Waste lithium battery pole piece recycling and segmenting process

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of lithium battery pole piece recovery, and particularly relates to a waste lithium battery pole piece recovery and segmentation process which comprises the following steps: step 1, pole piece feeding: placing waste lithium battery pole pieces on a conveyor belt, and conveying the pole pieces to a subsequent treatment area by the conveyor belt; the high-precision position sensor is arranged at the tail end of the conveying belt, the position of the battery cell is monitored in real time, different from a traditional electronic push rod depending on mechanical limiting, an advanced visual recognition system is adopted for auxiliary positioning, and it is more accurately determined that the battery cell reaches a preset station. Through precise cutting equipment, the batteries can be precisely cut according to a preset program, effective separation of different materials is achieved, direct manual participation is not needed in the whole recycling process, and the recycling efficiency is greatly improved from preliminary placement of the batteries to subsequent key links such as separation and cutting. And advanced automation equipment and an intelligent control system cooperate to complete recycling, so that the recycling efficiency is improved, and the labor cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of lithium battery pole piece recycling, and in particular to a waste lithium battery pole piece recycling and segmentation process. Background Art

[0002] With the widespread application of electronic devices and the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the demand for lithium batteries is increasing, and with it comes the generation of a large number of waste lithium batteries. Waste lithium batteries contain a variety of valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. If they are not effectively recycled and treated, it will not only cause a waste of resources, but also cause serious pollution to the environment. Lithium is an important strategic resource and is widely used in batteries, ceramics, glass and other fields. Cobalt is also a scarce metal and plays a key role in the positive electrode material of lithium batteries. It is expensive and the supply is relatively tight. Therefore, the recycling of waste lithium batteries is of great significance to resource recycling and environmental protection.

[0003] Lithium battery pole pieces are the core components of lithium batteries, usually composed of current collectors and active materials attached thereto. During the recycling process, the pole pieces need to be effectively split. Currently, when lithium battery pole pieces are split, an electronic push rod device is installed at the end of the conveyor belt, and the position of the battery core is monitored in real time by sensors. When the battery core reaches the preset station, the push rod pushes the battery core smoothly into the entrance of the cutting unit. After the battery core enters the cutting unit, it automatically falls into a special metal frame below, ensuring that the battery core is accurately positioned in a lying posture for subsequent separation and extraction of different components. However, traditional electronic push rods rely on mechanical limits and positioning errors, resulting in posture deviations of the battery core in the metal frame, affecting the subsequent cutting accuracy. In addition, in terms of electrolyte recovery, due to insufficient cutting accuracy, the internal structure of the battery cannot be effectively separated, resulting in electrolyte residue, which increases the difficulty of collection. For this reason, the present invention provides a recycling and splitting process for waste lithium battery pole pieces. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a process for recycling and splitting waste lithium battery electrodes, which solves the problem that traditional electronic push rods rely on mechanical limits and positioning errors, resulting in posture deviation of the battery core in the metal frame, affecting the subsequent cutting accuracy. In terms of electrolyte recovery, due to insufficient cutting accuracy, the internal structure of the battery cannot be effectively separated, resulting in electrolyte residue and increasing the difficulty of collection.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a waste lithium battery pole piece recycling and splitting process, comprising the following steps: Step 1: pole piece loading, placing the waste lithium battery pole pieces on a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt transports the pole pieces to a subsequent processing area.

[0006] Step 2: Preliminary positioning: A high-precision position sensor is installed at the end of the conveyor belt to monitor the position of the battery cell in real time. Unlike traditional electronic push rods that rely on mechanical limits, an advanced visual recognition system is used to assist in positioning, more accurately determining that the battery cell has arrived at the preset work station.

[0007] Step 3: Push smoothly. When the battery core reaches the preset position, a high-precision electric push rod will push the battery core smoothly into the cutting unit entrance. The thrust and speed of the electric push rod can be automatically adjusted according to the size and weight of the battery core to ensure that the battery core does not change its posture during the pushing process.

[0008] Step 4: Precise positioning. After the battery core enters the cutting unit, the bottom of the special metal frame is equipped with multiple pressure sensors and fine-tuning devices. When the battery core falls into the metal frame, the pressure sensor detects the posture deviation of the battery core and automatically adjusts it through the fine-tuning device to accurately position the battery core in a flat position.

[0009] Step 5: Precision cutting: Use precision cutting equipment to accurately cut the battery according to the preset program, and select appropriate cutting parameters such as cutting speed and tool angle according to the characteristics of different materials to achieve effective separation of different materials.

[0010] Step 6: Electrolyte recovery. During the battery cutting process, the electrolyte generated is recovered through a special collection device. The recovered electrolyte is filtered and purified to remove impurities and harmful substances.

[0011] Step 7: Aluminum sheet recovery. For the aluminum sheet separated during the cutting process, an adsorption device is used to separate the aluminum sheet from the cutting area, and preliminary cleaning and sorting are carried out to maintain its good physical and chemical properties for subsequent reuse.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, an intelligent sorting module is set at the starting end of the conveyor belt, and is equipped with a dual-spectral imager to quickly scan the battery electrodes. By analyzing the color, texture and surface characteristics of the electrodes, the material, size and degree of damage of the electrodes are accurately identified, and the electrodes that do not meet the processing requirements are automatically removed to avoid material jamming or equipment damage during subsequent processing. At the same time, automatic righting devices are installed on both sides of the conveyor belt. The device consists of a robotic arm and a visual sensor, which can monitor the placement posture of the electrodes in real time. Once the electrodes are found to be tilted or sideways, the robotic arm will move quickly to right them to ensure that the electrodes enter the subsequent process in the correct posture.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the position sensor is a laser displacement sensor, which has higher measurement accuracy and faster response speed. The displacement sensor can monitor the position of the battery cell on the conveyor belt in real time, with a data acquisition frequency of up to 1,000 times per second, and transmit the position information to the control system in real time.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, a buffer guide rail is provided at the entrance of the cutting unit and an elastic buffer device is installed. When the electric push rod pushes the battery core into the guide rail, the buffer guide rail can further slow down the movement speed of the battery core, allowing it to enter the cutting unit smoothly.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the pressure sensor at the bottom of the special metal frame adopts a thin film pressure sensor array. The size of each sensor is only 1mm×1mm, which can more accurately detect the pressure distribution when the battery cell contacts the metal frame.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the electric push rod integrates a micro servo motor and a high-precision encoder to form a closed-loop control system. In addition to adjusting the thrust and speed of the electric push rod based on the size and weight of the battery cell, it is also dynamically adjusted in combination with the battery cell posture information obtained by the visual recognition system.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the cutting equipment adopts a five-axis linkage control system, and the tool magazine is equipped with a variety of cutting tools such as diamond, ceramic, and carbide with electronic tags. The cutting equipment obtains tool information through an RFID reader and automatically selects the tool and adjusts parameters such as cutting speed, tool angle, and feed rate according to the preset program and the characteristics of the material to be cut.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the electrolyte collection device adopts a double-layer sealing structure, the inner layer is made of corrosion-resistant polytetrafluoroethylene material, the outer layer is made of stainless steel, and a vacuum insulation layer is arranged between the two layers. The electrolyte collection device is internally provided with a multi-stage guide plate and an inlet filter screen for diverting the buffer electrolyte and filtering out large particles of impurities. The electrolyte recovery and treatment process includes coarse filtration, centrifugal separation, membrane filtration, and distillation purification links, respectively using polypropylene filter elements, high-speed centrifuges, nanofiltration membranes and reverse osmosis membrane combinations, and reduced pressure distillation technology, and each link is provided with online detection instruments to monitor the composition and purity of the electrolyte.

[0019] As an optimal technical solution of the present invention, the aluminum sheet adsorption device adopts electromagnetic vacuum composite adsorption technology, and is internally provided with an electromagnetic coil and a vacuum suction cup. The adsorption surface of the aluminum sheet adsorption device is made of flexible material to prevent the aluminum sheet surface from being scratched during the adsorption process.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the aluminum sheet is cleaned by combining ultrasonic cleaning with spray cleaning. The cleaned aluminum sheet is classified and sorted according to the size, shape and surface quality inspection results through an automatic sorting system composed of a robotic arm, a visual sensor and a sorting device.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a waste lithium battery electrode recycling and segmentation process, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. The recycling and segmentation process for waste lithium battery pole pieces uses high-precision position sensors and visual recognition systems for coordinated positioning. The electric push rod automatically adjusts the pushing parameters according to the characteristics of the battery cell. The pressure sensor and fine-tuning device in the metal frame ensure precise positioning. Combined with the intelligent parameter adaptation of the five-axis linkage cutting equipment, high-precision and zero-damage processing of the pole pieces from transportation and positioning to cutting is achieved. In addition, the entire recycling process does not require direct human participation. From the initial placement of the battery to the subsequent separation and cutting, all key links are completed in a coordinated manner by advanced automation equipment and intelligent control systems, which improves recycling efficiency and reduces labor costs. More importantly, it effectively avoids the safety risks that may be caused by manual operation and protects the life and health of the operator.

[0023] 2. The waste lithium battery pole piece recycling and segmentation process uses a sealed electrolyte collection device combined with multi-stage purification to significantly improve the electrolyte recovery rate and safety. In addition, the electromagnetic vacuum composite adsorption and fine cleaning and sorting technology ensure the high-quality recovery of aluminum foil, which can be completely recycled and better recycled. In addition, the electrolyte generated during the battery cutting process will be recycled. The recovered electrolyte will be filtered and purified to remove impurities and harmful substances, so that the electrolyte can be reused or safely disposed of. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of the recovery and segmentation process of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Example

[0027] See also Figure 1In this embodiment: a waste lithium battery pole piece recycling and segmentation process, including the following steps: Step 1: pole piece loading, the waste lithium battery pole piece is placed on the conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt transports the pole piece to the subsequent processing area.

[0028] Step 2: Preliminary positioning: A high-precision position sensor is installed at the end of the conveyor belt to monitor the position of the battery cell in real time. Unlike traditional electronic push rods that rely on mechanical limits, an advanced visual recognition system is used to assist in positioning, more accurately determining that the battery cell has arrived at the preset work station.

[0029] Step 3: Push smoothly. When the battery core reaches the preset position, a high-precision electric push rod will push the battery core smoothly into the cutting unit entrance. The thrust and speed of the electric push rod can be automatically adjusted according to the size and weight of the battery core to ensure that the battery core does not change its posture during the pushing process.

[0030] Step 4: Precise positioning. After the battery core enters the cutting unit, the bottom of the special metal frame is equipped with multiple pressure sensors and fine-tuning devices. When the battery core falls into the metal frame, the pressure sensor detects the posture deviation of the battery core and automatically adjusts it through the fine-tuning device to accurately position the battery core in a flat position.

[0031] Step 5: Precision cutting: Use precision cutting equipment to accurately cut the battery according to the preset program, and select appropriate cutting parameters such as cutting speed and tool angle according to the characteristics of different materials to achieve effective separation of different materials.

[0032] Step 6: Electrolyte recovery. During the battery cutting process, the electrolyte generated is recovered through a special collection device. The recovered electrolyte is filtered and purified to remove impurities and harmful substances.

[0033] Step 7: Aluminum sheet recovery. For the aluminum sheet separated during the cutting process, an adsorption device is used to separate the aluminum sheet from the cutting area, and preliminary cleaning and sorting are carried out to maintain its good physical and chemical properties for subsequent reuse.

[0034] In this embodiment, an intelligent sorting module is set at the starting end of the conveyor belt, and is equipped with a dual-spectral imager to quickly scan the battery electrodes. By analyzing the color, texture and surface characteristics of the electrodes, the material, size and degree of damage of the electrodes are accurately identified, and the electrodes that do not meet the processing requirements are automatically removed to avoid material jamming or equipment damage during subsequent processing. At the same time, automatic straightening devices are installed on both sides of the conveyor belt. The device consists of a robotic arm and a visual sensor, which can monitor the placement of the electrodes in real time. Once the electrode is found to be tilted or sideways, the robotic arm will move quickly to straighten it to ensure that the electrode enters the subsequent process in the correct posture.

[0035] In this embodiment, the position sensor is a laser displacement sensor, which has higher measurement accuracy and faster response speed. The displacement sensor can monitor the position of the battery cell on the conveyor belt in real time, and the data acquisition frequency can reach 1000 times per second, and the position information is transmitted to the control system in real time. A buffer guide rail is set at the entrance of the cutting unit and is installed with an elastic buffer device. When the electric push rod pushes the battery cell into the guide rail, the buffer guide rail can further slow down the movement speed of the battery cell, allowing it to enter the cutting unit smoothly.

[0036] In this embodiment, the pressure sensor at the bottom of the special metal frame adopts a thin film pressure sensor array. The size of each sensor is only 1mm×1mm, which can more accurately detect the pressure distribution when the battery core contacts the metal frame. The electric push rod is internally integrated with a micro servo motor and a high-precision encoder to form a closed-loop control system. In addition to adjusting the thrust and speed of the electric push rod based on the size and weight of the battery core, it is also dynamically adjusted in combination with the battery core posture information obtained by the visual recognition system. The cutting equipment adopts a five-axis linkage control system, and the tool magazine is equipped with a variety of diamond, ceramic, carbide and other tools with electronic tags. The cutting equipment obtains tool information through an RFID reader, and automatically selects the tool and adjusts the cutting speed, tool angle, feed rate and other parameters according to the preset program and the characteristics of the material to be cut.

[0037] In this embodiment, the electrolyte collection device adopts a double-layer sealing structure, the inner layer is made of corrosion-resistant polytetrafluoroethylene material, the outer layer is made of stainless steel, and a vacuum insulation layer is arranged between the two layers. The electrolyte collection device is internally provided with a multi-stage guide plate and an inlet filter screen for diverting the buffer electrolyte and filtering out large particles of impurities. The electrolyte recovery and treatment process includes coarse filtration, centrifugal separation, membrane filtration, and distillation purification links, respectively using polypropylene filter elements, high-speed centrifuges, nanofiltration membranes and reverse osmosis membrane combinations, and reduced pressure distillation technology, and each link is provided with online detection instruments to monitor the composition and purity of the electrolyte.

[0038] In this embodiment, the aluminum sheet adsorption device adopts electromagnetic vacuum composite adsorption technology, and is equipped with an electromagnetic coil and a vacuum suction cup inside. The adsorption surface of the aluminum sheet adsorption device is made of flexible material to prevent the surface of the aluminum sheet from being scratched during the adsorption process. The aluminum sheet is cleaned by combining ultrasonic cleaning and spray cleaning. The cleaned aluminum sheet is classified and sorted according to the size, shape and surface quality inspection results through an automatic sorting system composed of a robotic arm, a visual sensor and a sorting device.

[0039] The working principle and usage process of the present invention are as follows: first, waste lithium battery pole pieces are placed on a conveyor belt, which transports the pole pieces to a subsequent processing area. Then, a high-precision position sensor is equipped at the end of the conveyor belt to monitor the position of the battery core in real time. Unlike traditional electronic push rods that rely on mechanical limits, an advanced visual recognition system is used to assist in positioning, more accurately determining that the battery core has reached the preset position. When the battery core reaches the preset position, a high-precision electric push rod smoothly pushes the battery core into the cutting unit entrance. The thrust and speed of the electric push rod can be automatically adjusted according to the size and weight of the battery core to ensure that the battery core does not change its posture during the pushing process.

[0040] When the battery core enters the cutting unit, the bottom of the special metal frame is equipped with multiple pressure sensors and fine-tuning devices. When the battery core falls into the metal frame, the pressure sensor detects the posture deviation of the battery core and automatically adjusts it through the fine-tuning device to make the battery core accurately positioned in a lying posture. The battery is then precisely cut according to the preset program, and appropriate cutting parameters such as cutting speed and tool angle are selected according to the characteristics of different materials to achieve effective separation of different materials. During the battery cutting process, the electrolyte generated is recovered through a special collection device. The recovered electrolyte is filtered and purified to remove impurities and harmful substances. Then, for the aluminum skin separated during the cutting process, an adsorption device is used to separate the aluminum skin from the cutting area, and preliminary cleaning and sorting are carried out to maintain its good physical and chemical properties for subsequent reuse.

[0041] In the description of the present invention, the terms "comprises", "includes" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further restriction, the elements defined by the statement "comprising a reference structure" do not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the elements. It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as "first", "second", etc. are merely used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or substitute equivalents for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A process for recycling and splitting waste lithium battery pole pieces, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Loading the pole pieces: Place the waste lithium battery pole pieces on the conveyor belt, which transports the pole pieces to the subsequent processing area; Step 2: Preliminary positioning: A high-precision position sensor is installed at the end of the conveyor belt to monitor the position of the battery cell in real time. Unlike traditional electronic actuators that rely on mechanical limits, an advanced visual recognition system is used to assist in positioning, more accurately determining that the battery cell has reached the preset position. Step 3: Push smoothly. When the battery core reaches the preset position, a high-precision electric push rod pushes the battery core smoothly into the cutting unit entrance. The thrust and speed of the electric push rod can be automatically adjusted according to the size and weight of the battery core to ensure that the battery core does not change its posture during the pushing process. Step 4: Precise positioning. After the battery core enters the cutting unit, the bottom of the special metal frame is equipped with multiple pressure sensors and fine-tuning devices. When the battery core falls into the metal frame, the pressure sensor detects the posture deviation of the battery core and automatically adjusts it through the fine-tuning device to accurately position the battery core in a flat position. Step 5: Precision cutting: Use precision cutting equipment to accurately cut the battery according to the preset program, and select appropriate cutting parameters such as cutting speed and tool angle according to the characteristics of different materials to achieve effective separation of different materials; Step 6: Electrolyte recovery: During the battery cutting process, the electrolyte generated is recovered through a special collection device. The recovered electrolyte is filtered and purified to remove impurities and harmful substances. Step 7: Aluminum sheet recovery. For the aluminum sheet separated during the cutting process, an adsorption device is used to separate the aluminum sheet from the cutting area, and preliminary cleaning and sorting are carried out to maintain its good physical and chemical properties for subsequent reuse.

2. The waste lithium battery electrode recovery and separation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: An intelligent sorting module is set at the starting end of the conveyor belt, and is equipped with a dual-spectral imager to quickly scan the battery electrodes. By analyzing the color, texture and surface features of the electrodes, the material, size and degree of damage of the electrodes are accurately identified, and the electrodes that do not meet the processing requirements are automatically removed to avoid material jamming or equipment damage during subsequent processing. At the same time, automatic righting devices are installed on both sides of the conveyor belt. The device consists of a robotic arm and a visual sensor, which can monitor the placement of the electrodes in real time. Once the electrode is found to be tilted or sideways, the robotic arm will move quickly to right it to ensure that the electrode enters the subsequent process in the correct posture.

3. The waste lithium battery electrode recovery and separation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position sensor is a laser displacement sensor, which has higher measurement accuracy and faster response speed. The displacement sensor can monitor the position of the battery cell on the conveyor belt in real time, with a data acquisition frequency of up to 1,000 times per second, and transmit the position information to the control system in real time.

4. The waste lithium battery electrode recovery and separation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: A buffer guide rail is provided at the entrance of the cutting unit and is equipped with an elastic buffer device. When the electric push rod pushes the battery core into the guide rail, the buffer guide rail can further slow down the movement speed of the battery core, allowing it to enter the cutting unit smoothly.

5. The waste lithium battery electrode recovery and separation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure sensor at the bottom of the special metal frame adopts a thin film pressure sensor array. The size of each sensor is only 1mm×1mm, which can more accurately detect the pressure distribution when the battery core contacts the metal frame.

6. The waste lithium battery electrode recovery and separation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric push rod integrates a micro servo motor and a high-precision encoder to form a closed-loop control system. In addition to adjusting the thrust and speed of the electric push rod based on the size and weight of the battery cell, it also dynamically adjusts the battery cell posture information obtained by the visual recognition system.

7. The waste lithium battery electrode recovery and separation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cutting equipment adopts a five-axis linkage control system, and the tool library is equipped with a variety of diamond, ceramic, carbide and other tools with electronic tags. The cutting equipment obtains tool information through an RFID reader and automatically selects the tool and adjusts parameters such as cutting speed, tool angle, feed rate, etc. according to the preset program and the characteristics of the material to be cut.

8. The waste lithium battery electrode recovery and separation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte collection device adopts a double-layer sealing structure, the inner layer is made of corrosion-resistant polytetrafluoroethylene material, the outer layer is made of stainless steel, and a vacuum insulation layer is arranged between the two layers. The electrolyte collection device is internally provided with a multi-stage guide plate and an inlet filter screen for diverting the buffer electrolyte and filtering out large particles of impurities. The electrolyte recovery and treatment process includes coarse filtration, centrifugal separation, membrane filtration, and distillation purification links, respectively using polypropylene filter elements, high-speed centrifuges, nanofiltration membranes and reverse osmosis membrane combinations, and vacuum distillation technology, and each link is equipped with online detection instruments to monitor the composition and purity of the electrolyte.

9. The waste lithium battery electrode recovery and separation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aluminum sheet adsorption device adopts electromagnetic vacuum composite adsorption technology, and is internally provided with an electromagnetic coil and a vacuum suction cup. The adsorption surface of the aluminum sheet adsorption device adopts a flexible material to prevent the aluminum sheet surface from being scratched during the adsorption process.

10. The waste lithium battery electrode recovery and separation process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aluminum sheet is cleaned by combining ultrasonic cleaning with spray cleaning. The cleaned aluminum sheet is sorted and sorted according to the size, shape and surface quality test results through an automatic sorting system composed of a robotic arm, a visual sensor and a sorting device.

Images