An industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials

Abstract

The present invention discloses an industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials, including a balance base. One side of the balance base is welded with a conveying device. Inside the conveying device, there is a conveyor belt, and a positive electrode current collector is placed on the conveyor belt. A rotating mechanism is arranged inside the balance base. The present invention adopts the structural design of a horizontal conveyor belt and a circular conveyor belt to separate and recycle the cathode active materials by industrial mechanical equipment, making the separation work of the lithium-ion cathode active materials have higher separation efficiency and faster separation speed. It can directly separate the cathode active materials, effectively reduce the separation work steps of the cathode active materials, and also reduce the input of human resources and cost investment. Moreover, compared with the previous mechanical grinding method, high-temperature separation method and solvent dissolution method, it can also reduce the generation of harmful substances during the separation work, reduce environmental pollution, and achieve the purpose of environmental protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of recycling of lithium-ion cathode active materials, and particularly to an industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the wide use of electric vehicles, the number of lithium-ion batteries has been continuously increasing. However, the service life of lithium-ion batteries is relatively short, and the number of retired lithium-ion batteries is increasing exponentially. A huge number of retired lithium-ion batteries will cause environmental pollution and waste of resources. Recycling retired lithium-ion batteries and promoting the recycling of valuable elements is of great significance. The most crucial step is to separate the cathode active material from the cathode current collector and its surface binder.

[0003] Mechanical milling method, high-temperature separation method, and solvent dissolution method have promoted the development of separation technology for retired lithium-ion battery cathode active materials, but there are still problems of environmental pollution and high cost. The pulse discharge separation method can directly separate the cathode active material by vaporizing the aluminum foil. However, the existing vaporization separation efficiency is too low, and it only stays in the laboratory stage and cannot be used for industrial production.

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention is improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials, which solves the above problems existing in the prior art during use.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is realized as follows: An industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials includes a balance base. One side of the balance base is welded with a conveying device. The inner side of the conveying device is provided with a conveyor belt, and a cathode current collector is placed on the conveyor belt. A rotating mechanism is arranged inside the balance base. The top of the rotating mechanism penetrates to the top of the balance base and is provided with an annular conveyor platform. Six driving devices are fixedly installed on the top of the annular conveyor platform. The output end of the driving device penetrates to the bottom of the annular conveyor platform and is fixedly installed with a connecting ring. A gripper is detachably installed at the bottom of the connecting ring. One side of the balance base is welded with a connecting frame, and a vaporization cylinder opposite to the conveying device is welded on the top of the connecting frame. Both sides of the inner cavity of the vaporization cylinder are fixedly installed with copper blocks. The two copper blocks are buckled to form a "concave" shape. Solid epoxy resins are fixedly installed at the bottoms of the two copper blocks. Two hollow cylinders are longitudinally penetrated inside the solid epoxy resin. Wires are arranged inside the hollow cylinders, and one end of the wire penetrates to the bottom of the vaporization cylinder.

[0007] The method for recycling the retired lithium-ion cathode active materials is as follows:

[0008] 1), Collect the positive electrode sheets disassembled from used lithium-ion batteries for standby;

[0009] 2), Connect the positive electrode sheet to be electrolyzed to the positive and negative electrodes of the circuit. After passing through a pulsed high current, the aluminum foil in the positive electrode sheet will vaporize, and the active substances contained therein will be separated (the positive electrode active substances are attached to the aluminum foil);

[0010] 3), After the electrolysis is completed, the aluminum foil has vaporized. The collected active substances and aluminum foil are both in this cylinder and are circulated through an air pump.

[0011] For the industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion positive electrode active substances as described above in the present invention, further: The number of the solid epoxy resins is not less than five, and through holes adapted to the solid epoxy resins are provided inside the solid epoxy resins.

[0012] For the industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion positive electrode active substances as described above in the present invention, further: The rotating mechanism is an electric push rod, which is detachably installed on the top of the annular conveyor table, and the output end of the electric push rod is fixedly connected to the connecting ring.

[0013] For the industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion positive electrode active substances as described above in the present invention, further: The conveying device includes a mounting frame welded on the balance base. Four gears are movably installed inside the mounting frame by two rotating shaft rods, and two chains are drivingly installed on the four gears. The conveyor belt is arranged between the two chains.

[0014] For the industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion positive electrode active substances as described above in the present invention, further: The rotating mechanism includes a rotating rod rotatably installed inside the balance base. The top end of the rotating rod penetrates to the top of the balance base and is welded to the bottom of the annular conveyor table.

[0015] For the industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion positive electrode active substances as described above in the present invention, further: A worm gear is fixedly installed at the bottom of the surface of the rotating rod. A worm is meshed on one side of the worm gear. One end of the worm is rotatably installed on the inner wall of the balance base, and the other end of the worm is fixedly installed with a motor.

[0016] For the industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion positive electrode active substances as described above in the present invention, further: The motor is located outside the balance base, and a support plate is fixedly installed at the bottom of the motor. One side of the support plate is welded to the balance base.

[0017] The industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials as described above in the present invention further comprises: the gripper includes a base block, a cylinder is fixedly installed on the top of the base block, the output end of the cylinder penetrates to the bottom of the base block and is sleeved with a moving push block, and gripper arms are movably installed on both sides of the base block, and protection plates are fixedly connected to one ends of the two gripper arms.

[0018] The industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials as described above in the present invention further comprises: connecting rods are movably installed at both ends of the moving push block, and the ends of the connecting rods far away from the moving push block extend into the interior of the gripper arms and are movably connected with the gripper arms.

[0019] The industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials as described above in the present invention further comprises: a fastening nut is threadedly installed at the output end of the cylinder, the fastening nut is closely attached to the surface of the moving push block, a protection frame located outside the cylinder is welded on the top of the base block, and the top of the protection frame is fixedly connected with a connecting ring.

[0020] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0021] 1. The present invention adopts the structural design of a horizontal conveyor belt and a circular conveyor belt, and separates and recovers the cathode active materials by using industrial mechanical equipment, so that the separation work of the lithium-ion cathode active materials has higher separation efficiency, faster separation speed, is more suitable for large-scale production investment, can directly separate the cathode active materials, effectively reduces the separation work steps of the cathode active materials, can also reduce the input of human resources, reduces the cost input, and compared with the previous mechanical grinding method, high-temperature separation method and solvent dissolution method, can also reduce the generation of harmful substances in the separation work, reduce the environmental pollution, and achieve the purpose of environmental protection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention, and for those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure meshing of a worm gear and a worm;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure assembly of a driving device and a gripper;

[0026] Figure 4 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the conveying device;

[0027] Figure 5 Exploded schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the gasification cylinder;

[0028] Figure 6 Exploded partial schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the gripper;

[0030] Figure 8 Top view schematic diagram of the gripper grasping process;

[0031] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the relative positions of the gripper and the positive current collector.

[0032] In the figure: 1. Balanced base, 2. Conveying device, 21. Mounting frame, 22. Gear, 23. Chain, 3. Conveyor belt, 4. Positive current collector, 5. Ring-shaped conveying table, 6. Driving device, 7. Support plate, 8. Connecting frame, 9. Gasification cylinder, 10. Copper block, 12. Solid epoxy resin, 13. Hollow cylinder, 14. Cable, 15. Through hole, 16. Rotating mechanism, 161. Rotating rod, 162. Worm gear, 163. Motor, 164. Worm, 17. Connecting ring, 18. Gripper, 181. Base block, 182. Cylinder, 183. Moving push block, 184. Fastening nut, 185. Gripping arm, 186. Protection plate, 187. Link, 188. Protection frame. Specific embodiments

[0033] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the attached Figures 1-9 , Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0034] Embodiment

[0035] An industrial recycling equipment for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials, comprising a balance base 1. A conveying device 2 is welded to one side of the balance base 1. A conveyor belt 3 is arranged inside the conveying device 2. A positive electrode current collector 4 is placed on the conveyor belt 3. A rotating mechanism 16 is arranged inside the balance base 1. The top of the rotating mechanism 16 penetrates to the top of the balance base 1 and is provided with an annular conveyor table 5. Six driving devices 6 are fixedly installed on the top of the annular conveyor table 5. The output end of the driving device 6 penetrates to the bottom of the annular conveyor table 5 and is fixedly installed with a connecting ring 17. A gripper 18 is detachably installed at the bottom of the connecting ring 17. A connecting frame 8 is welded to one side of the balance base 1. An air cylinder 9 opposite to the conveying device 2 is welded to the top of the connecting frame 8. Copper blocks 10 are fixedly installed on both sides of the inner cavity of the air cylinder 9. The two copper blocks 10 are buckled to form a "concave" shape. Solid epoxy resins 12 are fixedly installed at the bottoms of the two copper blocks 10. Two hollow cylinders 13 are longitudinally penetrated inside the solid epoxy resin 12. A cable 14 is arranged inside the hollow cylinder 13. One end of the cable 14 penetrates to the bottom of the air cylinder 9.

[0036] The method for recycling retired lithium-ion cathode active materials is as follows:

[0037] 1). Collect the positive electrode plates disassembled from used lithium-ion batteries for standby;

[0038] 2). Connect the positive electrode plates to be electrolyzed to the positive and negative electrodes of the circuit. After passing through a pulsed large current, the aluminum foil in the positive electrode plates will vaporize, and the contained active materials will be separated (the positive electrode active materials are attached to the aluminum foil);

[0039] 3). After electrolysis is completed, the aluminum foil has vaporized. The recovered active materials and aluminum foil are both in this air cylinder, and circulation is achieved through an air pump.

[0040] Overall working process: Place the positive electrode current collectors to be vaporized, that is, the positive electrode current collectors 4, at equal intervals on the conveyor belt, that is, the conveying device 2. The gripper at position 1 on the annular conveyor belt, that is, the annular conveyor table 5, descends to grab the positive electrode current collector. It should be noted that six grippers are arranged on the annular conveyor belt, namely position 1, position 2, position 3, position 4, position 5, and position 6. Then it rotates to position 4. The gripper at position 4 extends and places the positive electrode current collector into the air cylinder, that is, the air cylinder 9, for vaporization and separation. Specifically, as Figures 8-9 shown;

[0041] After the vaporization and separation of the positive electrode current collector at position 4 are completed, the original gripper at position 2 starts to grab the positive electrode current collector on the conveyor belt, and the gripper at the original position 5 extends into the air cylinder to vaporize and separate the positive electrode current collector, and so on;

[0042] It should be noted that the relative positions of the gripper and the positive electrode current collector are as Figure 9As shown, the gripper has a soft insulating shell that can withstand a voltage of 10 kV;

[0043] At the bottom of the cylinder, there is an epoxy resin plate, that is, solid epoxy resin 12, which fits tightly with the cylinder. T-shaped copper, that is, copper block 10, is located above the epoxy resin and is connected by insulating glue. There is a cylindrical hollow area in the middle of the epoxy resin, and there is also a corresponding hole at the bottom of the cylinder, which allows a large current cable, that is, cable 14, to pass through the bottom of the cylinder and the epoxy resin in sequence, and then connect with the copper to form a discharge circuit;

[0044] The cables in the two epoxy resin columns are connected to the positive and negative electrodes respectively. When the gripper extends, the positive electrode current collector fits with the copper. At the moment of fitting, a pulsed large current flows through the positive electrode current collector, and the aluminum foil in the positive electrode current collector vaporizes instantly, separating the positive electrode active material from the current collector and turning it into fine particles;

[0045] It should be noted that a negative pressure device is also set at the bottom of the cylinder, which can suck away the positive electrode active material particles scattered into the cylinder after vaporization, facilitating separation, classification, recycling and reuse.

[0046] The specific use process of the equipment is as follows: First, start the conveying device 2, the rotating mechanism 16 and all other auxiliary equipment. Then the conveying device 2 works. There is a stepping motor installed on the mounting frame 21, which is used to drive the gear 22. When one gear 22 rotates, it will drive the chain 23 to rotate, and then the chain 23 will drive the other gear 22 to rotate. The chains 23 on both sides rotate, and finally drive the conveyor belt 3 to drive. In this way, the positive electrode current collector 4 placed on the conveyor belt 3 will also be driven. Then the motor 163 will drive the worm 164 to rotate, and the worm 164 will drive the worm wheel 162 to rotate. The worm wheel 162 drives the rotating rod 161 to rotate, and the rotating rod 161 drives the annular conveyor table 5 to rotate. The annular conveyor table 5 will drive the driving device 6 and the gripper 18 to move. When one gripper 18 moves to the directly above the positive electrode current collector 4, the gripper 18 will grab the corresponding positive electrode current collector 4 and then transfer it into the vaporization cylinder 9. Other grippers will repeat the work in sequence. When the gripper 18 performs the grabbing work, the air cylinder 182 will push the moving push block 183 to move. The moving push block 183 will drive the two connecting rods 187 to move and open. The two connecting rods 187 will open the two gripper arms 185. Then the driving device 6 works to drive the gripper 18 to move down. After moving to the position of the positive electrode current collector 4, the air cylinder 182 will retract, then pull the moving push block 183 back, and pull the connecting rod 187 back, and then will pull the two gripper arms 185 back, grab the positive electrode current collector 4 and be rotated and transferred. It should be noted that the setting of the protection plate 186 can protect the positive electrode current collector 4 from being damaged when being grabbed. And the setting of the connecting ring 17, the connecting ring 17 is connected to the gripper 18 by a threaded method, so it can provide convenience for the disassembly and maintenance work of users.

[0047] In summary, by adopting the structural design of the horizontal conveyor belt and the circular conveyor belt, the positive active material is separated and recovered by industrial mechanical equipment, making the separation work of the lithium-ion positive active material have higher separation efficiency, faster separation speed, more suitable for large-scale production input, capable of directly separating the positive active material, effectively reducing the separation work steps of the positive active material, also reducing the input of human resources and cost input. Moreover, compared with the previous mechanical grinding method, high-temperature separation method and solvent dissolution method, it can also reduce the generation of harmful substances during the separation work, reduce environmental pollution, and achieve the purpose of environmental protection.

[0048] The number of the solid epoxy resins 12 is not less than five, and a through hole 15 adapted to the solid epoxy resin 12 is provided inside the solid epoxy resin 12.

[0049] The rotating mechanism 16 is an electric push rod, the electric push rod is detachably installed on the top of the circular conveyor table 5, and the output end of the electric push rod is fixedly connected with the connecting ring 17.

[0050] The conveying device 2 includes a mounting frame 21 welded on the balance base 1. Four gears 22 are movably installed inside the mounting frame 21 by two rotating shaft rods. Two chains 23 are drivingly installed on the four gears 22, and the conveyor belt 3 is arranged between the two chains 23.

[0051] The rotating mechanism 16 includes a rotating rod 161 rotatably installed inside the balance base 1. The top end of the rotating rod 161 penetrates to the top of the balance base 1 and is welded to the bottom of the circular conveyor table 5.

[0052] A worm gear 162 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the surface of the rotating rod 161. A worm 164 is meshed on one side of the worm gear 162. One end of the worm 164 is rotatably installed on the inner wall of the balance base 1, and the other end of the worm 164 is fixedly installed with a motor 163.

[0053] The motor 163 is located outside the balance base 1. A support plate 7 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the motor 163, and one side of the support plate 7 is welded to the balance base 1.

[0054] The gripper 18 includes a base block 181. A cylinder 182 is fixedly installed at the top of the base block 181. The output end of the cylinder 182 penetrates to the bottom of the base block 181 and is sleeved with a moving push block 183. Both sides of the base block 181 are movably installed with gripper arms 185, and one ends of the two gripper arms 185 are fixedly connected with protection plates 186.

[0055] Both ends of the moving push block 183 are movably installed with connecting rods 187. The ends of the connecting rods 187 away from the moving push block 183 extend into the gripper arms 185 and are movably connected with the gripper arms 185.

[0056] The output end of the cylinder 182 is threadedly installed with a fastening nut 184, and the fastening nut 184 is closely attached to the surface of the moving push block 183. A protective frame 188 located outside the cylinder 182 is welded to the top of the base block 181, and the top of the protective frame 188 is fixedly connected to the connecting ring 17.

[0057] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials, including a balance base (1), characterized in that, One side of the balance base (1) is welded with a conveying device (2). Inside the conveying device (2), a conveyor belt (3) is arranged. A positive electrode plate is placed on the conveyor belt (3). Inside the balance base (1), a rotating mechanism (16) is arranged. The top end of the rotating mechanism (16) penetrates to the top of the balance base (1) and is provided with an annular transfer table (5). Six driving devices (6) are fixedly installed on the top of the annular transfer table (5). The output end of the driving device (6) penetrates to the bottom of the annular transfer table (5) and is fixedly installed with a connecting ring (17). A gripper (18) is detachably installed at the bottom of the connecting ring (17). One side of the balance base (1) is welded with a connecting frame (8). The top of the connecting frame (8) is welded with a gasification cylinder (9) arranged opposite to the conveying device (2). On both sides of the inner cavity of the gasification cylinder (9), copper blocks (10) are fixedly installed. A "concave" shape is formed by buckling between the two copper blocks (10). Solid epoxy resins (12) are fixedly installed at the bottoms of the two copper blocks (10). Two hollow cylinders (13) are longitudinally penetrated inside the solid epoxy resin (12). A cable (14) is arranged inside the hollow cylinder (13). One end of the cable (14) penetrates to the bottom of the gasification cylinder (9). The cable forms a discharge circuit through the bottom of the gasification cylinder, the solid epoxy resin, and the copper block. The cables in the two hollow cylinders inside the solid epoxy resin are respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes. The gripper is used to make the positive electrode plate fit with the copper block. At the moment of fitting, a pulsed large current flows through the positive electrode plate, and the aluminum foil in the positive electrode plate vaporizes instantly, separating the positive electrode active material from the aluminum foil and turning it into fine particles; Among them, the method for recycling retired lithium-ion positive electrode active materials is as follows: 1). Collect the positive electrode plates disassembled from used lithium-ion batteries. The positive electrode plates include aluminum foil and the positive electrode active material attached to the aluminum foil, and set aside for later use; 2). Connect the positive electrode plate to be electrolyzed to the positive and negative electrodes of the discharge circuit. After the pulsed large current flows through, the aluminum foil in the positive electrode plate will vaporize, and the contained active material will be separated; 3). After the electrolysis is completed, the aluminum foil has vaporized. The collected active material and aluminum foil are both in this cylinder and are circulated through an air pump.

2. The industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the solid epoxy resins (12) is not less than five, and through holes (15) adapted to the hollow cylinders (13) are formed inside the solid epoxy resins (12).

3. The industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism (16) is an electric push rod. The electric push rod is detachably installed on the top of the annular transfer table (5), and the output end of the electric push rod is fixedly connected to the connecting ring (17).

4. The industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials according to claim 3, characterized in that: The conveying device (2) includes a mounting frame (21) welded on the balance base (1). Inside the mounting frame (21), four gears (22) are movably installed by using two rotating shaft rods. Two chains (23) are drivingly installed on the four gears (22). The conveyor belt (3) is arranged between the two chains (23).

5. The industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism (16) includes a rotating rod (161) rotatably installed inside the balance base (1), and the top end of the rotating rod (161) penetrates to the top of the balance base (1) and is welded to the bottom of the annular transfer table (5).

6. The industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials according to claim 5, characterized in that: A turbine (162) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the surface of the rotating rod (161), a worm (164) is meshed on one side of the turbine (162), one end of the worm (164) is rotatably installed on the inner wall of the balance base (1), and a motor (163) is fixedly installed at the other end of the worm (164).

7. The industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials according to claim 6, characterized in that: The motor (163) is located outside the balance base (1), a support plate (7) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the motor (163), and one side of the support plate (7) is welded to the balance base (1).

8. The industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials according to claim 7, characterized in that: The gripper (18) includes a base block (181), a cylinder (182) is fixedly installed at the top of the base block (181), the output end of the cylinder (182) penetrates to the bottom of the base block (181) and is sleeved with a moving push block (183), and gripper arms (185) are movably installed on both sides of the base block (181), and protection plates (186) are fixedly connected to one ends of the two gripper arms (185).

9. The industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials according to claim 8, characterized in that: Link rods (187) are movably installed at both ends of the moving push block (183), and the ends of the link rods (187) far from the moving push block (183) extend into the gripper arms (185) and are movably connected to the gripper arms (185).

10. The industrial recycling device for retired lithium-ion cathode active materials according to claim 9, characterized in that: A fastening nut (184) is threadedly installed at the output end of the cylinder (182), the fastening nut (184) is closely attached to the surface of the moving push block (183), and a protection frame (188) located outside the cylinder (182) is welded to the top of the base block (181), and the top of the protection frame (188) is fixedly connected to the connecting ring (17).

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