Powder conveying device and batching plant

Abstract

The application discloses a powder conveying device and a batching equipment. The powder conveying device comprises a gas conveying assembly, a buffer assembly and a feeding pipe. The feeding pipe has a first connecting port, a second connecting port and a third connecting port which are communicated with each other. The first connecting port of the feeding pipe is communicated with an output end of the gas conveying assembly. The second connecting port of the feeding pipe is communicated with an input end of the buffer assembly. The third connecting port of the feeding pipe is used for being communicated with a material storage assembly which stores powder. The gas conveying assembly is used for driving gas flow to be conveyed from the feeding pipe to the buffer assembly, so that negative pressure is generated at the third connecting port of the feeding pipe, and the powder in the material storage assembly is sucked into the buffer assembly.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202222703073.X, entitled “Powder Conveying Device and Batching Equipment”, filed on October 14, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of lithium battery manufacturing, and in particular to a powder conveying device and a batching equipment. Background Technology

[0003] In the lithium battery manufacturing process, a large amount of powdery materials, such as carbon powder, need to be transported. In some cases, the main method of powder conveying is to use a screw feeder to push the powder in a predetermined direction.

[0004] During the operation of a screw feeder, the screw blades simultaneously agitate and propel the material, resulting in uncontrollable material conveying volume. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main purpose of this application is to propose a powder conveying device, which aims to solve the problem that the powder conveying volume is inconvenient to control in existing batching equipment.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the powder conveying device proposed in this application includes:

[0007] Gas delivery components;

[0008] caching components; and

[0009] The feed pipe has a first connection port, a second connection port and a third connection port that are interconnected. The first connection port of the feed pipe is connected to the output end of the gas conveying component, the second connection port of the feed pipe is connected to the input end of the buffer component, and the third connection port of the feed pipe is used to connect to the storage component for storing powder.

[0010] The gas delivery assembly is used to drive the airflow from the feed pipe to the buffer assembly, and generate a negative pressure at the third connection port of the feed pipe to draw the powder in the storage assembly into the buffer assembly.

[0011] In some examples, the gas delivery assembly includes:

[0012] A gas cylinder, the output end of which is connected to the first connection port of the feed pipe; and

[0013] A pressurizing mechanism, connected to the input end of the gas tank, is used to pressurize the gas and deliver it to the gas tank.

[0014] The pressurizing mechanism pressurizes the airflow and delivers it into the gas tank, which is used to store and output the airflow.

[0015] By using a pressurizing mechanism to increase the air pressure of the airflow, the air pressure at the second connection port of the feed pipe can be increased, which helps to increase the negative pressure value at the third connection port, so as to draw the powder in the storage component into the third connection port, thereby increasing the flow rate and velocity of the powder entering the feed pipe and improving the powder conveying speed.

[0016] In some examples, the caching component includes:

[0017] A buffer tank, the input end of which is connected to the second connection port of the feed pipe; and

[0018] An exhaust mechanism, connected to the buffer tank, is used to exhaust the gas from the buffer tank.

[0019] The buffer tank is used to buffer powder materials, and when needed, the powder materials in the buffer tank can be output to the batching equipment.

[0020] The exhaust mechanism is used to discharge the airflow inside the buffer tank to the outside of the buffer tank, so as to facilitate the control of the air pressure inside the buffer tank and allow the airflow to enter the buffer tank through the feed pipe.

[0021] In some examples, the venting mechanism includes an venting valve and a first filter element disposed on the venting valve, the venting valve being connected to the buffer tank, and the first filter element being used to filter powder entering the venting valve.

[0022] The vent valve connects the buffer tank to the outside, facilitating pressure control within the tank. The first filter element filters the airflow exiting the buffer tank to prevent powder leakage.

[0023] In some examples, the feed tube includes:

[0024] A first tube body, the first tube body having a first connection port and a second connection port; and

[0025] The second tube is connected to the first tube, and the second tube has the third connection port.

[0026] The first tube forms the main structure of the feed pipe, and the second tube is used to connect the storage component. The first tube and the second tube are connected so that when the airflow flows in the first tube, a negative pressure is formed in the second tube to draw the powder in the storage component connected to the second tube into the second tube and to allow the powder to enter the buffer component along the first tube.

[0027] In some examples, the first tube is provided with a first one-way valve, the input side of which is connected to the output end of the gas delivery assembly; the second tube is connected to the output side of the first one-way valve.

[0028] The first check valve can be used to control the direction of airflow and prevent backflow.

[0029] In some examples, the inner diameter of the first tube and / or the second tube does not exceed 10 mm.

[0030] By making the inner diameter of the first tube and / or the second tube less than or equal to 10 mm, the airflow can be kept in a high-speed flow state in the first tube and / or the second tube to ensure that a negative pressure state can be formed at the third connection port, so that the powder can enter the second connection port of the first tube.

[0031] In some examples, the inner diameter of the second tube is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the first tube.

[0032] By making the inner diameter of the second tube smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the first tube, a better negative pressure state can be formed at the third connection port, resulting in higher powder flow efficiency within the second tube.

[0033] In some examples, the powder conveying device further includes:

[0034] A weight detection mechanism is used to detect the weight of the powder output by the buffer component.

[0035] By detecting the weight of the powder output by the buffer component through a weight detection mechanism, the powder that has been dispersed in the buffer component can be output quantitatively, thereby improving the control accuracy of the powder output.

[0036] Based on the aforementioned powder conveying device, this application also proposes a batching device, comprising:

[0037] The powder conveying device as described in any of the above examples; and

[0038] A material storage assembly for storing powder, the material storage assembly having a discharge port, and the third connection port of the feed pipe being connected to the discharge port.

[0039] When the powder conveying device is running, a negative pressure is formed at the third connection port of the feed pipe, so that the powder in the storage component enters the third connection port from the discharge port under the action of negative pressure, and then enters the buffer component along the feed pipe, realizing the dispersed conveying of the powder, which facilitates the precise control of the powder weight during batching.

[0040] In some examples, the storage component includes:

[0041] A material tank for storing powder, the material tank being provided with the discharge port; and

[0042] An air inlet mechanism, connected to the material tank, allows airflow to enter the tank. The air inlet mechanism connects the material tank to the outside to balance the air pressure inside the tank. When a negative pressure is created at the third connection port, airflow enters the material tank through the air inlet mechanism. The flowing airflow carries the powder into the third connection port and along the feed pipe towards the second connection port.

[0043] In some examples, the air intake mechanism includes an air intake valve and a second filter element disposed on the air intake valve, the air intake valve being connected to the material tank, and the second filter element being used to filter the gas entering the air intake valve.

[0044] The air inlet valve controls the airflow into the material tank, and the second filter element filters the airflow to prevent the powder from being contaminated.

[0045] In some examples, the discharge port is located above the input of the buffer component.

[0046] Under the influence of gravity, the powder flows towards the input end of the buffer component. When the gas conveying component outputs airflow, the powder can be more easily sucked into the feed pipe, thereby improving the powder conveying efficiency.

[0047] In some examples, the feed pipe is provided with a second check valve; the input side of the second check valve is connected to the discharge port, and the output side of the second check valve is connected to the input of the buffer assembly.

[0048] The output of powder is controlled by a second one-way valve. At the same time, the second one-way valve can block the airflow to prevent backflow and thus control the direction of airflow.

[0049] In some examples, the second check valve has a first opening degree and a second opening degree, wherein the second opening degree is smaller than the first opening degree.

[0050] When the gas conveying component is not turned on in the batching equipment, the second one-way valve can be opened to the first opening degree so that the powder can quickly enter the input end of the buffer component under the action of gravity. When the weight of the powder in the buffer component is about to reach the preset weight, the second one-way valve is opened to the second opening degree and the gas conveying component is turned on so that the powder enters the buffer component in a dispersed and small amount, thereby improving the control accuracy of the powder input.

[0051] In some examples, the output side of the second check valve is connected to the third connection port of the feed pipe.

[0052] The powder output from the self-feeding tank is controlled by a second one-way valve. When the powder input in the buffer component is close to the preset input amount, the second one-way valve is closed. A small amount of powder will remain between the third connection port and the buffer component. Under the action of gravity, the powder will move towards the lower surface of the pipeline. Under the action of airflow, the small amount of residual powder can be carried to the buffer component, thereby achieving precise control of the powder input amount.

[0053] Beneficial effects

[0054] When the airflow flows from the first connection port to the second connection port of the feed pipe, a negative pressure is formed at the third connection port of the feed pipe. Under the action of the negative pressure, the powder in the storage component is drawn into the third connection port, and the powder enters the buffer component along the feed pipe. Because the powder is transported to the buffer component in a dispersed state under the action of airflow, it can avoid the powder from entering the buffer component in a clump, thus achieving dispersed conveying of the powder and avoiding the problem of a sudden increase in the weight of the powder in the buffer component due to clumps of powder. This also makes it easier to control the powder conveying rate. Attached Figure Description

[0055] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the powder conveying device of this application;

[0057] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the powder conveying principle of the powder conveying device in this application.

[0058] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0059]

[0060] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Embodiments of the present invention

[0062] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0063] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0064] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0065] Power batteries are widely used in energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and other fields. Energy storage systems include power storage systems for hydropower, wind power, thermal power, and solar power plants; electric vehicles include electric cars, electric motorcycles, and electric bicycles. As the application fields of power batteries continue to expand, the market demand for them is also constantly increasing.

[0066] Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most common types of power batteries. In some cases, the main materials used in lithium-ion batteries include positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, separators, and electrolytes. Among positive electrode materials, the most commonly used are lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate, and ternary materials (polymers of nickel, cobalt, and manganese). Among negative electrode materials, natural graphite and artificial graphite are currently the main materials, in addition to nitrides, PAS, tin-based oxides, tin alloys, nano-anode materials, and other intermetallic compounds. As one of the four main components of lithium-ion batteries, negative electrode materials play a crucial role in improving battery capacity and cycle performance, and are a core link in the midstream of the lithium-ion battery industry. In the structure of a lithium-ion battery, the separator is one of the key internal components. Separator materials are mainly polyolefin separators, primarily made of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The electrolyte is generally made from high-purity organic solvents, lithium electrolyte salts, additives, and other raw materials. The electrolyte plays a role in conducting ions between the positive and negative electrodes of a lithium battery, which is the guarantee for the high voltage and high specific energy of lithium-ion batteries.

[0067] The auxiliary powder materials required for lithium batteries include electrode powder materials, conductive agent powder materials, and filler powder materials. Powder materials used for electrodes include lithium iron phosphate powder, ternary material powder, graphite anode powder, and silicon-carbon anode powder; powder materials used for conductive agents include acetylene black (AB) powder and carbon nanotube (CNT) powder; and powder materials used for fillers include inert inorganic ceramic fillers and ion-conducting inorganic ceramic fillers. The amount of these powder materials used affects various performance characteristics of lithium batteries and even their safety during use.

[0068] To facilitate control over the amount of powdered materials used, screw feeders are often used in some situations when conveying powder. A screw feeder has a rotating shaft and helical blades mounted on it. The helical blades extend spirally along the axial direction of the shaft. When a motor drives the shaft to rotate, the helical blades move synchronously to agitate the powder and move it along the direction of the helical blades, thus moving the powder to a preset position and achieving powder conveying. During powder conveying, a relatively large amount of powder needs to be stored in the screw feeder so that the helical blades can agitate and move a sufficient amount of powder. When the amount of powder is small, the helical blades cannot agitate the powder, and powder output cannot be achieved. Therefore, in actual use, the amount of powder output from a screw feeder is generally quite large, and the powder conveying rate cannot be precisely controlled.

[0069] Furthermore, during the storage of powdered materials, the powder settles within the storage component 300 under gravity, easily leading to agglomeration. In some cases, during powder conveying by the screw feeder, the blades agitate the powder to disperse it to a certain extent, and the screw pushes the powder along a preset trajectory to a preset position. However, during the screw pushing process, some agglomerated powder moves synchronously with the screw blades. When the powder reaches the preset position, the total weight of the powder output to the preset position suddenly increases due to the addition of agglomerated material, causing a sharp decrease in the control accuracy of the powder output.

[0070] In the lithium battery production process, the amount of powder conveyed affects the product performance. When the amount of powder conveyed cannot be controlled, the safety of the produced lithium battery products will be greatly affected. The powder conveying device described in this application is used for conveying powder raw materials in the production and processing of the aforementioned materials. It can also be used to convey the aforementioned powder during the lithium battery processing process. By conveying the powder in a more dispersed state, precise control of the powder conveying amount can be achieved.

[0071] This application provides an example of a powder conveying device capable of conveying auxiliary powders required for lithium battery production. The powder conveying device is used to transport powders within a storage assembly 300 to a preset position. The powder conveying device can be used to convey electrode powder materials, conductive agent powder materials, and filler powder materials, and can also be used to convey powdered raw materials used to prepare the aforementioned powder materials.

[0072] Please see Figure 1 In some examples, the powder conveying device includes a gas conveying assembly 100, a buffer assembly 400, and a feed pipe 20. The feed pipe 20 has a first connection port 212, a second connection port 213, and a third connection port 222 that are interconnected. The first connection port 212 of the feed pipe 20 is connected to the output end of the gas conveying assembly 100, the second connection port 213 of the feed pipe 20 is connected to the input end of the buffer assembly 400, and the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 is used to connect to a storage assembly 300 for storing powder. When the gas conveying assembly 100 drives the airflow to convey the powder from the feed pipe 20 to the buffer assembly 400, a negative pressure is generated at the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 to draw the powder in the storage assembly 300 into the buffer assembly 400.

[0073] The gas conveying assembly 100 is used to output airflow, and the feed pipe 20 is used to connect the gas conveying assembly 100, the buffer assembly 400 and the storage assembly 300 for storing powder respectively. The powder in the storage assembly 300 enters the buffer assembly 400 for buffering through the feed pipe 20.

[0074] The gas delivery assembly 100 is used to output airflow. The gas delivery assembly 100 has an outlet connected to the feed pipe 20, allowing the airflow to flow along the feed pipe 20 toward the buffer assembly 400. In some examples, the gas output by the gas delivery assembly 100 is air, nitrogen, or other gases, or a combination of several gases. Specifically, the composition of the airflow used can be determined according to the type of powder being delivered. For example, when delivering powders that are not suitable for contact with oxygen, nitrogen or other specific gases that do not chemically react with the powder can be used; when delivering conventional powders that can be contacted with oxygen, air can be delivered directly.

[0075] Please see Figure 2The feed pipe 20 has a first connection port 212, a second connection port 213, and a third connection port 222. The first connection port 212 of the feed pipe 20 is connected to the output end of the gas conveying assembly 100, so that the airflow in the gas conveying assembly 100 can enter the feed pipe 20 through the first connection port 212. The second connection port 213 of the feed pipe 20 is connected to the buffer assembly 400, so that the airflow output from the gas conveying assembly 100 can enter the buffer assembly 400 along the feed pipe 20. The third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 is connected to the storage assembly 300, so that the powder in the storage assembly 300 can enter the feed pipe 20 through the third connection port 222.

[0076] The material storage component 300 has a discharge port 31, which is connected to the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 so that the powder stored in the material storage component 300 can enter the feed pipe 20 through the third connection port 222.

[0077] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first connection port 212, the second connection port 213, and the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 are interconnected, forming a first airflow path from the gas conveying assembly 100 to the buffer assembly 400, and a second airflow path from the storage assembly 300 to the buffer assembly 400. During the airflow from the first connection port 212 to the second connection port 213, a negative pressure is created at the third connection port 222, causing the powder in the storage assembly 300 to be drawn into the feed pipe 20 under this negative pressure and flow with the airflow towards the third connection port 222, thereby drawing the powder into the buffer assembly 400.

[0078] During airflow, the powder flows in a dispersed state, preventing agglomeration during transport. After entering the feed pipe 20 through the third connection port 222, the powder flows along the feed pipe 20, colliding and rubbing against the pipe wall and against each other under the influence of the airflow. This further disperses the powder, ensuring a dispersed distribution before it reaches the buffer assembly 400, preventing agglomeration. The dispersed powder drawn into the buffer assembly 400 by the airflow gradually increases its weight, preventing a sudden surge in weight due to agglomeration, thus facilitating precise control of the powder transport rate. The high-speed airflow, combined with the powder within it, acts on the feed pipe 20 wall, reducing the amount of powder adhering to it and preventing blockage, resulting in higher powder transport efficiency.

[0079] The buffer component 400 is used to buffer powder. When the powder is conveyed to the feeding equipment, the powder dispersed within the buffer component 400 can be directly output. The powder enters the buffer component 400 through the second connection port 213 of the feed pipe 20. With the airflow, the powder enters the buffer component 400 in a dispersed state, causing the weight of the powder within the buffer component 400 to gradually increase. In some examples, the buffer component 400 has an opening for discharging the powder, allowing the powder stored within the buffer component 400 to exit through the opening. Because the powder can enter the buffer component 400 in a dispersed state, powder agglomeration upon entering the buffer component 400 is reduced, making the output amount of powder from the buffer component 400 easier to control.

[0080] To facilitate the detection of the weight of the powder output by the powder conveying device, in some examples, the powder conveying device also includes a weight detection mechanism. This weight detection mechanism is used to detect the weight of the powder output by the buffer assembly 400. In some examples, the weight detection mechanism is a weight sensor. The weight sensor is used to detect the overall weight of the buffer assembly 400, and the weight of the powder output from the opening of the buffer assembly 400 is determined by detecting changes in the weight of the buffer assembly 400. In some examples, the weight detection mechanism is an infrared sensor. The shape and volume of the buffer assembly 100 are known. Before the opening of the buffer assembly 400 is opened, the infrared sensor detects the current highest position of the powder accumulated inside the buffer assembly 400. When the opening of the buffer assembly 400 is closed, the infrared sensor detects the current position of the powder, and the mass of the powder output by the buffer assembly 400 is calculated by combining this with the internal volume of the buffer assembly 400.

[0081] In some examples, the third connection port 222 is located above the input end of the buffer component 400. The third connection port 222 connects to the discharge port 31 of the storage component 300, allowing the powder in the storage component 300 to fall directly from the third connection port 222 towards the input end of the buffer component 400. When the gas conveying component 100 outputs airflow, the airflow impacts the powder, breaking up any agglomerates and dispersing the powder into the buffer component 400 for precise control of the powder input.

[0082] In some examples, the powder conveying device includes a first check valve 211 for controlling the flow rate of the gas delivery assembly 100. The first check valve 211 can be a throttle valve or other check valve. By controlling the flow rate and / or velocity of the gas delivery assembly 100, the gas pressure within the feed pipe 20 can be controlled by changing the flow rate and / or velocity of the gas. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 2When a negative pressure is formed at the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20, the airflow in the storage component 300 enters the feed pipe 20 through the third connection port 222 under the action of the negative pressure, driving the powder to move synchronously. As the airflow velocity at the second connection port 213 of the feed pipe 20 increases, the negative pressure value formed at the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 also increases, and the flow velocity and flow rate of the powder entering the feed pipe 20 are also greatly increased. In some examples, the first one-way valve 211 can be directly connected to the output port of the gas conveying component 100, and the output end of the first one-way valve 211 is connected to the first connection port 212 of the feed pipe 20.

[0083] In some examples, the powder conveying device also includes an air inlet mechanism 32, which is connected to the storage assembly 300 and is used to allow airflow into the storage assembly 300. The air inlet mechanism 32 can be used to allow air into the storage assembly 300 or other gases into the storage tank 30. The type of gas entering the storage tank 30 via the air inlet mechanism 32 is adapted to the powder. For example, when the powder is a raw material that cannot contact oxygen, nitrogen or other gases can be introduced into the storage assembly 300 through the air inlet mechanism 32; when the powder is a raw material that can contact oxygen, air can be introduced into the storage assembly 300 through the air inlet mechanism 32. The air inlet mechanism 32 connects to the outside of the storage assembly 300. When a negative pressure is formed at the third connection port 222, the airflow within the air inlet mechanism 32 can enter the storage assembly 300 and drive the powder within the storage assembly 300 towards the third connection port 222.

[0084] In some examples, the powder conveying device also includes a second check valve 221. The second check valve 221 can be directly installed on the outlet 31 of the storage assembly 300. The third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 is connected to the output port of the second check valve 221 to control the flow of powder into the feed pipe 20. The second check valve 221 can also be used to prevent airflow from the feed pipe 20 into the storage assembly 300, thus avoiding powder backflow. Specifically, the second check valve 221 can be a throttle valve or other check valve, which controls the flow rate and / or velocity of the powder.

[0085] In some examples, the powder conveying device further includes an exhaust mechanism 41 connected to the buffer assembly 400 for discharging gas from within the buffer assembly 400. When airflow enters the buffer assembly 400 along the feed pipe 20, the airflow within the buffer assembly 400 exits along the exhaust mechanism 41 to reduce the air pressure within the buffer assembly 400. Further, in some examples, the powder conveying device also includes the air intake mechanism 32 described in the above examples, and the output end of the exhaust mechanism 41 can be connected to the input end of the air intake mechanism 32. In some examples, the output end of the exhaust mechanism 41 can be connected to the input end of the gas conveying assembly 100 to recycle the airflow.

[0086] In some examples, the gas delivery assembly 100 includes a gas tank 110 and a pressurizing mechanism 120 connected to the gas tank 110. The output end of the gas tank 110 is connected to the first connection port 212 of the feed pipe 20, and the pressurizing mechanism 120 is connected to the input end of the gas tank 110 for pressurizing the gas flow and delivering it into the gas tank 110.

[0087] The pressurization mechanism 120 pressurizes the airflow to achieve high-speed airflow output. This high-speed airflow creates a negative pressure at the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20. In some examples, the negative pressure at the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 is adjusted by changing the flow rate of the airflow output from the gas tank 110, thereby adaptively altering the powder conveying efficiency. Furthermore, in some examples, the pressurization mechanism 120 is a booster pump, which pressurizes the airflow.

[0088] In some examples, the buffer assembly 400 includes a buffer tank 40 and an exhaust mechanism 41 connected to the buffer tank 40. The input end of the buffer tank 40 is connected to the second connection port 213 of the feed pipe 20. The exhaust mechanism 41 is used to output the gas in the buffer tank 40 to control the gas pressure in the buffer tank 40. The gas delivery assembly 100, the feed pipe 20, the buffer tank 40, and the exhaust mechanism 41 form a first airflow path.

[0089] Furthermore, in some examples, the exhaust mechanism 41 includes an exhaust valve 411 and a first filter element 412 disposed on the exhaust valve 411. The exhaust valve 411 is connected to the buffer tank 40 for exhausting air to the outside of the buffer tank 40. The first filter element 412 is disposed at any position in the airflow path of the exhaust valve 411 for filtering the airflow output from the exhaust valve 411. In some examples, the first filter element 412 can be a filter screen, a filter, or a combination of various structures with filtering functions.

[0090] In some examples, the feed pipe 20 includes a first pipe body 21 and a second pipe body 22. The first pipe body 21 forms a first connection port 212 and a second connection port 213 of the feed pipe 20. The input end of the second pipe body 22 forms a third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20, and the output end of the second pipe body 22 is connected to the first pipe body 21. By configuring the first pipe body 21 and the second pipe body 22 to cooperate, an airflow channel for airflow and powder flow can be easily formed. Specifically, in some examples, the first connection port 212 and the second connection port 213 can be openings at both ends of the first pipe body 21. In some examples, the first connection port 212 and / or the second connection port 213 can be openings at any position on the first pipe body 21, or one of the first connection port 212 or the second connection port 213 can be an opening at any position on the first pipe body 21, and the other can be an opening at one end of the first pipe body 21. In some examples, the third connection port 222 is formed by an opening at any position on the second tube 21, or the third connection port 222 is an opening at the end of the second tube 21 away from the first tube 21.

[0091] Furthermore, in some examples, the powder conveying device is equipped with the first one-way valve 211 described in the above examples, wherein the first one-way valve 211 is located in the first pipe body 21. In some examples, the powder conveying device is equipped with the second one-way valve 221 described in the above examples, wherein the second one-way valve 221 is located in the second pipe body 22 to connect the outlet 31 of the material storage assembly 300 with the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20. In some examples, the powder conveying device is equipped with the first one-way valve 211 and the second one-way valve 221 described in the above examples, wherein the first one-way valve 211 is located in the first pipe body 21, the second one-way valve 221 is located in the second pipe body 22, and the second pipe body 22 is connected to the output side of the first one-way valve 211 for controlling the flow rate and / or velocity of the airflow.

[0092] Furthermore, to facilitate control of the powder conveying speed, in some examples, the diameter of the first pipe 21 is proportional to the density of the conveyed powder. The powder density is related to factors such as the particle size, shape, surface roughness, and specific surface area of ​​the powder particles. The diameter of the first pipe 21 can be determined according to the specific type of powder. In some examples, the diameter of the second pipe 22 is proportional to the density of the conveyed powder.

[0093] In some examples, the feed pipe 20 includes a first pipe body 21, which has a first connection port 212 and a second connection port 213. Specifically, the first connection port 212 and the second connection port 213 can be openings at both ends of the first pipe body 21. In some examples, the first connection port 212 and / or the second connection port 213 can also be an opening at any position on the first pipe body 21, or one of the first connection port 212 or the second connection port 213 can be an opening at any position on the first pipe body 21, and the other can be an opening at one end of the first pipe body 21. Further, in some examples, a third connection port 222 is an opening between the first connection port 212 and the second connection port 213, and the third connection port 222 directly connects to the discharge port 31 of the material storage assembly 300.

[0094] In some examples, the powder conveying device is equipped with the first one-way valve 211 described in the above examples, wherein the first one-way valve 211 is located in the first pipe body 21 to control the flow rate and / or velocity of the airflow. Further, in some examples, the discharge port 31 of the material storage assembly 300 is equipped with the second one-way valve 221 described in the above examples, and the outlet end of the second one-way valve 221 is connected to the output side of the first one-way valve 211.

[0095] In some examples, the diameter of the first tube 21 does not exceed 10 mm. The diameter of the first tube 21 can be 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, or 5 mm, or other sizes. When the diameter of the first tube 21 is greater than 10 mm, the airflow velocity inside the first tube 21 will decrease, causing a pressure drop at the third connection port 222, which in turn affects the powder input efficiency.

[0096] In some examples, the inner diameter of the second tube 22 does not exceed 10 mm. The diameter of the second tube 22 can be 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, or 5 mm, or other sizes. When the diameter of the second tube 22 is greater than 10 mm, the airflow velocity inside the second tube 22 will decrease, causing a pressure drop at the third connection port 222, which in turn affects the powder input efficiency.

[0097] Furthermore, in some examples, the diameter of the second tube 22 is equal to the diameter of the first tube 21.

[0098] In some examples, the diameter of the second tube 22 is smaller than that of the first tube 21, so that a negative pressure can be formed at the third connection port 222 of the second tube 22, which facilitates the suction of powder into the first tube 21, thereby improving the powder input efficiency. The difference between the diameters of the first tube 21 and the second tube 22 can be 1 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm.

[0099] In some examples, the second tube 22 is positioned above the first tube 21, allowing the powder to flow downwards towards the input of the buffer assembly 400. The powder moves downwards under gravity and is simultaneously drawn into the buffer assembly 400 under negative pressure. During the negative pressure suction process, any agglomerates in the powder can be broken up, allowing the powder to enter the buffer assembly 400 in a dispersed state.

[0100] Based on the above examples of powder conveying devices, this application also proposes an example of a batching device. The batching device includes a powder conveying device as described in any of the above examples and a storage component 300, wherein the storage component 300 is used to store powder, the storage component 300 has a discharge port 31, and the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 is connected to the discharge port 31.

[0101] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the gas in the gas conveying assembly 100 enters the feed pipe 20 through the first connection port 212, the airflow flows along the feed pipe 20 towards the second connection port 213. During this process, a negative pressure is created at the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20, causing the powder in the storage assembly 300 to enter the third connection port 222 from the discharge port 31 and flow along the feed pipe 20 towards the buffer assembly 400, thus achieving powder output. Because the negative pressure of the airflow drives the powder flow, the powder delivered to the buffer assembly 400 is dispersed and falls into the buffer assembly 400 in a dispersed state. This avoids the problem of a sudden increase in the weight of the powder in the buffer tank 40 due to clumps of powder, and also allows for dispersed powder delivery, facilitating precise control of the powder weight.

[0102] The batching equipment can be used for batching auxiliary powders for lithium batteries, or for other scenarios that require the conveying of powdered materials.

[0103] It is worth noting that since the batching equipment of this application is based on the above-mentioned powder conveying device, the examples of the batching equipment of this application include all the technical solutions of all the examples of the above-mentioned powder conveying device, and the technical effects achieved are exactly the same, so they will not be repeated here.

[0104] In some examples, the storage assembly 300 includes a material tank 30 and an air inlet mechanism 32 connected to the material tank 30. The air inlet mechanism 32 is used to connect to the outside of the material tank 30 to maintain a preset air pressure inside the material tank 30. The material tank 30 is used to store powder, and the material tank 30 is provided with the aforementioned discharge port 31. The third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 is connected to the discharge port 31 of the material tank 30.

[0105] Furthermore, in some examples, the air intake mechanism 32 includes an air intake valve 321 and a second filter element 322 disposed on the air intake valve 321. The air intake valve 321 is connected to the material tank 30 to balance the air pressure in the material tank 30, and the second filter element 322 is used to filter impurities in the airflow entering the air intake valve 321. The second filter element 322 can be disposed at any position on the airflow path of the air intake valve 321.

[0106] In some examples, the outlet 31 of the storage component 300 is located above the input of the buffer component 400. When the gas conveying component 100 is not activated, the powder can fall directly into the buffer component 400 under natural conditions. When the gas conveying component 100 is activated, the powder moves downward under gravity, and is simultaneously dispersed by the airflow, allowing it to be conveyed into the buffer component 400 in a dispersed state, thus enabling control over the input amount of powder when needed.

[0107] Furthermore, in some examples, the feed pipe is equipped with a second check valve 221; the input side of the second check valve 221 is connected to the discharge port 31, and the output side of the second check valve 221 is connected to the input end of the buffer assembly 400. The second check valve 221 is used to control the output of powder, and the flow direction of the second check valve 221 is from the discharge port to the input end of the buffer assembly 400. The second check valve 221 can be used to control the flow direction of airflow, thereby preventing backflow of airflow.

[0108] Since the outlet of the material storage component 300 is located above the input of the buffer component 400, the amount of falling powder can be controlled by controlling the opening of the second one-way valve 221. The opening degree refers to the position of the valve core (or valve plate) when the second one-way valve 221 is adjusted, as the valve core (or valve plate) changes the throttling area of ​​the flow channel. The valve opening degree is generally expressed as a percentage. The larger the opening degree of the second one-way valve 221, the larger its throttling area per unit time, and the greater the powder flow rate per unit time. Further, in some examples, the feed pipe 20 includes the first pipe body 21 and the second pipe body 22 described in any of the preceding examples, and the second one-way valve 221 is located in the second pipe body 22.

[0109] In some examples, the outlet 31 of the storage component 300 is located above the input of the buffer component 400. The second one-way valve 221 has a first opening and a second opening, with the second opening being smaller than the first opening. When the powder inside the buffer component 400 is significantly different from the preset target powder quantity, the gas conveying component 100 is not opened. In this case, the second one-way valve 221 is set to the first opening so that the powder can fall into the buffer component 400 under gravity. Since the first opening is larger, the powder conveying volume is also relatively larger. When the amount of powder in the buffer component 400 approaches the preset target amount of powder, the opening of the second one-way valve 221 is adjusted to the second opening. At this time, the amount of powder output from the second one-way valve 221 per unit time decreases, the gas conveying component 100 is activated, and a negative pressure is formed at the third connection port of the feed pipe, so that the powder is sucked into the buffer component 400, thereby breaking up the agglomerates in the powder and conveying it to the buffer component 400 in a dispersed state, thereby realizing the slow and small-volume conveying of powder, so as to facilitate precise control of the powder conveying amount, and thus make the powder conveying amount more controllable.

[0110] In some examples, the input side of the second check valve 221 is connected to the outlet, and the output side of the second check valve 221 is connected to the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe.

[0111] Since the discharge port is located above the input end of the buffer component 400, the powder output from the discharge port will flow downwards due to gravity. When the powder input in the buffer component 400 is close to the preset input amount, the second one-way valve 221 is closed. A small amount of powder will remain between the third connection port and the buffer component 400. Under the action of gravity, the powder will move towards the lower surface of the pipeline. Under the action of airflow, the small amount of residual powder can be carried to the buffer component 400, thereby facilitating precise control of the powder input amount.

[0112] In some examples, the feed pipe includes the first pipe body 21 and the second pipe body 22 described in the above examples. The first pipe body 21 forms a first connection port 212 and a second connection port 213, and the second pipe body 22 forms the third connection port 222 described above. The input side of the second one-way valve 221 is connected to the discharge port, and the output side of the second one-way valve 221 is connected to the second pipe body 22 and connected to the third connection port 222. When the powder is discharged from the second one-way valve 221, a certain amount of powder will remain in the second pipe body 22. The powder flows towards the first pipe body 21 under the action of gravity. When the gas conveying assembly 100 conveys gas, the gas can carry the remaining small amount of powder to the buffer assembly 400, thereby realizing the conveying of a small amount of powder, which helps to control the amount of powder input and thus improve the conveying accuracy.

[0113] The powder conveying device disclosed in this application is used to convey powder from the storage component 300 to the buffer component 400. By allowing the powder to enter the buffer component 400 along the feed pipe 20, the powder is dispersed and conveyed to the buffer component 400 in a dispersed state, preventing the powder from agglomerating during the conveying process. This avoids the problem of a sudden increase in the weight of powder conveyed to the buffer component 400 due to agglomerated powder, and helps to accurately control the powder conveying amount. The airflow in the gas conveying component 100 enters the feed pipe 20. When the airflow flows along the feed pipe 20 towards the buffer component 400, a negative pressure is generated at the third connection port 222 of the feed pipe 20 due to the airflow. This causes the powder in the storage component 300 to be sucked into the third connection port 222 and flow along the feed pipe 20 towards the buffer component 400. Due to the airflow, the powder is input into the buffer component 400 in a dispersed state. The powder in the airflow collides with the inner wall of the feed pipe 20, and the powder in the airflow also collides with each other, which breaks up the small amount of clumps in the powder, so that the powder conveyed to the buffer component 400 is in a dispersed state, thereby realizing the dispersed conveying of powder.

[0114] Because the powder can enter the buffer component 400 in a dispersed state, it is easier to control the output amount of powder when it is discharged from the buffer component 400. Therefore, when the powder conveying device is used in a batching equipment, it is convenient to accurately control the powder output, avoiding the problem of uncontrollable powder precision caused by agglomerated powder in screw feeders. When discharging powder from the buffer component 400, the weight of the powder discharged from the buffer component 400 can be detected in real time to obtain the weight of the powder discharged from the buffer component 400, and thus the amount of powder discharged by the powder conveying device can be obtained, achieving precise control of the powder output.

[0115] The batching equipment disclosed in the examples of this application includes the powder conveying device described in any of the above examples for conveying powder in the storage assembly 300 to the buffer assembly 400. In the batching equipment, a second one-way valve 221 is provided on the second pipe body 22 of the feed pipe 20 to prevent backflow of air. The material tank 30 in the storage assembly 300 is located above the buffer tank 40 of the buffer assembly 400. The outlet 31 of the material tank 30 is located above the inlet end of the buffer tank 40, so that when the second one-way valve 221 is open, the powder can flow downwards under gravity. When the amount of powder in the buffer tank 40 differs significantly from the preset target amount, a larger amount of powder needs to be input. The opening of the second one-way valve 221 is increased to allow the powder to quickly enter the buffer tank 40 via the second one-way valve 221. When the amount of powder in the buffer tank 40 approaches the preset target amount, the opening of the second one-way valve 221 is decreased, and the gas conveying assembly 100 is activated. This allows the airflow to carry the powder, resulting in a dispersed, small-volume delivery of the powder. This makes it easier to control the amount of powder input to the buffer tank 40, thereby improving the powder input accuracy within the buffer tank 40.

[0116] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the inventive concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A batching device, wherein, include: A powder conveying device includes a gas conveying component, a buffer component, and a feed pipe; the feed pipe has a first connection port, a second connection port, and a third connection port that are interconnected. The first connection port of the feed pipe is connected to the output end of the gas conveying component, the second connection port of the feed pipe is connected to the input end of the buffer component, and the third connection port of the feed pipe is used to connect to a storage component for storing powder. The gas delivery assembly is used to generate a negative pressure at the third connection port of the feed pipe when the gas flow is driven from the feed pipe to the buffer assembly, so as to draw the powder in the storage assembly into the buffer assembly. and A material storage assembly for storing powder, the material storage assembly having a discharge port, and the third connection port of the feed pipe being connected to the discharge port; The discharge port is located above the input end of the buffer component; the feed pipe is equipped with a second one-way valve; the input side of the second one-way valve is connected to the discharge port, and the output side of the second one-way valve is connected to the input end of the buffer component; the second one-way valve has a first opening degree and a second opening degree, the second opening degree being smaller than the first opening degree; The output side of the second one-way valve is connected to the third connection port of the feed pipe.

2. The batching equipment as described in claim 1, wherein, The gas delivery assembly includes: A gas cylinder, the output end of which is connected to the first connection port of the feed pipe; and A pressurizing mechanism, connected to the input end of the gas tank, is used to pressurize the gas and deliver it to the gas tank.

3. The batching equipment as described in claim 1, wherein, The caching component includes: A buffer tank, the input end of which is connected to the second connection port of the feed pipe; and An exhaust mechanism, connected to the buffer tank, is used to exhaust the gas from the buffer tank.

4. The batching equipment as described in claim 3, wherein, The exhaust mechanism includes an exhaust valve and a first filter element disposed on the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve is connected to the buffer tank, and the first filter element is used to filter the powder entering the exhaust valve.

5. The batching equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The feed pipe includes: A first tube body, the first tube body having a first connection port and a second connection port; and The second tube is connected to the first tube, and the second tube has the third connection port.

6. The batching equipment as described in claim 5, wherein, The first pipe body is provided with a first one-way valve, and the input side of the first one-way valve is connected to the output end of the gas delivery assembly; the second pipe body is connected to the output side of the first one-way valve.

7. The batching equipment as described in claim 5, wherein, The inner diameter of the first tube and / or the second tube does not exceed 10 mm.

8. The batching equipment as described in claim 5, wherein, The inner diameter of the second tube is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the first tube.

9. The batching equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The powder conveying device further includes: A weight detection mechanism is used to detect the weight of the powder output by the buffer component.

10. The batching equipment as described in claim 1, wherein, The storage component includes: A material tank for storing powder, the material tank being provided with the discharge port; and An air intake mechanism is connected to the material tank to allow airflow to enter the material tank.

11. The batching equipment as described in claim 10, wherein, The air intake mechanism includes an air intake valve and a second filter element disposed on the air intake valve. The air intake valve is connected to the material tank, and the second filter element is used to filter the gas entering the air intake valve.

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