Agitator

Abstract

An example of a stirring device according to the present invention includes: a container; a cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying cleaning liquid to the container; a first stirring unit including a first stirring rod located inside the container and having a suction channel disposed inside the first stirring rod and a plurality of suction ports for fluidly movably connecting the suction channel to the internal space of the container and for drawing in cleaning liquid within the container; a second stirring unit including a second stirring rod located inside the container and having a discharge channel disposed inside the second stirring rod and a plurality of discharge ports for fluidly movably connecting the discharge channel to the internal space of the container; and a cleaning liquid circulation unit connected to the suction channel and the discharge channel respectively, and configured to supply cleaning liquid introduced through the suction channel to the discharge channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stirring device, and more specifically, to a stirring device capable of stirring raw materials for slurry in a mixing process and automatically cleaning the entire space of the container during cleaning.

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0081377, filed on July 1, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be recharged and discharged, and they are widely used as power sources for electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops, or electric vehicles.

[0004] The manufacturing process of secondary batteries includes electrode manufacturing, electrode assembly, and forming.

[0005] Electrode manufacturing is the process of producing electrodes for secondary batteries. The electrode manufacturing process includes mixing, slurry coating, drying, rolling, cutting, and grooving.

[0006] The mixing process in electrode manufacturing involves stirring the slurry raw materials. In this process, the slurry raw materials are introduced into a container and stirred to form a slurry. The slurry raw materials include active materials, conductive agents, binders, and solvents.

[0007] The mixing process is performed in a stirring device. After producing a certain quantity of the same type of slurry, or before preparing a slurry of a different type than the existing slurry, a container cleaning operation is performed.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the cleaning process of container 11 according to conventional technology.

[0009] The stirring device 10 includes a container 11, a stirring rod 12, stirring blades 13, and a stirring motor 14.

[0010] Generally, the cleaning method for container 11, which performs the slurry mixing process, is as follows.

[0011] A certain amount of cleaning solution W1 is introduced into container 11. When the cleaning solution W1 is introduced into container 11, the stirring rod 12 rotates simultaneously with the operation of the stirring motor 14. When the stirring rod 12 rotates, the cleaning solution W1 in container 11 is stirred by the stirring blades 13, and the lower space A1 of container 11 is cleaned while forming a vortex.

[0012] The cleaning range of container 11 is the area affected by the vortex of cleaning liquid W1 when the stirring rod 12 rotates. Therefore, even if the cleaning operation is performed repeatedly, the cleaning liquid W1 will not reach the upper space A2 of container 11, making it difficult to clean the entire space of container 11 evenly.

[0013] Therefore, traditionally, the part of the cleaning solution that is not reached by the cleaning solution W1 when it is stirred is mainly the upper space A2 of the container 11, which is manually cleaned by workers.

[0014] When manually cleaning container 11, the stirring device 10 is stopped. Therefore, although the stirring device 10 is restarted after the cleaning operation is completed, additional restart time is required in addition to the manual cleaning time.

[0015] Furthermore, the cleaning time required for container 11 varies depending on the worker's skill level. This can be a factor that reduces the operational efficiency of the mixing process. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical issues

[0017] The present invention aims to provide a stirring device that can automatically clean the entire space of a container while cleaning the container.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a stirring device that can clean the lower space of a container while stirring the cleaning liquid in the container during cleaning, and clean the upper space of the container while the cleaning liquid is circulated in the circulation section when the cleaning liquid in the container is sprayed into the upper space of the container.

[0019] Technical solution

[0020] An example of a stirring device according to the present invention includes: a container; a cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying cleaning liquid to the container; a first stirring unit including a first stirring rod located inside the container and having a suction channel disposed inside the first stirring rod and a plurality of suction ports for fluidly movably connecting the suction channel to the internal space of the container and for drawing in cleaning liquid within the container; a second stirring unit including a second stirring rod located inside the container and having a discharge channel disposed inside the second stirring rod and a plurality of discharge ports for fluidly movably connecting the discharge channel to the internal space of the container; and a cleaning liquid circulation unit connected to the suction channel and the discharge channel respectively, and configured to supply cleaning liquid introduced through the suction channel to the discharge channel.

[0021] Here, in the container, the height of the plurality of inlet ports may be lower than the height of the plurality of outlet ports.

[0022] The cleaning fluid circulation unit may include: a suction tube connected to the suction channel; a discharge tube connected to the discharge channel; and a circulation pump connected to the suction tube and the discharge tube respectively.

[0023] The plurality of suction ports may be arranged separately from each other in the circumferential direction of the first stirring rod, and the suction channel includes a suction tube connected to the cleaning fluid circulation section and a recovery line extending along the central axis of the first stirring rod, as well as a recovery branch line branching from the recovery line to connect to the plurality of suction ports.

[0024] Furthermore, the plurality of outlets can be arranged separately from each other along the circumferential direction of the second stirring rod, and the discharge channel includes a discharge pipe connected to the cleaning liquid circulation section and a discharge line extending along the central axis of the second stirring rod, as well as a discharge branch line branching from the discharge line to connect to the plurality of outlets.

[0025] The cleaning fluid supply unit may include: a cleaning fluid tank storing the cleaning fluid; and a supply pump supplying the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid tank to the container.

[0026] The stirring device may further include: a control unit that controls the cleaning liquid supply unit, the first stirring unit, the second stirring unit, and the cleaning liquid circulation unit, wherein the control unit is configured to supply cleaning liquid to a certain level in the container through the cleaning liquid supply unit and then operate the cleaning liquid circulation unit.

[0027] The control unit can be configured to maintain the rotational speed of the first stirring rod at a lower speed than that of the second stirring rod.

[0028] Subsequently, the control unit can be configured to operate the cleaning fluid circulation unit while rotating the first stirring rod and the second stirring rod.

[0029] The cleaning fluid circulation unit may further include a valve mounted on the first stirring rod to open and close the suction port, wherein the valve is configured to open the suction port when the circulation pump is in operation.

[0030] According to another example of the present invention, the stirring device includes: a container; a cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying cleaning liquid to the container; a first stirring unit including a first stirring rod located inside the container and having a suction channel disposed inside the first stirring rod and a plurality of suction ports for fluidly movably connecting the suction channel to the internal space of the container and for drawing in cleaning liquid within the container; a plurality of second stirring units, each of the plurality of second stirring units including a second stirring rod located inside the container and having a discharge channel disposed inside the second stirring rod and a plurality of discharge ports for fluidly movably connecting the discharge channel to the internal space of the container; and a cleaning liquid circulation unit connected to the suction channel and the discharge channel respectively, and configured to supply cleaning liquid introduced through the suction channel to the discharge channel.

[0031] The first stirring rod may be located in the central part of the container, and each of the second stirring rods may be arranged separately from the first stirring rod at the same interval.

[0032] Subsequently, within the container, the height of the plurality of inlet ports may be lower than the height of the plurality of outlet ports.

[0033] The cleaning fluid circulation unit may include: a suction tube connected to the suction channel; a discharge tube connected to the discharge channel; and a circulation pump connected to the suction tube and the discharge tube respectively.

[0034] Beneficial effects

[0035] As described above, the stirring device associated with at least one example of the present invention has the following effects.

[0036] When cleaning the container, the lower space of the container can be cleaned while the cleaning solution in the container is stirred, and the upper space of the container can be cleaned while the cleaning solution in the container is sprayed into the upper space of the container through the cleaning solution circulation section. In other words, the entire space of the container can be automatically cleaned by the cleaning solution circulation section.

[0037] Furthermore, by automating container cleaning, the slurry mixing process can be performed after the container is quickly cleaned, thereby improving slurry production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating the cleaning process for containers according to conventional techniques.

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic view of the construction of a stirring device according to an example of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating the process of introducing cleaning fluid into a container when the cleaning fluid supply unit is operating, as shown in one example of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a view illustrating the flow of cleaning fluid when the cleaning fluid circulation unit is in operation, in one example of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating the flow of cleaning fluid when the cleaning fluid circulation unit operates together with the first stirring unit and the second stirring unit in one example of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the first stirring section. Figure 6 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of cleaning fluid through the suction channel in the first stirring section when the cleaning fluid circulation section is in operation.

[0044] Figure 7 (a) is Figure 6 (a) is a cross-sectional view of AA, and Figure 7 (b) is Figure 6 (a) is a cross-sectional view of BB.

[0045] Figure 8 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the second stirring section. Figure 8 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of cleaning fluid through the discharge channel in the second stirring section when the cleaning fluid circulation section is in operation.

[0046] Figure 9 (a) is Figure 8 (a) is a cross-sectional view of CC, and Figure 9 (b) is Figure 8 (a) is a cross-sectional view of DD. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following, a stirring apparatus according to an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Furthermore, regardless of the reference markings, the same or similar reference markings are assigned to the same or corresponding parts, and repeated descriptions of these parts will be omitted. For ease of explanation, the dimensions and shapes of the parts shown may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0049] Figure 2 A schematic view of the construction of a stirring device according to an example of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 This is a view illustrating the process of introducing cleaning fluid into a container when the cleaning fluid supply unit is operating, as shown in one example of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4This is a view illustrating the flow of cleaning fluid when the cleaning fluid circulation unit is in operation, in one example of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a view illustrating the flow of cleaning fluid when the cleaning fluid circulation unit operates together with the first stirring unit and the second stirring unit in one example of the present invention.

[0051] A stirring device 100 associated with an example of the present invention includes a container 110 and a cleaning liquid supply section 160 for supplying cleaning liquid W1 to the container 110.

[0052] In addition, the stirring device 100 includes a first stirring part 120, which includes a first stirring rod 121 located in the internal space 112 of the container 110, and has a suction channel 122 disposed inside the first stirring rod 121 and a plurality of suction ports 123 that connect the suction channel 122 to the internal space 112 of the container 110 in a fluidly movable manner and draw in the cleaning liquid W1 from the internal space 112 of the container.

[0053] In addition, the stirring device 100 includes a second stirring section 140, 140A, which includes a second stirring rod 141 located in the internal space 112 of the container 110, and has a discharge channel 142 disposed inside the second stirring rod 141 and a plurality of discharge outlets 143 that connect the discharge channel 142 to the internal space 112 of the container 110 in a fluidly movable manner.

[0054] Furthermore, the stirring device 100 may also include a single second stirring section 140, and may also include multiple second stirring sections 140, 140A. When multiple second stirring sections 140, 140A are included, each second stirring section 140, 140A has the same structure, only their positions within the container 110 are different.

[0055] In addition, the stirring device 100 includes a cleaning fluid circulation section 170, which is connected to the suction channel 122 and the discharge channel 142 respectively, and is configured to supply the cleaning fluid W1 introduced through the suction channel 122 to the discharge channel 142.

[0056] In this example, the stirring device 100 is configured to perform a mixing process (also known as "mixing mode") of wet mixing of slurry raw materials (not shown) to form slurry (not shown) and a cleaning process (also known as "cleaning mode") of cleaning container 110.

[0057] After a certain amount of slurry (not shown) is produced through a mixing process and before another type of slurry (not shown) is produced, a cleaning process is performed to clean container 110.

[0058] Reference Figure 2The stirring device 100 includes a container 110, a first stirring section 120, second stirring sections 140 and 140A, a cleaning fluid supply section 160, a cleaning fluid circulation section 170, and a control section 180. The control section 180 is configured to control the first stirring section 120, the second stirring sections 140 and 140A, the cleaning fluid supply section 160, and the cleaning fluid circulation section 170, respectively.

[0059] The first stirring section 120 and the second stirring sections 140, 140A are configured to stir the contents of the internal space 112 of the container 110. In mixing mode, the first stirring section 120 and the second stirring sections 140, 140A stir the slurry raw material (not shown) in the internal space 112 of the container 110. In cleaning mode, the first stirring section 120 and the second stirring sections 140, 140A stir the cleaning liquid W1 in the internal space 112 of the container 110.

[0060] In this example, for ease of explanation, the internal space 112 of container 110 is divided into an upper space 114 and a lower space 113 according to the height direction of the container. In this document, the height direction of container 110 refers to the central axis directions C1 and C2 of the first stirring section 120 and the second stirring sections 140, 140A.

[0061] Here, the lower space 113 is the space where the cleaning liquid W1 is filled to a certain height by the cleaning liquid supply section 160, and it is the space affected by the eddy current when the first stirring rod 121 and the second stirring rod 141 rotate.

[0062] Here, the upper space 114 is the space located at the top of the lower space 113, corresponding to the space that is not filled with cleaning fluid by the cleaning fluid supply section 160, and is the space that is not affected by eddies when the first stirring rod and the second stirring rods 121, 141 rotate.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the first stirring part 120 includes a first stirring rod 121 disposed in the center of the container 110 and having a suction channel 122 and a plurality of suction ports 123.

[0064] The suction channel 122 is located inside the first stirring rod 121. The suction channel 122 is a channel through which the cleaning fluid W1 introduced from the lower space 113 of the container 110 flows to the upper part of the container 110 when the circulation pump 171 is operating.

[0065] The suction channel 122 is configured to pass through the central axis C1 of the first stirring rod 121. This is to prevent the cleaning fluid W1 flowing into the suction channel 122 from being eccentric in either direction when the first stirring rod 121 rotates.

[0066] Figure 6 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the first stirring section. Figure 6 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of cleaning fluid through the suction channel in the first stirring section when the cleaning fluid circulation section is in operation. Figure 7 (a) is Figure 6 (a) Sectional view of AA Figure 7 (b) is Figure 6 (a) is a cross-sectional view of BB.

[0067] Reference Figure 6 (a) and Figure 7 (a) The suction passage 122 has a recovery line 122a and a recovery branch line 122b branching from the recovery line 122a.

[0068] The recovery line 122a is a channel extending along the central axis C1 of the first stirring rod 121. The recovery branch line 122b is a channel that branches off from the recovery line 122a and connects to multiple suction ports 123.

[0069] Multiple suction ports 123 are disposed at the bottom of the first stirring rod 121. The multiple suction ports 123 are configured to be exposed on the outer surface of the first stirring rod 121. The multiple suction ports 123 are disposed apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the first stirring rod 121.

[0070] Multiple suction ports 123 are channels for suctioning cleaning fluid W1 from the container 110, and the suction channels 122 are connected to the internal space of the container 110 in a fluidly movable manner.

[0071] Within the internal space 112 of container 110, the height of multiple suction ports 123 is lower than the height of multiple discharge ports 143. This is to facilitate the flow of cleaning fluid W1 within the internal space 112 of container 110 into the multiple suction ports 123 when the cleaning fluid circulation unit 170 is in operation.

[0072] A valve 128 for opening and closing multiple suction ports 123 is further installed in the first stirring rod 121. The valve 128 can be installed on the first stirring rod 121 to open and close multiple suction ports 123 at once or individually. The valve 128 can also be configured to open the suction ports 123 when the circulation pump 171 of the cleaning fluid circulation section 170 is operating.

[0073] Valve 128 is operated by control unit 180 to open and close. In mixing mode, control unit 180 operates valve 128 to close all multiple suction ports 123. In cleaning mode, control unit 180 operates valve 128 to open multiple suction ports 123.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 180 is configured to operate the cleaning fluid circulation unit 170 while rotating the first stirring rod 121 and the second stirring rod 141.

[0075] At this time, the rotational speed of the first stirring rod 121 is lower than the rotational speed of the second stirring rod 141. That is, the control unit 180 can be set to keep the rotational speed of the first stirring rod 121 lower than the rotational speed of the second stirring rod 141. The rotational speed of the first stirring rod 121 can be in the range of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the maximum rotational speed of the first stirring motor 126.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first stirring unit 120 further includes: a first stirring motor 126 that provides rotational force to the first stirring rod 121; a first stirring blade 124 that stirs the contents of the container 110 when the first stirring rod 121 rotates; and a first fastening part 125 that rotatably couples the first stirring rod 121 to the top of the container 110. The first fastening part 125 connects the first stirring rod 121 and the suction pipe 173 of the cleaning fluid circulation unit 170 in a fluid-movable manner.

[0077] Figure 8 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the second stirring section. Figure 8 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of cleaning fluid through the discharge channel in the second stirring section when the cleaning fluid circulation section is operating, and Figure 9 (a) is Figure 8 (a) Sectional view of CC, Figure 9 (b) is Figure 8 (a) is a cross-sectional view of DD.

[0078] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 2 , Figure 8 (a) and (b) and Figure 9 (a) and (b) describe the second stirring sections 140 and 140A.

[0079] The second stirring section 140, 140A includes a second stirring rod 141 disposed at the edge inside the container 110 and spaced apart from the first stirring rod 121.

[0080] Furthermore, the second stirring units 140, 140A further include a second stirring motor 146 that provides rotational force to the second stirring rod 141; a second stirring blade 144 that stirs the contents of the container 110 when the second stirring rod 141 rotates; and a second fastening part 145 that rotatably couples the second stirring rod 141 to the top of the container 110. The second fastening part 145 connects the second stirring rod 141 and the first discharge pipe 175 of the cleaning fluid circulation unit 170 in a fluid-movable manner.

[0081] One or more second stirring sections 140, 140A may be provided. Multiple second stirring sections 140, 140A may be provided separately from each other at the same interval based on the first stirring section 120.

[0082] When a pair of second stirring sections 140 and 140A are provided, two discharge pipes of cleaning liquid circulation sections 170 are provided. At this time, the discharge pipes may include a first discharge pipe 175 and a second discharge pipe 177.

[0083] That is, any one of the second stirring sections 140 is connected to the circulation pump 171 through the first discharge pipe 175, while the other second stirring section 140A is connected to the circulation pump 171 through the second discharge pipe 177.

[0084] Since the multiple second stirring sections 140, 140A have the same structure, in order to avoid repetition, the description will be based on one second stirring section 140.

[0085] like Figure 8 (a) and Figure 9 As shown in (a), the second stirring rod 141 has a discharge channel 142 and a plurality of discharge outlets 143.

[0086] The discharge channel 142 is located inside the second stirring rod 141. The discharge channel 142 is a channel through which the cleaning fluid W1 supplied by the discharge pipe 175 of the cleaning fluid circulation section 170 flows.

[0087] The discharge channel 142 is configured to pass through the central axis C2 of the second stirring rod 141. This is so that when the second stirring rod 141 rotates, the reused cleaning liquid W2 flowing through the discharge channel 142 is not concentrated in any one direction, but is evenly sprayed along the discharge branch line 142b based on the central axis C2 of the second stirring rod 141 in the circumferential direction of the second stirring rod 141.

[0088] The discharge passage 142 has a discharge line 142a and a discharge branch line 142b branching from the discharge line 142a. The discharge line 142a is a passage extending along the central axis C2 of the second stirring rod 141. The discharge branch line 142b is a passage branching from the discharge line 142a to connect to a plurality of discharge outlets 143.

[0089] Multiple discharge ports 143 are channels through which the reused cleaning fluid W1 discharged from the discharge channel 142 is discharged into the upper space 114 of the container 110.

[0090] Multiple outlets 143 are configured to be exposed on the outer surface of the second stirring rod 141. The multiple outlets 143 are arranged apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the second stirring rod 141.

[0091] Multiple discharge ports 143 are disposed at the top of the second stirring rod 141. Furthermore, the multiple discharge ports 143 are disposed within the upper space 114 of the container 110. Within the internal space 112 of the container 110, the multiple discharge ports 143 are located at a height higher than the multiple suction ports 123 disposed on the first stirring rod 121.

[0092] Each outlet 143 connects the upper space 114 of the container 110 and the discharge channel 142 in a fluid-moving manner. As described above, the upper space 114 is a space that is not affected by eddies when the first stirring rod 121 and the second stirring rod 141 rotate.

[0093] When the cleaning fluid circulation unit 170 is in operation, the second stirring unit 140 can be operated to rotate the second stirring rod 141. The rotational speed of the second stirring rod 141 is higher than that of the first stirring rod 121.

[0094] In the cleaning mode of container 110, the rotational speed of the second stirring rod 141 can be in the range of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the maximum rotational speed of the second stirring motor 146. In the cleaning mode of container 110, the second stirring rod 141 can rotate at a speed in the range of 20 rpm to 40 rpm. When the second stirring rod 141 rotates, the pressure of the reused cleaning fluid W2 discharged through the multiple outlets 143 is proportional to the rotational speed of the second stirring rod 141.

[0095] Reference Figure 5 When the second stirring rod 141 rotates, the cleaning liquid W2 is sprayed through each outlet 143 along the circumference of the second stirring rod 141 to clean the upper space 114 of the container 110.

[0096] As described above, by changing the structure of the first stirring rod 121 and the second stirring rod 141 and by connecting the first stirring rod 121 and the second stirring rod 141 to circulate the cleaning liquid, the upper space 114, which is not affected by the eddy current when the first stirring rod 141 and the second stirring rod 121 rotate, can also be cleaned.

[0097] In the following text, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cleaning fluid circulation section 170, which circulates the cleaning fluid W1 in container 110 in the cleaning mode of container 110, will be described.

[0098] The cleaning fluid circulation unit 170 is connected to the suction channel 122 of the first stirring rod 121 and the discharge channel 142 of the second stirring rod 141, and is configured to supply the cleaning fluid introduced through the suction channel 122 to the discharge channel 142.

[0099] In addition, the cleaning fluid circulation unit 170 may include an suction tube 173 connected to the suction channel 122, a first discharge tube 175 and a second discharge tube 177 connected to the discharge channel 142, and a circulation pump 171 connected to the suction tube 173 and the first discharge tube 175 and the second discharge tube 177, respectively.

[0100] The suction tube 173 is coupled to the first fastener 125 so as to be fluidly movable to the suction passage 122.

[0101] The first discharge pipe 175 and the second discharge pipe 177 are respectively coupled to the second fastening part 145 of the second stirring part 140, 140A, so as to be connected to each discharge channel 142 in a fluid movable manner.

[0102] The circulating pump 171 pressurizes the cleaning fluid W1 introduced through the suction pipe 173, causing the cleaning fluid W1 to be discharged into the first discharge pipe 175 and the second discharge pipe 177 respectively. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the cleaning mode of the control unit 180, the circulation pump 171 is operated to draw in the cleaning liquid W1 from the container 110.

[0103] Reference Figure 5 In the cleaning mode of container 110, the cleaning fluid circulation unit 170 is operated, and the control unit 180 is set to rotate the first stirring unit 120 and the second stirring units 140 and 140A respectively.

[0104] Reference Figure 6 (b) and Figure 7 (b) When the circulation pump 171 is operating, the cleaning fluid W1 in the internal space 112 of the container 110 flows into the recovery branch line 122b through the respective suction ports 123. Then, the cleaning fluid W1 moves from the recovery branch line 122b to the top of the first stirring rod 121 along the recovery line 122a. Subsequently, the cleaning fluid W1 flows into the circulation pump 171 through the suction pipe 173.

[0105] The cleaning fluid W1 is pressurized to a predetermined pressure by the circulation pump 171 and discharged from the circulation pump 171. The cleaning pressure is in the range of 0.5 bar to 2 bar. When the second stirring rod 141 rotates, taking into account the rotational force of the second stirring rod 141, the cleaning pressure can be in the range of 0% to 50% of the maximum pressure of the circulation pump 171.

[0106] In the following text, the cleaning fluid W1 discharged from the circulation pump 171 to the first discharge pipe 175 and the second discharge pipe 177 will be referred to as "reused cleaning fluid W2".

[0107] Reference Figure 8 (b) and Figure 9 (b) When the circulating pump 171 is operating, the cleaning liquid W2 moves along the discharge line 142a of the discharge channel 142 in the direction below the second stirring rod 141, branches into several branches through the discharge branch line 142b, and then is discharged through each discharge port 143.

[0108] Then, cleaning fluid W2 is discharged from each outlet 143 into the upper space 114 of container 110 (see...). Figure 4 The cleaning fluid W2 can be reused to clean the upper space 114 of the container 110 while being sprayed in the lateral direction by the second stirring rod 141 under cleaning pressure.

[0109] Alternatively, the cleaning solution W2 can be sprayed into the upper space 114 of the container 110 along the circumference of the second stirring rod 141 using the centrifugal force of the second stirring rod 141 (see...). Figure 5 This allows for the cleaning of the upper space 114 of container 110.

[0110] In the following text, refer to Figure 3 The cleaning fluid supply section 160, which supplies cleaning fluid W1 to the internal space 112 of container 110 before the circulation pump 171 is operated, will be described.

[0111] Reference Figure 3 In the cleaning mode of container 110, the cleaning fluid supply unit 160 is configured to supply cleaning fluid W1 to container 110. The cleaning fluid supply unit 160 includes a cleaning fluid tank 161, a supply pump 163, and a cleaning fluid supply pipe 165.

[0112] Cleaning fluid W1 is stored in cleaning fluid tank 161. Supply pump 163 is connected to cleaning fluid tank 161.

[0113] The supply pump 163 supplies cleaning fluid W1 from the cleaning fluid tank 161 to the internal space 112 of the container 110. The cleaning fluid supply pipe 165 connects the container 110 and the supply pump 163.

[0114] When the supply pump 163 operates, cleaning fluid W1 is supplied from the cleaning fluid tank 161 to the container 110. The supply pump 163 supplies cleaning fluid W1 into the internal space 112 of the container 110 until the cleaning fluid W1 reaches a certain level in the internal space 112 of the container 110. Here, the certain level is the boundary between the upper space 114 and the lower space 113. The certain level can vary depending on the volume of the container 110. Furthermore, the input amount of cleaning fluid W1 can vary depending on the volume of the container 110.

[0115] like Figure 3 As shown, in the cleaning mode of container 110, control unit 180 supplies cleaning fluid W1 to a certain level in container 110 through cleaning fluid supply unit 160, and then operates cleaning fluid circulation unit 170.

[0116] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the cleaning mode of container 110, valve 128 is opened, and control unit 180 operates circulation pump 171, first stirring motor 126 and second stirring motor 146.

[0117] In other words, when the cleaning liquid W1 in the internal space 112 of container 110 reaches a certain level, the operation of supply pump 163 stops. Then, the internal space 112 of container 110 is cleaned while the circulation pump 171, the first stirring motor 126 and the second stirring motor 146 are operating.

[0118] When the first stirring motor 126 and the second stirring motor 146 are operated, the first stirring rod 121 and the second stirring rod 141 rotate to form a vortex while stirring the cleaning liquid W1 in the container 110, thereby cleaning the lower space 113 of the container 110.

[0119] Simultaneously, the circulation pump 171 draws in the cleaning liquid W1 from the container 110 through the suction channel 122 of the first stirring rod 121, and discharges the cleaning liquid W1 to the discharge channel 142 of the second stirring rod 141. The reused cleaning liquid W2 discharged through the discharge channel 142 is sprayed into the upper space 114 of the container 110 to clean the upper space 114 of the container 110.

[0120] Preferred examples of the invention described above have been disclosed for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications, alterations, and additions within the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications, alterations, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0121] Industrial applicability

[0122] According to at least one example of the present invention, the stirring device can clean the lower space of the container while stirring the cleaning liquid in the container, and can clean the upper space of the container while spraying the cleaning liquid in the container into the upper space of the container via the cleaning liquid circulation section.

Claims

1. A stirring apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries, comprising: container; A cleaning fluid supply unit, the cleaning fluid supply unit being used to supply cleaning fluid to the container; A first stirring unit, the first stirring unit includes a first stirring rod located inside the container, and has a suction channel disposed inside the first stirring rod and a plurality of suction ports that connect the suction channel to the internal space of the container in a fluidly movable manner and draw in cleaning liquid in the container; The second stirring section includes a second stirring rod located inside the container, and has a discharge channel disposed inside the second stirring rod and a plurality of discharge outlets that connect the discharge channel to the internal space of the container in a fluidly movable manner; A cleaning fluid circulation unit is connected to both the suction channel and the discharge channel, and is configured to supply cleaning fluid introduced through the suction channel to the discharge channel.

2. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein... In the container, the plurality of inlet ports are positioned at a height lower than the plurality of outlet ports.

3. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning fluid circulation unit comprises: A suction tube, which is connected to the suction channel; A discharge pipe, which is connected to the discharge channel; as well as A circulation pump is connected to both the suction pipe and the discharge pipe.

4. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein... The plurality of suction ports are arranged separately from each other in the circumferential direction of the first stirring rod, and The suction channel includes a suction tube connected to the cleaning fluid circulation section and a recovery line extending along the central axis of the first stirring rod, as well as recovery branch lines branching from the recovery line to connect to the plurality of suction ports.

5. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein... The plurality of discharge ports are arranged separately from each other along the circumference of the second stirring rod, and The discharge channel includes a discharge pipe connected to the cleaning fluid circulation section and extending along the central axis of the second stirring rod, as well as a discharge branch pipe branching from the discharge pipe to connect to the plurality of discharge outlets.

6. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning fluid supply unit comprises: A cleaning solution tank, wherein the cleaning solution is stored; as well as A supply pump supplies the cleaning solution from the cleaning solution tank into the container.

7. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries according to claim 1, further comprising: The control unit controls the cleaning fluid supply unit, the first stirring unit, the second stirring unit, and the cleaning fluid circulation unit, wherein... The control unit is configured to supply the cleaning fluid to a certain level in the container via the cleaning fluid supply unit, and then operate the cleaning fluid circulation unit.

8. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries according to claim 7, wherein... The control unit is configured to maintain the rotational speed of the first stirring rod at a speed lower than that of the second stirring rod.

9. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 7, wherein... The control unit is configured to operate the cleaning fluid circulation unit while rotating the first stirring rod and the second stirring rod.

10. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning fluid circulation unit further comprises: A valve, mounted on the first stirring rod, is used to open and close the suction port, wherein The valve is configured to open the suction port when the circulating pump is in operation.

11. A stirring apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries, comprising: container; A cleaning fluid supply unit, the cleaning fluid supply unit being used to supply cleaning fluid to the container; A first stirring unit, the first stirring unit includes a first stirring rod located inside the container, and has a suction channel disposed inside the first stirring rod and a plurality of suction ports that connect the suction channel to the internal space of the container in a fluidly movable manner and draw in the cleaning liquid in the container; A plurality of second stirring units, each of the plurality of second stirring units including a second stirring rod located inside the container, and having a discharge channel disposed inside the second stirring rod and a plurality of discharge outlets connecting the discharge channel to the internal space of the container in a fluidly movable manner; as well as The cleaning fluid circulation section is connected to the suction channel and the discharge channel respectively, and is configured to supply the cleaning fluid introduced through the suction channel to the discharge channel.

12. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein... The first stirring rod is located in the central part of the container, and Each of the second stirring rods is arranged separately from the first stirring rod at the same interval.

13. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein... In the container, the plurality of inlet ports are positioned at a height lower than the plurality of outlet ports.

14. The stirring apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein the cleaning fluid circulation unit comprises: A suction tube, which is connected to the suction channel; A discharge pipe, which is connected to the discharge channel; as well as A circulation pump is connected to both the suction pipe and the discharge pipe.

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