Lithium scrap inerting treatment device and treatment method, battery lithium replenishment system

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application provide a lithium scrap inerting treatment device and treatment method, and a battery lithium replenishing system. The lithium scrap inerting treatment device of the embodiments of the present application comprises: a first pipeline, comprising an air inlet end, an air outlet end, and an infiltration chamber located between the air inlet end and the air outlet end, the air outlet end is used to connect to an external drainage system, the drainage system is used to drive the gas containing lithium scraps to flow through the first pipeline, the infiltration chamber is used to contain an infiltration liquid to infiltrate the lithium scraps when the gas flows through the infiltration chamber; and a first barrier mechanism, which is arranged in the infiltration chamber and is used to block at least part of the infiltration liquid from flowing out of the air outlet end when the gas flows through the first pipeline. The embodiments of the present application can significantly improve the safety of battery production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of battery production, and in particular to a lithium scrap inerting treatment device and treatment method, and a battery lithium replenishing system. Background Art

[0002] Lithium-ion battery cells are widely used in electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptop computers, electric vehicles, electric cars, electric airplanes, electric ships, electric toy cars, electric toy ships, electric toy airplanes and electric tools, etc.

[0003] During the production process of lithium-ion batteries, lithium scraps may be generated, which can easily cause safety problems. How to enhance the safety of battery cell production is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently in battery technology. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a lithium scrap inerting treatment device and treatment method, and a battery lithium replenishing system, aiming to improve the safety of battery production.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a lithium chips inerting treatment device, comprising: a first pipeline, comprising an air inlet end, an air outlet end and an infiltration chamber located between the air inlet end and the air outlet end, the air outlet end is used to connect to an external drainage system, the drainage system is used to drive the gas containing lithium chips to flow through the first pipeline, the infiltration chamber is used to accommodate an infiltration liquid to infiltrate the lithium chips when the gas flows through the infiltration chamber; and a first blocking mechanism, which is arranged in the infiltration chamber and is used to block at least part of the infiltration liquid from flowing out of the air outlet end when the gas flows through the first pipeline.

[0006] In the above scheme, driven by the drainage system, the gas flows from the gas inlet end of the first pipe to the gas outlet end. During the gas flow process, the gas can drive the infiltration liquid and lithium chips to flow. When the lithium chips flow to the infiltration chamber, they come into contact with the infiltration liquid and are infiltrated by the infiltration liquid. The surface of the lithium chips is wrapped and inertized by the infiltration liquid, which can prevent the lithium chips from spontaneous combustion. At the same time, the first blocking mechanism can block part of the infiltration liquid so that the infiltration liquid is blocked from flowing back, thereby reducing the possibility of the infiltration liquid flowing out of the gas outlet end together with the gas.

[0007] In some embodiments, the air inlet is located above the air outlet in the vertical direction, and the first blocking mechanism includes a plurality of spaced blocking plates, and gaps are formed between adjacent blocking plates for gas to flow through, and at least a portion of the blocking plates is inclined relative to the vertical direction. When the gas in the embodiment of the present application flows through the blocking plates of the first blocking mechanism, it flows out through the gaps, and the gas drives the infiltration liquid to flow together. The inclined portion of the blocking plate can change the flow direction of the gas to block the infiltration liquid and make it flow back, thereby reducing the possibility that the infiltration liquid flows out of the air outlet with the gas.

[0008] In some embodiments, the barrier plate includes a plurality of barrier parts, which are connected in sequence, and an angle is formed between two connected barrier parts. When the gas in the embodiment of the present application flows through the first barrier mechanism, the plurality of barrier parts can change the flow direction of the gas multiple times, so that the infiltration liquid driven by the gas is blocked by the plurality of barrier parts, which can further reduce the infiltration liquid flowing out of the gas outlet with the gas.

[0009] In some embodiments, the projections of adjacent baffles in the vertical direction are connected. When the gas in the embodiment of the present application flows in the gap, the gas in the gap as a whole will be blocked by the baffles on both sides of the gap and change the flow direction, thereby further reducing the infiltration liquid flowing out of the gas outlet with the gas.

[0010] In some embodiments, a second blocking mechanism is further provided in the infiltration chamber, the second blocking mechanism is connected to the tube wall of the first pipe, and is located between the first blocking mechanism and the air inlet end, and the second blocking mechanism is used to block the lithium chips from flowing out of the air outlet end. After the lithium chips are inerted by the infiltration liquid, a part of the lithium chips may continue to flow with the gas, and the second blocking mechanism of the embodiment of the present application can play a role in blocking the lithium chips, and can reduce the lithium chips flowing out through the air outlet end.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second barrier mechanism in the horizontal plane gradually increases or decreases in the vertical direction. The density of lithium chips is smaller than that of the infiltration liquid. The lithium chips tend to float upward due to the buoyancy of the infiltration liquid. The lithium chips accumulate in the relatively high part of the second barrier mechanism in the vertical direction. The lithium chips will basically not cause blockage to the relatively low part of the second barrier mechanism. The gas can drive the infiltration liquid to flow out from the relatively low part of the second barrier mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second blocking mechanism includes: two first plates arranged opposite to each other in a first direction, the spacing between the two first plates gradually increases upward in a vertical direction; and two second plates arranged opposite to each other in a second direction, the two first plates and the two second plates are connected and enclosed to form a cavity, the first plate and / or the second plate are provided with a plurality of through holes to allow gas and infiltration liquid to flow out, the first direction and the second direction are both parallel to the horizontal plane, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular. In the embodiment of the present application, the through holes can play a role in filtering lithium scraps, and at the same time, the lithium scraps are mainly accumulated on the outside of the relatively higher part of the first plate in the vertical direction, and the relatively lower parts of the first plate and the second plate will not be blocked by the lithium scraps, and the gas can drive the infiltration liquid to flow out through the first plate and / or the second plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, a filtering mechanism is further provided in the infiltration chamber, the filtering mechanism is located between the first barrier mechanism and the gas outlet, and is used to filter lithium chips and infiltration liquid in the gas. After the gas in the embodiment of the present application flows through the first barrier mechanism, it may still carry some lithium chips and infiltration liquid. After the filtering effect of the filtering mechanism, the lithium chips and infiltration liquid flowing out of the gas outlet can be further reduced.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lithium scraps inerting treatment device further includes: a second pipe, the second pipe is connected to the first pipe, the second pipe includes a liquid inlet end and a liquid outlet end, the liquid inlet end is connected to the infiltration chamber; and a collecting mechanism, the collecting mechanism is connected to the pipe wall of the second pipe, and the collecting mechanism is used to separate the infiltration liquid and the lithium scraps. In the embodiment of the present application, after the lithium scraps are infiltrated and inerted with the infiltration liquid in the infiltration chamber of the first pipe, the infiltration liquid containing the lithium scraps is drained into the collecting mechanism of the second pipe, and the infiltration liquid and the lithium scraps are filtered and separated, and the lithium scraps are retained in the collecting mechanism, so as to achieve the purpose of collecting the lithium scraps.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second pipe is located below the first pipe in the vertical direction. The embodiment of the present application utilizes the gravity of the infiltration liquid and lithium chips themselves, so that the infiltration liquid and lithium chips can flow from the first pipe to the second pipe, without the need for additional drainage equipment, which can simplify the structure of the device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the collecting mechanism includes a collecting chamber and a first filter element, wherein the first filter element is disposed in the collecting chamber and is used to separate the infiltration liquid and the lithium chips.

[0017] In some embodiments, a first switch is further provided in the second pipeline, the first switch is located between the collection mechanism and the liquid inlet, and the first switch is configured to control the connection and disconnection between the collection mechanism and the infiltration chamber. The first switch can be used to adjust the production rhythm of the first pipeline and the second pipeline in the embodiment of the present application.

[0018] In some embodiments, the collecting mechanism is detachably disposed in the second pipe. The collecting mechanism of the embodiment of the present application and the second pipe can be detachably connected to facilitate the removal of lithium chips and replacement of the collecting mechanism.

[0019] In some embodiments, the lithium scrap inerting treatment device further includes a third pipe, the third pipe includes a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the liquid outlet end of the second pipe, and the second end is connected to the infiltration chamber, and the third pipe is used to transport the infiltration liquid separated by the collection mechanism to the infiltration chamber. In the embodiment of the present application, after the infiltration liquid is purified by the collection mechanism of the second pipe, the third pipe circulates the purified infiltration liquid to the infiltration chamber, thereby improving the utilization rate of the infiltration liquid.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second end is located between the gas outlet and the first barrier mechanism. In the embodiment of the present application, when the purified infiltration liquid flows through the first barrier mechanism, the lithium chips adhering to the first barrier mechanism can be impacted into the infiltration liquid to prevent the lithium chips from blocking the first barrier mechanism, so that the gas can be discharged smoothly.

[0021] In the second aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a battery lithium replenishment system, including: a lithium replenishment device; and a lithium scrap inerting treatment device as in any embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the air inlet end of the lithium scrap inerting treatment device is arranged opposite to the lithium replenishment device. The lithium replenishment device is used to replenish lithium to the pole piece of the battery, and lithium scraps may be generated during the lithium replenishment process; the air inlet end of the lithium scrap inerting treatment device of the embodiment of the present application is arranged opposite to the lithium replenishment device, so that the lithium scraps are drawn into the infiltration chamber during the lithium replenishment process, the lithium scraps are infiltrated in the infiltration liquid, and the surface of the lithium scraps is wrapped and inerted by the infiltration liquid, which can prevent the lithium scraps from spontaneous combustion and the like.

[0022] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for inerting lithium chips, comprising: providing a first pipeline and a first barrier mechanism, the first pipeline comprising an air inlet end, an air outlet end and an infiltration chamber located between the air inlet end and the air outlet end, the infiltration chamber containing an infiltration liquid, and the first barrier mechanism being arranged in the infiltration chamber; connecting a drainage system to the air outlet end, and utilizing the drainage system to drive the gas containing lithium chips to flow through the first pipeline, the gas infiltrating the lithium chips when flowing through the infiltration chamber, wherein when the gas flows through the first pipeline, the first barrier mechanism blocks at least part of the infiltration liquid from flowing out of the air outlet end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The features, advantages and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a first blocking mechanism of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the first blocking mechanism shown at another angle;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The schematic structural diagram of the first blocking mechanism shown is at another angle;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device provided in other embodiments of the present application;

[0029] Figure 6It is a structural schematic diagram of a second blocking mechanism of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of the second blocking mechanism shown at another angle;

[0031] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device provided in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0032] Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a second filter element of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] Fig.10 is a schematic structural diagram of a third filter element of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 The schematic structural diagram of the third filter element shown is from another angle;

[0035] Fig.12 is a schematic structural diagram of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device provided in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0036] Fig.13 It is a schematic flow chart of a lithium scrap inerting treatment method provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0037] Fig.14 It is a structural schematic diagram of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device in a working state provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0038] Fig.15 is a schematic structural diagram of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device in another working state provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0039] Fig.16 is a schematic structural diagram of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device in another working state provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0040] Fig.17 is a schematic structural diagram of a lithium scrap inerting treatment device in another working state provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0041] Fig.18 It is a structural schematic diagram of a battery lithium replenishment system provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0042] In the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0043] Among them, the reference numerals in the figure are:

[0044] X, vertical direction; Y, first direction; Z, second direction;

[0045] 1. Lithium scrap inerting treatment device, 2. Lithium replenishing device; J. Wetting liquid; Li, lithium scrap;

[0046] 10. first pipeline; 10a. air inlet end; 10b. air outlet end; 10c. infiltration chamber;

[0047] 11, first blocking mechanism; 111, blocking plate; 111a, blocking portion; 111b, gap; 112, connecting plate; 112a, first side; 112b, second side;

[0048] 12. second blocking mechanism, 121. first plate; 122. second plate; 12a. cavity; 12b. through hole;

[0049] 13. Filter mechanism; 131. Second filter element; 131a. First filter hole; 132. Third filter element; 132a. Second filter hole;

[0050] 20, second pipeline; 20a, liquid inlet end; 20b, liquid outlet end; 21, collecting mechanism; 211, collecting chamber; 212, first filter element; 22, first switch;

[0051] 30. The third pipeline; 30a. The first end; 30b. The second end; 31. The suction pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The following detailed description and drawings of the embodiments of the present application are used to illustrate the principles of the present application, but cannot be used to limit the scope of the present application, that is, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0053] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means more than two; the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not strictly vertical, but is within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but is within the allowable error range.

[0054] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] In the present application, the battery cells may include lithium-ion secondary battery cells, lithium-ion primary battery cells, lithium-sulfur battery cells or sodium-lithium-ion battery cells, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0056] The battery cell includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte, and the electrode assembly is composed of a pole piece and a separator assembly. The pole piece includes a positive pole piece and a negative pole piece. The battery cell mainly relies on the movement of metal ions such as lithium ions between the positive pole piece and the negative pole piece to work. The positive pole piece includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer, the positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector, the positive current collector not coated with the positive active material layer protrudes from the positive current collector coated with the positive active material layer, and the positive current collector not coated with the positive active material layer serves as the positive pole ear. Taking lithium-ion batteries as an example, the material of the positive current collector can be aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative pole piece includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer, the negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector, the negative current collector not coated with the negative active material layer protrudes from the negative current collector coated with the negative active material layer, and the negative current collector not coated with the negative active material layer serves as the negative pole ear. The negative electrode current collector may be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material may be carbon or silicon.

[0057] The development of battery technology must take into account many design factors at the same time, such as energy density, cycle life, discharge capacity, charge and discharge rate and other performance parameters. In addition, safety performance must also be considered.

[0058] During the first charge and discharge process of a battery cell, a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film will be formed, and the formation of the SEI film will consume some lithium, which will cause lithium loss, thereby reducing the discharge capacity and the first charge and discharge rate of the battery cell. In order to reduce the irreversible reduction of the battery capacity during the first charge of the battery cell, a lithium replenishing device is usually used to replenish active lithium on the surface of the pole piece during the pole piece forming process, and the pole piece after lithium replenishment is applied to the battery cell, thereby improving the discharge capacity and the first charge and discharge rate of the battery cell.

[0059] The lithium replenishment process of the electrode mainly includes the calendering process and the lamination process. The calendering process is to thin the lithium strip by rolling to form a lithium film, and the lamination process is to laminate the lithium film to the surface of the electrode by rolling.

[0060] The applicant found that lithium chips are generated during the lithium replenishment process and need to be collected and processed. Since lithium is chemically active, spontaneous combustion of lithium chips usually occurs during the collection and processing of lithium chips, causing safety risks.

[0061] Based on the above problems found by the applicant, the applicant has proposed a lithium scrap inerting treatment device. The lithium scrap inerting treatment device can be used to collect and treat lithium scraps generated in the lithium replenishment process, and can ensure the safety of the lithium scrap collection and treatment process. Of course, the lithium scrap inerting treatment device can also be used to collect and treat lithium scraps generated in other production processes.

[0062] In order to better understand this application, Figures 1 to 18 The embodiments of the present application are described.

[0063] See also Figure 1 The embodiment of the present application provides a lithium scrap inerting treatment device, comprising a first pipeline 10, including an air inlet end 10a, an air outlet end 10b and an infiltration chamber 10c located between the air inlet end 10a and the air outlet end 10b, the air outlet end 10b is used to connect with an external drainage system, the drainage system is used to drive the gas containing lithium scraps Li to flow through the first pipeline 10, and the infiltration chamber 10c is used to contain an infiltration liquid J to infiltrate the lithium scraps Li when the gas flows through the infiltration chamber 10c. The first blocking mechanism 11 is arranged in the infiltration chamber 10c, and is used to block at least part of the infiltration liquid J from flowing out of the air outlet end 10b when the gas flows through the first pipeline 10.

[0064] The infiltration liquid J of the embodiment of the present application has high chemical stability and is not easy to react chemically with lithium. The infiltration liquid J is wrapped on the outer surface of the lithium scraps Li, isolating the lithium scraps Li from external water or oxygen, and the lithium scraps Li are not easy to spontaneously ignite. Exemplarily, the infiltration liquid J can be silicone oil, which refers to a linear polysiloxane that remains in a liquid state at room temperature. The silicone oil can include at least one of methyl silicone oil and modified silicone oil, wherein the modified silicone oil can include amino-modified silicone oil, epoxy-modified silicone oil, polyether-modified silicone oil, or carboxyl-modified silicone oil, etc.

[0065] The drainage system of the embodiment of the present application may be a negative pressure device that drains the gas to the gas outlet 10b under negative pressure.

[0066] Since the density of lithium chips is less than that of the infiltration liquid, if the lithium chips are directly collected into the infiltration liquid, the lithium chips may float directly on the surface of the infiltration liquid, resulting in the lithium chips not being fully infiltrated and inerted. In the embodiment of the present application, the gas, driven by the drainage system, flows to the gas outlet 10b through the gas inlet end 10a of the first pipe 10. During the gas flow process, the gas can drive the infiltration liquid J and the lithium chips to flow. When the lithium chips flow to the infiltration chamber 10c, they can fully contact and infiltrate with the infiltration liquid J. The surface of the lithium chips is wrapped and inerted by the infiltration liquid J, which can prevent the lithium chips from spontaneous combustion. At the same time, the first blocking mechanism 11 can block part of the infiltration liquid J so that the infiltration liquid J is blocked, thereby reducing the possibility of the infiltration liquid J flowing out of the gas outlet 10b together with the gas. It should be pointed out that the first pipe 10 and / or the second pipe mentioned in the embodiment of the present application can be a circular pipe, a square pipe or a pipe of other shapes.

[0067] Please refer to the directions mentioned in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 In the coordinate system shown in , the direction shown by X is the vertical direction, that is, the height direction of the first pipeline 10 or the height direction of the second pipeline involved in this article.

[0068] In some embodiments, see Figures 1 to 4 The first blocking mechanism 11 is used to block at least part of the infiltration liquid J from flowing out of the gas outlet 10b. A plurality of first blocking mechanisms 11 can be sequentially arranged along the vertical direction X. The plurality of first blocking mechanisms 11 can further reduce the possibility that the infiltration liquid J flows out of the gas outlet 10b along with the gas.

[0069] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the air inlet end 10a is located above the air outlet end 10b in the vertical direction X, the first blocking mechanism 11 includes a plurality of spaced blocking plates 111, adjacent blocking plates 111 form gaps 111b for gas to flow through, and at least a portion of the blocking plates 111 is inclined relative to the vertical direction X. When the gas flows through the blocking plates 111 of the first blocking mechanism 11, it flows out through the gaps 111b, and the flow of the gas drives the infiltration liquid J to flow together. The inclined portion of the blocking plate 111 can change the flow direction of the gas to block the infiltration liquid J and make the infiltration liquid J flow back, thereby reducing the infiltration liquid J flowing out of the air outlet end 10b with the gas.

[0070] In some examples, the projections of adjacent baffles 111 along the vertical direction X are connected, that is, the projections of adjacent baffles 111 on the horizontal plane are continuously arranged or partially overlapped. When the gas flows in the gap 111b, the gas in the gap as a whole will be blocked by the baffles 111 on both sides of the gap 111b and change the flow direction, thereby further reducing the infiltration liquid J flowing out of the gas outlet 10b with the gas.

[0071] For some examples, see Figure 2The blocking plate 111 includes a plurality of blocking parts 111a, and the plurality of blocking parts 111a are connected in sequence, and an angle is formed between two connected blocking parts 111a. When the gas flows through the first blocking mechanism 11, the plurality of blocking parts 111a can change the flow direction of the gas multiple times, so that the infiltration liquid driven by the gas is blocked by the plurality of blocking parts 111a in sequence, which can further reduce the flow rate of the infiltration liquid J flowing out of the gas outlet 10b. Exemplarily, the blocking plate 111 may include two or more than three blocking parts 111a. As the number of blocking parts 111a increases, the number of times the flow direction of the gas is changed increases, and the infiltration liquid driven by the gas is blocked by more blocking parts 111a, which can further reduce the infiltration liquid J flowing out of the gas outlet 10b with the gas.

[0072] The blocking portion 111 a may extend in the horizontal direction. As the extension length increases, more immersion fluid J is blocked from flowing back in the horizontal direction.

[0073] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the blocking plate 111 can be directly or indirectly connected to the first pipe 10. For example, the blocking plate 111 is arranged on the pipe wall of the first pipe 10. For another example, the first blocking mechanism 11 may also include a connecting plate 112, the connecting plate 112 extends along the vertical direction X, the connecting plate 112 includes a first side 112a and a second side 112b arranged opposite to each other in the horizontal direction, the first side 112a of the connecting plate 112 is connected to the pipe wall of the first pipe 10, and a plurality of blocking plates 111 are arranged on the second side 112b of the connecting plate 112. By arranging a plurality of blocking plates 111 on the connecting plate 112, it is convenient to disassemble the first blocking mechanism 11 from the first pipe 10, and to facilitate replacement and maintenance.

[0074] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 A second blocking mechanism 12 is also provided in the infiltration chamber 10c. The second blocking mechanism 12 is connected to the tube wall of the first pipeline 10 and is located between the first blocking mechanism 11 and the gas inlet end 10a. The second blocking mechanism 12 is used to block the lithium chips from flowing out of the gas outlet end 10b. After the lithium chips are inerted by the infiltration liquid J, a part of the lithium chips may flow with the gas, and the second blocking mechanism 12 can block the lithium chips and reduce the lithium chips flowing out of the gas outlet end 10b.

[0075] The second barrier mechanism 12 can be arranged in the infiltration liquid J. The density of lithium chips is smaller than that of the infiltration liquid J, such as silicone oil. When the lithium chips flow through the infiltration chamber 10c with the gas, the lithium chips are subject to the buoyancy of the infiltration liquid J on the lithium chips vertically upward. In order to further prevent the lithium chips from flowing out from the gas outlet 10b, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second barrier mechanism 12 in the horizontal plane gradually increases or decreases in the vertical direction. Due to the buoyancy of the infiltration liquid J, the lithium chips can move smoothly and accumulate in the relatively high part of the second barrier mechanism 12 in the vertical direction. The lithium chips will basically not cause blockage to the relatively low part of the second barrier mechanism 12, and the gas and the infiltration liquid J can flow out from the relatively low part of the second barrier mechanism 12.

[0076] For example, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the second blocking mechanism 12 includes two first plates 121 and two second plates 122. The two second plates 122 are arranged relatively to each other along the second direction Z. The two first plates 121 are arranged relatively to each other along the first direction Y, and the spacing between the two first plates 121 gradually increases upward along the vertical direction X, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the second blocking mechanism 12 in the horizontal plane gradually increases along the vertical direction X. Among them, the spacing between the two first plates 121 refers to the spacing between the two first plates 121 in the first direction Y. Due to the buoyancy of the infiltration liquid J, the lithium chips are mainly accumulated in the relatively higher part of the first plate 121 in the vertical direction X, and the relatively lower parts of the first plate 121 and the second plate 122 are basically not blocked by the lithium chips, and the gas and the infiltration liquid J can flow out through the first plate 121 and / or the second plate 122.

[0077] It should be noted that the first direction Y and the second direction Z are both parallel to the horizontal plane. When the first pipe 10 is a square pipe, the first direction Y is the width direction of the first pipe 10, and the second direction Z is the length direction of the first pipe 10. When the first pipe 10 is a circular pipe, the first direction Y and the second direction Z are both radial directions of the first pipe 10, and the first direction Y and the second direction Z are perpendicular.

[0078] The second barrier mechanism 12 can be a hollow structure. For example, two first plates 121 and two second plates 122 are connected and enclosed to form a cavity 12a, which can reduce the overall weight of the device to make the device lightweight, and the lithium chips are mainly accumulated outside the first plate 121, which is convenient for the subsequent collection and processing of the lithium chips. In order to facilitate the outflow of gas and infiltration liquid J, a through hole 12b can be opened on the second barrier mechanism 12. Exemplarily, the first plate 121 is provided with a through hole 12b to facilitate the outflow of gas to the gas outlet end 10b. Lithium chips are mainly accumulated in the higher part of the first plate 121 in the vertical direction X. Alternatively, a through hole 12b is provided on the second plate 122, and the lithium chips are mainly gathered on the first plate 121, which basically does not cause blockage to the second plate 122, and the gas and infiltration liquid J flow out from the through hole 12b of the second plate 122. Alternatively, both the first plate 121 and the second plate 122 may be provided with through holes 12b to increase the amount of gas and infiltration liquid J passing through, thereby improving the processing efficiency of lithium scrap infiltration and inertization.

[0079] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 A filter mechanism 13 is also provided in the infiltration chamber 10c. The filter mechanism 13 is located between the first barrier mechanism 11 and the gas outlet 10b. The filter mechanism 13 is used to filter lithium scraps and infiltration liquid J in the gas. After the gas flows through the first barrier mechanism 11, it may still carry some lithium scraps and infiltration liquid J. After the filtering effect of the filter mechanism 13, the lithium scraps and infiltration liquid J flowing out of the gas outlet 10b can be further reduced. In order to improve the filtering effect of the filter mechanism 13, the filter mechanism 13 can include multiple filter elements.

[0080] For example, see Figures 8 to 11 The filter mechanism 13 includes a second filter element 131 and a third filter element 132. The second filter element 131 is arranged close to the first barrier mechanism 11, and the third filter element 132 is located on the side of the second filter element 131 away from the first barrier mechanism 11. The second filter element 131 can be used to filter and separate gas and lithium chips. The third filter element 132 can be used to filter and separate gas and infiltration liquid J.

[0081] See also Fig. 9 The second filter element 131 is connected to the wall of the first pipe 10. The second filter element 131 has a plurality of first filter holes 131a. The plurality of first filter holes 131a are arranged at intervals, such as array arrangement or uneven arrangement. The arrangement of the first filter holes 131a is not limited here. After the lithium chips are blocked by the second blocking mechanism 12, a part of the lithium chips may continue to flow with the gas. By adjusting the aperture of the first filter hole 131a, for example, the aperture of the first filter hole 131a is smaller than the particle size of the lithium chips, the lithium chips can be blocked by the first filter hole 131a, and the gas can flow out through the first filter hole 131a.

[0082] See also Fig.10and Fig.11 The third filter element 132 may include a multi-layer filter screen, which is stacked in sequence along the vertical direction X, and the filter screen includes a second filter hole 132a. After the infiltration liquid J is blocked by the first blocking mechanism 11, a part of the infiltration liquid J may continue to flow with the gas, and the third filter element 132 can filter and separate the gas and the infiltration liquid J. The gas and the infiltration liquid J are filtered and separated through the multi-layer filter screen, and the infiltration liquid J is blocked by the multi-layer filter screen. The gas flows out to the gas outlet 10b of the first pipeline 10 through the multi-layer filter screen. If lithium chips are still carried in the gas after being filtered by the second filter element 131, in this case, the gas and the lithium chips will be filtered and separated by the multi-layer filter screen to further purify the gas.

[0083] In order to further purify the gas, the second filter holes 132a of adjacent filter screens can be arranged in a staggered manner, and the infiltration liquid J and lithium chips will be further blocked, thereby further improving the gas purification rate.

[0084] In some embodiments, see Fig.12 In order to collect the inerted lithium scraps, the lithium scraps inerting treatment device further includes a second pipe 20 and a collecting mechanism 21. The second pipe 20 is connected to the first pipe 10, and the second pipe 20 includes a liquid inlet end 20a and a liquid outlet end 20b, and the liquid inlet end 20a is connected to the infiltration chamber 10c. The collecting mechanism 21 is connected to the pipe wall of the second pipe 20, and the collecting mechanism 21 is used to separate the infiltration liquid J and the lithium scraps. After the lithium scraps are infiltrated and inerted by the infiltration liquid J in the infiltration chamber 10c of the first pipe 10, the infiltration liquid J is drained into the collecting mechanism 21 of the second pipe 20, and the infiltration liquid J will drive the lithium scraps to flow into the collecting mechanism 21. The infiltration liquid J and the lithium scraps can be filtered and separated in the collecting mechanism 21, and the lithium scraps are retained in the collecting mechanism 21, and the infiltration liquid J flows out of the collecting mechanism 21, so as to achieve the purpose of collecting the lithium scraps.

[0085] In order to filter and separate the infiltration liquid J and the lithium chips, the collection mechanism 21 includes a collection chamber 211 and a first filter element 212, and the first filter element 212 is disposed in the collection chamber 211. The first filter element 212 can intercept the lithium chips into the collection mechanism 21, and the infiltration liquid J flows out through the first filter element 212. Exemplarily, the second pipe 20 is a circular pipe, and the collection mechanism 21 forms a collection chamber 211 around the axial direction of the second pipe 20.

[0086] There are many forms of connection between the collecting mechanism 21 and the second pipe 20. For example, the collecting mechanism 21 and the second pipe 20 can be connected in a detachable manner, which is convenient for removing lithium chips and replacing the collecting mechanism 21. Of course, the collecting mechanism 21 and the second pipe 20 can also be fixedly connected, and the overall structural stability of the device is better.

[0087] In the embodiment of the present application, the relative positions of the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 can be flexibly set according to the production conditions. For example, the second pipe 20 can be located below the first pipe 10 in the vertical direction X. By utilizing the gravity of the infiltration liquid J and the lithium chips themselves, the infiltration liquid J and the lithium chips can flow from the first pipe 10 to the second pipe 20, without the need to set up other drainage equipment, which can simplify the structure of the device.

[0088] See also Fig.12 In order to adjust the production rhythm of the first pipeline 10 and the second pipeline 20 respectively, a first switch 22 can be set in the second pipeline 20. The first switch 22 is located between the collecting mechanism 21 and the liquid inlet end 20a. The first switch 22 is configured to control the connection and disconnection of the collecting mechanism 21 and the infiltration chamber 10c. When the gas enters the first pipeline 10, the first switch 22 controls the collecting mechanism 21 to be disconnected from the infiltration chamber 10c, and the gas drives the lithium chips to flow. The lithium chips are infiltrated and inerted by the infiltration liquid J in the infiltration chamber 10c of the first pipeline 10. After the lithium chips are infiltrated and inerted in the first pipeline 10, the first switch 22 controls the collecting mechanism 21 to be connected with the infiltration chamber 10c, and the infiltration liquid J flows into the second pipeline 20. The infiltration liquid J drives the lithium chips to flow, and the infiltration liquid J and the lithium chips are filtered and separated by the collecting mechanism 21 of the second pipeline 20. After the infiltration liquid J and the lithium chips are filtered and separated by the collecting mechanism 21 of the second pipeline 20, the purified infiltration liquid J can be further recycled.

[0089] In some embodiments, see Fig.12 The lithium scrap inerting treatment device 1 further includes a third pipe 30, which includes a first end 30a and a second end 30b. The first end 30a is connected to the liquid outlet end 20b of the second pipe 20, and the second end 30b is connected to the infiltration chamber 10c. The third pipe 30 is used to transport the infiltration liquid J separated by the collecting mechanism 21 to the infiltration chamber 10c. After the infiltration liquid J is purified by the collecting mechanism 21 of the second pipe 20, the third pipe 30 circulates the purified infiltration liquid J to the infiltration chamber 10c, thereby improving the utilization rate of the infiltration liquid J. A liquid suction pump 31 can be provided between the first end 30a and the second end 30b, and the purified infiltration liquid J is circulated by the liquid suction pump 31.

[0090] Optionally, the second end 30b is located between the gas outlet end 10b and the first barrier mechanism 11. When the purified infiltration liquid J flows through the first barrier mechanism 11, the lithium chips adhering to the first barrier mechanism 11 can be impacted into the infiltration liquid J to prevent the lithium chips from blocking the first barrier mechanism 11, so that the gas can be discharged smoothly.

[0091] Optionally, the second end 30b is located between the gas outlet end 10b and the second filter element 131. When the purified infiltration liquid J flows through the second filter element 131, the lithium scraps adhering to the second filter element 131 can be impacted into the infiltration liquid J, so as to prevent the lithium scraps from clogging the second filter element 131 and the first blocking mechanism 11, so that the gas can be discharged smoothly.

[0092] The present application also provides a method for inerting lithium chips. Fig.13 , the method comprising:

[0093] S100, providing a first pipeline and a first blocking mechanism, wherein the first pipeline includes an air inlet end, an infiltration chamber, an air outlet end, and an infiltration chamber located between the air inlet end and the air outlet end, the infiltration chamber contains an infiltration liquid, and the first blocking mechanism is disposed in the infiltration chamber;

[0094] S200, connecting the drainage system to the gas outlet, and using the drainage system to drive the gas containing lithium chips to flow through the first pipeline, and the gas infiltrates the lithium chips when flowing through the infiltration cavity, wherein,

[0095] When the gas flows through the first pipeline, the first blocking mechanism blocks at least part of the infiltration liquid from flowing out of the gas outlet end.

[0096] See also Figures 14 to 17 The process of lithium chips inerting treatment 1 of the embodiment of the present application is as follows:

[0097] See also Fig.14 , the first switch 22 controls the collection mechanism 21 of the infiltration chamber 10c and the second pipe 20 to be disconnected. The gas is drained into the infiltration liquid J in the infiltration chamber 10c through the drainage system, and the gas drives the lithium chips and the infiltration liquid to flow. The lithium chips are blocked when flowing through the second blocking mechanism 12, and are infiltrated and inertized in the infiltration liquid J. At the same time, the infiltration liquid J is blocked by the first blocking mechanism 11 to flow back, and the gas continues to flow to the filtering mechanism 13, is filtered and purified by the filtering mechanism 13, and flows out of the gas outlet 10b of the first pipe 10.

[0098] See also Fig.15 The first switch 22 controls the infiltration chamber 10c to be connected to the collecting mechanism 21 of the second pipe 20, and the infiltration liquid J flows and drives the lithium chips to flow into the collecting mechanism 21 of the second pipe 20, and the infiltration liquid J is filtered and purified by the collecting mechanism 21.

[0099] See also Fig.16 The first switch 22 controls the collection mechanism 21 of the infiltration chamber 10c and the second pipe 20 to be disconnected, and the purified infiltration liquid J circulates between the second filter element 131 and the third filter element 132 of the filtering mechanism 13 through the third pipe 30, and the infiltration liquid J flows back into the infiltration chamber 10c.

[0100] See also Fig.17The infiltration liquid J in the second pipe 20 flows back into the infiltration cavity 10 c of the first pipe 10 , and the lithium chips are retained in the collecting mechanism 21 .

[0101] The present application also provides a battery lithium replenishment system. Fig.18 The battery lithium replenishment system 100 comprises a lithium replenishment device 2 and a lithium scrap inerting treatment device 1 of any of the above embodiments of the present application, wherein the air inlet end of the lithium scrap inerting treatment device 1 is arranged opposite to the lithium replenishment device 2. The lithium replenishment device is used to replenish lithium to the pole piece of the battery, and lithium scraps may be generated during the lithium replenishment process; the air inlet end of the lithium scrap inerting treatment device 1 is arranged opposite to the lithium replenishment device 2, so that the lithium scraps are drawn into the infiltration chamber of the lithium scrap inerting treatment device 1 during the lithium replenishment process, and the lithium scraps are infiltrated in the infiltration liquid, and the surface of the lithium scraps is wrapped and inerted by the infiltration liquid, which can prevent the lithium scraps from spontaneous combustion and other phenomena, thereby improving the safety of battery production.

[0102] Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made thereto and parts thereof may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A lithium chips inerting treatment device, characterized in that: include: A first pipeline, comprising an air inlet end, an air outlet end and an infiltration cavity located between the air inlet end and the air outlet end, wherein the air outlet end is used to be connected to an external drainage system, the drainage system is used to drive the gas containing lithium chips to flow through the first pipeline, and the infiltration cavity is used to contain an infiltration liquid to infiltrate the lithium chips when the gas flows through the infiltration cavity; as well as The first blocking mechanism is disposed in the infiltration chamber and is used to block at least part of the infiltration liquid from flowing out of the gas outlet when the gas flows through the first pipeline.

2. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet end is located above the air outlet end in the vertical direction, the first blocking mechanism includes a plurality of spaced-apart blocking plates, adjacent blocking plates form gaps for the gas to flow through, and at least a portion of the blocking plates is inclined relative to the vertical direction.

3. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The blocking plate includes a plurality of blocking parts, the plurality of blocking parts are connected in sequence, and an angle is formed between two connected blocking parts.

4. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Projections of adjacent blocking plates along the vertical direction are connected.

5. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second blocking mechanism is also provided in the infiltration chamber. The second blocking mechanism is connected to the tube wall of the first pipe and is located between the first blocking mechanism and the air inlet end. The second blocking mechanism is used to block the lithium chips from flowing out of the air outlet end.

6. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cross-sectional area of ​​the second blocking mechanism in the horizontal plane gradually increases or decreases along the vertical direction.

7. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second blocking mechanism comprises: Two first plates are arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, and a distance between the two first plates gradually increases upward along the vertical direction; and Two second plates are arranged opposite to each other along a second direction, the two first plates and the two second plates are connected and enclosed to form a cavity, the first plate and / or the second plate are provided with a plurality of through holes to allow the gas and the infiltration liquid to flow out, the first direction and the second direction are both parallel to the horizontal plane, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

8. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A filtering mechanism is also provided in the infiltration chamber. The filtering mechanism is located between the first blocking mechanism and the gas outlet and is used to filter the lithium chips and the infiltration liquid in the gas.

9. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The lithium chips inerting treatment device also includes: a second pipe, the second pipe is connected to the first pipe, the second pipe comprises a liquid inlet end and a liquid outlet end, the liquid inlet end is connected to the infiltration chamber; and A collecting mechanism is connected to the wall of the second pipe and is used to separate the infiltration liquid and the lithium chips.

10. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second pipeline is located below the first pipeline in the vertical direction.

11. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The collecting mechanism comprises a collecting chamber and a first filter element, wherein the first filter element is arranged in the collecting chamber and is used for separating the infiltration liquid and the lithium chips.

12. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that: A first switch is also provided in the second pipe. The first switch is located between the collecting mechanism and the liquid inlet end. The first switch is configured to control the connection and disconnection between the collecting mechanism and the infiltration chamber.

13. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The collecting mechanism is detachably disposed in the second pipe.

14. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lithium chips inerting treatment device also includes a third pipeline, which includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the liquid outlet end of the second pipeline, and the second end is connected to the infiltration chamber. The third pipeline is used to transport the infiltration liquid separated by the collection mechanism to the infiltration chamber.

15. The lithium chips inerting treatment device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The second end is located between the air outlet end and the first blocking mechanism.

16. A battery lithium replenishment system, characterized in that: include: Lithium replenishment device; as well as The lithium chip inerting treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the air inlet end of the lithium chip inerting treatment device is arranged opposite to the lithium replenishing device.

17. A method for inerting lithium chips, characterized in that: include: Providing a first pipeline and a first blocking mechanism, wherein the first pipeline comprises an air inlet end, an air outlet end and an infiltration cavity located between the air inlet end and the air outlet end, the infiltration cavity contains an infiltration liquid, and the first blocking mechanism is disposed in the infiltration cavity; A drainage system is connected to the gas outlet, and the drainage system is used to drive the gas containing lithium chips to flow through the first pipe, and the gas infiltrates the lithium chips when flowing through the infiltration cavity. Wherein, when the gas flows through the first pipeline, the first blocking mechanism blocks at least a portion of the infiltration liquid from flowing out of the gas outlet.

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