Lithium-ion battery aluminum casing vacuum pulse drying process and equipment

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of lithium battery technology, specifically to a vacuum pulse drying process and apparatus for lithium battery aluminum casings. Addressing the problems of high energy consumption, easy deformation, easy moisture condensation, and uneven moisture evaporation and incomplete removal in traditional drying methods, this apparatus uses an extraction component to evacuate the drying chamber to a vacuum, and a replenishing component to create a "pressure difference" through pulsed pressure changes, promoting faster moisture evaporation. The extraction and replenishing components work alternately, and a spiral heating wire inside the dispersion tube preheats the gas. The sealing plate is stably sealed and secured by components such as a rotating rod and a locking plate. This apparatus is mainly used for drying lithium battery aluminum casings. Through improvements in shape and structure, it solves the problem of unsatisfactory drying effects in existing technologies, improving both drying efficiency and battery quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lithium battery technology, and in particular to a vacuum pulse drying process and apparatus for lithium battery aluminum casings. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of lithium batteries, drying the aluminum casing of lithium batteries is a critical step. There may be residual moisture inside the aluminum casing of lithium batteries. If the moisture is not completely removed, it may participate in the chemical reaction inside the battery during subsequent use, affecting the battery's performance, safety and lifespan. Traditional drying methods typically involve heating and drying the aluminum casing of lithium batteries under normal pressure. However, this method has some significant drawbacks. Firstly, water has a relatively high boiling point under normal pressure, requiring higher temperatures and longer times for the water to fully evaporate. This not only increases energy consumption but may also cause the aluminum casing of the lithium battery to deform or be damaged due to prolonged high-temperature heating, affecting the quality and performance of the battery. Secondly, under normal pressure, the evaporated water is difficult to quickly drain from the inside of the battery casing and is prone to recondensing inside, resulting in an unsatisfactory drying effect and an inability to completely remove the moisture from inside the battery casing. To address the aforementioned issues, people began exploring methods for drying the aluminum casing of lithium batteries in a vacuum environment. A vacuum environment can lower the boiling point of water, allowing moisture to evaporate rapidly at lower temperatures. However, simple vacuum drying also has certain limitations. For example, during the drying process, the rate of moisture evaporation inside the battery casing may not be uniform, and it is difficult to quickly and thoroughly remove the evaporated moisture from the battery casing. To address the aforementioned issues, this technical solution proposes a vacuum pulse drying process and apparatus for lithium battery aluminum casings. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of high energy consumption, easy deformation, easy condensation of moisture in traditional drying, and uneven moisture evaporation and incomplete removal in simple vacuum drying. Therefore, a vacuum pulse drying process and device for lithium battery aluminum shells is proposed.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A vacuum pulse drying device for aluminum casings of lithium batteries, comprising a base chamber and a drying chamber mounted on the base chamber, further comprising: The air extraction component is installed on the bottom box and communicates with the inside of the drying box. It is used to extract the gas inside the drying box to create a vacuum. The gas replenishment component is installed on the bottom box and is connected to the external gas source and the gas extraction component, respectively, to replenish the gas in the drying box and restore it to normal pressure. The alternating operation of the extraction component and the replenishment component causes the air pressure inside the drying chamber to alternate between vacuum and normal pressure, forming a pulsed air pressure to promote the evaporation of moisture inside the battery casing.

[0005] In one possible design, the air extraction component includes a vacuum pump, an air supply pipe connected to the vacuum pump, at least one fixed pipe communicating with the air supply pipe, and a connecting pipe with one end communicating with the fixed pipe and the other end communicating with the interior of the drying chamber through an air supply assembly. The fixed pipe is provided with a second solenoid valve for controlling its on / off state.

[0006] In one possible design, the gas delivery assembly includes a vent pipe fixedly installed on the connecting pipe and communicating with the interior of the drying chamber, and a first solenoid valve installed inside the vent pipe for controlling its opening and closing. When the vacuum pump is started and the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are opened, the gas in the drying chamber is drawn out by the vacuum pump in sequence through the vent pipe, the connecting pipe, the fixed pipe and the gas delivery pipe.

[0007] In one possible design, the air replenishment component includes an air pump, a delivery pipe connected to the air outlet of the air pump, a dispersion pipe connected to the delivery pipe, and an installation pipe with one end connected to the dispersion pipe and the other end connected to the connection pipe, wherein a third solenoid valve for controlling its on / off state is provided inside the installation pipe.

[0008] In one possible design, a spiral heating wire for preheating the passing gas is fixedly installed inside the dispersion tube.

[0009] In one possible design, a heat exchange mounting rack for placing the battery casing is fixedly installed inside the drying oven, and multiple heating rods for heating the battery casing are mounted on the heat exchange mounting rack.

[0010] In one possible design, the drying chamber is equipped with a pressure sensor for detecting the internal air pressure, and a display screen electrically connected to the pressure sensor for displaying the air pressure value.

[0011] In one possible design, the drying chamber has an opening on one side, a sealing plate is installed at the opening, and a bracket for supporting the battery casing is fixedly connected to the sealing plate. The drying chamber is equipped with a slide rail, and the bracket is equipped with a guide rail that slides with the slide rail.

[0012] In one possible design, a rotating rod is rotatably connected to the sealing plate, a locking plate is fixedly sleeved on the rotating rod, a positioning rod that can engage with the locking plate is fixedly installed on the drying oven, a docking frame is fixedly installed on the rotating rod, a pull rod is slidably connected to the docking frame, a clamping plate is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the pull rod, a compression spring is sleeved on the pull rod with its two ends fixedly connected to the docking frame and the clamping plate respectively, and a docking plate is fixedly installed on the sealing plate that can be inserted into the docking frame and engage with the clamping plate. When the locking plate engages with the positioning rod, the docking plate is inserted into the docking frame and clamped with the clamping plate to lock the rotating rod.

[0013] This invention proposes a drying process for use in the aforementioned vacuum pulse drying device for aluminum casings of lithium batteries, comprising the following steps: S1. Place the battery casing: Place the battery casing on the bracket at the bottom of one side of the sealing plate, and use the bracket to support the battery casing; S2. Transfer into the drying chamber: By moving the sealing plate and using the sliding connection between the guide rail and the slide rail, the battery casing is moved into the drying chamber; S3. Sealing the drying oven: Push the sealing plate into the drying oven to seal it. Pull the lever to move the clamping plate, putting the compression spring under stress. Then rotate the docking frame upwards to allow the docking plate to pass through the docking frame. As the docking frame rotates, it drives the rotating rod to rotate, thereby driving the two locking plates to rotate until the locking plates are engaged with the corresponding positioning rods. Then release the lever. The compression spring under stress drives the clamping plate downwards to engage with the docking plate. Brake the rotating rod to ensure that the locking plates and positioning rods are stably engaged. S4. Vacuuming: Start the vacuum pump to extract the gas in the gas supply pipe, then open the second solenoid valve to deliver the gas in the drying chamber through multiple gas supply components, two connecting pipes and two fixed pipes to the gas supply pipe, and then be discharged by the vacuum pump until the drying chamber is evacuated to a vacuum state. When evacuating, close the two third solenoid valves. After evacuating to a vacuum, close the first solenoid valve to prevent gas from entering the drying chamber. S5. Heating and drying: Power on multiple heating rods in the heat exchange mounting frame to heat and dry the battery casing in the drying chamber; S6. Replenishing gas to restore air pressure: After maintaining a vacuum state in the drying chamber for a period of time, close the second solenoid valve, open the first solenoid valve, and start the air pump to draw the external gas into the delivery pipe. Then, the gas is dispersed and delivered to the two connecting pipes through the dispersion pipe and two third solenoid valves, and then delivered to the drying chamber through multiple air pipes to restore the air pressure in the drying chamber. The spiral heating wire in the dispersion pipe preheats the gas to prevent the temperature of the drying chamber from dropping. S7. Monitor air pressure: The air pressure inside the drying chamber is detected by a pressure sensor on the inner wall of one side of the drying chamber, and the detected pressure value is transmitted to the display screen, which displays the air pressure value to control the air pressure inside the drying chamber. Beneficial effects

[0014] 1. The drying chamber is evacuated to a vacuum state by the air extraction component. The vacuum environment lowers the boiling point of water. Combined with the air replenishment component, the air pressure in the drying chamber changes in a pulsed manner to form a "pressure difference". This causes the moisture inside the battery casing to evaporate and be carried away more quickly and thoroughly. Compared with the traditional drying method, the drying efficiency is improved and the drying quality is guaranteed, so that the moisture inside the battery casing is removed more fully. 2. Equipped with a pressure sensor and display screen, it can detect the air pressure inside the drying chamber in real time and transmit the pressure value to the display screen for easy monitoring by operators. This allows them to accurately control the air pressure inside the drying chamber and precisely adjust the air pressure according to actual needs, ensuring that the drying process is carried out under optimal air pressure conditions. 3. A spiral heating wire is installed in the dispersion tube of the gas replenishment component to preheat the gas introduced into the dispersion tube. When replenishing gas into the drying oven, the temperature of the drying oven can be prevented from dropping due to the gas temperature being too low, thus ensuring the stability of the temperature during the drying process and improving the drying effect. 4. The sealing plate achieves a stable and sealed engagement with the drying oven through the cooperation of components such as the rotating rod, locking plate, positioning rod, docking frame, pull rod, clamping plate, docking plate, and compression spring. When the sealing plate is closed, a series of operations cause the locking plate to engage with the positioning rod, while the clamping plate engages with the docking plate to brake the rotating rod, ensuring a stable engagement between the locking plate and the positioning rod. This effectively prevents gas leakage inside the drying oven and ensures the smooth operation of the vacuum pulse drying process. This invention lowers the boiling point of water in a vacuum environment and creates a "pressure difference" by combining pressure pulse changes, allowing water to evaporate and be carried away more quickly and thoroughly. This solves the problems of high energy consumption, easy deformation, and easy condensation of water when drying under normal pressure. At the same time, it overcomes the limitations of uneven water evaporation and incomplete removal when drying under vacuum alone, thus improving the drying effect and battery quality. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a first-view three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the vacuum pulse drying device for aluminum shells of lithium batteries proposed in this invention. Figure 2 This is a two-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device proposed in this invention from a second perspective. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device proposed in this invention from a third-view perspective. Figure 4This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the drying box and sealing plate separation structure of the lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device proposed in this invention; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the drying chamber structure of the lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device proposed in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device proposed in this invention. Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the platform and multiple ventilation pipe connection structure of the lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device proposed in this invention. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connection structure of multiple air pipes, connecting pipes, vacuum pumps and air pumps of the lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device proposed in this invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Base box; 2. Platform; 3. Drying oven; 4. Heat exchange mounting bracket; 5. Heating rod; 6. Slide rail; 7. Sealing plate; 8. Bracket; 9. Guide rail; 10. Battery casing; 11. Rotating rod; 12. Docking frame; 13. Pull rod; 14. Clamping plate; 15. Compression spring; 16. Docking plate; 17. Locking plate; 18. Positioning rod; 19. Pressure sensor; 20. Display screen; 21. Vent pipe; 22. First solenoid valve; 23. Connecting pipe; 24. Fixing pipe; 25. Second solenoid valve; 26. Gas supply pipe; 27. Vacuum pump; 28. Mounting pipe; 29. ​​Third solenoid valve; 30. Dispersion pipe; 31. Delivery pipe; 32. Air pump; 33. Spiral heating wire. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0018] In one embodiment: Refer to Figure 1-8 A drying device is provided, comprising a base box 1, a platform 2, a drying oven 3, a sealing plate 7, a battery casing 10, an air extraction component, an air replenishment component, and other auxiliary components. The connection relationship of each component and the specific implementation process are as follows, ensuring that the device can stably realize the vacuum pulse drying function of the aluminum casing of lithium batteries, and all structures strictly correspond to the scope defined by the claims.

[0019] like Figure 6As shown, the bottom box 1 serves as the supporting foundation for the entire device, and a platform 2 is fixedly installed on its top. A drying chamber 3 is fixedly installed on the top of the platform 2. An opening is provided on one side of the drying chamber 3, and a sealing plate 7 is installed at the opening. The sealing plate 7 fits tightly with the opening of the drying chamber 3 to ensure the airtightness of the drying chamber 3 and prevent gas leakage from affecting the drying effect. The drying chamber 3 contains battery casings 10 that need to be dried. A vacuum component is installed on one side of the bottom chamber 1, extending into the bottom chamber 1. The top of the vacuum component penetrates the platform 2 and is fixedly connected to the platform 2. The operation of the vacuum component can extract the gas from the drying chamber 3, so that the battery casings 10 are always in a vacuum state during drying. At the same time, a gas replenishment component is also installed on the bottom chamber 1, with its top extending into the bottom chamber 1 and connected to the vacuum component. The gas replenishment component can replenish gas into the drying chamber 3. Through the coordinated operation of the vacuum component and the gas replenishment component, the drying chamber 3 alternates between normal pressure and vacuum, thereby making the gas pressure in the drying chamber 3 pulsed. The pressure changes are used to improve the drying efficiency and drying effect.

[0020] like Figure 6 As shown, the air extraction component specifically consists of a vacuum pump 27, an air delivery pipe 26, fixed pipes 24, connecting pipes 23, a second solenoid valve 25, and an air delivery assembly. The vacuum pump 27 is fixedly installed on one side of the base box 1. The suction end of the vacuum pump 27 extends into the base box 1 and is fixedly installed with the air delivery pipe 26. The air delivery pipe 26 is horizontally positioned inside the base box 1. Two fixed pipes 24 are symmetrically and fixedly installed through the top of the air delivery pipe 26, and the two fixed pipes 24 are vertically upward. Two connecting pipes 23 are symmetrically and fixedly installed inside the base box 1. Two connecting pipes 23 correspond one-to-one with two fixed pipes 24. The top end of the fixed pipe 24 extends into the corresponding connecting pipe 23 and is fixedly connected to the bottom inner wall of the connecting pipe 23. A second solenoid valve 25 is fixedly installed inside the fixed pipe 24. The second solenoid valve 25 is used to control the opening and closing of the fixed pipe 24. Multiple gas conveying components are installed at equal intervals on the top inner wall of the connecting pipe 23. The top of the gas conveying components penetrates the platform 2 and extends into the drying chamber 3. The gas replenishment component is connected to the two connecting pipes 23 respectively to realize the gas diversion and delivery. After the battery casing 10 is placed in the drying chamber 3 and sealed, the vacuum pump 27 is started. The vacuum pump 27 begins to extract the gas in the gas supply pipe 26, creating a negative pressure in the gas supply pipe 26. Then, the second solenoid valve 25 is opened, and the gas in the drying chamber 3 will pass through multiple gas supply components, two connecting pipes 23 and two fixed pipes 24 in sequence into the gas supply pipe 26, and finally be discharged by the vacuum pump 27. The operation continues until the drying chamber 3 is evacuated to a vacuum state, providing an environment for the vacuum drying of the battery casing 10.

[0021] like Figure 6-7As shown, the gas supply assembly consists of a vent pipe 21 and a first solenoid valve 22. The vent pipe 21 is fixedly installed on the top inner wall of the connecting pipe 23, and is vertically upward. Its top end passes through the platform 2 and extends into the drying chamber 3. The vent pipe 21 is fixedly connected to the platform 2 to ensure the sealing of the connection. The first solenoid valve 22 is fixedly installed inside the vent pipe 21 and is used to control the opening and closing of the vent pipe 21. When it is necessary to extract gas from the drying chamber 3, the first solenoid valve 22 is opened to keep the vent pipe 21 open. After the vacuum pump 27 is started, the gas in the drying chamber 3 can enter the connecting pipe 23 through the vent pipe 21 and be successfully extracted, ensuring that the battery casing 10 is in a vacuum state when it is heated and dried in the drying chamber 3. When the drying chamber 3 is evacuated to a preset vacuum state, the first solenoid valve 22 is closed, which can effectively prevent external gas from entering the drying chamber 3, maintain the vacuum environment inside the drying chamber 3, and ensure the stability of the drying process.

[0022] like Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the gas replenishment component includes a dispersion pipe 30, an installation pipe 28, a third solenoid valve 29, a delivery pipe 31, and an air pump 32. The dispersion pipe 30 is fixedly installed on the other side of the bottom box 1. The dispersion pipe 30 is horizontally arranged, and two installation pipes 28 are symmetrically fixedly installed on the inner wall of one side. The two installation pipes 28 extend horizontally, and one end of each extends into the corresponding connecting pipe 23 and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting pipe 23. The third solenoid valve 29 is fixedly installed in the installation pipe 28. The third solenoid valve 29 is used to control the opening and closing of the installation pipe 28. The delivery pipe 31 is fixedly installed at one end of the dispersion pipe 30. The delivery pipe 31 is arranged vertically downward. The air pump 32 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the bottom box 1. The bottom end of the delivery pipe 31 extends to the outside of the dispersion pipe 30 and is fixedly connected to the air outlet of the air pump 32. The air pump 32 is used to draw in external gas and deliver it into the dispersion pipe 30. During the vacuuming operation inside the drying chamber 3, the two third solenoid valves 29 are closed to prevent external gas from entering the drying chamber 3 through the gas replenishment component. After the drying chamber 3 maintains a vacuum state for a preset time, the second solenoid valve 25 is closed, the first solenoid valve 22 is opened, and then the air pump 32 is started. The air pump 32 draws external gas into the delivery pipe 31. After the gas enters the dispersion pipe 30 through the delivery pipe 31, it is dispersed and delivered to the two connecting pipes 23 through the two mounting pipes 28 and the corresponding third solenoid valves 29, and then delivered into the drying chamber 3 through multiple vent pipes 21, so that the air pressure inside the drying chamber 3 gradually returns to normal pressure. Through the alternating operation of the vacuuming component and the gas replenishment component, the air pressure inside the drying chamber 3 is in a pulsed state. When drying the battery casing 10, the vacuum environment is used to lower the boiling point of water. At the same time, combined with the "pressure difference" formed by pressure changes, the moisture inside the battery casing 10 evaporates faster and more thoroughly and is carried away by the vacuuming component, significantly improving drying efficiency and drying quality.

[0023] like Figure 8 As shown, a spiral heating wire 33 is fixedly installed inside the dispersion tube 30. The spiral heating wire 33 is electrically connected to an external power supply through a wire. When the external power supply is turned on, the spiral heating wire 33 generates heat. After the gas enters the dispersion tube 30, the spiral heating wire 33 can preheat the gas, so that the temperature of the gas entering the drying chamber 3 is consistent with the drying temperature inside the drying chamber 3. This avoids the low-temperature gas entering the drying chamber 3 and causing the temperature inside the chamber to drop, thereby ensuring the stability of the drying process and preventing the drying effect of the battery casing 10 from being affected by temperature fluctuations.

[0024] This application can be used in the field of lithium battery technology, or in other fields applicable to this application.

[0025] In another embodiment: Reference Figure 1-8 Based on the above embodiments, an improvement is made to a lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device, which is applied to the field of lithium battery technology. The structure of this embodiment is basically the same as the previous embodiments, except that: a pressure sensor 19 is fixedly installed on one side of the inner wall of the drying chamber 3. The detection end of the pressure sensor 19 is located inside the drying chamber 3 and is used to detect the air pressure in the drying chamber 3 in real time. A display screen 20 is fixedly installed on one side of the drying chamber 3. One end of the pressure sensor 19 extends to the outside of the drying chamber 3 and is electrically connected to the display screen 20. The pressure sensor 19 transmits the detected air pressure value to the display screen 20 in real time. The display screen 20 clearly displays the air pressure value. The operator can control the air pressure in the drying chamber 3 in real time through the display screen 20, which makes it easy to adjust the operating parameters of the air extraction component and the air replenishment component according to the actual drying needs, so as to ensure that the pulse air pressure is within the preset range and to ensure the drying effect.

[0026] like Figure 5 As shown, a heat exchange mounting rack 4 is fixedly installed inside the drying oven 3. The heat exchange mounting rack 4 has a frame structure, adapted to the placement of the battery casing 10. Multiple heating rods 5 are fixedly installed at equal intervals inside the heat exchange mounting rack 4. The multiple heating rods 5 are evenly distributed to ensure that the heat exchange mounting rack 4 can dissipate heat evenly. After the battery casing 10 is moved into the drying oven 3 and placed in the corresponding position on the heat exchange mounting rack 4, the heating rods 5 are connected to an external power source. The heating rods 5 generate heat after being powered on, and the heat is transferred to the surface of the battery casing 10 through the heat exchange mounting rack 4, uniformly heating and drying the battery casing 10. Combined with the vacuum pulse environment, the battery casing 10 is dried quickly and thoroughly.

[0027] like Figure 4As shown, a bracket 8 is fixedly installed on one bottom side of the sealing plate 7. The bracket 8 supports the battery casing 10, which rests stably on the bracket 8. Slide rails 6 are fixedly installed on the inner walls of the bottom of both sides of the drying oven 3, extending along the opening direction of the drying oven 3. Guide rails 9 are fixedly installed on both sides of the bracket 8, and the guide rails 9 are slidably connected to the corresponding slide rails 6, allowing the guide rails 9 to slide smoothly along the slide rails 6. Operators can push or pull the sealing plate 7 to move the bracket 8 synchronously, thereby moving the battery casing 10 into or out of the drying oven 3. The operation is convenient and can prevent the battery casing 10 from colliding or being damaged during the transfer process, ensuring the safety and convenience of the operation.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, a rotating rod 11 is rotatably connected to the top of the other side of the sealing plate 7. The rotating rod 11 is horizontally set and can rotate freely around its own axis. Two locking plates 17 are symmetrically fixed on the rotating rod 11. The two locking plates 17 are located at the two ends of the rotating rod 11 respectively. Positioning rods 18 are fixedly installed on both sides of the drying box 3. The positions of the positioning rods 18 correspond one-to-one with the locking plates 17. The locking plates 17 can be engaged with the corresponding positioning rods 18 to achieve the initial fixation of the sealing plate 7 and the drying box 3. A docking frame 12 is fixedly installed on the rotating rod 11. The docking frame 12 has a U-shaped structure. A pull rod 13 is slidably connected through the top inner wall of the docking frame 12. The pull rod 13 is vertically set and can slide up and down along the top inner wall of the docking frame 12. A locking plate 14 is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the pull rod 13. A docking plate 16 is fixedly installed on the top of the other side of the sealing plate 7. The docking plate 16 is vertically set and its position is adapted to the docking frame 12. The docking plate 16 can penetrate the docking frame 12. The locking plate 14 can be locked with the docking plate 16 to achieve braking of the rotating rod 11. A compression spring 15 is sleeved on the pull rod 13 and located inside the docking frame 12. The top and bottom ends of the compression spring 15 are fixedly connected to the top inner wall of the docking frame 12 and the top of the locking plate 14 respectively through hooks set at the top and bottom ends of the compression spring 15. The compression spring 15 is always in a natural extension and contraction state and can maintain the initial position of the locking plate 14 when no external force is applied. After the sealing plate 7 is pushed to the opening of the drying chamber 3 and sealed, the pull rod 13 is pulled upward. The pull rod 13 drives the locking plate 14 to move upward synchronously. The compression spring 15 is compressed and under stress. Then, the docking frame 12 is rotated upward. The docking frame 12 drives the rotating rod 11 to rotate synchronously. The rotating rod 11 drives the two locking plates 17 to rotate until the locking plates 17 are engaged with the corresponding positioning rods 18. At this time, the docking plate 16 just passes through the docking frame 12. Then, the pull rod 13 is released, and the compression spring 15, which is under stress, returns to its natural extension and contraction state, driving the locking plate 14 to move downward, so that the locking plate 14 and the docking plate 16 are tightly engaged. This brakes the rotating rod 11 and prevents it from rotating. This ensures that the locking plate 17 and the positioning rod 18 are stably engaged, thereby ensuring the sealing between the sealing plate 7 and the drying chamber 3 and preventing gas leakage during the drying process.

[0029] This invention proposes a drying process for use in the aforementioned vacuum pulse drying device for aluminum casings of lithium batteries, comprising the following steps: S1. Place the battery casing: Place the battery casing 10 on the bracket 8 at the bottom of one side of the sealing plate 7, and use the bracket 8 to support the battery casing 10. S2. Moving into the drying chamber: By moving the sealing plate 7 and using the sliding connection between the guide rail 9 and the slide rail 6, the battery casing 10 is moved into the drying chamber 3. S3. Sealing the drying chamber: Push the sealing plate 7 into the drying chamber 3 to seal the drying chamber 3. Pull the lever 13 to move the clamping plate 14, so that the compression spring 15 is under stress. Then rotate the docking frame 12 upward so that the docking plate 16 passes through the docking frame 12. When the docking frame 12 rotates, it drives the rotating rod 11 to rotate, thereby driving the two locking plates 17 to rotate until the locking plate 17 is engaged with the corresponding positioning rod 18. Then release the lever 13. The compression spring 15 under stress drives the clamping plate 14 to move downward so that the clamping plate 14 is engaged with the docking plate 16. Brake the rotating rod 11 so that the locking plate 17 is stably engaged with the positioning rod 18. S4. Vacuuming: Start the vacuum pump 27 to extract the gas in the gas supply pipe 26. Then open the second solenoid valve 25 to transport the gas in the drying chamber 3 through multiple gas supply components, two connecting pipes 23 and two fixed pipes 24 to the gas supply pipe 26. The gas is then discharged by the vacuum pump 27 until the drying chamber 3 is evacuated to a vacuum state. When evacuating, close the two third solenoid valves 29. After evacuating to a vacuum, close the first solenoid valve 22 to prevent gas from entering the drying chamber 3. S5. Heating and drying: Power on the multiple heating rods 5 in the heat exchange mounting frame 4 to heat and dry the battery casing 10 in the drying box 3. S6. Replenishing gas to restore air pressure: After maintaining a vacuum state in the drying chamber 3 for a period of time, close the second solenoid valve 25, open the first solenoid valve 22, and start the air pump 32 to draw the external gas into the delivery pipe 31. Then, the gas is dispersed and delivered to the two connecting pipes 23 through the dispersion pipe 30 and the two third solenoid valves 29, and then delivered to the drying chamber 3 through multiple ventilation pipes 21 to restore the air pressure in the drying chamber 3. The spiral heating wire 33 in the dispersion pipe 30 preheats the gas to prevent the temperature of the drying chamber 3 from dropping. S7. Monitoring air pressure: The pressure sensor 19 on the inner wall of one side of the drying chamber 3 is used to detect the air pressure inside the drying chamber 3 and transmit the detected pressure value to the display screen 20. The display screen 20 displays the air pressure value so as to control the air pressure inside the drying chamber 3.

[0030] To automate the drying process, this device also includes a controller (not shown in the figure). The controller can be a PLC or a microcontroller. The controller is electrically connected to the vacuum pump 27, the air pump 32, the first solenoid valve 22, the second solenoid valve 25, the third solenoid valve 29, the heating rod 5, the spiral heating wire 33, the pressure sensor 19, and the display screen 20. The controller receives the air pressure signal detected by the pressure sensor 19 and sends control commands to each component according to a preset pulse drying program. For example, during the vacuuming stage, the controller starts the vacuum pump 27 and opens the first solenoid valve 22 and the second solenoid valve 25, while ensuring that the third solenoid valve 29 is closed. When the pressure sensor 19 reports that the vacuum level has been reached, the controller closes the first solenoid valve 22 and the second solenoid valve 25, and starts the heating rod 5 for heating. During the gas replenishment stage, the controller starts the air pump 32, opens the first solenoid valve 22 and the third solenoid valve 29, and simultaneously controls the spiral heating wire 33 to be energized for preheating, ensuring that the second solenoid valve 25 is closed. Through precise control of the controller, the air pressure inside the drying oven 3 is automatically circulated in a pulsed manner.

[0031] However, as is well known to those skilled in the art, the working principles and wiring methods of the pressure sensor 19, display screen 20, first solenoid valve 22, second solenoid valve 25, vacuum pump 27, third solenoid valve 29, air pump 32 and spiral heating wire 33 are conventional means or common knowledge, and will not be described in detail here. Those skilled in the art can make any selections according to their needs or convenience.

[0032] The accompanying drawings in this application are for illustrative purposes only. The dimensions and shapes of the components shown are not actual limitations but are merely schematic representations. In actual implementation, the components can be reasonably configured and adjusted according to specific needs and actual conditions.

[0033] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vacuum pulse drying device for aluminum shells of lithium batteries, comprising a base box (1) and a drying chamber (3) mounted on the base box (1), characterized in that, Also includes: The air extraction component is installed on the bottom box (1) and communicates with the inside of the drying box (3) to extract the gas in the drying box (3) to form a vacuum state. The gas replenishment component is installed on the bottom box (1) and is connected to the external gas source and the gas extraction component respectively. It is used to replenish the gas in the drying box (3) to restore it to normal pressure. The alternating operation of the vacuum component and the gas replenishment component causes the air pressure inside the drying chamber (3) to alternate between vacuum and normal pressure, forming a pulsed air pressure to promote the evaporation of moisture inside the battery casing (10).

2. The lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air extraction component includes a vacuum pump (27), an air supply pipe (26) connected to the vacuum pump (27), at least one fixed pipe (24) connected to the air supply pipe (26), and a connecting pipe (23) with one end connected to the fixed pipe (24) and the other end connected to the interior of the drying chamber (3) through the air supply assembly. The fixed pipe (24) is provided with a second solenoid valve (25) for controlling its on and off.

3. The lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas delivery assembly includes a vent pipe (21) fixedly installed on the connecting pipe (23) and communicating with the interior of the drying chamber (3), and a first solenoid valve (22) installed in the vent pipe (21) for controlling its opening and closing. When the vacuum pump (27) is started and the first solenoid valve (22) and the second solenoid valve (25) are opened, the gas in the drying chamber (3) is extracted by the vacuum pump (27) in sequence through the vent pipe (21), the connecting pipe (23), the fixed pipe (24) and the gas delivery pipe (26).

4. The lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air replenishment component includes an air pump (32), a delivery pipe (31) connected to the air outlet of the air pump (32), a dispersion pipe (30) connected to the delivery pipe (31), and an installation pipe (28) with one end connected to the dispersion pipe (30) and the other end connected to the connecting pipe (23). The installation pipe (28) is provided with a third solenoid valve (29) for controlling its on / off state.

5. The lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A spiral heating wire (33) for preheating the gas passing through is fixedly installed inside the dispersion tube (30).

6. The vacuum pulse drying device for lithium battery aluminum shells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying oven (3) is fixedly installed with a heat exchange mounting bracket (4) for placing the battery housing (10), and the heat exchange mounting bracket (4) is equipped with a plurality of heating rods (5) for heating the battery housing (10).

7. The lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying oven (3) is equipped with a pressure sensor (19) for detecting the internal air pressure, and a display screen (20) electrically connected to the pressure sensor (19) for displaying the air pressure value.

8. The lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying chamber (3) has an opening on one side, and a sealing plate (7) is installed at the opening. A bracket (8) for supporting the battery casing (10) is fixedly connected to the sealing plate (7). A slide rail (6) is provided inside the drying chamber (3), and a guide rail (9) that slides with the slide rail (6) is provided on the bracket (8).

9. The lithium battery aluminum shell vacuum pulse drying device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A rotating rod (11) is rotatably connected to the sealing plate (7). A locking plate (17) is fixedly sleeved on the rotating rod (11). A positioning rod (18) that can engage with the locking plate (17) is fixedly installed on the drying oven (3). A docking frame (12) is fixedly installed on the rotating rod (11). A pull rod (13) is slidably connected to the docking frame (12). A clamping plate (14) is fixedly installed at the bottom end of the pull rod (13). A compression spring (15) is provided at both ends and is fixedly connected to the docking frame (12) and the clamping plate (14) respectively. A docking plate (16) is fixedly installed on the sealing plate (7) and can be inserted into the docking frame (12) and clamped to the clamping plate (14). When the locking plate (17) is engaged with the positioning rod (18), the docking plate (16) is inserted into the docking frame (12) and clamped to the clamping plate (14) to lock the rotating rod (11).

10. A drying process, applied in a vacuum pulse drying apparatus for lithium battery aluminum casings as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Place the battery casing: Place the battery casing (10) on the bracket (8) at the bottom of one side of the sealing plate (7) and use the bracket (8) to support the battery casing (10); S2, Moving into the drying chamber: By moving the sealing plate (7), the battery casing (10) is moved into the drying chamber (3) through the sliding connection between the guide rail (9) and the slide rail (6); S3. Close the drying box: Push the sealing plate (7) into the drying box (3) to close the drying box (3), pull the lever (13) to move the clamping plate (14) and put the compression spring (15) under stress. Then rotate the docking frame (12) upward so that the docking plate (16) passes through the docking frame (12). When the docking frame (12) rotates, it drives the rotating rod (11) to rotate, thereby driving the two locking plates (17) to rotate until the locking plate (17) is locked with the corresponding positioning rod (18). Then release the lever (13). The compression spring (15) under stress drives the clamping plate (14) to move downward so that the clamping plate (14) is locked with the docking plate (16). Brake the rotating rod (11) so that the locking plate (17) and the positioning rod (18) are locked stably. S4. Vacuuming: Start the vacuum pump (27) to extract the gas in the gas delivery pipe (26), then open the second solenoid valve (25) to deliver the gas in the drying chamber (3) through multiple gas delivery components, two connecting pipes (23) and two fixed pipes (24) to the gas delivery pipe (26), and then it is discharged by the vacuum pump (27) until the drying chamber (3) is evacuated to a vacuum state. When evacuating, close the two third solenoid valves (29), and after evacuating to a vacuum, close the first solenoid valve (22) to prevent gas from entering the drying chamber (3). S5. Heating and drying: Power on multiple heating rods (5) in the heat exchange mounting frame (4) to heat and dry the battery casing (10) in the drying box (3); S6. Replenishing gas to restore air pressure: After maintaining a vacuum state in the drying chamber (3) for a period of time, close the second solenoid valve (25), open the first solenoid valve (22), start the air pump (32) to pump the external gas into the delivery pipe (31), and then disperse the gas through the dispersion pipe (30) and two third solenoid valves (29) to the two connecting pipes (23), and then through multiple ventilation pipes (21) to the drying chamber (3) to restore the air pressure in the drying chamber (3). The spiral heating wire (33) in the dispersion pipe (30) preheats the gas introduced to avoid lowering the temperature of the drying chamber (3). S7. Monitoring air pressure: The pressure sensor (19) on the inner wall of the drying chamber (3) is used to detect the air pressure inside the drying chamber (3) and transmit the detected pressure value to the display screen (20). The display screen (20) displays the air pressure value so as to control the air pressure inside the drying chamber (3).

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