An anti-explosion crushing device based on gas circulation for lithium battery recycling

Abstract

This invention relates to the technical field of lithium battery recycling and discloses an explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation. The device includes a crushing body, a crushing unit, and an inert gas circulation conveying system. The crushing body is equipped with a feeding mechanism and a discharging mechanism. The crushing unit divides the crushing body into two parts. The inlet end of the inert gas circulation conveying system is connected to the crushing body through multiple branch pipes. The outlet end of the inert gas circulation conveying system is connected to the recycling section of the crushing body through a pipeline. A branch pipe extending into the escaping section is connected to a diffuser pipe fixed inside the crushing body. An outlet channel is provided at the top of the crushing body, and an outlet is designed on the side wall of the outlet channel. An elastic piston is installed in the outlet channel. This device achieves stable concentration of inert gas in the circulation through the inert gas circulation system and the automatically venting outlet channel. Simultaneously, the inert gas circulation system, in conjunction with the diffuser pipe, can collect waste gas from the source at the outlet channel to accelerate the discharge speed of the waste gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of lithium battery recycling, and specifically to an explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation. Background Technology

[0002] After lithium batteries are scrapped, they generally need to be recycled. First, the scrapped lithium batteries need to be crushed into smaller fragments by a crushing and recycling device. Then, technologies such as magnetic separation, screening, and density separation are used to separate the battery fragments into different components and process them separately.

[0003] When crushing waste lithium batteries, it must be done in a sealed container filled with inert gas to prevent the waste lithium batteries from burning or exploding during crushing. Usually, the gas generated by the crushed batteries is monitored during crushing to replenish and control the concentration of inert gas in the entire device in real time. Although this method can effectively prevent lithium battery explosions, the entire monitoring process requires a large number of electronic components and control systems, making the device relatively complex.

[0004] Meanwhile, some of the gas generated during the decomposition of lithium batteries will accumulate at the crushing end, which is the main part of the lithium battery that breaks down and undergoes chemical reactions. If the accumulated gas cannot be quickly discharged, it will lead to a decrease in the concentration of inert gas at the crushing end, thereby increasing the possibility of explosion. The existing inert gas is relatively dispersed when replenished and cannot effectively and quickly act on the crushing end. In other words, the exhaust gas at the crushing end cannot quickly accumulate at the exhaust port during the inert gas replenishment process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation, in order to solve the technical problem that existing devices require a large number of electronic components and control systems to be set up throughout the monitoring process, making the device relatively complex. Furthermore, the inert gas is relatively dispersed during replenishment and cannot effectively and quickly act on the crushing end, meaning that the exhaust gas at the crushing end cannot quickly accumulate at the exhaust port during the inert gas replenishment process.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention specifically provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation includes a crushing body and an inert gas circulation conveying system. The crushing body is divided into an escape section and a recovery section by a crushing device set inside. A feeding mechanism and a discharging mechanism are respectively installed on the escape section and the recovery section through airtight devices.

[0008] The inert gas circulation conveying system is connected to the recovery section through an inlet branch pipe and an outlet branch pipe to form a gas circulation channel. The inlet branch pipe is connected to the escaping section through a manifold. A diffuser is installed in the escaping section. The manifold and the diffuser are connected to send gas into the escaping section. The gas flow direction of the diffuser is opposite to the material movement direction of the crushing body, thereby guiding the waste gas at the crushing device to accumulate at the top of the crushing body and reducing the waste gas concentration at the crushing device.

[0009] The top of the crushing body is provided with an air outlet channel. An air outlet is designed on the side wall of the end of the air outlet channel that extends out of the top of the crushing body. An elastic piston component is provided in the air outlet channel that can automatically open or close the air outlet. When the pressure in the inner cavity of the crushing body increases, the elastic piston component can automatically drive the elastic piston component to open the air outlet so as to automatically discharge the waste gas discharged from the diffuser through the air outlet, thereby maintaining the stability of the inert gas concentration in the inner cavity of the crushing body.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diffuser includes an inert gas conduit and a mixing tube. One end of the inert gas conduit is connected to a branch pipe in the inert gas circulation and delivery system, and the other end is connected to the mixing tube. The mixing tube is a hollow tube that can be opened at both ends.

[0011] The inner cavity of the mixing tube is connected to a one-way valve, and the one-way valve is located below the inert gas conduit.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner cavity of the mixing tube located above the one-way valve is fixed with an outwardly protruding boss, and a gap is left between the boss and the inner cavity sidewall of the mixing tube. The protrusion of the boss can block the inert gas transported by the inert gas conduit, and a through groove communicating with the inner cavity of the inert gas conduit is opened at the center of the inner cavity of the boss.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end of the mixing tube facing the crushing device is configured in an outwardly open trumpet shape.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a guide seat is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the air outlet channel, and a T-shaped guide rod is slidably connected to the guide seat. A sealing piston is connected to one end of the T-shaped guide rod facing the crushing body, and a compression spring sleeved on the T-shaped guide rod is connected between the sealing piston and the guide seat.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the compression spring is in its initial state, there is a gap between the sealing piston and the air outlet.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, several guide plates are staggered on the inner wall of the feed tank located on the upper and lower sides of the crushing device, and the inclination angle of each guide plate is downward.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, several guide plates are staggered on both sides of the inner wall of the crushing body located below the crushing device, and the inclination angle of each guide plate is downward.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the guide plates has an inner cavity for a gas storage chamber, and a gas guide hole communicating with the gas storage chamber 14 is provided at the connection between the guide plate and the crushing body. Each guide plate has several gas outlets communicating with the gas storage chamber at one end facing the bottom of the crushing body. The gas guide holes are connected to the branch pipes in the inert gas circulation conveying system.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] This device maintains a stable inert gas concentration during circulation through an inert gas circulation system and an automatically venting outlet channel, ensuring a high concentration of inert gas throughout the device. The automatically venting outlet channel automatically opens the exhaust port based on pressure changes within the device, eliminating the need for a monitoring mechanism and simplifying the structure. Furthermore, the inert gas circulation system works in conjunction with a diffuser to collect exhaust gas from the source at the outlet channel, accelerating exhaust gas discharge and preventing gas accumulation at the working end of the device, thus avoiding explosions should the battery break.

[0021] Meanwhile, the circulation of gas in the inert gas circulation system can also envelop the entire crushing device in the center of the circulation system. The gas in the inert gas circulation system can guide the exhaust gas above the crushing device to the top of the crushing device, and can also form an air curtain below the crushing device to prevent the exhaust gas from diffusing downwards. In addition, in conjunction with the diffuser, the exhaust gas is transported more quickly, reducing the exhaust gas concentration at the crushing device. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle guide vane;

[0026] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the central air outlet channel;

[0027] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the diffuser tube

[0028] The labels in the diagram represent the following:

[0029] 1. Crushing body; 2. Crushing device; 3. Inert gas circulation conveying system; 4. Feeding mechanism; 5. Discharge mechanism; 6. Diffuser; 7. Gas outlet channel; 8. Gas outlet; 9. Elastic piston; 10. Check valve; 11. Boss; 12. Through groove; 13. Guide plate; 14. Gas storage chamber; 15. Gas guide hole; 16. Gas outlet hole;

[0030] 61. Inert gas conduit; 62. Mixing tube;

[0031] 91. Sealed piston; 92. Compression spring; 93. Guide seat; 94. T-shaped guide rod. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] like Figure 1-5 As shown, an explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation includes a crushing body 1, a crushing device 2, and an inert gas circulation conveying system 3. The crushing body 1 is equipped with a feeding mechanism 4 and a discharging mechanism 5 sealed by an air sealing device. The crushing device 2 divides the crushing body 1 into a dissipation section and a recovery section. The inlet end of the inert gas circulation conveying system 3 is connected to the dissipation section and the recovery section through multiple branch pipes, and the outlet end of the inert gas circulation conveying system 3 is connected to the recovery section of the crushing body 1 through a pipeline, so that the inert gas in the crushing body 1 and the inert gas circulation conveying system 3 can be circulated.

[0034] The branch pipe extending into the escaping part is connected to a diffuser pipe 6 fixed in the inner cavity of the crushing body 1. One end of the diffuser pipe 6 faces the crushing body 1, and the other end faces the top of the crushing body 1. When the diffuser pipe 6 delivers the inert gas in the branch pipe to the top of the crushing body 1, it can create a negative pressure at the end of the diffuser pipe 6 facing the crushing body 1, so that the exhaust gas at the crushing device 2 is collected at the top of the crushing body 1 through the diffuser pipe 6 and the exhaust gas concentration at the crushing device 2 is reduced.

[0035] The top of the crushing body 1 is provided with an air outlet channel 7. An air outlet 8 is designed on the side wall of the end of the air outlet channel 7 that extends out of the top of the crushing body 1. An elastic piston 9 is provided in the air outlet channel 7 that can automatically open or close the air outlet 8. When the pressure inside the crushing body 1 increases, the elastic piston 9 can automatically drive the elastic piston 9 to open the air outlet 8 so as to automatically discharge the waste gas discharged from the diffuser 6 from the air outlet 8, so as to maintain the stability of the inert gas concentration inside the crushing body 1.

[0036] Both the feeding mechanism 4 and the discharging mechanism 5 can be belt conveyors or chain conveyors. The crushing device is existing technology and uses a 2600 or 2000 type twin-shaft shredder produced by Yihao Mining Machinery Co., Ltd. or Jiulong Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

[0037] During the crushing process, due to the presence of the electrolyte, some chemical reactions may occur between the positive and negative electrodes of the lithium battery and the electrolyte under the forced crushing of the crushing device. Some gases are generated in these chemical reactions. The gas outlet channel 7 is located above the crushing body 1. In actual crushing, the inert gas needs to be clearly distinguishable from these gases. Therefore, the type of inert gas needs to be selected, and inert gas is preferred.

[0038] The device maintains a stable inert gas concentration during circulation through an inert gas circulation system and an automatically venting outlet channel, ensuring that the inert gas remains at a high concentration throughout the device. The automatically venting outlet channel can automatically open the exhaust port according to changes in pressure within the device. Simultaneously, the inert gas circulation system, in conjunction with the diffuser, can collect exhaust gas from the source at the outlet channel during circulation, accelerating the exhaust gas discharge speed and preventing exhaust gas from accumulating at the working end of the device, thereby preventing an explosion in the event of battery breakage.

[0039] Meanwhile, the circulation of gas in the inert gas circulation system can also envelop the entire crushing device in the center of the circulation system. The gas in the inert gas circulation system can guide the exhaust gas above the crushing device to the top of the crushing device, and can also form an air curtain below the crushing device to prevent the exhaust gas from diffusing downwards. In addition, in conjunction with the diffuser, the exhaust gas is transported more quickly, reducing the exhaust gas concentration at the crushing device.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 1-4As shown, the diffuser 6 includes an inert gas conduit 61 and a mixing pipe 62. One end of the inert gas conduit 61 is connected to a branch pipe in the inert gas circulation and delivery system 3, and the other end is connected to the mixing pipe 62. The mixing pipe 62 is a hollow pipe that can be opened at both ends.

[0041] A one-way valve 10 is connected to the inner cavity of the mixing tube 62, and the one-way valve 10 is located below the inert gas conduit 61.

[0042] The one-way valve 10 can only guide the gas from the end of the mixing pipe 62 toward the crushing device 2 to the end of the mixing pipe 62 toward the top of the crushing body 1. The inert gas generated in the inert gas conduit 61 will not flow along the one-way valve 10 to the end of the mixing pipe 62 toward the crushing device 2, thereby avoiding interference from the inert gas generated in the inert gas conduit 61.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, the inner cavity of the mixing pipe 62 located above the one-way valve 10 has a fixed outward protruding boss 11. There is a gap between the boss 11 and the inner cavity sidewall of the mixing pipe 62. The protrusion of the boss 11 can block the inert gas transported by the inert gas conduit 61. The inner cavity of the boss 11 has a through groove 12 that communicates with the inner cavity of the inert gas conduit 61.

[0044] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the end of the mixing pipe 62 facing the crushing device 2 is configured in an outward-opening funnel shape. This allows for a wider range of exhaust gas generated at the crushing device 2.

[0045] Once exhaust gas is generated at the crushing device, the pressure and temperature within the entire crushing body 1 will change, especially the pressure. The elastic piston 9 in the exhaust channel 7 works precisely by utilizing this pressure change.

[0046] Specifically, the elastic piston component 9 includes a sealing piston 91 and a compression spring 92. A guide seat 93 is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the air outlet channel 7. A T-shaped guide rod 94 is slidably connected to the guide seat 93. One end of the T-shaped guide rod 94 facing the crushing body 1 is connected to the sealing piston 91. The compression spring 92 is connected between the sealing piston 91 and the guide seat 93, and the compression spring 92 is sleeved on the T-shaped guide rod 94.

[0047] Because the compression spring 92 has a certain elastic force, when the pressure increases, the accumulated waste gas will push the sealing piston 91 to slide along the inner cavity of the outlet channel 7. During the sliding, the compression spring 92 is squeezed and undergoes elastic deformation. At this time, the sealing piston 91 gradually comes into contact with the outlet 8 during the sliding until the outlet 8 is completely exposed. At this time, the waste gas will also be discharged until the inner cavity of the crushing body 1 is restored. The compression spring 92, which has undergone elastic deformation, drives the sealing piston 91 to reset. At this time, the entire crushing body 1 is still in a sealed state until the waste gas concentration in the crushing body 1 is too high, at which point the outlet 8 will open.

[0048] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and 4 As shown, when the compression spring 92 is in its initial state, there is a gap between the sealing piston 91 and the air outlet 8.

[0049] This avoids interference from inert gases and allows time for the inert gases to settle, ensuring that most of the discharged gas is waste gas.

[0050] Since some of the gas crushed in the crushing device 2 may fall into the recovery section, the sinking gas is not easy to be quickly discharged from the mixing pipe 62. At the same time, inert gas is also introduced into the recovery section. The filling of inert gas is used to reasonably hinder the sinking of the waste gas.

[0051] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, several guide plates 13 are staggered on both sides of the inner wall of the crushing body 1 located below the crushing device 2, and the inclination angle of each guide plate 13 is downward.

[0052] The staggered and inclined guide plates 13 can prolong the contact time between the crushed lithium battery fragments and the inert gas, achieving a sufficient cooling effect. The guide plates 13 located below the crushing device 2 can also turn the material over, avoiding the accumulation of fragments and thus facilitating heat dissipation of the fragments.

[0053] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, each guide plate 13 has an air storage chamber 14 in its inner cavity, and an air guide hole 15 communicating with the air storage chamber 14 is provided at the connection between the guide plate 13 and the crushing body 1. Each guide plate 13 has several air outlet holes 16 communicating with the air storage chamber 14 at one end facing the bottom of the crushing body 1. The air guide holes 15 are connected to the branch pipe in the inert gas circulation conveying system 3.

[0054] Since there are multiple guide plates 13 arranged on the inner wall of the crushing body 1, the branch pipes in the inert gas circulation conveying system 3 can be connected to each air guide hole 15 through a separate hose. As long as the inert gas in the branch pipes of the inert gas circulation conveying system 3 can be introduced into the inner cavity of each guide plate 13, it is sufficient.

[0055] The staggered baffles 13 form an air curtain, effectively preventing the exhaust gas from spreading downwards. Simultaneously, the inert gas blown out from the baffles 13 not only removes heat from the crushed material but also condenses it, causing stratification as the material falls onto the discharge mechanism. This stratification occurs based on the different weights of the crushed material, resulting in different distribution positions.

[0056] Since the outlet and inlet of the inert gas circulation conveying system 3 are constantly circulating, the inlet speed and outlet speed of the inert gas circulation conveying system 3 are roughly the same, and the outlet 8 can discharge some gas. Some gas may contain a small amount of inert gas. At the same time, in the crushing chamber, the inert gas in the entire crushing body 1 needs to be filled. Therefore, it is necessary to control each branch.

[0057] The system can be equipped with a control system, which can be preset through the control program in the control system. A refrigeration system can be connected to each branch of the inert gas circulation conveying system 3 to reduce the temperature of the inert gas circulation. A corresponding control valve can also be installed in each branch pipe. Both the refrigeration system and the control valve are regulated by the control system.

[0058] Working principle:

[0059] When the device is in use, the control system commands the conveyor of the feeding mechanism 4 and the outlet of the discharge conveyor of the discharge mechanism 5 to close. At this time, the inert gas circulation conveying system 3 opens to introduce inert gas into the entire crushing body 1. The inert gas continuously flows into the crushing body 1. As the inert gas is filled, the amount of inert gas introduced can be set according to the opening condition of the elastic piston 9 in the air outlet channel 7. At this time, the control system closes the control valves on each branch and feeds the material for crushing. Once the crushing generates waste gas, the waste gas will be quickly accumulated on the top of the crushing body 1 under the conveying of the inert gas circulation conveying system 3. The accumulated waste gas will automatically open the air outlet 8 and be discharged.

[0060] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to this application within its substance and scope of protection, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation, characterized in that, The device comprises a crushing body (1) and an inert gas circulation conveying system (3), the crushing body (1) is divided into a dispersion part and a recovery part by a crushing device (2) arranged inside, and a feeding mechanism (4) and a discharging mechanism (5) are respectively arranged on the dispersion part and the recovery part through air-tight devices; The inert gas circulation conveying system (3) is communicated with the recovery part through an air inlet branch pipe and an air outlet branch pipe to form a gas circulation channel, wherein the air inlet branch pipe is communicated with the dispersion part through a manifold, a diffusion pipe (6) is arranged in the dispersion part, the manifold is communicated with the diffusion pipe (6) to send gas into the dispersion part, wherein the gas flow direction of the diffusion pipe (6) is opposite to the material movement direction of the crushing body (1), so as to guide the waste gas at the crushing device (2) to gather at the top of the crushing body (1) and reduce the waste gas concentration at the crushing device (2); An air outlet channel (7) is arranged at the top of the crushing body (1), an air outlet (8) is designed on the side wall of the end of the air outlet channel (7) extending out of the top of the crushing body (1), an elastic piston piece (9) capable of automatically opening or closing the air outlet (8) is arranged in the air outlet channel (7), when the pressure in the inner cavity of the crushing body (1) increases, the elastic piston piece (9) can be automatically driven to open the air outlet (8), so as to automatically discharge the waste gas discharged from the diffusion pipe (6) from the air outlet (8), so as to maintain the stability of the inert gas concentration in the inner cavity of the crushing body (1); The diffusion pipe (6) comprises an inert gas guide pipe (61) and a mixing pipe (62), one end of the inert gas guide pipe (61) is connected with a branch pipe in the inert gas circulation conveying system (3), the other end is communicated with the mixing pipe (62), and the mixing pipe (62) is a hollow pipe body with both ends being open; A one-way valve (10) is arranged in the inner cavity of the mixing pipe (62) and located below the inert gas guide pipe (61); A boss (11) protruding outward is fixed in the inner cavity of the mixing pipe (62) above the one-way valve (10), a gap is left between the boss (11) and the inner cavity side wall of the mixing pipe (62), the protruding part of the boss (11) can block the inert gas conveyed by the inert gas guide pipe (61), and a through groove (12) communicated with the inner cavity of the inert gas guide pipe (61) is arranged in the inner cavity of the boss (11).

2. The explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the mixing pipe (62) facing the crushing device (2) is designed as a horn shape.

3. The explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic piston component (9) includes a sealing piston (91) and a compression spring (92). The inner cavity of the air outlet channel (7) is fixedly connected to a guide seat (93). A T-shaped guide rod (94) is slidably connected to the guide seat (93). One end of the T-shaped guide rod (94) facing the crushing body (1) is connected to the sealing piston (91). The compression spring (92) is connected between the sealing piston (91) and the guide seat (93), and the compression spring (92) is sleeved on the T-shaped guide rod (94).

4. The explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the initial state of the compression spring (92), there is a gap between the sealing piston (91) and the air outlet (8).

5. The explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several guide plates (13) are staggered on both sides of the inner wall of the crushing body (1) located below the crushing device (2), and the inclination angle of each guide plate (13) is downward.

6. The explosion-proof crushing device for lithium battery recycling based on gas circulation according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the guide plates (13) has an air storage chamber (14) in its inner cavity. The connection between the guide plate (13) and the crushing body (1) has an air guide hole (15) that communicates with the air storage chamber (14). Each guide plate (13) has several air outlet holes (16) that communicate with the air storage chamber (14) at one end facing the bottom of the crushing body (1). The air guide holes (15) are connected to the branch pipe in the inert gas circulation conveying system (3).

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