A lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system and its processing technology

Abstract

This application relates to the technical field of lithium battery material recycling processes, and more specifically, to a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system and its processing technology. A lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system includes a crushing device and a vibrating air classifier connected in sequence. The vibrating air classifier includes a vibrating screen, an exhaust fan, and a dust box. The exhaust port of the exhaust fan faces the upper end of the vibrating screen, and the exhaust port of the exhaust fan is connected to the dust box. The exhaust fan is used to transfer lithium cobalt oxide powder into the dust box. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system and its processing technology of this application can simultaneously recover cobalt, lithium, and aluminum components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of lithium battery material recycling processes, and more specifically, it relates to a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system and its processing technology. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium cobalt oxide batteries, which use lithium cobalt oxide as the positive electrode, are an important branch of lithium-ion batteries. They have a stable structure, high capacity ratio, and outstanding overall performance. They have advantages such as high operating voltage, long service life, no self-discharge, no memory effect, and environmental friendliness. Therefore, they are widely used in mobile electronic devices, medical devices, new energy vehicles and other fields, and their production volume is increasing year by year.

[0003] However, with the increase in the production of lithium cobalt oxide batteries, the resources of active metals (lithium, cobalt, etc.) required for the cathode materials of lithium cobalt oxide batteries are also being consumed, which leads to a continuous increase in the manufacturing cost of lithium cobalt oxide batteries. Therefore, it is urgent to develop recycling, screening and reuse technology for lithium cobalt oxide cathode materials.

[0004] In related technologies, the cobalt and lithium components in the cathode material of lithium cobalt oxide batteries are usually recovered by alkaline treatment, that is, by removing aluminum from the cathode material of lithium cobalt oxide batteries with alkali, thereby retaining the cobalt and lithium components. However, this method will lead to the waste of aluminum. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to reduce the waste of aluminum when recycling cobalt lithium components, this application provides a recycling system for lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode materials and its processing technology.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system, which adopts the following technical solution: A lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system includes a crushing device and a vibrating air classifier connected in sequence. The vibrating air classifier includes a vibrating screen, an exhaust fan, and a dust box. The exhaust port of the exhaust fan faces the upper end of the vibrating screen, and the exhaust port of the exhaust fan is connected to the dust box. The exhaust fan is used to transfer lithium cobalt oxide powder into the dust box.

[0007] Provided that the particle size of lithium cobalt oxide powder and aluminum powder is consistent, the mass of lithium cobalt oxide powder is significantly smaller than that of aluminum powder. Therefore, when the exhaust fan evacuates the vibrating screen, the lithium cobalt oxide powder can be separated from the vibrating screen and transferred to the dust box under the action of the suction force, while the aluminum powder remains at the vibrating screen, thus achieving the separation of lithium cobalt oxide powder and aluminum powder.

[0008] Compared to alkaline treatment for screening lithium cobalt oxide powder, the crushing and vibration air classification method only physically treats the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material without chemically reacting with its components, thus effectively reducing aluminum waste.

[0009] Preferably, the crushing device includes a conveyor belt, a coarse crusher, and a fine crusher. The discharge end of the conveyor belt faces the feed end of the coarse crusher, the discharge end of the coarse crusher faces the feed end of the fine crusher, and the discharge end of the fine crusher faces the feed end of the vibrating screen.

[0010] The coarse and fine crushing operations enable the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material to be crushed more uniformly and with a smaller particle size, further improving the accuracy and stability of the vibratory air classification operation.

[0011] Preferably, the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system further includes a degumming device located before the crushing device. The degumming device includes a conveying mechanism, a product cage, a degumming tank, and a washing tank. The product cage is used to store the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material, and the conveying mechanism is used to transfer the product cage to the degumming tank, the washing tank, or the feed end of the conveyor belt.

[0012] The conveying mechanism includes a frame, a drive motor, a rotating frame, and several clamping components. The drive motor is fixedly connected to the frame, the rotating frame is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor, the rotating frame is rotatably connected to the frame, and several clamping components are disposed on the rotating frame. The several clamping components are evenly spaced around the center of the rotating frame.

[0013] The clamping assembly includes a lifting cylinder and a robotic arm fixedly connected to the output end of the lifting cylinder. The robotic arm is used to clamp the product cage, and the lifting cylinder is used to place or release the product cage into or from the degumming tank, the washing tank, or the feed end of the conveyor belt.

[0014] Before crushing the positive electrode material of lithium cobalt oxide batteries, workers can first add the material to a product cage, and then place the cage in a degumming tank. Once the lithium cobalt oxide positive electrode material has been degummed, a drive motor rotates a rotating frame, which transfers the clamping assembly to the degumming tank. Then, a lifting cylinder lowers a robotic arm, which grips the product cage, allowing the lifting cylinder to lift the cage out of the degumming tank.

[0015] Next, the rotating frame transfers the product cage to the washing tank. The clamping assembly controls the product cage's entry and exit from the washing tank, where the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material is rinsed and dried. Finally, the rotating frame transfers the product cage to the conveyor belt, completing the degumming operation of the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material before crushing. This degumming process is simple and automated, effectively reducing labor waste and accelerating the degumming speed of the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material.

[0016] Preferably, the degumming tank includes a degumming tank body, a rotating disk rotatably connected within the degumming tank body, a connecting rod fixedly connected to the center of the rotating disk, and a driven wheel fixedly connected to the connecting rod. The output end of the drive motor is fixedly connected to a driving wheel, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the driven wheel. A transmission belt is wound around the driving wheel and the driven wheel. The rotating frame rotates synchronously with the rotating disk at different speeds. A plurality of product cages are placed on the rotating disk, and the plurality of product cages are evenly spaced circumferentially with the center of the rotating disk as the center.

[0017] When the rotating frame moves the product cage from the degumming tank to the washing tank, the drive motor simultaneously drives the drive wheel to rotate. The drive wheel drives the driven wheel to rotate through the transmission belt. The driven wheel drives the rotating disk to rotate through the connecting rod. Then, when the clamping assembly at the rear moves to the degumming tank, the rotating disk will move the new product cage to the clamping assembly at the rear, thus realizing the assembly line conveying of the product cage.

[0018] Since the diameter of the driving wheel is smaller than that of the driven wheel, the rotation speed of the rotating disk will be much smaller than that of the rotating frame. This allows a large number of product cages to be placed on the rotating disk, further improving the degumming efficiency of the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material and the screening efficiency of each component of the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material.

[0019] Preferably, the degumming tank is filled with an adhesive stripping solution, which comprises the following raw materials in parts by weight: 90-110 parts water, 10-18 parts acetone, and 8-10 parts polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0020] Currently, heat treatment is commonly used to degumme the cathode material of lithium cobalt oxide batteries. This involves immersing the cathode material in hot water to remove the adhesive. However, this method is not very effective at removing the adhesive.

[0021] Acetone is a saturated ketone that is readily miscible with water or organic substances. Since adhesives are mainly composed of organic substances, adhesive release solutions with acetone as the main component have a better release effect on adhesives than water.

[0022] Furthermore, when polyvinylpyrrolidone is added to the adhesive stripping solution, the adhesive stripping solution exhibits a superior stripping effect. This is because polyvinylpyrrolidone is a high-molecular-weight surfactant that can act as a co-solvent and detergent. Thus, when the adhesive stripping solution is used to de-adhere the positive electrode material of lithium cobalt oxide batteries, polyvinylpyrrolidone will synergize with acetone, thereby further improving the de-adhesion effect of the adhesive stripping solution.

[0023] Preferably, the washing pool includes a washing pool body, a plurality of high-pressure nozzles disposed within the washing pool body, and a plurality of dryers disposed on the washing pool body, wherein the air outlets of the plurality of high-pressure nozzles and the plurality of dryers all face the interior of the washing pool body.

[0024] After the rotating frame transfers the product cage from the degumming tank to the washing tank, the lifting cylinder moves the product cage downwards into the main body of the washing tank. At this time, high-pressure nozzles continuously rinse the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material inside the product cage. After rinsing, the lifting cylinder moves the product cage upwards, and the dryer continuously dries the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material, effectively reducing the impact of water on the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material.

[0025] Preferably, the product cage includes a cage body, a cover body, and a telescopic component. The cover body is fixedly connected to the upper end of the cage body, and a feeding hole for adding lithium cobalt oxide battery positive electrode material is provided through the cover body.

[0026] The telescopic component is located on the lower end face of the cover. The bottom of the cage has a conical surface facing downwards, and a discharge hole is opened through the center of the conical surface. The telescopic component blocks the discharge hole. A push pin is provided on the conveyor belt, and the push pin forces the telescopic component to disengage from the discharge hole.

[0027] When the rotating frame moves the product cage to the feed end of the conveyor belt, the lifting cylinder drives the product cage downwards, causing the telescopic component to contact the ejector pin. The lifting cylinder then continues to lower the product cage, forcing the ejector pin to compress the telescopic component, thus opening the discharge port. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material is then gradually transferred to the conveyor belt via the conical surface, effectively reducing the operational difficulty of transferring the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material. The lifting cylinder then moves the product cage upwards, and when the telescopic component disengages from the ejector pin, it seals the discharge port again.

[0028] Preferably, the telescopic component includes a base, a compression spring, and a telescopic column. The base is disposed on the lower end face of the cover, and a telescopic groove is formed on the lower end face of the base. A limiting shaft is provided at the bottom of the telescopic groove. The compression spring is housed in the telescopic groove and sleeved on the limiting shaft.

[0029] The lower end face of the telescopic column is provided with a sliding groove, and a limiting hole is provided through the bottom of the sliding groove. The limiting shaft passes through the limiting hole. A limiting post is provided on the limiting shaft. The outer diameter of the limiting post is larger than the diameter of the limiting hole. The limiting post is slidably connected to the sliding groove. The outer diameter of the telescopic column is smaller than the outer diameter of the cage, and the outer diameter of the telescopic column is larger than the outer diameter of the ejector pin.

[0030] When the rotating frame moves the product cage to the feed end of the conveyor belt, the lifting cylinder can drive the product cage downward, thereby causing the telescopic column to abut against the ejector pin. Then the lifting cylinder continues to drive the product cage down, and the ejector pin forces the telescopic column to move into the telescopic groove, thereby opening the discharge hole. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material is then gradually transferred to the conveyor belt through the conical surface, thus effectively reducing the difficulty of transferring the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material.

[0031] Then, the lifting cylinder moves the product cage upwards. When the telescopic column disengages from the ejector pin, the compression spring forces the telescopic column to disengage from the telescopic groove. Finally, the telescopic column seals the discharge hole again. The limiting shaft limits the telescopic column through the limiting pin, effectively reducing the possibility of the telescopic column completely disengaging from the sliding groove, thereby effectively improving the sealing effect of the telescopic column on the discharge hole.

[0032] Secondly, this application provides a processing technology for a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0033] A processing technology for a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system includes the following steps:

[0034] Crushing and pulverizing: The positive electrode material of lithium cobalt oxide battery is added to the crushing device and then crushed to obtain positive electrode material powder; Vibration air classification: The positive electrode material powder is added to the vibrating screen, and then the exhaust fan is turned on. The exhaust fan extracts the lighter lithium cobalt oxide powder and transfers it to the dust box, while the heavier aluminum powder is directly transferred from the discharge end of the vibrating screen.

[0035] A processing technology for a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system includes the following steps:

[0036] Immersion coating: The positive electrode material of the lithium cobalt oxide battery is placed in the product cage, and then the product cage is placed in the rotating disk. Then, the adhesive stripping solution is filled into the degumming tank, and the positive electrode material of the lithium cobalt oxide battery is immersed and continuously ventilated.

[0037] Washing and impurity removal: Turn on the drive motor, which drives the rotating frame to rotate, thereby transferring the clamping components to the degumming tank, the washing tank, or the feed end of the conveyor belt in sequence; when the clamping components are transferred to the degumming tank, the lifting cylinder drives the clamping hand to move down, thereby clamping the product cage; then the lifting cylinder drives the clamping hand to move up, and the rotating frame drives the product cage to the washing tank for washing.

[0038] At this time, the rear clamping assembly moves to the degumming tank, and the drive motor drives the drive wheel to rotate. The drive wheel drives the driven wheel to rotate through the transmission belt. The driven wheel drives the rotating disk to rotate through the connecting rod. After that, the rear clamping assembly can clamp the new product cage in the degumming tank.

[0039] Crushing and Powdering: After the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material is washed, the rotating frame transfers the product cage to the feed end of the conveyor belt. Then, the lifting cylinder drives the product cage down, causing the telescopic column to abut against the ejector pin. The lifting cylinder continues to drive the product cage down, and the ejector pin forces the telescopic column to move into the telescopic groove, thus opening the discharge hole. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material is then gradually transferred to the conveyor belt through the conical surface. The lifting cylinder then moves the product cage up. When the telescopic column disengages from the ejector pin, the compression spring forces the telescopic column to disengage from the telescopic groove. Finally, the telescopic column seals the discharge hole again. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material transferred to the conveyor belt is then transferred to the coarse crusher. The coarse crusher first coarsely crushes the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material, and then the coarsely crushed lithium cobalt oxide battery material is transferred to the fine crusher for fine crushing, finally obtaining cathode material powder.

[0040] Vibration air separation: The cathode material powder is added to the vibrating screen, and then the exhaust fan is turned on. The exhaust fan extracts the lighter lithium cobalt oxide powder and transfers it to the dust box, while the heavier aluminum powder is transferred directly from the discharge end of the vibrating screen.

[0041] In summary, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0042] 1. When the exhaust fan draws air from the vibrating screen, the lithium cobalt oxide powder can be separated from the vibrating screen and transferred to the dust box under the action of the suction force, while the aluminum powder remains at the vibrating screen, thus achieving the separation of lithium cobalt oxide powder and aluminum powder.

[0043] 2. When polyvinylpyrrolidone is added to the adhesive release solution, polyvinylpyrrolidone will synergize with acetone, thereby further improving the degumming effect of the adhesive release solution.

[0044] 3. When the rotating frame moves the product cage to the feed end of the conveyor belt, the lifting cylinder can drive the product cage to move downwards, and the ejector pin forces the telescopic part to compress, thereby opening the discharge hole and transferring it to the conveyor belt, effectively reducing the difficulty of transferring lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode materials. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the degumming device;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the degumming tank;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water washing pool;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the crushing device;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the product cage;

[0052] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 Sectional view of line AA in the middle;

[0053] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the vibrating air separator.

[0054] Reference numerals: 1. Degumming device; 2. Crushing device; 3. Vibrating air classifier; 11. Conveying mechanism; 12. Product cage; 13. Degumming tank; 14. Washing tank; 21. Conveyor belt; 22. Coarse crusher; 23. Fine crusher; 24. Pin; 31. Vibrating screen; 32. Exhaust fan; 33. Dust box; 111. Frame; 112. Drive motor; 113. Rotating frame; 114. Clamping assembly; 131. Degumming tank body; 132. Rotary disc; 133. Connecting rod; 134. Driven wheel; 35. Drive wheel; 136. Drive belt; 141. Washing tank body; 142. High-pressure nozzle; 143. Dryer; 121. Cage; 122. Cover; 123. Telescopic component; 124. Feeding hole; 125. Conical surface; 126. Discharge hole; 1141. Lifting cylinder; 1142. Robotic arm; 1231. Base; 1232. Compression spring; 1233. Telescopic column; 1234. Telescopic groove; 1235. Limiting shaft; 1236. Sliding groove; 1237. Limiting hole; 1238. Limiting post. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-9 The present application will be further described in detail with reference to the embodiments.

[0056] raw material

[0057] Acetone CAS: 67-64-1; Polyvinylpyrrolidone CAS: 9003-39-8.

[0058] Example

[0059] Example 1

[0060] Embodiment 1 of this application discloses a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system. (Refer to...) Figure 1The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system includes a degumming device 1, a crushing device 2, and a vibrating air classifier 3 connected in sequence. The degumming device 1 removes the adhesive from the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material, the crushing device 2 crushes the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material, and the vibrating air classifier 3 separates aluminum powder and lithium cobalt oxide powder.

[0061] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The degumming device 1 includes a conveying mechanism 11, a product cage 12, a degumming tank 13, and a washing tank 14. The degumming tank 13, the washing tank 14, and the crushing device 2 are evenly spaced circumferentially around the conveying mechanism 11. The product cage 12 is used to store the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material, the degumming tank 13 is used to remove the adhesive from the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material, the washing tank 14 is used to rinse the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material, and the conveying mechanism 11 is used to transfer the product cage 12 to the degumming tank 13, the washing tank 14, and the crushing device 2.

[0062] The conveying mechanism 11 includes a frame 111, a drive motor 112, a rotating frame 113, and several clamping components 114. The drive motor 112 is fixedly connected to the upper end face of the frame 111, and the rotating frame 113 is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor 112. The rotating frame 113 is rotatably connected to the frame 111.

[0063] Several clamping components 114 are disposed at the eccentric position of the rotating frame 113. Taking three as an example, the three clamping components 114 are evenly spaced circumferentially around the center of the rotating frame 113. The clamping components 114 include a lifting cylinder 1141 and a robotic arm 1142. The lifting cylinder 1141 is disposed on the rotating frame 113, and the robotic arm 1142 is fixedly connected to the output end of the lifting cylinder 1141. The robotic arm 1142 is used to clamp the product cage 12, while the lifting cylinder 1141 is used to place or release the product cage 12 into or from the degumming tank 13, the washing tank 14, or the crushing device 2.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The degumming tank 13 includes a degumming tank body 131, a rotating disk 132, a connecting rod 133, and a driven wheel 134. The degumming tank body 131 is filled with an adhesive stripping solution, which is a mixture of 80 kg of water, 20 kg of acetone, and 12 kg of polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0065] A rotating disk 132 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the degumming tank body 131, and the rotating disk 132 is used to support the product cage 12. A connecting rod 133 is fixedly connected to the center of the rotating disk 132, and a driven wheel 134 is fixedly connected to the end of the connecting rod 133 away from the rotating disk 132. A driving wheel 135 is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor 112. The outer diameter of the driving wheel 135 is smaller than the outer diameter of the driven wheel 134, and a transmission belt 136 is wound around the driving wheel 135 and the driven wheel 134.

[0066] When it is necessary to degumme the positive electrode material of lithium cobalt oxide battery, the staff can first add the positive electrode material of lithium cobalt oxide battery into the product cage 12, then place the product cage 12 on the rotating disk 132, then fill the degumming tank body 131 with adhesive stripping solution, and finally soak for 24 hours.

[0067] When it is necessary to degumme the positive electrode material of lithium cobalt oxide battery, the drive motor 112 first drives the rotating frame 113 to rotate. The rotating frame 113 transfers the clamping assembly 114 to the degumming tank body 131. Then, the lifting cylinder 1141 drives the robot arm 1142 to descend. The robot arm 1142 clamps the product cage 12. After that, the lifting cylinder 1141 controls the product cage 12 to rise. The rotating frame 113 then transfers the product cage 12 to the washing tank 14 for rinsing and drying.

[0068] At this time, the rear clamping assembly 114 moves to the degumming tank 13, and the drive motor 112 drives the drive wheel 135 to rotate. The drive wheel 135 drives the driven wheel 134 to rotate through the transmission belt 136. The driven wheel 134 drives the rotating disk 132 to rotate through the connecting rod 133. After that, the rear clamping assembly 114 can clamp the new product cage 12 in the degumming tank 13.

[0069] It should be noted that, in order to improve the degumming effect of the positive electrode material of lithium cobalt oxide battery, when the product cage 12 is immersed in the adhesive stripping solution, the operator can still turn on the drive motor 112, thereby causing the drive motor 112 to drive the rotating disk 132 to rotate, thus producing a stirring effect.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5The washing tank 14 includes a washing tank body 141, a plurality of high-pressure nozzles 142 installed on the inner wall of the washing tank body 141, and a plurality of dryers 143 installed on the top of the washing tank body 141. All the high-pressure nozzles 142 are connected to a water source. In this embodiment, twelve high-pressure nozzles and eight dryers are provided. The twelve high-pressure nozzles 142 and eight dryers 143 are evenly spaced circumferentially on the washing tank body 141, and the water outlets of the twelve high-pressure nozzles 142 and the air outlets of the eight dryers 143 all face the interior of the washing tank body 141.

[0071] After the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material is degummed, the lifting cylinder 1141 first drives the product cage 12 to be transferred into the main body 141 of the washing tank. At this time, the high-pressure nozzle washes the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material in the product cage 12. Then, the lifting cylinder 1141 drives the product cage 12 to rise gradually, and the dryer 143 dries the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material in the product cage 12. Afterward, the rotating turntable transfers the product cage 12 to the crushing device 2.

[0072] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The crushing device 2 includes a conveyor belt 21, a coarse crusher 22, and a fine crusher 23. The feed end of the conveyor belt 21 is fixedly connected with a pin 24. The discharge end of the conveyor belt 21 faces the feed end of the coarse crusher 22, the discharge end of the coarse crusher 22 faces the feed end of the fine crusher 23, and the discharge end of the fine crusher 23 faces the feed end of the vibrating air classifier 3.

[0073] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The product cage 12 includes a cage body 121, a cover 122, and a telescopic component 123. The cover 122 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the cage body 121, and a feeding hole 124 for adding lithium cobalt oxide battery positive electrode material is provided through the upper end surface of the cover 122. The telescopic component 123 is installed on the lower end surface of the cover 122. The bottom of the cage body 121 is provided with a conical surface 125 facing downwards, and a discharge hole 126 is provided through the center of the conical surface 125. The telescopic component 123 always blocks the discharge hole 126 during the transfer of the product cage 12.

[0074] The telescopic component 123 includes a base 1231, a compression spring 1232, and a telescopic column 1233. The base 1231 is fixedly connected to the lower end face of the cover 122. The lower end face of the base 1231 is provided with a telescopic groove 1234. The bottom of the telescopic groove 1234 is fixedly connected to a limiting shaft 1235. The compression spring 1232 is housed in the telescopic groove 1234 and is sleeved on the limiting shaft 1235.

[0075] The lower end face of the telescopic column 1233 has a sliding groove 1236, and a limiting hole 1237 is formed through the bottom of the sliding groove 1236. The limiting shaft 1235 passes through the limiting hole 1237. The end of the limiting shaft 1235 away from the cover 122 is fixedly connected to a limiting post 1238. The limiting post 1238 is slidably connected in the sliding groove 1236, and the outer diameter of the limiting post 1238 is larger than the diameter of the limiting hole 1237. The telescopic column 1233 is slidably connected in the telescopic groove 1234, and the outer diameter of the telescopic column 1233 is smaller than the outer diameter of the cage 121. The outer diameter of the telescopic column 1233 is larger than the outer diameter of the ejector pin 24, and the outer diameter of the ejector pin 24 is larger than the groove diameter of the sliding groove 1236.

[0076] When the product cage 12 is transferred to the feed end of the conveyor belt 21, the lifting cylinder 1141 first drives the product cage 12 to descend, thereby causing the telescopic column 1233 to abut against the ejector pin 24; then the lifting cylinder 1141 continues to drive the product cage 12 to descend, and the ejector pin 24 forces the telescopic column 1233 to move into the telescopic groove 1234, thereby opening the discharge hole 126, while the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material is gradually transferred to the conveyor belt 21 through the conical surface 125; then the lifting cylinder 1141 drives the product cage 12 to move upward, and when the telescopic column 1233 disengages from the ejector pin 24, the compression spring 1232 forces the telescopic column 1233 to disengage from the telescopic groove 1234, and finally, the telescopic column 1233 blocks the discharge hole 126 again;

[0077] The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material transferred to the conveyor belt 21 is then transferred to the coarse crusher 22. The coarse crusher 22 first coarsely crushes the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material, and then the coarsely crushed lithium cobalt oxide battery material is transferred to the fine crusher 23 for fine crushing, finally obtaining cathode material powder.

[0078] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 9 The vibrating air separation device 3 includes a vibrating screen 31, an exhaust fan 32, and a dust box 33. The discharge port of the fine crusher 23 is connected to the feed port of the vibrating screen 31. The exhaust port of the exhaust fan 32 faces the upper end of the vibrating screen 31, and the exhaust port of the exhaust fan 32 is connected to the dust box 33.

[0079] When the cathode material powder is transferred to the vibrating screen 31, the exhaust fan 32 continuously evacuates the cathode material powder. Since the mass of lithium cobalt oxide powder is significantly less than that of aluminum powder, when the exhaust fan 32 evacuates the vibrating screen 31, the lithium cobalt oxide powder can be separated from the vibrating screen 31 by the suction force and transferred to the dust box 33, while the aluminum powder is discharged from the discharge port of the vibrating screen 31, thereby achieving the separation of lithium cobalt oxide powder and aluminum powder.

[0080] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the aforementioned fixed connection can be selected according to actual needs, using conventional fixed connection methods such as welding, integral molding, bolting, or threaded connection. The aforementioned rotating connection can be selected according to actual needs, using conventional rotating connection methods such as pin connection or bearing connection.

[0081] Embodiment 1 of this application also discloses a processing technology for a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recycling system, including the following steps:

[0082] Immersion coating: The positive electrode material of the lithium cobalt oxide battery is placed in the product cage 12, and then the product cage 12 is placed in the rotating disk 132. Then, the adhesive stripping solution is filled into the debinding tank body 131, and then the positive electrode material of the lithium cobalt oxide battery is immersed and continuously ventilated.

[0083] Washing and impurity removal: Turn on the drive motor 112, which drives the rotating frame 113 to rotate, thereby transferring the clamping assembly 114 to the degumming tank 13, the washing tank 14, or the feeding end of the conveyor belt 21 in sequence; when the clamping assembly 114 is transferred to the degumming tank 13, the lifting cylinder 1141 drives the clamping hand to move down, thereby clamping the product cage 12; then the lifting cylinder 1141 drives the clamping hand to move up, and the rotating frame 113 drives the product cage 12 to the washing tank 14 for washing.

[0084] At this time, the rear clamping assembly 114 moves to the degumming tank 13, and the drive motor 112 drives the drive wheel 135 to rotate. The drive wheel 135 drives the driven wheel 134 to rotate through the transmission belt 136. The driven wheel 134 drives the rotating disk 132 to rotate through the connecting rod 133. After that, the rear clamping assembly 114 can clamp the new product cage 12 in the degumming tank 13.

[0085] Crushing and pulverizing: After the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material is washed, the rotating frame 113 transfers the product cage 12 to the feeding end of the conveyor belt 21. Then, the lifting cylinder 1141 drives the product cage 12 to descend, thereby causing the telescopic column 1233 to abut against the ejector pin 24. Then, the lifting cylinder 1141 continues to drive the product cage 12 to descend, and the ejector pin 24 forces the telescopic column 1233 to move into the telescopic groove 1234, thereby opening the discharge hole 126. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material is then gradually transferred to the conveyor belt 21 through the conical surface 125. Then, the lifting cylinder 1141 drives the product cage 12 to move upward. When the telescopic column 1233 disengages from the ejector pin 24, the compression spring 1232 forces the telescopic column 1233 to disengage from the telescopic groove 1234. Finally, the telescopic column 1233 blocks the discharge hole 126 again.

[0086] The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material transferred to the conveyor belt 21 is then transferred to the coarse crusher 22. The coarse crusher 22 first coarsely crushes the lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material, and then the coarsely crushed lithium cobalt oxide battery material is transferred to the fine crusher 23 for fine crushing, finally obtaining cathode material powder.

[0087] Vibration air separation: The positive electrode material powder is added into the vibrating screen 31, and then the exhaust fan 32 is turned on. The exhaust fan 32 extracts the lighter lithium cobalt oxide powder and transfers it into the dust box 33, while the heavier aluminum powder is directly transferred out from the discharge end of the vibrating screen 31.

[0088] Examples 2-5

[0089] The difference from Example 1 is that the amount of each component added in the adhesive release solution is different, as shown in Table 1.

[0090] Table 1. Dosage of each component added to the adhesive release solution in Examples 1-5 (kg)

[0091] water acetone Polyvinylpyrrolidone Example 1 80 20 12 Example 2 90 18 10 Example 3 100 14 9 Example 4 110 10 8 Example 5 120 8 6

[0092] Example 6

[0093] The difference from Example 3 is that polyvinylpyrrolidone is not added.

[0094] Example 7

[0095] The difference from Example 6 is that acetone is not added.

[0096] Performance testing

[0097] Detection methods

[0098] I. Adhesive Peeling Performance Test

[0099] 210 kg of lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material was weighed and then divided into 7 test samples, each weighing 30 kg. 10 kg of lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material was then taken from each of the 7 test samples, denoted as M0. The samples were then immersed in the adhesive stripping solution described in Examples 1-7 for 24 hours, and finally rinsed, dried, and weighed. The experiment was repeated three times, and the average value was recorded as M1.

[0100] The adhesive peeling efficiency was then calculated using W = (M0 - M1) / M0 * 100%, and the specific experimental data are shown in Table 2.

[0101] Table 2 Adhesive peeling efficiency of Examples 1-7 / %

[0102] Adhesive peeling efficiency Adhesive peeling efficiency Example 1 11.7 Example 5 10.1 Example 2 11.6 Example 6 8.4 Example 3 11.4 Example 7 2.1 Example 4 10.7

[0103] As can be seen from Examples 1-5 and Table 2, the adhesive peeling efficiency gradually increases with the increase of acetone and polyvinylpyrrolidone content. However, when the amount of acetone and polyvinylpyrrolidone added reaches the addition ratio of Example 3, further increasing the amount of acetone and polyvinylpyrrolidone will not significantly improve the adhesive peeling efficiency. Therefore, for cost considerations, the addition ratio of Example 3 is preferred.

[0104] As can be seen from Examples 3 and 6 and Table 2, the adhesive peeling effect of Example 6 is significantly reduced compared to Example 3. This indicates that there is a certain synergistic effect between acetone and polyvinylpyrrolidone, which further improves the peeling effect of the adhesive peeling solution on the adhesive.

[0105] As can be seen from Examples 6-7 and Table 2, compared with Example 3, the adhesive peeling efficiency of Example 7 decreased significantly. This indicates that acetone has a more prominent peeling effect on adhesives than water.

[0106] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of this application and is not intended to limit it. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recovery system, characterized in that, The system comprises a crushing device (2) and a vibrating air separation device (3) connected in sequence, the vibrating air separation device (3) comprises a vibrating screen (31), an air extractor (32) and a dust box (33), the air extraction port of the air extractor (32) faces the upper end of the vibrating screen (31), the air exhaust port of the air extractor (32) is connected with the dust box (33), and the air extractor (32) is used to transfer lithium cobalt oxide powder into the dust box (33); The crushing device (2) comprises a conveying belt (21), a coarse crushing crusher (22) and a fine crushing crusher (23), the discharge end of the conveying belt (21) faces the feeding end of the coarse crushing crusher (22), the discharge end of the coarse crushing crusher (22) faces the feeding end of the fine crushing crusher (23), and the discharge end of the fine crushing crusher (23) faces the feeding end of the vibrating screen (31); The lithium cobalt oxide battery positive material recycling system further comprises a degumming device (1) arranged before the crushing device (2), the degumming device (1) comprises a conveying mechanism (11), a product cage (12), a degumming tank (13) and a water washing tank (14), the product cage (12) is used to store lithium cobalt oxide battery positive materials, and the conveying mechanism (11) is used to transfer the product cage (12) to the degumming tank (13), the water washing tank (14) or the feeding end of the conveying belt (21); The conveying mechanism (11) comprises a rack (111), a driving motor (112), a rotating frame (113) and a plurality of clamping assemblies (114), the driving motor (112) is fixedly connected to the rack (111), the rotating frame (113) is fixedly connected to the output end of the driving motor (112), the rotating frame (113) is rotatably connected to the rack (111), and the plurality of clamping assemblies (114) are arranged on the rotating frame (113); and the plurality of clamping assemblies (114) are evenly and circumferentially spaced apart with the center of the rotating frame (113) as the center. The clamping assembly (114) comprises a lifting cylinder (1141) and a mechanical hand (1142) fixedly connected to the output end of the lifting cylinder (1141), the mechanical hand (1142) is used to clamp the product cage (12), and the lifting cylinder (1141) is used to put the product cage (12) into or away from the degumming tank (13), the water washing tank (14) or the feeding end of the conveying belt (21).

2. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recovery system of claim 1, wherein: The degumming tank (13) comprises a degumming tank body (131), a rotating disc (132) rotatably connected in the degumming tank body (131), a connecting rod (133) fixedly connected at the center of the rotating disc (132), and a driven wheel (134) fixedly connected on the connecting rod (133), the output end of the driving motor (112) is fixedly connected with a driving wheel (135), the diameter of the driving wheel (135) is smaller than the diameter of the driven wheel (134), the driving wheel (135) and the driven wheel (134) are provided with a transmission belt (136), the rotating frame (113) and the rotating disc (132) rotate synchronously at different speeds, a plurality of product cages (12) are placed on the rotating disc (132), and a plurality of product cages (12) are evenly and circumferentially spaced around the center of the rotating disc (132).

3. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recovery system of claim 1, wherein: The degumming tank (13) is filled with an adhesive stripping solution, and the adhesive stripping solution comprises the following raw materials in parts by weight: 90-110 parts of water, 10-18 parts of acetone, and 8-10 parts of polyvinylpyrrolidone.

4. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recovery system of claim 1, wherein: The water washing tank (14) comprises a water washing tank body (141), a plurality of high-pressure nozzles (142) arranged in the water washing tank body (141), and a plurality of drying machines (143) arranged on the water washing tank body (141), the air outlets of the plurality of high-pressure nozzles (142) and the plurality of drying machines (143) are all directed towards the inside of the water washing tank body (141).

5. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recovery system of claim 2, wherein: The product cage (12) comprises a cage body (121), a cover body (122), and an extension piece (123), the cover body (122) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the cage body (121), and a feeding hole (124) for adding lithium cobalt oxide battery positive electrode material is formed through the cover body (122); The extension piece (123) is arranged on the lower end surface of the cover body (122), the cage bottom of the cage body (121) is provided with a conical surface (125) downward, a discharge hole (126) is formed through the center of the conical surface (125), and the extension piece (123) blocks the discharge hole (126); a thimble (24) is arranged on the conveying belt (21), and the thimble (24) forces the extension piece (123) to be separated from the discharge hole (126).

6. The lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material recovery system of claim 5, wherein: The extension piece (123) comprises a base (1231), a compression spring (1232), and an extension column (1233), the base (1231) is arranged on the lower end surface of the cover body (122), a extension slot (1234) is formed on the lower end surface of the base (1231), a limiting shaft (1235) is arranged on the bottom of the extension slot (1234), the compression spring (1232) is accommodated in the extension slot (1234), and the compression spring (1232) is sleeved on the limiting shaft (1235); The lower end surface of the telescopic column (1233) is provided with a sliding groove (1236), the groove bottom of the sliding groove (1236) is provided with a limiting hole (1237) penetratingly, and the limiting shaft (1235) is arranged in the limiting hole (1237); the limiting shaft (1235) is provided with a limiting column (1238), the outer diameter of the limiting column (1238) is greater than the hole diameter of the limiting hole (1237), and the limiting column (1238) is slidingly connected in the sliding groove (1236); the outer diameter of the telescopic column (1233) is smaller than the outer diameter of the cage (121), and the outer diameter of the telescopic column (1233) is greater than the outer diameter of the ejector pin (24).

7. A process for recovering a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: Crushing and powdering: the lithium cobalt oxide battery positive electrode material is added into a crushing device (2), and then the positive electrode material powder is obtained by crushing; Vibration and air separation: the positive electrode material powder is added into a vibration sieve (31), then an air extractor (32) is started, the lithium cobalt oxide powder with a lighter quality is extracted by the air extractor (32) and transferred into a dust box (33), and the aluminum powder with a heavier quality is directly transferred out from the discharge end of the vibration sieve (31).

8. A process for the recovery of a lithium cobalt oxide battery cathode material according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: Soaking and gluing: the lithium cobalt oxide battery positive electrode material is placed in a product cage (12), then the product cage (12) is placed in a rotating disc (132), the adhesive stripping solution is filled into a degumming tank main body (131), and the lithium cobalt oxide battery positive electrode material is soaked and continuously aerated; Water washing and impurity removal: a driving motor (112) is started, the driving motor (112) drives a rotating frame (113) to rotate, so that the clamping assembly (114) is sequentially transferred to the degumming tank (13), the water washing tank (14) or the feeding end of the conveying belt (21); when the clamping assembly (114) is transferred to the degumming tank (13), the lifting cylinder (1141) drives the clamping hand to move downward, so that the product cage (12) is clamped; then the lifting cylinder (1141) drives the clamping hand to move upward, and the rotating frame (113) drives the product cage (12) to be transferred to the water washing tank (14) for water washing; At this time, the rear clamping assembly (114) is transferred to the degumming tank (13), the driving motor (112) drives the driving wheel (135) to rotate, the driving wheel (135) drives the driven wheel (134) to rotate through the transmission belt (136), the driven wheel (134) drives the rotating disc (132) to rotate through the connecting rod (133), and then the rear clamping assembly (114) can clamp the new product cage (12) in the degumming tank (13); Crushing and powdering: after the water washing of the lithium cobalt oxide battery positive electrode material is completed, the product cage (12) is transferred to the feeding end of the conveying belt (21) by rotating the frame (113), and then the lifting cylinder (1141) drives the product cage (12) to descend, so as to make the telescopic column (1233) abut against the ejector pin (24); then the lifting cylinder (1141) continues to drive the product cage (12) to descend, the ejector pin (24) forces the telescopic column (1233) to move into the telescopic slot (1234), thereby opening the discharge hole (126), and the lithium cobalt oxide battery positive electrode material is gradually transferred to the conveying belt (21) through the conical surface (125); then the lifting cylinder (1141) drives the product cage (12) to move upwards, when the telescopic column (1233) is separated from the ejector pin (24), the compression spring (1232) forces the telescopic column (1233) to separate from the telescopic slot (1234), finally, the telescopic column (1233) seals the discharge hole (126) again; The lithium cobalt oxide battery positive electrode material transferred to the conveying belt (21) is transferred to the coarse crushing machine (22), the coarse crushing machine (22) first coarsely crushes the lithium cobalt oxide battery positive electrode material, then the coarsely crushed lithium cobalt oxide battery material is transferred to the fine crushing machine (23) for fine crushing, and finally the positive electrode material powder is obtained; Vibration and air separation: add the positive electrode material powder into the vibrating screen (31), then start the air extractor (32), the air extractor (32) extracts the lithium cobalt oxide powder with lighter quality and transfers it into the dust box (33), and the aluminum powder with heavier quality is directly transferred out from the discharge end of the vibrating screen (31).

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