 is covered to avoid harm to the operator due to the exposure of the electrolyte during the electrolyte filling process. The door panel 202 is movably arranged and forms an operation window 203 after being opened. The opening movement mode of the door panel 202 can be translational opening or pivotal opening.

[0056] As Figure 1 shown, in this embodiment, only a narrow small part of the area near the bottom of the front side of the filling main body 20 is not covered. The height of the uncovered position is lower than the height of the weighing platform 211, and there is basically no leakage risk here, so there will be no adverse effects.

[0057] In this embodiment, the filling main body 20 is further provided with a display device 204 for displaying the filling state and a control device 205 for controlling the filling process. The display device 204 is electrically connected to the control device 205. A barrel cavity 206 for accommodating the electrolyte ton barrel 22 is further formed in the filling main body 20.

[0058] As Figure 2As shown in the figure, the filling station 11 includes five independent pipelines, namely the first pipeline 101, the second pipeline 102, the third pipeline 103, the fourth pipeline 104, and the fifth pipeline 105. Each pipeline is fixed to the filling main body 20 by a pipeline support 106. Among them, the second pipeline 102, the third pipeline 103, and the fourth pipeline 104 are three independent electrolyte lending pipelines to allow filling of different electrolytes; the first pipeline 101 is a nitrogen positive pressure pipeline, which is used to supply nitrogen to the electrolyte ton barrel 22, and the fifth pipeline 105 is a nitrogen negative pressure pipeline, which is used to output nitrogen in the electrolyte ton barrel 22 or other pipelines. Therefore, the intelligent filling system of this embodiment can select one of the three electrolytes for filling operation at any filling station 11 to improve production efficiency.

[0059] As Figures 8 - 10 shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the above five pipelines are connected to one electrolyte ton barrel 22 by four connecting pipelines, and the connection of each connecting pipeline to the electrolyte ton barrel 22 is independently controlled. The connecting pipeline includes a first connecting pipe 106, a first valve member 107, a second connecting pipe 108, a second valve member 109, and a third connecting pipe 110. Among them, the first valve member 10 and the second valve member 109 are both explosion-proof linear control valves, and their opening and closing angles can be controlled by PLC analog quantity to control the pipeline flow according to the feedback of the weighing module during filling to meet the filling accuracy requirements.

[0060] In this embodiment, the connecting pipeline is divided into an infusion connecting pipeline for transporting the electrolyte to be filled and a gas transmission connecting pipeline for transporting or discharging gas into the ton barrel. Among them, the infusion connecting pipeline is used to connect the second pipeline 102, the third pipeline 103, or the fourth pipeline 104 to the electrolyte ton barrel 22, and at the same time it also connects the first pipeline 101 to the electrolyte ton barrel 22. The gas transmission connecting pipeline is only used to connect the first pipeline 101 and the fifth pipeline 105 to the electrolyte ton barrel 22. Therefore, the infusion connecting pipeline can fill the electrolyte in the second pipeline 102, the third pipeline 103, or the fourth pipeline 104 into the electrolyte ton barrel 22, and can purge the residual electrolyte in the pipeline through the first pipeline 101 after filling; the gas transmission connecting pipeline is used to fill gas into the electrolyte ton barrel 22 to maintain pressure and detect the tightness of the connection or discharge the gas in the electrolyte ton barrel 22.

[0061] In this embodiment, the second connection valve 224 and the third connection valve 225 are used as the filling connection ports of the ton barrel, and the fifth connection valve 227 is used as the gas circuit connection port of the electrolyte ton barrel 22, and nitrogen is used as the working gas.

[0062] As Figure 7As shown in the figure, the electrolyte ton barrel 22 includes a barrel frame 221 and a barrel body 222 disposed within the barrel frame 221. The barrel frame 221 is in the shape of a cube to enclose the barrel body 22 therein, thereby enhancing overall safety. At the top of the barrel body 222, there are provided a first connection valve 223 for spray cleaning the ton barrel, a second connection valve 224 and a third connection valve 225 for filling the electrolyte, a fourth connection valve 226 for sampling from the ton barrel, and a fifth connection valve 227 for conveying gas. During filling, at least one of the second connection valve 224 and the third connection valve 225 is connected to the infusion connection pipeline 10a to fill the electrolyte into the ton barrel 22; the fifth connection valve 227 is connected to the gas transmission connection pipeline 10b to fill gas into the ton barrel 22 or discharge the gas in the ton barrel 22. Meanwhile, the air pressure detection device of the control device 205 is directly or indirectly connected to the gas transmission connection pipeline to detect the air pressure in the gas transmission connection pipeline when needed, thereby achieving the purpose of judging whether the connection is tight by detecting the air pressure holding effect before filling.

[0063] In addition, a sixth connection valve 228 for outputting the electrolyte is provided at the bottom of the barrel body 222. The barrel frame 221 forms a notch 230 at the sixth connection valve 228 to facilitate the pipeline connection with the second connection valve 228. A mechanical pressure detection unit 229 is also provided on the barrel body 222. In this embodiment, barrel feet 231 and a lifting port 232 located between adjacent barrel feet 231 are further formed at the bottom of the barrel frame 221.

[0064] When the electrolyte ton barrel 22 is placed in the barrel cavity 206, the barrel feet 231 are seated on the foot pads 212.

[0065] As Figure 9 shown in the figure, one end of the first connection pipe 106 of the infusion connection pipeline 10a is connected to the first pipeline 101, and the other end is connected to one end of the third connection pipe 110 via the first valve member 107. The other end of the third connection pipe 110 is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel 22. The second pipeline 102, the third pipeline 103, or the fourth pipeline 104 is sequentially connected to the third connection pipe 110 via the second connection pipe 108 and the second valve member 109, so that the second pipeline 102, the third pipeline 103, or the fourth pipeline 104 is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel 22. In this embodiment, a tee structure is formed on the third connection pipe 110, and both the first valve member 107 and the second valve member 109 are connected close to the tee structure, so as to purge the pipeline as clean as possible during purging.

[0066] As Figure 10As shown, one end of the first connecting pipe 106 of the gas transmission connecting pipeline 10b is connected to the first pipeline 101, and the other end is connected to one end of the third connecting pipe 110 via the first valve member 107. The other end of the third connecting pipe 110 is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel 22. The fifth pipeline 10 is communicated with the third connecting pipe 110 via the second connecting pipe 108 and the second valve member 109, so that the fifth pipeline 105 is communicated with the electrolyte ton barrel 22. In this embodiment, a tee structure is also provided on the third connecting pipe 110, and the first valve member 107 and the second valve member 109 are both connected close to the tee structure for purging.

[0067] Before filling, one of the three infusion connecting pipelines 10a (specifically, its third connecting pipe 110) is connected to one of the second connecting valve 224 and the third connecting valve 225, and the gas transmission connecting pipeline 10b (specifically, its third connecting pipe 110) is connected to the fifth connecting valve 227.

[0068] As Figure 5 、 6 As shown, each filling station 11 is also provided with a plugging and unplugging detection component 300 corresponding to the infusion connecting pipeline 10a one by one, which is used to detect whether the currently docked pipeline with the electrolyte ton barrel 22 at the current station is the designated infusion connecting pipeline 10a; when the correct docking is detected, the filling operation 11 can continue with the subsequent filling operation, and when the operator's incorrect docking is detected, the control device 205 stops the subsequent filling operation or issues an audible and visual alarm signal to prompt the operator.

[0069] According to the present invention, since there are three pipelines for transporting the electrolyte to be filled, namely the second pipeline 102, the third pipeline 103, and the fourth pipeline 104, the plugging and unplugging detection components 300 are also provided with at least three to respectively correspond to the above three pipelines.

[0070] Specifically in this embodiment, there are four plugging and unplugging detection components 300, which respectively correspond to three infusion connecting pipelines 10a and one gas transmission connecting pipeline 10b.

[0071] As Figures 11 - 13 As shown, the plugging and unplugging detection component 300 includes a quick connecting pipe 31 and a detection component 32. The first end 301 of the quick connecting pipe 31 is connected to the third connecting pipe 110 of the corresponding infusion connecting pipeline 10a, and the other end is formed into a quick connector 311; the detection component 32 is fixed to the filling main body 20, more specifically, at the inner side of the lower end of the operation window 203 of the filling main body 20, so that the operator can perform plugging, docking and other operations on it after opening the operation window 203.

[0072] Among them, the detection component 32 is provided with an installation cavity 302 for placing the quick connector 311, and the installation cavity 302 is provided with an insertion port 303, and the quick connector 311 extends into the installation cavity 302 through the insertion port 303. The detection component 32 is also provided with a residual liquid collection pipeline connected to the installation cavity 302. When the filling of the ton barrel is completed, the connection between the quick connector 311 and the ton barrel is manually disconnected, and the quick connector 311 is in a closed state at this time, and then the quick connector 311 is inserted into the installation cavity 302 on the detection component 32, the quick connector 311 is opened, and then the residual liquid in the quick connector 31 is sucked away by the residual liquid collection pipeline, which avoids the residual liquid in the quick connector 31 from dripping randomly when the quick connector 31 is pulled out after the filling is completed, causing safety hazards.

[0073] Preferably, the detection component 32 is also provided with a positioning detection module for detecting whether the quick connector 311 is placed in the installation cavity 302 .

[0074] Further preferably, the positioning detection module includes a detection board 33 arranged on the side of the detection component 32, and a fiber optic sensor 331 arranged on the detection component 32, and a sensing drive unit is arranged between the detection board 33 and the detection component 32, so that the detection board 33 can move closer to or away from the direction of the fiber optic sensor 331.

[0075] In this embodiment, a positioning detection module is provided on the detection component 32, and the positioning detection module is used to detect whether the quick connector 311 is placed in the installation cavity 302. The positioning detection module includes a detection plate 33 arranged on the side of the detection component 32, and an optical fiber sensor 331 arranged on the detection component 32. A sensor driving unit is provided between the detection plate 33 and the detection component 32, so that the detection plate 33 can move closer to or farther from the direction of the optical fiber sensor 331; when the filling is completed, the quick connector 311 is removed from the ton barrel and inserted into the installation cavity on the detection component 32. 302, at this time, the sensing drive unit drives the detection plate 33 to move toward the direction of the optical fiber sensor 331, and the optical fiber sensor 331 detects the detection plate 33, indicating that the quick connector 311 has been plugged into the installation cavity 302. At this time, the ton barrel can be removed from the ton barrel filling frame to prevent the quick connector 31 from being still connected to the ton barrel when the ton barrel is removed, causing pulling and damage to the quick connector 31; when the quick connector 311 is pulled out of the installation cavity 302, the sensing drive unit drives the detection plate 33 to reset, and the optical fiber sensor 331 cannot detect the detection plate 33 at this time, indicating that the quick connector 311 has been pulled out.

[0076] Preferably, the sensor drive unit includes a guide sleeve 332 fixed on the detection component 32, a positioning column 333 is arranged in the guide sleeve 332, the positioning column 333 can slide horizontally relative to the guide sleeve 332, and an elastic reset member is also arranged between the positioning column 333 and the guide sleeve 332, and a positioning notch 335 is arranged at one end of the guide sleeve 332 away from the detection component 32, one end of the detection plate 33 passes through the positioning notch 335 and is fixed to one end of the positioning column 333, and the other end of the detection plate 33 is facing away from the guide sleeve 332. The positioning column 333 extends outward, and the other end of the positioning column 333 is provided with a transition angle 336, and the end of the positioning column 333 close to the detection component 32 is provided with a limit ring 337. When the quick connector 311 is not placed in the installation cavity 302, the limit ring 337 abuts against the detection component 32 and the transition angle 336 passes through the detection component 32 and extends into the installation cavity 302. A connecting plate 338 parallel to the length direction of the guide sleeve 332 is also provided on the detection component 32, and the optical fiber sensor 331 is fixed to the end of the connecting plate 338 away from the detection component 32.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the quick connector 311 passes through the insertion port 333 and extends into the installation cavity 302, the quick connector 311 and the transition angle 336 on the positioning column 333 push the positioning column 333 to move away from the installation cavity 302. The detection plate 33 moves toward the direction of the optical fiber sensor 331 as the positioning column 333 moves. The optical fiber sensor 331 detects the approach of the detection plate 33, indicating that the quick connector 311 has been installed in place, which can effectively prevent the quick connector 311 from popping out of the installation cavity 302 due to not being plugged in place, causing a safety hazard. When the quick connector 311 is removed from When the quick connector 311 is pulled out from the installation cavity 302, the positioning column 333 is reset toward the installation cavity 302 under the elastic action of the elastic reset member, and drives the detection plate 33 to move away from the optical fiber sensor 331. When the limit ring 337 abuts against the detection component 32, it indicates that the positioning column 333 has returned to the initial position. At this time, the optical fiber sensor 331 can no longer detect the detection plate 33, indicating that the quick connector 311 has been pulled out; and in the actual filling process, if the wrong quick connector 31 is pulled out, the detection plate 33 will leave the detection range of the optical fiber sensor 331, and the system will issue an alarm reminder.

[0078] Further preferably, the elastic reset member includes a reset spring 334 , the reset spring 334 is sleeved on the positioning column 333 , and two ends of the reset spring 334 are respectively in contact with the limit ring 337 and the guide sleeve 332 .

[0079] In this embodiment, when the quick connector 311 abuts against the positioning column 333 and pushes the positioning column 333 to move toward the direction of the optical fiber sensor 331, the reset spring 334 is compressed; when the quick connector 311 is moved out of the installation cavity 302, the positioning column 333 returns to the initial position under the elastic action of the reset spring 334, completing the reset.

[0080] Preferably, the number of positioning notches 335 and connecting plates 338 is two each. The two positioning notches 335 are oppositely arranged on the guide sleeve 332. The middle part of the detection plate 33 is fixed to the positioning column 333. The two ends of the detection plate 33 pass through the positioning notches 335 and extend away from the guide sleeve 332. The length directions of the two connecting plates 338 are parallel to the length direction of the guide sleeve 332, and a fiber optic sensor 331 is arranged at one end of each connecting plate 338 away from the detection assembly 32.

[0081] In this embodiment, two positioning notches 335 are oppositely arranged on the guide sleeve 332, two connecting plates 338 are arranged on the detection assembly 32, and a fiber optic sensor 331 is arranged on each connecting plate 338. By arranging two fiber optic sensors 331, the stability of the positioning detection module is enhanced. When one sensor fails or other unexpected situations occur, the other sensor can still work normally.

[0082] Preferably, it further includes a fixing plate 34 fixed to the side of the detection assembly 32. The guide sleeve 332 is fixed to the fixing plate 34. When the quick connector 311 is not placed in the installation cavity 302, the limiting ring 337 abuts against the fixing plate 34 and the transition angle 336 passes through the fixing plate 34 and the detection assembly 32 and extends into the installation cavity 302. The bottom of the fixing plate 34 is bent inward to form a support plate 342 for supporting the detection assembly 32. Ear plates 341 are respectively arranged on both sides of the fixing plate 34, and set screws pass through the two ear plates 341 respectively to fix the fixing plate 34 to the ton barrel filling frame.

[0083] Further preferably, a connecting ring 339 is arranged at one end of the guide sleeve 332 close to the fixing plate 34. The set screw passes through the connecting ring 339 and is screwed to the fixing plate 34 to fix the guide sleeve 332 to the fixing plate 34.

[0084] In this embodiment, a semi-surrounding fixing plate 34 is arranged outside the detection assembly 32. The bottom of the fixing plate 34 is bent inward to form a support plate 342 for supporting the detection assembly 32. Ear plates 341 are arranged on both sides of the fixing plate 34. Set screws pass through the two ear plates 341 respectively to fix the fixing plate 34 to the ton barrel filling frame. A connecting ring 339 is arranged at one end of the guide sleeve 332 close to the fixing plate 34. The set screw passes through the connecting ring 339 and is screwed to the fixing plate 34 to fix the guide sleeve 332 to the fixing plate 34.

[0085] Preferably, the residual liquid collection pipeline includes a liquid receiving pipe 35. One end of the liquid receiving pipe 35 close to the detection assembly 32 extends into the detection assembly 32 and is communicated with the installation cavity 302. A connecting block 351 is fixedly arranged on the liquid receiving pipe 35, and the connecting block 351 is fixed to the support plate 342.

[0086] In this embodiment, the residual liquid collection pipeline includes a liquid receiving pipe 35. One end of the liquid receiving pipe 35 close to the detection component 32 extends into the detection component 32 and is communicated with the installation cavity 302. A connection block 351 is fixedly arranged on the liquid receiving pipe 35. The connection block 351 is fixed to the support plate 342 to fixedly connect the liquid receiving pipe 35 and the detection component 32. The residual liquid in the quick connection pipe 31 flows out along the liquid receiving pipe 35.

[0087] Preferably, the shape of the insertion port 333 is circular, and the outer diameter of the insertion port 333 gradually shrinks towards the direction of the installation cavity 302.

[0088] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the insertion port 333 gradually shrinks towards the direction of the installation cavity 302, which facilitates inserting the quick connector 311 into the installation cavity 302.

[0089] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the filling main body 20 is further provided with an air pipe connector 207 for connecting the control air paths of each pneumatic control valve.

[0090] Among them, the on-off controllable ball valve of the filling solvent pipeline adopts an explosion-proof electric valve. The opening and closing angle of the valve can be controlled by the PLC analog quantity. During the filling process, according to the feedback of the weighing module, the opening and closing angle of the valve is linearly controlled to control the pipeline flow rate to meet the filling accuracy requirements.

[0091] The working process of the intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte of the present invention is as follows:

[0092] 1. After the electrolyte ton barrel 22 is transported to the barrel cavity 206, the operator opens the panel 202 to form an operation window 203 on the front side of the filling main body 20, connects one of the infusion connection pipelines to one of the second connection valve 224 and the third connection valve 225 to connect the electrolyte ton barrel to the filling pipeline; and connects the gas transmission connection pipeline to the fourth connection valve 226, and the fifth connection valve 227 is connected to the pressure sensor.

[0093] 2. The plug-and-play detection component detects whether the infusion connection pipeline is connected properly to avoid problems with the filling variety caused by manual misconnection of the pipeline; if a connection error is detected, the filling is stopped and / or an audible and visual alarm signal is issued.

[0094] 3. The control device 205 opens the solenoid valve for purging the gas transmission connection pipeline, so that nitrogen fills the electrolyte ton barrel 22 and the pipeline. After stabilizing the air pressure for a certain period of time, the pressure in the ton barrel 22 is detected online. If the pressure is stable and does not drop, it indicates that the butt joint seal is effective and the filling operation is allowed. If the pressure is unstable, it means that the butt joint is not tight, and the control device stops the filling or issues an audible and visual alarm.

[0095] 4. Perform the filling operation to fill the electrolyte into the 1-ton electrolyte barrel 22 until the predetermined weight or volume is reached.

[0096] 5. To ensure the filling weight, before confirming the tight connection and starting the filling, the weighing mechanism performs a second weighing. After comparing the weight change after the joint connection with the weight of the empty barrel, the system automatically records and removes the tare weight. The filling valve automatically switches to fill from the second connection valve 224 or the third connection valve 225, and the fourth connection valve 226 discharges the waste gas. When the filling weight reaches 99%, stop the filling; the valve automatically switches to the purge valve to purge the remaining residue in the pipeline into the barrel. And the main filling branch valve uses an explosion-proof electric valve, and the opening and closing angle of the valve can be controlled by PLC analog quantity to hover and feedback at any angle. During the filling process, according to the weighing feedback, linearly control the opening and closing angle of the valve to control the pipeline flow rate to meet the filling accuracy.

[0097] In some specific embodiments, the filling control is carried out according to the following steps:

[0098] ① After the operator selects and inserts and docks an infusion connection pipeline, the filling system enters the automatic filling program. First, the pneumatic control ball valves of the positive pressure nitrogen pipeline and the corresponding solvent pipeline are opened, and the pressure is detected online to 100 kPa, and the pressure is stable for 10 s.

[0099] If there is no pressure drop, it is judged that the docking seal is effective and solvent filling can be carried out.

[0100] ② Close the positive pressure nitrogen valve and open the pressure relief nitrogen valve to relieve the pressure in the barrel. At this time, cooperate with the weighing module to perform a second weighing on the 1-ton barrel.

[0101] ③ Open the controllable ball valve of the corresponding solvent pipeline and start solvent filling. When the filling weight reaches 99%, close the controllable ball valve of the solvent to stop filling.

[0102] ④ Open the corresponding positive pressure nitrogen valve, purge the remaining residue in the pipeline into the barrel, and then close the positive pressure nitrogen valve and the pressure relief nitrogen valve.

[0103] ⑤ Reopen the corresponding positive pressure nitrogen valve to pressurize the packaging barrel to ensure that the nitrogen filling pressure in the barrel is default controlled at 50 ± 5 kPa (the value is adjustable), record the total weight, and finally manually pull out the plug of the gas phase port pipeline to end the filling.

Claims

1. An intelligent filling method for a lithium battery electrolyte, characterized in that, Including: Step 1: Connect the infusion connection pipeline (10a) to the filling connection port of the electrolyte ton barrel (22), and connect the gas transmission connection pipeline (10b) to the gas path connection port of the electrolyte ton barrel (22), so as to realize the docking of the electrolyte ton barrel (22) with the filling pipeline and the gas path. The pressure sensor is directly or indirectly connected to the gas transmission connection pipeline (10b); Step 2: The plug-and-play detection component (300) detects whether the infusion connection pipeline (10a) docked with the electrolyte ton barrel (22) in the previous step is the specified pipeline; if it is detected that the currently connected pipeline is the specified pipeline, proceed to the next step; if it is detected that the pipeline connection is incorrect, stop filling and / or emit an audible and visual alarm signal; Step 3: The control device (205) turns on the gas transmission connection pipeline (10b) to fill the electrolyte ton barrel (22) and the gas path with working gas. After the air pressure is stable, the air pressure is detected through the pressure sensor after a predetermined time delay; if the detected air pressure is stable and does not drop, it indicates that the docking seal of the electrolyte ton barrel (22) is effective and filling operation is allowed; if the detected air pressure is unstable, it means that the docking of the electrolyte ton barrel (22) is not tight, and the control device (205) stops filling or emits an audible and visual alarm; Step 4: The control device (205) opens the infusion connection pipeline (10a) to perform a filling operation, filling the electrolyte into the electrolyte ton barrel (22), and stopping until the predetermined weight or volume is reached or stopping after a predetermined time delay to complete the filling operation; Among them, the intelligent filling method uses an intelligent filling system for lithium battery electrolyte, including at least one filling station unit (10), and the filling station unit includes several filling stations (11). Each filling station (11) can accommodate at least one electrolyte ton barrel (22) to fill a predetermined mass or volume of electrolyte into the electrolyte ton barrel (22); The filling station (11) includes at least one infusion connection pipeline (10a) for connecting to the pipeline of the electrolyte to be filled, as well as a working gas positive pressure pipeline and a working gas negative pressure pipeline. Whether the infusion connection pipeline (10a) is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel (22) is controlled by a filling control valve. Whether the working gas positive pressure pipeline is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel (22) is controlled by a gas control valve. The pressure sensor is directly or indirectly connected to the electrolyte ton barrel (22) to detect the air pressure. The filling control valve, the gas control valve and the pressure sensor are respectively electrically connected to the control device (205); The intelligent filling system also includes a plug-and-play detection component (300) for detecting whether the quick connector (311) of the infusion connection pipeline (10a) is correctly docked with the electrolyte ton barrel (22); Among them, the control device (205) is connected to the gas supply connection pipeline (10b) through the gas control valve to fill the electrolyte ton barrel (22) and the gas circuit with working gas. After the air pressure is stabilized, the air pressure is detected by the pressure sensor after a predetermined time delay. If the detected air pressure is stable and does not drop, it indicates that the docking seal of the electrolyte ton barrel (22) is effective and the filling operation is allowed. If the detected air pressure is unstable, it means that the electrolyte ton barrel (22) is not tightly docked, and the control device (205) stops filling or issues an audible and visual alarm. The filling station (11) includes at least two independent liquid supply pipelines, and the positive pressure pipeline of the working gas is the first pipeline (101). The filling station (11) includes a second pipeline (102), a third pipeline (103), a fourth pipeline (104) and a fifth pipeline (105). The second pipeline (102), the third pipeline (103) and the fourth pipeline (104) are respectively three independent electrolyte lending pipelines, and the fifth pipeline (105) is the negative pressure pipeline of the working gas. The five pipelines are connected to the second connection valve (224), the third connection valve (225) or the fifth connection valve (227) of the electrolyte ton barrel (22) through four connection pipelines. The connection pipelines include a first connection pipe (106), a first valve member (107), a second connection pipe (108), a second valve member (109) and a third connection pipe (110). The connection pipelines include a liquid supply connection pipeline and a gas supply connection pipeline. The liquid supply connection pipeline is used to connect the second pipeline (102), the third pipeline (103) or the fourth pipeline (104) to the electrolyte ton barrel (22), and at the same time it also connects the first pipeline (101) to the electrolyte ton barrel (22). The gas supply connection pipeline is only used to connect the first pipeline (101) and the fifth pipeline (105) to the electrolyte ton barrel (22). One end of the first connection pipe (106) of the liquid supply connection pipeline is connected to the first pipeline (101), and the other end is connected to one end of the third connection pipe (110) through the first valve member (107). The other end of the third connection pipe (110) is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel (22). The second pipeline (102), the third pipeline (103) or the fourth pipeline (104) is communicated with the third connection pipe (110) through the second connection pipe (108) and the second valve member (109) so that the second pipeline (102), the third pipeline (103) or the fourth pipeline (104) is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel (22). One end of the first connection pipe (106) of the gas supply connection pipeline is connected to the first pipeline (101), and the other end is connected to one end of the third connection pipe (110) through the first valve member (107). The other end of the third connection pipe (110) is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel (22). The fifth pipeline (105) is communicated with the third connection pipe (110) through the second connection pipe (108) and the second valve member (109) so that the fifth pipeline (105) is connected to the electrolyte ton barrel (22).

2. The intelligent filling method of the lithium battery electrolyte according to claim 1, wherein In the step 2, the positioning detection module of the plugging detection component (300) performs positioning detection on whether the quick connector (311) is placed in its installation cavity (302). If it is detected that the quick connector (311) of the infusion connection pipeline (10a) to be filled after docking is still in the installation cavity (302), it indicates a docking error, and the control device (205) stops filling or issues an audible and visual alarm.

3. The intelligent filling method of the lithium battery electrolyte according to claim 2, wherein, It further includes step S31: secondary weighing; to ensure the filling weight, the weighing mechanism performs secondary weighing. After comparing the weight change after the connector is docked with the weight of the empty barrel, the system automatically records the start of filling after removing the tare weight; when the filling weight reaches 99%, the filling stops; the infusion connection pipeline (10a) is switched to the purging mode to purge the remaining residual materials in the pipeline into the barrel.

4. The intelligent filling method of the lithium battery electrolyte according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The on-off controllable ball valve of the filling solvent pipeline adopts an explosion-proof electric valve, and the valve opening and closing angle can be controlled by the PLC analog quantity. During the filling process, according to the feedback of the weighing module, the valve opening and closing angle is linearly controlled to control the pipeline flow rate to meet the filling accuracy requirements.

5. The intelligent filling method of the lithium battery electrolyte according to claim 4, characterized in that, There are at least two of the infusion connection pipelines, and they are independently arranged.

6. The intelligent filling method of the lithium battery electrolyte according to claim 1, characterized in that A tee structure is formed on the third connection pipe (110). The plugging detection component (300) is correspondingly arranged with the infusion connection pipeline (10a), and it includes a quick connection pipe (31) and a detection component (32). The first end (301) of the quick connection pipe (31) is connected to the third connection pipe (110) of the infusion connection pipeline (10a), and the other end is formed as a quick connector (311); the detection component (32) is fixed to the inner side of the lower end of the operation window (203) on the filling main body (20).

7. The intelligent filling method of the lithium battery electrolyte according to claim 6, characterized in that A display device (204) for displaying the filling state is further provided on the filling main body (20), and the display device (204) is electrically connected to the control device (205). A barrel cavity (206) for accommodating the electrolyte ton barrel (22) is further formed inside the filling main body (20). The filling station (11) includes a filling main body (20), and the front side of the filling main body (20) is covered by a panel (201) and a door panel (202). The door panel (202) is movably arranged and forms an operation window (203) after being opened.

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