A crushing device and a crushing treatment method for lithium battery lithium iron phosphate recovery

Abstract

The application discloses a crushing device and a crushing treatment method for lithium battery lithium iron phosphate recovery, which comprises a shell, a crushing mechanism and a driving part. An accommodating cavity is formed in the shell. An opening and an outlet, which are both communicated with the accommodating cavity, are formed on the shell. The driving part is installed on the shell. The crushing mechanism comprises a crushing assembly, a rotating shaft and an actuating assembly. The crushing assembly is located in the accommodating cavity. The crushing assembly comprises a sleeve part and a crushing roller. One end of the rotating shaft is connected with the output shaft of the driving part. The other end of the rotating shaft is connected with the crushing roller. The sleeve is sleeved on the crushing roller. The crushing gap for crushing the battery is defined between the outer wall of the crushing roller and the inner wall of the sleeve part. The input end of the actuating assembly is connected with the rotating shaft. The output end of the actuating assembly is connected with the sleeve. When the driving part is started, the sleeve part can be switched between the radially inwardly contracted state and the radially outwardly stretched state through the rotating shaft and the actuating assembly, so that the size of the crushing gap is changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of battery recycling, and in particular to a crushing device and a crushing processing method for recycling lithium iron phosphate of lithium batteries. Background Art

[0002] Lithium iron phosphate batteries are lithium-ion batteries that use lithium iron phosphate as the positive electrode material and carbon as the negative electrode material. With the popularity of new energy vehicles, the use of lithium iron phosphate batteries has increased significantly. This has also led to a surge in the number of used lithium iron phosphate batteries. However, the current disassembly and recycling system for these batteries is still imperfect, resulting in many used lithium iron phosphate batteries being discarded in landfills and unable to be processed, thus polluting the environment. my country's lithium ore resources are scarce, and lithium battery production relies on imported lithium ore. Iron ore is also relatively imported. Therefore, the recovery of lithium and iron metals in used lithium iron phosphate batteries is particularly important.

[0003] Therefore, after being discarded, lithium iron phosphate batteries need to be crushed by crushing equipment to extract and recycle the metals and other substances inside them. When working, existing lithium iron phosphate battery crushing equipment uses two relatively rotating crushing rollers to squeeze the batteries, so that the batteries are squeezed by the crushing rollers and the crushing teeth on the crushing rollers, and then squeezed and cut into pieces, which are convenient for subsequent screening and processing. However, in this operation, since the batteries are only subjected to the squeezing force applied by the crushing rollers and the crushing teeth in the vertical direction during crushing, the volume of the crushed materials is affected by the spacing between adjacent crushing teeth, resulting in low battery crushing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a crushing device and a crushing method for recycling lithium iron phosphate from lithium batteries to solve the problems raised in the above background technology.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present disclosure provides a crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate of lithium batteries, comprising a housing, a crushing mechanism and a driving member;

[0006] A receiving cavity is formed in the shell, and an opening and an outlet are formed on the shell, both of which are connected to the receiving cavity;

[0007] The driving member is mounted on the housing;

[0008] The crushing mechanism includes a crushing assembly, a rotating shaft, and an actuating assembly. The crushing assembly is located in the accommodating chamber. The crushing assembly includes a sleeve and a crushing roller. One end of the rotating shaft is connected to the output shaft of the driving member, and the other end of the rotating shaft is connected to the crushing roller. The sleeve is sleeved on the crushing roller, and a crushing gap for crushing batteries is defined between the outer wall of the crushing roller and the inner wall of the sleeve. The feed inlet of the crushing gap is connected to the opening, and the discharge outlet of the crushing gap is connected to the outlet.

[0009] The input end of the actuating assembly is connected to the rotating shaft, and the output end of the actuating assembly is actuated and connected to the sleeve, so that when the driving member is started, the sleeve member can be driven by the rotating shaft and the actuating assembly to switch between a radially inward contracted state and a radially outward extended state to change the size of the crushing gap.

[0010] Optionally, the sleeve member includes at least two arc-shaped plates and at least two connecting members, the at least two arc-shaped plates are spaced apart along the circumference of the crushing roller, two adjacent arc-shaped plates are connected by the connecting member, and the connecting member is configured as a folding structure;

[0011] The actuating assembly includes a connecting portion and at least two actuating portions, the connecting portion being constructed as an annular structure, the connecting portion being sleeved on the rotating shaft, the at least two actuating portions being arranged along the circumference of the connecting portion, the at least two actuating portions and the connecting portion jointly enclosing an accommodating space, the accommodating space being used to accommodate part of the sleeve member, one end of each actuating portion being connected to the outer side wall of the connecting portion, the other end of each actuating portion being capable of applying a force to the outer wall of the arc-shaped plate when the actuating assembly rotates, so as to switch the arc-shaped plate between the radially inwardly contracted state and the radially outwardly extended state, wherein the number of the arc-shaped plates corresponds one to one to the number of the actuating portions;

[0012] A plurality of first crushing teeth are formed on the surface of the crushing roller, each of the first crushing teeth extends along the circumference of the crushing roller, and the plurality of first crushing teeth are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the crushing roller;

[0013] A plurality of second crushing teeth are formed on the inner wall of the arc-shaped plate, each of the second crushing teeth extends along the circumference of the sleeve member, and the plurality of second crushing teeth are spaced apart along the axial direction of the sleeve member;

[0014] There is a space for accommodating the second crushing tooth between two adjacent first crushing teeth, and the crushing gap is formed on the side where the adjacent first crushing teeth and the second crushing teeth are close to each other.

[0015] Optionally, the actuating portion includes a first section and a second section that are connected, wherein an end of the first section away from the second section is connected to an outer side wall of the connecting portion, and an end of the second section away from the first section abuts against an outer wall of the arc-shaped plate;

[0016] Wherein, the first section and the second section are arranged at a vertical angle.

[0017] Optionally, the actuating portion further comprises a ball;

[0018] There are multiple balls, and multiple receiving grooves are provided on the side of the second section facing the arc plate. The multiple receiving grooves are arranged at intervals, and each receiving groove is used to accommodate the corresponding ball. Some of the balls protrude from the receiving groove and abut against the outer wall of the arc plate.

[0019] Optionally, the crushing device further comprises an annular flexible member and a supporting member;

[0020] The annular flexible member is located in the accommodating cavity and is sleeved on the sleeve member. The outer wall of the annular flexible member is connected to the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity, and the inner wall of the annular flexible member is fitted with the outer wall of the sleeve member.

[0021] The support member is formed on the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity. The support member is an annular protrusion extending along the circumference of the accommodating cavity. The top surface of the annular protrusion is used to support the annular flexible member and the sleeve member.

[0022] Optionally, in the radially inwardly contracted state, the outer diameter of the sleeve member is larger than the inner diameter of the annular protrusion.

[0023] Optionally, the height of the annular flexible member is smaller than the height of the sleeve member, and there is a gap between the annular flexible member and the second section.

[0024] Optionally, the housing includes a housing body and a mounting portion;

[0025] The accommodating cavity is formed in the shell body, and the bottom of the shell body is constructed as a funnel structure;

[0026] The two sides of the mounting portion are connected to the top of the shell body through connecting rods. A cavity and a through hole are formed in the mounting portion. The through hole is connected to the cavity. The driving member is accommodated in the cavity. The output shaft of the driving member or the rotating shaft is passed through the through hole.

[0027] Optionally, the crushing device further includes a flow guide structure;

[0028] The flow guide structure is located between the actuating assembly and the sleeve member, and includes a first portion and a plurality of second portions. The first portion is provided on the top of the crushing roller, and is an annular baffle extending along the circumference of the crushing roller.

[0029] Each second portion is provided on the top of the corresponding arc-shaped plate, and the second portion is an arc-shaped baffle extending along the circumference of the corresponding arc-shaped plate;

[0030] The plurality of arc-shaped baffles and the annular baffle together define a flow guide space, and the flow guide space is communicated with the feed port; wherein the number of the arc-shaped baffles corresponds to the number of the arc plates.

[0031] The present disclosure also provides a crushing method for recycling lithium iron phosphate from lithium batteries, using the crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate from lithium batteries described above, the method comprising:

[0032] Adding the waste lithium iron phosphate batteries to be processed into the crushing gap of the crushing assembly from the inlet of the crushing device;

[0033] The driving member of the crushing device is activated, and the driving member drives the crushing roller of the crushing device to rotate relative to the sleeve member of the crushing device via the rotating shaft, and at the same time drives the actuating assembly to push the sleeve member inward to retract; the waste lithium iron phosphate battery is crushed into small pieces or particles under the action of the crushing assembly;

[0034] The crushed pieces or particles are discharged through the outlet provided at the bottom of the crushing device;

[0035] The discharged broken pieces or particles are subsequently subjected to physical separation or chemical separation treatment to recover the materials.

[0036] Through the technical scheme, the sleeve member and the crushing roller are arranged, the crushing roller is connected with one end of the rotating shaft, the other end of the rotating shaft is connected with the output shaft of the driving member, the sleeve member can be sleeved on the crushing roller, and the crushing gap for crushing the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material is formed between the outer wall of the crushing roller and the inner wall of the sleeve member. Thus, the driving member can drive the crushing roller to rotate relative to the sleeve member through the rotating shaft, and a certain friction force and extrusion force (combination of kneading force and shear force) can be generated, so that the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material in the crushing gap can be crushed. In addition, the actuating assembly is arranged, the input end of the actuating assembly is connected with the rotating shaft, and the output end of the actuating assembly is connected with the sleeve member. Thus, when the driving member is started, the sleeve member can be driven to shrink or expand (return to the original position) in the radial direction through the rotating shaft and the actuating assembly, so as to change the size of the crushing gap. When the crushing gap is reduced, the extrusion force (kneading force) received by the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material in the radial direction can be increased, and the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material can be better contacted with the crushing assembly, so as to optimize the crushing efficiency and improve the crushing effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 A perspective view of a crushing device for lithium battery lithium iron phosphate recovery according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a first view angle;

[0038] Figure 2 A perspective view of a crushing device for lithium battery lithium iron phosphate recovery according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a second view angle;

[0039] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a crushing assembly of a crushing device for lithium battery lithium iron phosphate recovery according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0040] Figure 4 A perspective view of a connection between a crushing assembly and a rotating shaft of a crushing device for lithium battery lithium iron phosphate recovery according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] In the figure: 10. Shell; 11. Accommodating chamber; 12. Opening; 13. Outlet; 14. Shell body; 15. Mounting part; 16. Connecting rod; 17. Cavity; 18. Through hole; 20. Crushing mechanism; 21. Crushing assembly; 211. Sleeve member; 2111. Arc plate; 2112. Connecting member; 212. Crushing roller; 213. Crushing gap; 214. Feed inlet; 215. Discharge port; 216. First crushing tooth; 217. Second crushing tooth; 22. Rotating shaft; 23. Actuating assembly; 231. Connecting part; 232. Actuating part; 2321. First section; 2322. Second section; 30. Driving member; 40. Annular flexible member; 50. Support member; 60. Diversion structure; 61. First part; 62. Second part; 63. Diversion space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following describes the specific embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0043] In the description of the present disclosure, in the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside of the corresponding component outline. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one element from another and have no sequential or importance.

[0044] It should also be noted that, in the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "connected," "connected," and "installed" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections via an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the present disclosure provides a crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate of lithium batteries, including a shell 10, a crushing mechanism 20 and a driving member 30. The shell 10 is formed with a accommodating chamber 11, and the shell 10 is formed with an opening 12 and an outlet 13 both of which are connected to the accommodating chamber 11. The driving member 30 is installed on the shell 10. The crushing mechanism 20 includes a crushing assembly 21, a rotating shaft 22 and an actuating assembly 23. The crushing assembly 21 is located in the accommodating chamber 11. The crushing assembly 21 includes a sleeve member 211 and a crushing roller 212. One end of the rotating shaft 22 is connected to the output shaft of the driving member 30, and the other end of the rotating shaft 22 is connected to the crushing roller 212. The cylinder is sleeved on the crushing roller 212, and a crushing gap 213 for crushing batteries is defined between the outer wall of the crushing roller 212 and the inner wall of the sleeve member 211. The feed port 214 of the crushing gap 213 is connected to the opening 12, and the discharge port 215 of the crushing gap 213 is connected to the outlet 13. The input end of the actuating assembly 23 is connected to the rotating shaft 22, and the output end of the actuating assembly 23 is connected to the sleeve actuation, so that when the driving member 30 is started, the sleeve member 211 can be driven by the rotating shaft 22 and the actuating assembly 23 to switch between a radially inward contraction state and a radially outward extension state to change the size of the crushing gap 213.

[0046] Among them, the shell 10 can serve as the basic structure of the entire device. The shell 10 is provided with a accommodating chamber 11 inside for accommodating the crushing mechanism 20, and an opening 12 and an outlet 13 are provided on the shell 10. The waste lithium iron phosphate battery material to be processed can be sent into the entrance of the interior of the shell 10 (specifically referring to the crushing gap 213) through the opening 12, and the crushed lithium iron phosphate battery material can be discharged from the shell 10 through the outlet 13.

[0047] A support frame may be installed at the bottom of the housing 10 .

[0048] Optionally, the crushing roller 212 may be sleeved on the rotating shaft 22 .

[0049] Through the above technical solution, by setting the sleeve member 211 and the crushing roller 212, since the crushing roller 212 can be connected to one end of the rotating shaft 22, and the other end of the rotating shaft 22 is connected to the output shaft of the driving member 30, the sleeve member 211 can be sleeved on the crushing roller 212, and a crushing gap 213 for crushing the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material is formed between the outer wall of the crushing roller 212 and the inner wall of the sleeve member 211. In this way, the driving member 30 can drive the crushing roller 212 to rotate relative to the sleeve member 211 through the rotating shaft 22, which can generate a certain friction force and extrusion force (a combination of kneading force and the shear force described below), thereby achieving the crushing of the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material in the crushing gap 213. In addition, through the setting of the actuating assembly 23, the input end of the actuating assembly 23 is connected to the rotating shaft 22, and the output end of the actuating assembly 23 is connected to the sleeve member 211. In this way, when the driving member 30 is started, the sleeve member 211 can be driven to contract or stretch (restore to its original position) in the radial direction through the rotating shaft 22 and the actuating assembly 23 to change the size of the crushing gap 213. When the crushing gap 213 is reduced, the extrusion force on the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material in the radial direction can be increased (the extrusion force here refers to the kneading force), which can help the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material to better contact with the crushing assembly 21, thereby achieving the purpose of optimizing the crushing efficiency and improving the crushing effect.

[0050] Optionally, the driving member 30 may be an electric motor, a servo motor or a stepping motor, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0051] As an implementation method, Figure 3As shown, the sleeve member 211 includes at least two arc-shaped plates 2111 and at least two connecting members 2112. The at least two arc-shaped plates 2111 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the crushing roller 212. The adjacent two arc-shaped plates 2111 are connected by the connecting member 2112. The connecting member 2112 is constructed as a folding structure. The actuating assembly 23 includes a connecting portion 231 and at least two actuating portions 232. The connecting portion 231 is constructed as an annular structure. The connecting portion 231 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 22. The at least two actuating portions 232 are arranged along the circumference of the connecting portion 231. The at least two actuating portions 232 and the connecting portion 231 together enclose an accommodating space. The accommodating space is used to accommodate part of the sleeve member 211. One end of each actuating portion 232 is connected to the outer side wall of the connecting portion 231. The other end of each actuating portion 232 can adjust the outer side wall of the arc-shaped plate 2111 when the actuating assembly 23 rotates. The wall exerts a force to switch the arc plate 2111 between a radially inward contraction state and a radially outward extension state, wherein the number of the arc plates 2111 corresponds one-to-one to the number of the actuating parts 232, and a plurality of first crushing teeth 216 are formed on the surface of the crushing roller 212, each first crushing tooth 216 extends along the circumference of the crushing roller 212, and the plurality of first crushing teeth 216 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the crushing roller 212, and a plurality of second crushing teeth 217 are formed on the inner wall of the arc plate 2111, each second crushing tooth 217 extends along the circumference of the sleeve member 211, and the plurality of second crushing teeth 217 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the sleeve member 211, and there is a space for accommodating the second crushing teeth 217 between two adjacent first crushing teeth 216, and a crushing gap 213 is formed on the side where the adjacent first crushing teeth 216 and second crushing teeth 217 are close to each other.

[0052] Among them, the connection piece 2112 is provided, which is conducive to maintaining the integrity of the sleeve piece 211 when the multiple curved plates 2111 move inward or outward (specifically, the multiple curved plates 2111 can produce corresponding contraction and folding or expansion and recovery actions).

[0053] The connecting portion 231 is constructed as a ring structure, which can be sleeved on the rotating shaft 22 and can start the function of fixing the position of the actuating assembly 23 .

[0054] Among them, one end (first end) of each actuating portion 232 is connected to the outer side wall of the connecting portion 231, and the other end (second end) of each actuating portion 232 can apply a radially inward force to the outer wall of the arc plate 2111 when the actuating assembly 23 rotates, so that the arc plate 2111 moves radially, thereby changing the size of the crushing gap 213. Specifically, when the second end of each actuating portion 232 rotates to the outer wall of the connecting member 2112 at the same time, each arc plate 2111 is in its natural original position (i.e., a state without force). When the second end of each actuating portion 232 moves to the highest point of the arc plate 2111 along the arc trajectory of the arc plate 2111 at the same time, the connecting member 2112 is in a folded state, and each arc plate 2111 will be subjected to the inward thrust brought by the actuating portion 232, which can cause the arc plate 2111 to contract inward, that is, the arc plate 2111 moves radially toward the crushing gap 213. The roller 212 moves in the same direction, thereby reducing the size of the crushing gap 213 and increasing the kneading force on the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material, which helps to improve the crushing effect. When the second end of each actuator 232 moves from the highest point of the arc plate 2111 to the outer wall of the connecting member 2112 at the same time, when the connecting member 2112 returns from the folded state to the original state, it can apply an outward elastic force to each arc plate 2111, so that the arc plate 2111 is in an outwardly extended state, and the crushing gap 213 can return to its original size. The above process is repeated over and over again, and the waste lithium iron phosphate batteries are crushed into small pieces or particles under the action of the crushing assembly 21, and are discharged from the discharge port 215 of the crushing gap 213 and the outlet 13 of the shell 10 in sequence under the action of gravity.

[0055] In addition, through the mutual cooperation between the first crushing teeth 216 and the second crushing teeth 217, since a shear force in the circumferential direction can be generated between the first crushing teeth 216 and the second crushing teeth 217, when the crushing roller 212 rotates, the contact area between the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material and the crushing roller 212 and the sleeve member 211 can be increased, and the crushing effect of the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material can be effectively improved.

[0056] Optionally, the material of the connecting piece 2112 may be spring steel, aluminum alloy, or engineering plastic, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0057] As an implementation method, Figure 1As shown, the actuator 232 includes a first section 2321 and a second section 2322. The end of the first section 2321, which is remote from the second section 2322, is connected to the outer wall of the connecting portion 231, while the end of the second section 2322, which is remote from the first section 2321, abuts the outer wall of the curved plate 2111. The first section 2321 and the second section 2322 are arranged at a perpendicular angle. The first section 2321 provides both fixing and support, and also acts as a force transmitter. The second section 2322 directly contacts the outer wall of the curved plate 2111. The first section 2321 drives the second section 2322 to move, thereby applying or canceling thrust to the curved plate 2111.

[0058] As an embodiment, the actuating portion 232 also includes a ball (not shown), and there are multiple balls. A plurality of receiving grooves are provided on the side of the second section 2322 facing the arc plate 2111. The multiple receiving grooves are arranged at intervals, and each receiving groove is used to accommodate a corresponding ball. Some of the balls protrude from the receiving groove and abut against the outer wall of the arc plate 2111.

[0059] The balls act as rolling elements, significantly reducing the sliding friction between the actuator 232 and the curved plate 2111. The rolling motion of the balls converts sliding friction into rolling friction, reducing wear and extending the life of the device. Furthermore, the balls are more evenly distributed on the outer wall of the curved plate 2111, ensuring a more uniform force applied by the actuator 232 and preventing localized overload, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the crushing device. Furthermore, the balls facilitate smoother radial movement of the curved plate 2111, thereby increasing the response speed of the actuator assembly 23 and enabling faster adjustment of the crushing gap 213.

[0060] As an implementation method, Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the crushing device also includes an annular flexible member 40 and a support member 50. The annular flexible member 40 is located in the accommodating chamber 11 and is sleeved on the sleeve member 211. The outer wall of the annular flexible member 40 is connected to the cavity wall of the accommodating chamber 11, and the inner wall of the annular flexible member 40 is fitted with the outer wall of the sleeve member 211. A support member 50 is formed on the cavity wall of the accommodating chamber 11. The support member 50 is an annular protrusion extending along the circumference of the accommodating chamber 11. The top surface of the annular protrusion is used to support the annular flexible member 40 and the sleeve member 211.

[0061] The main function of the annular flexible member 40 is to provide support and cushioning when the sleeve member 211 moves radially. Due to its flexible characteristics, it can adapt to the changes of the sleeve member 211 in the radial direction, such as contraction or extension, while maintaining the stability of the structure. Optionally, the annular flexible member 40 can be made of rubber, silicone or polyurethane materials, which is not limited in this disclosure. The top surface of the support member 50 is used to support the annular flexible member 40 and the sleeve member 211. With this design, the support member 50 can ensure that the annular flexible member 40 and the sleeve member 211 do not deviate from the predetermined path when moving radially, thereby improving the overall stability of the device. Specifically, in the initial state, the inner wall of the annular flexible member 40 fits against the outer wall of the sleeve member 211, and the outer wall is connected to the wall of the accommodating chamber 11, and the support member 50 can provide additional support; when the actuating assembly 23 causes the arc plate 2111 to retract inward, the annular flexible member 40 can move inward with the sleeve member 211 while maintaining connection with the wall of the accommodating chamber 11, and the support member 50 can ensure that the sleeve member 211 does not deviate during movement, maintaining the accuracy of its radial position; when the actuating assembly 23 causes the arc plate 2111 to extend outward, the annular flexible member 40 can move outward with the sleeve member 211, maintaining connection with the wall of the accommodating chamber 11, and the support member 50 can continue to provide stable support, ensuring the accurate position of the sleeve member 211 when moving outward. The design of the annular flexible member 40 and the support member 50 improves the stability of the crushing device, especially when the sleeve member 211 moves radially. The annular flexible member 40 absorbs some of the impact of radial movement, reducing vibration and wear of the device. The support member 50 ensures the accurate positioning of the annular flexible member 40 and the sleeve member 211 during radial movement, preventing deviation. The cushioning effect of the annular flexible member 40 and the support provided by the support member 50 enhances the durability of the entire device and reduces maintenance frequency.

[0062] Alternatively, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, in the radially inwardly contracted state, the outer diameter of the sleeve member 211 is larger than the inner diameter of the annular protrusion.

[0063] When the sleeve member 211 contracts inwardly, since the outer diameter of the sleeve member 211 is larger than the inner diameter of the annular protrusion, the sleeve member 211 can be prevented from falling off the annular protrusion, thereby improving the safety and stability of the device.

[0064] Alternatively, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the height of the annular flexible member 40 is smaller than the height of the sleeve member 211 , and there is a gap between the annular flexible member 40 and the second section 2322 .

[0065] The gap can avoid interference between the annular flexible part 40 and the actuating part 232, so that the movement of the sleeve part 211 in the radial direction is smoother. In addition, the gap can reduce direct contact between the annular flexible part 40 and the actuating part 232, thereby reducing wear of the two and improving the durability of the entire device.

[0066] As an embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 2 The shell 10 includes a shell body 14 and a mounting part 15, the accommodating cavity 11 is formed in the shell body 14, the bottom of the shell body 14 is configured as a funnel structure, the two sides of the mounting part 15 are connected to the top of the shell body 14 through a connecting rod 16, a cavity 17 and a through hole 18 are formed in the mounting part 15, the through hole 18 communicates with the cavity 17, the driving part 30 is accommodated in the cavity 17, and the output shaft or rotating shaft 22 of the driving part 30 penetrates through the through hole 18.

[0067] The mounting part 15 can protect the driving part 30 and avoid dust and sundries from the outside.

[0068] The funnel structure can help the crushed material to flow out of the accommodating cavity 11 smoothly, avoid blockage, and improve the material processing efficiency.

[0069] As an embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 The crushing device further includes a flow guide structure 60, which is located between the actuating assembly 23 and the sleeve part 211. The flow guide structure 60 includes a first part 61 and a plurality of second parts 62. The first part 61 is arranged on the top of the crushing roller 212 and is an annular baffle extending along the circumference of the crushing roller 212. Each second part 62 is arranged on the top of a corresponding arc-shaped plate 2111 and is an arc-shaped baffle extending along the circumference of the corresponding arc-shaped plate 2111. The plurality of arc-shaped baffles and the annular baffle jointly define a flow guide space 63, which communicates with the material inlet 214. The number of arc-shaped baffles corresponds to the number of arc-shaped plates 2111.

[0070] The flow guide structure 60 can ensure that the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material can smoothly enter the crushing gap 213, reduce the possibility of material scattering, and improve the efficiency of introducing the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material.

[0071] The disclosure also provides a crushing processing method for recovering lithium phosphate iron from a lithium battery. The method uses the crushing device for recovering lithium phosphate iron from a lithium battery described above, and includes the following steps.

[0072] Step 1: Add the waste lithium phosphate iron battery to be processed into the crushing gap 213 of the crushing assembly 21 of the crushing device from the inlet.

[0073] Specifically, the waste lithium iron phosphate battery materials to be processed are first prepared to ensure that they are suitable for entering the crushing device for processing. The waste lithium iron phosphate battery materials to be processed are added to the crushing gap 213 of the crushing assembly 21 through the opening 12 at the top of the crushing device housing 10.

[0074] Among them, the waste lithium iron phosphate battery material to be processed can be understood as the disassembled positive electrode sheet (that is, the waste lithium iron phosphate battery is discharged and disassembled, and the positive electrode sheet is separated).

[0075] Step 2: Start the driving member 30 of the crushing device. The driving member 30 drives the crushing roller 212 of the crushing device to rotate relative to the sleeve member 211 of the crushing device through the rotating shaft 22, and at the same time drives the actuating assembly 23 to push the sleeve member 211 to retract inward.

[0076] Specifically, the driver 30 (e.g., an electric motor, servo motor, etc.) is activated, and the driver 30 rotates the crushing roller 212 via the rotating shaft 22. The crushing roller 212 rotates relative to the sleeve 211, generating friction and compressive forces. The actuator assembly 23 drives the second end of the actuator 232 inward via the rotating shaft 22 and the connecting portion 231, thereby causing the curved plate 2111 to retract inward, reducing the crushing gap 213.

[0077] Step 3: The waste lithium iron phosphate batteries are broken into small pieces or particles by the crushing assembly 21 .

[0078] Specifically, the relative motion between the crushing roller 212 and the sleeve 211, coupled with the action of the crushing teeth, breaks the used lithium iron phosphate batteries into small pieces or particles. Furthermore, the first crushing teeth 216 on the crushing roller 212 and the second crushing teeth 217 on the curved plate 2111 cooperate with each other to further enhance the crushing effect.

[0079] Step 4: The crushed small pieces or particles are discharged through the outlet 13 provided at the bottom of the crushing device.

[0080] Specifically, the crushed small pieces or particles are discharged through the discharge port 215 of the crushing gap 213 and discharged from the crushing device (specifically the shell 10 body) through the outlet 13 (usually a funnel structure) provided at the bottom of the crushing device.

[0081] Step 5: The discharged broken pieces or particles are subjected to subsequent physical separation or chemical separation to recover the materials. Specifically, the discharged broken pieces or particles can be further processed by physical separation (such as magnetic separation, screening, etc.) or chemical separation (such as leaching, pyrolysis, etc.). Valuable materials such as metal components such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) are separated by physical or chemical methods.

[0082] Among them, regarding physical treatment, particles of different sizes can be separated by screening to remove larger impurities. Magnetic separation equipment can be used to remove impurities containing metals such as iron and nickel. Light impurities such as diaphragm materials and plastics can be removed by air separation. Among them, regarding chemical treatment, first, the crushed positive electrode material can be leached using a dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), or potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution to dissolve the LiFePO4. Secondly, an appropriate amount of phosphate (such as ammonium phosphate) and lithium salt (such as lithium carbonate) are added to the leachate to precipitate the LiFePO4. Then, the precipitated LiFePO4 is separated by filtration and washed with clean water to remove residual impurities. Then, the filtered LiFePO4 is dried at a certain temperature to remove moisture and obtain pure LiFePO4 powder. If further purification is required, the dried LiFePO4 powder can be calcined at high temperature to remove residual organic matter and other impurities. Finally, screening is performed again to remove impurities that have not been completely reacted to obtain the final lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) material.

[0083] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0084] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any appropriate manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present disclosure will not further describe various possible combinations.

[0085] In addition, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be arbitrarily combined, and as long as they do not violate the concept of the present disclosure, they should also be regarded as the contents disclosed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate from lithium batteries, characterized in that: It comprises a housing (10), a crushing mechanism (20), and a driving member (30); An accommodating cavity (11) is formed in the housing (10), and an opening (12) and an outlet (13) are formed on the housing (10), both of which are in communication with the accommodating cavity (11); The driving member (30) is mounted on the housing (10); The crushing mechanism (20) includes a crushing assembly (21), a rotating shaft (22), and an actuating assembly (23). The crushing assembly (21) is located in the accommodating chamber (11). The crushing assembly (21) includes a sleeve (211) and a crushing roller (212). One end of the rotating shaft (22) is connected to the output shaft of the driving member (30), and the other end of the rotating shaft (22) is connected to the crushing roller (212). The sleeve is sleeved on the crushing roller (212), and a crushing gap (213) for crushing batteries is defined between the outer wall of the crushing roller (212) and the inner wall of the sleeve (211). The feed port (214) of the crushing gap (213) is communicated with the opening (12), and the discharge port (215) of the crushing gap (213) is communicated with the outlet (13). The input end of the actuating assembly (23) is connected to the rotating shaft (22), and the output end of the actuating assembly (23) is actuated and connected to the sleeve, so that when the driving member (30) is started, the sleeve member (211) can be driven by the rotating shaft (22) and the actuating assembly (23) to switch between a radially inward contraction state and a radially outward extension state, thereby changing the size of the crushing gap (213); The sleeve member (211) comprises at least two arc-shaped plates (2111) and at least two connecting members (2112), wherein the at least two arc-shaped plates (2111) are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the crushing roller (212), and two adjacent arc-shaped plates (2111) are connected via the connecting members (2112), and the connecting members (2112) are constructed as a folded structure; The actuating assembly (23) comprises a connecting portion (231) and at least two actuating portions (232), wherein the connecting portion (231) is constructed as an annular structure, the connecting portion (231) is sleeved on the rotating shaft (22), and at least two actuating portions (232) are arranged along the circumference of the connecting portion (231), and the at least two actuating portions (232) and the connecting portion (231) together enclose an accommodating space, wherein the accommodating space is used to accommodate a portion of the sleeve member (211). One end of each actuating portion (232) is connected to the outer side wall of the connecting portion (231), and the other end of each actuating portion (232) is capable of applying a force to the outer wall of the arc plate (2111) when the actuating assembly (23) rotates, so that the arc plate (2111) switches between the radially inward contraction state and the radially outward extension state, wherein the number of the arc plates (2111) corresponds to the number of the actuating portions (232); The actuating portion (232) comprises a first section (2321) and a second section (2322) connected to each other, wherein an end of the first section (2321) away from the second section (2322) is connected to the outer side wall of the connecting portion (231), and an end of the second section (2322) away from the first section (2321) abuts against the outer wall of the arc-shaped plate (2111); Wherein, the first section (2321) and the second section (2322) are arranged at a vertical angle.

2. The crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate of lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of first crushing teeth (216) are formed on the surface of the crushing roller (212), each of the first crushing teeth (216) extending along the circumference of the crushing roller (212), and the plurality of first crushing teeth (216) are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the crushing roller (212); A plurality of second crushing teeth (217) are formed on the inner wall of the arc-shaped plate (2111), each of the second crushing teeth (217) extends along the circumference of the sleeve member (211), and the plurality of second crushing teeth (217) are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the sleeve member (211); There is a space between two adjacent first crushing teeth (216) for accommodating the second crushing tooth (217), and the crushing gap (213) is formed on the side where the adjacent first crushing teeth (216) and second crushing teeth (217) are close to each other.

3. The crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate of lithium batteries according to claim 2, characterized in that: The actuating portion (232) further includes a ball; There are multiple balls, and multiple receiving grooves are provided on the side of the second section (2322) facing the arc plate (2111). The multiple receiving grooves are arranged at intervals, and each receiving groove is used to receive the corresponding ball. Some of the balls protrude from the receiving grooves and abut against the outer wall of the arc plate (2111).

4. The crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate of lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The crushing device further comprises an annular flexible member (40) and a supporting member (50); The annular flexible member (40) is located in the accommodating cavity (11) and is sleeved on the sleeve member (211); the outer wall of the annular flexible member (40) is connected to the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity (11); and the inner wall of the annular flexible member (40) is fitted to the outer wall of the sleeve member (211); The support member (50) is formed on the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity (11), and the support member (50) is an annular protrusion extending along the circumference of the accommodating cavity (11), and the top surface of the annular protrusion is used to support the annular flexible member (40) and the sleeve member (211).

5. The crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate of lithium batteries according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the radially inwardly contracted state, the outer diameter of the sleeve member (211) is larger than the inner diameter of the annular protrusion.

6. The crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate of lithium batteries according to claim 4, characterized in that: The height of the annular flexible member (40) is smaller than the height of the sleeve member (211), and there is a gap between the annular flexible member (40) and the second section (2322).

7. The crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate of lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (10) comprises a housing body (14) and a mounting portion (15); The accommodating cavity (11) is formed in the shell body (14), and the bottom of the shell body (14) is constructed as a funnel structure; Both sides of the mounting portion (15) are connected to the top of the shell body (14) through connecting rods (16). A cavity (17) and a through hole (18) are formed in the mounting portion (15). The through hole (18) is communicated with the cavity (17). The driving member (30) is accommodated in the cavity (17). The output shaft of the driving member (30) or the rotating shaft (22) is passed through the through hole (18).

8. The crushing device for recycling lithium iron phosphate of lithium batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The crushing device further includes a flow guiding structure (60); The flow guiding structure (60) is located between the actuating assembly (23) and the sleeve member (211), and the flow guiding structure (60) includes a first portion (61) and a plurality of second portions (62), wherein the first portion (61) is arranged on the top of the crushing roller (212), and the first portion (61) is an annular baffle extending along the circumference of the crushing roller (212); Each second portion (62) is arranged on the top of the corresponding arc-shaped plate (2111), and the second portion (62) is an arc-shaped baffle extending along the circumference of the corresponding arc-shaped plate (2111); The plurality of arc-shaped baffles and the annular baffle together define a flow guiding space (63), and the flow guiding space (63) is in communication with the feed port (214); The number of the arc-shaped baffles corresponds one-to-one to the number of the arc-shaped plates (2111).

9. A crushing method for recycling lithium iron phosphate from lithium batteries, characterized in that: The crushing device for recovering lithium iron phosphate from lithium batteries according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is used, and the method comprises: Adding the waste lithium iron phosphate batteries to be processed from the inlet of the crushing device into the crushing gap (213) of the crushing assembly (21); The driving member (30) of the crushing device is started, wherein the driving member (30) drives the crushing roller (212) of the crushing device to rotate relative to the sleeve member (211) of the crushing device via the rotating shaft (22), and simultaneously drives the actuating assembly (23) to push the sleeve member (211) to retract inward; The waste lithium iron phosphate battery is broken into small pieces or particles under the action of the crushing component (21); The crushed pieces or particles are discharged through the outlet (13) provided at the bottom of the crushing device; The discharged broken pieces or particles are subsequently subjected to physical separation or chemical separation treatment to recover the materials.

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