Refrigerant supply device

Abstract

A refrigerant supply device includes: a refrigerant reservoir configured to supply refrigerant to a slurry mixer via a supply line; and a recovery tank configured to recover the refrigerant from the slurry mixer via a recovery line, and to return the refrigerant stored therein to the refrigerant reservoir via a return line.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0188797, filed on December 17, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a refrigerant supply device. Background Technology

[0004] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged, and the demand for batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing with the advancement of mobile device technology and the growing needs of mobile devices.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related technology known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various embodiments include a refrigerant supply device comprising: a refrigerant reservoir configured to supply refrigerant to a slurry mixer via a supply line; and a recovery tank configured to recover the refrigerant from the slurry mixer via a recovery line, and to return the refrigerant stored therein to the refrigerant reservoir via a return line.

[0007] The recycling tank may have an opening through which the internal and external spaces of the recycling tank are in fluid communication with each other.

[0008] The opening may be closer to the upper surface of the recycling tank than to the lower surface of the recycling tank.

[0009] The recovery height at the location where the recovery pipeline connects to the recovery tank can be greater than the return height at the location where the return pipeline connects to the recovery tank.

[0010] The location where the recycling pipeline connects to the recycling tank can be closer to the upper surface of the recycling tank than to the lower surface of the recycling tank.

[0011] The refrigerant supply device may further include a reflux pump on the reflux line, the reflux pump being configured to return the recovered refrigerant stored in the recovery tank to the refrigerant storage tank.

[0012] The refrigerant supply device may further include a controller electrically connected to the return pump, the controller being configured to control the drive of the return pump based on the level of the recovered refrigerant.

[0013] The refrigerant supply device may further include a supply tank on the supply line, the supply tank being configured to store the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant reservoir.

[0014] The refrigerant supply device may further include a supply pump between the slurry mixer and the supply tank, the supply pump being configured to supply the refrigerant stored in the supply tank to the slurry mixer.

[0015] The refrigerant supply device may further include a valve portion between the refrigerant reservoir and the supply tank, the valve portion being configured to regulate the flow of the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant reservoir to the supply tank.

[0016] The refrigerant supply device may further include a controller electrically connected to the valve section, the controller being configured to control the actuation of the valve section based on the level of the refrigerant stored in the supply tank.

[0017] Various embodiments include a refrigerant supply device comprising: a refrigerant reservoir configured to supply refrigerant to a slurry mixer via a supply line and a bypass line; a supply tank on the supply line, the supply tank being configured to store the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant reservoir; a valve portion configured to regulate the flow of the refrigerant to the supply line and the bypass line; and a recovery tank configured to return the refrigerant from the slurry mixer via a recovery line and to return the refrigerant stored therein to the refrigerant reservoir via a return line.

[0018] The refrigerant supply device may further include a controller electrically connected to the valve section, the controller being configured to control the actuation of the valve section based on the level of the supplied refrigerant stored in the supply tank.

[0019] The recycling tank may have an opening through which the internal and external spaces of the recycling tank are in fluid communication with each other.

[0020] The opening may be closer to the upper surface of the recycling tank than to the lower surface of the recycling tank.

[0021] The location where the recycling pipeline connects to the recycling tank can be closer to the upper surface of the recycling tank than to the lower surface of the recycling tank.

[0022] The reflux line can be connected to the recycling tank at a location closer to the lower surface of the recycling tank than to the upper surface.

[0023] The refrigerant supply device may further include a reflux pump on the reflux line, the reflux pump being configured to return the refrigerant stored in the recovery tank to the refrigerant storage tank.

[0024] The reflux pump can be configured to operate according to the level of the refrigerant in the recovery tank.

[0025] The refrigerant supply device may further include a controller electrically connected to the reflux pump, the controller being configured to control the drive of the reflux pump based on the level of the refrigerant in the recovery tank. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram of a refrigerant supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram of a refrigerant supply apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram of a refrigerant supply apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a refrigerant supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 It is shown in detail Figure 1 A diagram of the recycling tank;

[0032] Figure 6 Therefore, it is shown in detail from another perspective. Figure 5 A diagram of the recycling bins; and

[0033] Figure 7 It is shown in detail Figure 3 A diagram of the supply tank. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey exemplary implementation methods to those skilled in the art.

[0035] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be enlarged for clarity of illustration. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on that layer or substrate, or intermediate layers may also be present. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "below" another layer, it may be directly below, and one or more intermediate layers may also be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it may be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intermediate layers may also be present. The same reference numerals always indicate the same elements.

[0036] Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in this specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to its conventional and dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, based on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terms for best interpretation. Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure; thus, it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0037] Furthermore, it will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the said features, quantities, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0038] The term "equal" means "substantially equal." Therefore, substantially equal can include deviations considered low in the relevant technical field, such as 5% or less. Furthermore, a uniform parameter within a predetermined region can refer to uniformity from an average perspective.

[0039] Ordinal expressions such as “first” and “second” indicate various elements, but the above expressions do not limit these elements. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a first element may be a second element.

[0040] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well.

[0041] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "above (or below)" or "over (or under)" another element, it can be positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the other element, but the other element can be located between the element and another element above (or below) the element.

[0042] It will be further understood that when a component is referred to as "connected," "joined," or "joined" to another component, these components can be directly connected or joined to each other, but there may be intermediate components between them, or each component can be "connected," "joined," or "joined" to each other through another component. It will be understood that when a component is referred to as "electrically connected" to another component, the component can be directly electrically connected to the other component, or there may be intermediate components.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, throughout this specification, the term "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. That is, the term "and / or" includes all or various combinations of multiple items in a related arrangement. Unless otherwise described, the term "C~D" means C or more and D or fewer.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a diagram of a refrigerant supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram of a refrigerant supply device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a diagram of a refrigerant supply device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a refrigerant supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It is shown in detail Figure 1 A diagram of the recycling tank. Figure 6 Therefore, it is shown in detail from another perspective. Figure 5 A diagram of the recycling tank. Figure 7 It is shown in detail Figure 3 A diagram of the supply tank.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant supply device 10 is used to supply refrigerant to a slurry mixer SM, and may include a refrigerant storage tank 100, a recovery tank 200, and a reflux pump 300.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 The slurry mixer SM can agitate slurry. The slurry mixer SM can mix the various materials included in the slurry by agitating it. The slurry mixer SM can also agitate the slurry to ensure uniform particle distribution and adjust viscosity.

[0048] For example, a slurry mixer SM can produce active materials that are coated onto electrodes. That is, the slurry mixer SM can produce active materials by mixing binders, conductive materials, solvents, etc. Although the purpose of the slurry mixer SM may differ from the examples above, for ease of description, the following describes an example of a slurry mixer SM producing active materials that are coated onto the electrodes of a battery.

[0049] The slurry mixer SM can receive a supply of refrigerant R and supply the heat generated during slurry mixing to the refrigerant R. The slurry mixer SM can have a space for heat exchange between the slurry and the refrigerant R, so that heat exchange can occur between the stirred slurry and the refrigerant R.

[0050] The slurry mixer SM can cool the slurry by generating heat exchange between the refrigerant R and the slurry. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant R discharged from the slurry mixer SM can be higher than the temperature of the refrigerant R entering the slurry mixer SM.

[0051] In the following text, “recovered refrigerant” can be defined as the refrigerant stored in the recovery tank 200 and flowing through the return line.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 The refrigerant storage tank 100 can store refrigerant R to be supplied to the slurry mixer SM. The refrigerant storage tank 100 can have space for storing refrigerant R, and thus can store refrigerant R to be supplied to the slurry mixer SM.

[0053] The refrigerant storage tank 100 can be a tank capable of storing refrigerant R, and can be a facility that includes a refrigerant storage tank. The refrigerant storage tank 100 can be an infrastructure capable of supplying refrigerant R stored in a supply line SL to various devices. For example, the refrigerant storage tank 100 can be a water supply facility capable of supplying refrigerant R to a slurry mixer SM.

[0054] The refrigerant reservoir 100 can supply refrigerant R to the slurry mixer SM. The refrigerant reservoir 100 is fluidly connected to the slurry mixer SM via a supply line SL and can deliver the refrigerant R stored therein to the slurry mixer SM.

[0055] The refrigerant reservoir 100 includes a pump and can supply refrigerant R to the slurry mixer SM. The refrigerant reservoir 100 can deliver fluid energy to the refrigerant R by using the pump provided therein, thereby delivering the refrigerant R to the slurry mixer SM.

[0056] The refrigerant storage tank 100 can receive recycled refrigerant SR supplied from the recovery tank 200. The refrigerant storage tank 100 can also receive recycled refrigerant SR stored in the recovery tank 200. The refrigerant storage tank 100 can receive recycled refrigerant SR supplied from the recovery tank 200 via the return line RTL.

[0057] The refrigerant reservoir 100 can store the recovered refrigerant SR supplied from the recovery tank 200 and supply the recovered refrigerant SR to another component. In other embodiments, the refrigerant reservoir 100 can cool the recovered refrigerant SR and then supply the recovered refrigerant SR back to the slurry mixer SM.

[0058] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The recovery tank 200 can recover refrigerant R discharged from the slurry mixer SM. The recovery tank 200 can be fluidly connected to the slurry mixer SM via a recovery line RCL and can receive refrigerant R discharged from the slurry mixer SM.

[0059] Recovery tank 200 can store recovered refrigerant R. Recovery tank 200 can have an internal space for storing refrigerant R. Recovery tank 200 has a hollow cavity and can provide a passage through which refrigerant R delivered from slurry mixer SM can enter recovery tank 200 without interference from other components or back pressure.

[0060] In other words, the recovery tank 200 can ensure the pressure difference between the end of the recovery line RCL connected to the slurry mixer SM and the other end of the recovery line RCL connected to the recovery tank 200. Therefore, the flow rate of refrigerant R delivered from the slurry mixer SM to the recovery tank 200 can be increased.

[0061] When the flow rate of refrigerant R from the slurry mixer SM to the recovery tank 200 increases, the flow rate of refrigerant R entering the slurry mixer SM from the refrigerant storage tank 100 can also increase. That is, the amount of refrigerant R entering the slurry mixer SM and exchanging heat with the slurry can increase. Therefore, the slurry cooling efficiency of the slurry mixer SM can be improved.

[0062] Recovery tank 200 can transport the recovered refrigerant SR stored therein to refrigerant storage tank 100. Recovery tank 200 can be fluidly connected to refrigerant storage tank 100 via return line RTL, and can allow the recovered refrigerant SR to flow back to refrigerant storage tank 100. When recovery tank 200 transports recovered refrigerant SR to refrigerant storage tank 100, the amount of recovered refrigerant SR stored in recovery tank 200 can be maintained at a certain level or less. Therefore, the structural stability of recovery tank 200 can be improved, and refrigerant R can be fully recovered from slurry mixer SM.

[0063] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The recovery tank 200 may have an opening OS through which the internal and external spaces of the recovery tank 200 are in fluid communication. The opening OS is formed on one side of the recovery tank 200, thus creating a channel through which air can flow between the inside and outside of the recovery tank 200. Therefore, the internal pressure of the recovery tank 200 may be substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure outside the recovery tank 200.

[0064] In other words, the open OS can bring the internal pressure of the recovery tank 200 to approximately equal atmospheric pressure. When the internal pressure of the recovery tank 200 is maintained at atmospheric pressure, the pressure difference between the end of the recovery line RCL connected to the slurry mixer SM and the other end of the recovery line RCL connected to the recovery tank 200 can be increased. Therefore, the flow rate of refrigerant R delivered from the slurry mixer SM to the recovery tank 200 can be further increased.

[0065] In the following text, being adjacent to an object is defined as being located in a way that includes both the space occupied by the object and the space adjacent to the object.

[0066] In the following text, "lower surface" is defined as one of the multiple surfaces forming an element that is arranged in the direction of natural refrigerant flow, and "upper surface" is defined as the opposite surface that is arranged in the opposite direction to the lower surface.

[0067] In the following text, "upper part" is defined as the space in an element that is relatively closer to the upper surface than to the lower surface, and "lower part" is defined as the space in an element that is relatively closer to the lower surface than to the upper surface.

[0068] The opening OS can be arranged adjacent to the upper surface of the recovery tank 200. For example, the opening OS can be arranged closer to the upper surface of the recovery tank 200 than to the lower surface. Arranging the opening OS adjacent to the upper surface of the recovery tank 200 can increase the capacity of the recovery tank 200 for containing the recovered refrigerant SR. That is, the amount of recovered refrigerant SR that can be stored in the recovery tank 200 can be increased.

[0069] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The opening OS is shown to be formed in the side surface of the recycling tank 200, but the opening OS in the upper surface of the recycling tank 200 can also be formed in the entire upper surface and side surface.

[0070] In one embodiment, the opening OS can be located above the recovery limit SUL, which is a standard for operating the reflux pump 300 described later. That is, the opening height D at the location forming the opening OS can be greater than the height L2 of the recovery limit SUL.

[0071] In other words, the opening OS can be formed at a position higher than the level of the recovered refrigerant SR, where the reflux pump 300 begins operation. The reflux pump 300 operates before the recovered refrigerant SR reaches the opening OS and can deliver the recovered refrigerant SR from the recovery tank 200 to the refrigerant storage tank 100. Therefore, the recovered refrigerant SR can be stably contained in the recovery tank 200.

[0072] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The recovery tank 200 can receive refrigerant R from the recovery line RCL and store the refrigerant R as recovered refrigerant SR. Furthermore, the recovery tank 200 can discharge the stored recovered refrigerant SR through the return line RTL.

[0073] The recovery line RCL can be connected to the recovery tank 200 at a position adjacent to the upper surface of the recovery tank 200. The recovery line RCL can also be connected to the recovery tank 200 closer to the upper surface than to the lower surface. That is, the recovery line RCL can be arranged to be spaced apart from the lower surface where the recovered refrigerant SR begins to fill. Therefore, the recovery line RCL will not come into contact with the recovered refrigerant SR in the recovery tank 200.

[0074] In one embodiment, the recovery height H2 at the location where the recovery line RCL connects to the recovery tank 200 can be greater than the recovery upper limit SUL height L2. That is, the recovery line RCL can be located above the recovery upper limit SUL, which serves as the standard for operating the reflux pump 300. The reflux pump 300 can operate before the recovered refrigerant SR reaches the recovery line RCL, and then deliver the recovered refrigerant SR from the recovery tank 200 to the refrigerant storage tank 100. Therefore, the refrigerant R discharged from the slurry mixer SM can be adequately delivered to the recovery tank 200 via the recovery line RCL.

[0075] The return line RTL can be connected to the recovery tank 200 at a location adjacent to the lower surface of the recovery tank 200. The return line RTL can also be connected to the recovery tank 200 at a location closer to the lower surface than to the upper surface.

[0076] The return line RTL can be arranged adjacent to and in contact with the lower surface where the refrigerant SR begins to fill. Then, when the refrigerant R is injected into the recovery tank 200, the return line RTL contacts the refrigerant SR, and the refrigerant SR can enter the interior of the return line RTL.

[0077] When refrigerant R is injected into the recovery tank 200, the return line RTL can be connected to the recovery tank 200 at a position lower than the level of the recovered refrigerant SR. That is, the recovered refrigerant SR in the return line RTL can receive pressure from the recovered refrigerant SR stored in the recovery tank 200. Therefore, the flow energy of the recovered refrigerant SR transported from the recovery tank 200 to the refrigerant reservoir 100 via the return line RTL can be increased.

[0078] In one embodiment, the reflux height H1 at the location where the reflux line RTL connects to the recovery tank 200 can be less than the height L1 of the recovery lower limit SLL. That is, the reflux line RTL can be located below the recovery lower limit SLL, which serves as the standard for operating the reflux pump 300.

[0079] In other words, the reflux pump 300 can stop operating and stop discharging the recovered refrigerant SR before it reaches the reflux line RTL. In other words, the reflux line RTL can be connected to the recovery tank 200 at a level lower than the recovered refrigerant SR level. Because the recovered refrigerant SR fills the reflux line RTL, dry running of the reflux pump 300 installed on the reflux line RTL is prevented.

[0080] In one embodiment, the recovery line RCL can be connected to the recovery tank 200 at a location higher than the return line RTL. The recovery height H2 at the location where the recovery line RCL is connected to the recovery tank 200 can be greater than the return height H1 at the location where the return line RTL is connected to the recovery tank 200.

[0081] Since the recovery height value H2 is greater than the return height value H1, the pressure of refrigerant R applied from inside the recovery tank 200 to the recovery line RCL can be less than the pressure of the recovered refrigerant SR applied from inside the recovery tank 200 to the return line RTL.

[0082] In other words, the pressure applied from inside the recovery tank 200 to the refrigerant R entering the recovery tank 200 can be less than the pressure applied to the recovered refrigerant SR discharged from the recovery tank 200. Therefore, the refrigerant R can fully enter the recovery tank 200, and the recovered refrigerant SR can be fully delivered to the refrigerant storage tank 100.

[0083] refer to Figure 1 A return pump 300 may be arranged on the return line RTL. The return pump 300 is arranged on the return line RTL to deliver kinetic energy to the recovered refrigerant SR in the return line RTL. The return pump 300 can form (e.g., enable) the flow of the recovered refrigerant SR in the return line RTL.

[0084] refer to Figure 1 The reflux pump 300 can reflux the recovered refrigerant SR stored in the recovery tank 200 back to the refrigerant storage tank 100. The reflux pump 300 can create a flow so that the recovered refrigerant SR in the reflux line RTL can be delivered from the recovery tank 200 to the refrigerant storage tank 100.

[0085] The reflux pump 300 can operate according to the level of the recovered refrigerant SR. The reflux pump 300 can start operating when the level of the recovered refrigerant SR in the recovery tank 200 is high, and can stop operating when the level of the recovered refrigerant SR is low.

[0086] In one embodiment, the reflux pump 300 can start operating when the level of the recovered refrigerant SR is greater than or equal to the recovery limit SUL. The reflux pump 300 can reduce the amount of recovered refrigerant SR stored in the recovery tank 200 by delivering the recovered refrigerant SR stored in the recovery tank 200 to the refrigerant storage tank 100.

[0087] In another embodiment, the reflux pump 300 may stop operating when the level of the recovered refrigerant SR is less than or equal to the recovery lower limit SLL. The reflux pump 300 can increase the amount of recovered refrigerant SR contained in the recovery tank 200 by allowing the recovered refrigerant SR stored in the recovery tank 200 to remain contained in the recovery tank 200.

[0088] Therefore, the reflux pump 300 can maintain the amount of recovered refrigerant SR stored in the recovery tank 200 within a certain range.

[0089] refer to Figure 1 Valve section V may be arranged between the refrigerant reservoir 100 and the slurry mixer SM. Valve section V may be arranged on the supply line SL that connects the refrigerant reservoir 100 to the slurry mixer SM. Valve section V may be arranged on the supply line SL to open and close the supply line SL.

[0090] Valve section V can regulate the flow of refrigerant R from refrigerant reservoir 100 to slurry mixer SM. For example, valve section V can regulate the flow of refrigerant R in supply line SL according to the operation of slurry mixer SM.

[0091] When the slurry mixer SM is operating, valve section V opens the supply line SL, allowing refrigerant R to be delivered to the slurry mixer SM. When the slurry mixer SM is not operating, valve section V can close the supply line SL to stop the supply of refrigerant R to the slurry mixer SM. Therefore, the efficiency of supplying refrigerant R can be improved.

[0092] refer to Figure 1 The recovery water level sensor S1 measures the level of the recovered refrigerant SR stored in the recovery tank 200. The recovery water level sensor S1 measures the level of the recovered refrigerant SR and transmits the measured value to the controller 600. Therefore, the recovery water level sensor S1 can transmit information to the controller 600, which becomes the determining criterion for controlling the drive of the return pump 300.

[0093] Refrigerant supply device 10' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (see...) Figure 2 The difference between this device and the refrigerant supply device 10 according to the above embodiment is that it further includes some components, and therefore, the differences will be described below.

[0094] In the following text, “supply refrigerant” is defined as the refrigerant stored in the supply tank (i.e., supply tank 400') and flowing through the second supply line.

[0095] refer to Figure 2 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerant supply device 10' may further include a supply tank 400' and a supply pump 500'. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure of the supplied refrigerant RR' delivered to the slurry mixer SM' can be effectively regulated.

[0096] refer to Figure 2 The supply tank 400' can be arranged on the supply line SL'. The supply tank 400' can be arranged between the refrigerant storage tank 100' and the slurry mixer SM'. The supply tank 400' provides space for storing the refrigerant R' supplied from the refrigerant storage tank 100'. That is, the supply tank 400' can store the refrigerant R' supplied from the refrigerant storage tank 100' and can transport the stored refrigerant R' to the slurry mixer SM'.

[0097] The supply tank 400' ensures the flow rate of refrigerant R' delivered to the slurry mixer SM'. The supply tank 400' can store refrigerant R' delivered from the refrigerant storage tank 100' to ensure the flow rate of refrigerant R' that can be delivered to the slurry mixer SM'.

[0098] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 7 The supply tank 400' can store refrigerant R' supplied from the refrigerant storage tank 100'. The supply tank 400' receives refrigerant R' from the refrigerant storage tank 100' via the first supply line SL1' and can supply refrigerant R' to the slurry mixer SM' via the second supply line SL2'.

[0099] The first supply line SL1' can be connected to the supply tank 400' at a location adjacent to the upper surface of the supply tank 400'. The first supply line SL1' can be connected to the supply tank 400' at a location adjacent to the upper surface of the supply tank 400', but not the lower surface. That is, the first supply line SL1' can be spaced apart from the lower surface where the supply refrigerant RR' begins to fill. Therefore, the supply line SL1' will not come into contact with the supply refrigerant RR' in the supply tank 400'.

[0100] In one embodiment, the first supply height value H4 at the location where the first supply line SL1' connects to the supply tank 400' can be greater than the height L4 of the supply upper limit RUL. That is, the first supply line SL1' can be located above the supply upper limit RUL, which serves as the standard for operating the supply pump 500'. The supply pump 500' can operate before the supply refrigerant RR' reaches the first supply line SL1' and delivers the supply refrigerant RR' from the supply tank 400' to the slurry mixer SM'. Therefore, the level of the supply refrigerant RR' can be maintained within a constant range.

[0101] The second supply line SL2' can be connected to the supply tank 400' at a position adjacent to the lower surface of the supply tank 400'. The second supply line SL2' can be connected to the supply tank 400' at a position adjacent to the lower surface of the supply tank 400' but not the upper surface.

[0102] The second supply line SL2' can be arranged adjacent to the lower surface where the refrigerant RR' begins to be filled, and can be in contact with the refrigerant RR'. Again, when the refrigerant R' is injected into the supply tank 400', the second supply line SL2' can be in contact with the refrigerant RR', so that the refrigerant RR' can enter the second supply line SL2'.

[0103] When refrigerant R' is injected into supply tank 400', the second supply line SL2' can be connected to supply tank 400' at a position lower than the water level of supply refrigerant RR'. That is, the supply refrigerant RR' in the second supply line SL2' can receive pressure from the supply refrigerant RR' stored in supply tank 400'. Therefore, the flow energy of the supply refrigerant RR' transported from supply tank 400' to slurry mixer SM' through the second supply line SL2' can be increased.

[0104] In one embodiment, the second supply height value H3 at the location where the second supply line SL2' connects to the supply tank 400' can have a value smaller than the height value L3 of the lower supply limit RLL. That is, the second supply line SL2' can be located below the lower supply limit RLL, which serves as the standard for operating the supply pump 500'.

[0105] In other words, the supply pump 500' can stop discharging the supplied refrigerant RR' by stopping its operation before the supplied refrigerant RR' reaches the second supply line SL2'. In other words, the second supply line SL2' can be connected to the supply tank 400' at a level lower than that of the supplied refrigerant RR'. Because the supplied refrigerant RR' is filled in the second supply line SL2', dry running of the supply pump 500' installed on the second supply line SL2' can be prevented.

[0106] In one embodiment, the first supply line SL1' may be connected to the supply tank 400' at a higher position than the second supply line SL2'. The first supply height value H4 at the position where the first supply line SL1' is connected to the supply tank 400' may be greater than the second supply height value H3 at the position where the second supply line SL2' is connected to the supply tank 400'.

[0107] Since the first supply height value H4 is greater than the second supply height value H3, the pressure of refrigerant R' applied from the inside of supply tank 400' to the first supply line SL1' can be less than the pressure of refrigerant RR' applied from the inside of supply tank 400' to the second supply line SL2'.

[0108] In other words, the pressure applied from inside the supply tank 400' to the refrigerant R' entering the supply tank 400' can be less than the pressure applied to the supply refrigerant RR' discharged from the supply tank 400'. Therefore, the refrigerant R' can fully enter the supply tank 400', and the supply refrigerant RR' can be fully delivered to the slurry mixer SM'.

[0109] refer to Figure 2The supply pump 500' can be arranged on the second supply line SL2'. The supply pump 500' is arranged on the second supply line SL2' and can deliver flow energy to the supply refrigerant RR' in the second supply line SL2'. The supply pump 500' can form the flow of the supply refrigerant RR' in the second supply line SL2'.

[0110] refer to Figure 2 The supply pump 500' can return the supply refrigerant RR' stored in the supply tank 400' to the slurry mixer SM'. The supply pump 500' can create a flow such that the supply refrigerant RR' in the second supply line SL2' can be delivered from the supply tank 400' to the slurry mixer SM'.

[0111] The supply pump 500' can create hydraulic pressure to supply the refrigerant RR' to the slurry mixer SM'. The supply pump 500' can increase the flow rate of the refrigerant RR' supplied to the slurry mixer SM' by creating a high hydraulic pressure. Therefore, the efficiency of cooling the slurry can be improved during mixing.

[0112] The supply pump 500' can operate according to the level of the supply refrigerant RR'. The supply pump 500' can start operating when the level of the supply refrigerant RR' stored in the supply tank 400' is high, and can stop operating when the level of the supply refrigerant RR' is low (e.g., small relative to high).

[0113] In one embodiment, the supply pump 500' can start operating when the level of the supply refrigerant RR' is greater than or equal to the supply upper limit RUL. The supply pump 500' can reduce the amount of supply refrigerant RR' stored in the supply tank 400' by delivering the supply refrigerant RR' stored in the supply tank 400' to the slurry mixer SM'.

[0114] In another embodiment, supply pump 500' may stop operating when the level of supplied refrigerant RR' is less than or equal to the lower supply limit RLL. Supply pump 500' may increase the amount of supplied refrigerant RR' contained in supply tank 400' by allowing the supplied refrigerant RR' stored in supply tank 400' to remain contained in supply tank 400'.

[0115] Therefore, the supply pump 500' can maintain the amount of supply refrigerant RR' stored in the supply tank 400' within a certain range.

[0116] refer to Figure 2A valve section V' may be arranged between the refrigerant reservoir 100' and the supply tank 400'. The valve section V' may be arranged on the first supply line SL1' that fluidly connects the refrigerant reservoir 100' to the supply tank 400'. The valve section V' may be arranged on the first supply line SL1' to open / close the first supply line SL1'.

[0117] Valve section V' can regulate the flow of refrigerant R' from refrigerant reservoir 100' to supply tank 400'. For example, valve section V' can regulate the flow of refrigerant R' flowing in the first supply line SL1' according to the operation of slurry mixer SM'.

[0118] When the slurry mixer SM' is operating, valve section V' opens the first supply line SL1', allowing refrigerant R' to be delivered to the slurry mixer SM'. When the slurry mixer SM' is not operating, valve section V' can close the first supply line SL1' to stop the supply of refrigerant R' to the supply tank 400'. Therefore, the efficiency of supplying refrigerant R' can be improved.

[0119] Valve section V' can be actuated based on the level value (e.g., refrigerant level) in supply tank 400'. For example, valve section V' can close the first supply line SL1' when the water level of the supplied refrigerant RR' exceeds the upper supply limit RUL. Alternatively, valve section V' can open the first supply line SL1' when the water level of the supplied refrigerant RR' is less than the lower supply limit RLL. Therefore, valve section V' can be actuated to maintain the level value of the supplied refrigerant RR' within a certain range.

[0120] refer to Figure 2 The supply water level sensor S2' measures the level of the supply refrigerant RR' stored in the supply tank 400'. The supply water level sensor S2' measures the level of the supply refrigerant RR' and transmits this value to the controller 600. Therefore, the supply water level sensor S2' can transmit information to the controller 600 that serves as a determining criterion for controlling the drive of the return pump 300'.

[0121] The refrigerant supply device 10'' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the refrigerant supply device 10' according to the above embodiment in that it further includes some components, and therefore, the differences will be described below.

[0122] refer to Figure 3 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the slurry mixer SM'' in the refrigerant supply device 10'' can receive the supply of refrigerant R'' through the supply line SL'' and the bypass line BPL''.

[0123] The bypass line BPL'' can branch off from the first supply line SL1''. One end of the bypass line BPL'' is connected to the first supply line SL1'' (e.g., via valve section V''), and the other end of the bypass line BPL'' is connected to the slurry mixer SM'', thus the bypass line BPL'' can fluidly connect the first supply line SL'' to the slurry mixer SM''.

[0124] The bypass line BPL'' provides a channel through which the slurry mixer SM'' can directly supply refrigerant R'' from the refrigerant reservoir 100''. The bypass line BPL'' also provides a channel through which the slurry mixer SM'' can supply refrigerant R'' from the refrigerant reservoir 100'' without the refrigerant R'' flowing through the supply tank 400''. Therefore, the slurry mixer SM'' can directly receive refrigerant R'' through the bypass line BPL'' when the amount of refrigerant R'' stored in the supply tank 400'' is insufficient. When refrigerant R'' is delivered to the slurry mixer SM'' through the bypass line BPL'', noise generation is reduced, and operator safety is ensured.

[0125] Valve section V'' controls the flow of refrigerant R'' to supply line SL'' and bypass line BPL''. Valve section V'' can be arranged on supply line SL'' and bypass line BPL'', and can open / close supply line SL'' and bypass line BPL''. Valve section V'' can regulate the flow rate of refrigerant R'' delivered to the respective lines by fully or partially opening / closing supply line SL'' and bypass line BPL''.

[0126] The valve section V'' may be a control valve disposed between the first supply line SL1'' and the bypass line BPL'', or a flow rate control valve installed on each of the first supply line SL1'' and the bypass line BPL''. However, those skilled in the art may typically select the valve section V'' to regulate the flow rate of fluid delivered to the respective branch lines, which is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0127] Valve section V'' can be actuated according to the operation of slurry mixer SM''. For example, valve section V'' can open the first supply line SL1'' or the bypass line BPL'' when slurry mixer SM'' is operating. In other embodiments, valve section V'' can close the first supply line SL1'' and the bypass line BPL'' when slurry mixer SM'' is not operating. Therefore, the efficiency of supplying refrigerant R'' can be improved.

[0128] The valve section V'' can be actuated based on the level value in the supply tank 400''.

[0129] Valve section V'' can close the first supply line SL1'' when the water level of the supplied refrigerant RR'' exceeds the upper supply limit RUL. Optionally, valve section V'' can open the first supply line SL1'' when the water level of the supplied refrigerant RR'' is less than the lower supply limit RLL. Therefore, valve section V'' can be actuated to maintain the level of the supplied refrigerant RR'' within a certain range.

[0130] Valve section V'' can open the bypass line BPL'' when the water level of the supplied refrigerant RR'' is lower than the supply lower limit RLL. When the supplied refrigerant RR'' in the supply tank 400'' is insufficient, valve section V'' can deliver refrigerant R'' from the refrigerant storage tank 100'' to the slurry mixer SM'' without using the supplied refrigerant RR'' in the supply tank 400''. Therefore, the stability of the supply tank 400'' and the supply pump 500'' can be improved, while the efficiency of the slurry mixing operation can be increased.

[0131] refer to Figure 4 The refrigerant supply device 10 may further include a controller 600.

[0132] The controller 600 can control the drive of the slurry mixer SM, or can receive information about the drive of the slurry mixer SM. The controller 600 can be electrically connected to the slurry mixer SM. The controller 600 can operate the slurry mixer SM by receiving signals from an operator. In other embodiments, the controller 600 can receive information about the temperature of the slurry in the slurry mixer SM.

[0133] The controller 600 can receive information about the level of the recovered refrigerant SR from the recovery water level sensor S1. The controller 600 can be electrically connected to the recovery water level sensor S1. The controller 600 can receive information about the level of the recovered refrigerant SR measured by the recovery water level sensor S1, and can use this information to control the drive of the return pump 300 after receiving it.

[0134] The controller 600 can receive the supply refrigerant RR level information from the supply water level sensor S2'. The controller 600 can be electrically connected to the supply water level sensor S2'. The controller 600 can receive the supply refrigerant RR level information measured by the supply water level sensor S2' and can use this information to control the drive of the return pump 300.

[0135] The controller 600 can be electrically connected to valve section V and control the actuation of valve section V. The controller 600 can control the actuation of valve section V based on the operating information of the slurry mixer SM or the level information of the supplied refrigerant RR'.

[0136] The controller 600 can control the actuation of valve section V using operating information from the slurry mixer SM. For example, the controller 600 can control the actuation of valve section V to open the first supply line SL1'' and the bypass line BPL'' when the slurry mixer SM is operating. In other embodiments, the controller 600 can control the actuation of valve section V to close the first supply line SL1'' and the bypass line BPL'' when the slurry mixer SM is not operating.

[0137] The controller 600 can control the actuation of valve section V by using the level information of the supplied refrigerant RR''. For example, when the level of the supplied refrigerant RR'' exceeds the upper supply limit RUL, the controller 600 can control the actuation of valve section V to close the first supply line SL1'' and open the bypass line BPL''. In other embodiments, when the level of the supplied refrigerant RR'' is less than the lower supply limit RLL, the controller 600 can control the actuation of valve section V to open the first supply line SL1''.

[0138] The controller 600 can be electrically connected to the return pump 300 to control the drive of the return pump 300. For example, the controller 600 can control the drive of the return pump 300 based on information about the level of the recovered refrigerant SR.

[0139] The controller 600 can operate the reflux pump 300 when the level of the recovered refrigerant SR exceeds the upper recovery limit SUL. In other embodiments, the controller 600 can stop operating the reflux pump 300 when the level of the recovered refrigerant SR is below the lower recovery limit SLL. Therefore, the controller 600 can maintain the level of the recovered refrigerant SR stored in the recovery tank 200 within a certain range.

[0140] The controller 600 can be electrically connected to the supply pump 500' to control the drive of the supply pump 500'. For example, the controller 600 can control the drive of the supply pump 500' based on the operating information of the slurry mixer SM or the level information of the supplied refrigerant RR.

[0141] The controller 600 can control the drive of the supply pump 500' based on the operating information of the slurry mixer SM. For example, the controller 600 can control the drive of the supply pump 500' based on the temperature value of the slurry in the slurry mixer SM. When the temperature value of the slurry in the slurry mixer SM is greater than or equal to a preset value, the controller 600 can increase the cooling rate of the slurry by increasing the output of the supply pump 500'. Therefore, the controller 600 can improve the efficiency of slurry mixing.

[0142] For example, when the water level of the supplied refrigerant RR' exceeds the upper supply limit RUL, the controller 600 can operate the supply pump 500'. Alternatively, when the water level of the supplied refrigerant RR' is lower than the lower supply limit RLL, the controller 600 can stop operating the supply pump 500'. Therefore, the controller 600 can maintain the level of the supplied refrigerant RR' stored in the supply tank 400' within a certain range.

[0143] The methods, processes, and / or operations relating to controllers described herein may be performed by code or instructions executable by a computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device. The computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device may be those described herein, or may be any other element besides those described herein. Algorithms, code, or instructions for implementing the operations of the method embodiments herein may convert a computer, processor, controller, or other signal processing device into a dedicated processor for performing the methods herein.

[0144] Alternatively, another embodiment may include a computer-readable medium for storing the code or instructions described above, such as a non-transient computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may be volatile or non-volatile memory or other storage devices that may be removably or permanently coupled to a computer, processor, or controller executing the code or instructions for performing embodiments of the methods described herein.

[0145] Electrode slurry coated onto the electrodes of a secondary battery can include various components such as active materials, binders, conductive agents, and solvents. Since the uniformity of the slurry is directly related to the battery's efficiency, quality management during the slurry mixing process is crucial.

[0146] The refrigerant supply device according to embodiments of the present disclosure increases the amount of slurry supplied to the slurry mixer, thereby improving the efficiency of cooling the slurry while it is being stirred.

[0147] The refrigerant supply apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure can increase the amount of refrigerant supplied to the slurry mixer by increasing the pressure difference between the refrigerant entering the slurry mixer and the slurry discharged from the slurry mixer.

[0148] Furthermore, the refrigerant supply device according to embodiments of this disclosure can improve the structural stability of the refrigerant supply device by maintaining the amount of refrigerant stored in the recovery tank and the supply tank within a certain range.

[0149] The effects achievable with this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Other unmentioned effects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0150] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are given by way of illustration only while indicating preferred embodiments of this disclosure, because various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art through this detailed description.

[0151] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein. While specific terminology has been used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. In some instances, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art at the time of filing this application, unless otherwise specifically stated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope set forth in the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerant supply device, comprising: A refrigerant storage tank is configured to supply refrigerant to a slurry mixer via a supply line; as well as A recovery tank is configured to recover the refrigerant from the slurry mixer via a recovery line, and to return the refrigerant stored therein to the refrigerant storage tank via a return line.

2. The refrigerant supply device according to claim 1, wherein the recovery tank has an opening, and the internal space and the external space of the recovery tank are in fluid communication with each other through the opening.

3. The refrigerant supply device according to claim 2, wherein the opening is closer to the upper surface of the recovery tank than to the lower surface of the recovery tank.

4. The refrigerant supply device according to claim 1, wherein the recovery height value at the location where the recovery pipeline is connected to the recovery tank is greater than the return height value at the location where the return pipeline is connected to the recovery tank.

5. The refrigerant supply device according to claim 1, wherein the location where the recovery pipeline is connected to the recovery tank is closer to the upper surface of the recovery tank than to the lower surface of the recovery tank.

6. The refrigerant supply apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a reflux pump on the reflux line, the reflux pump being configured to return recovered refrigerant stored in the recovery tank to the refrigerant storage tank.

7. The refrigerant supply apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a controller electrically connected to the return pump, the controller being configured to control the drive of the return pump based on the level of the recovered refrigerant.

8. The refrigerant supply apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a supply tank on the supply line, the supply tank being configured to store the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant reservoir.

9. The refrigerant supply apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a supply pump between the slurry mixer and the supply tank, the supply pump being configured to supply the refrigerant stored in the supply tank to the slurry mixer.

10. The refrigerant supply apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a valve portion between the refrigerant reservoir and the supply tank, the valve portion being configured to regulate the flow of the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant reservoir to the supply tank.

11. The refrigerant supply apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a controller electrically connected to the valve portion, the controller being configured to control the actuation of the valve portion according to a level of the refrigerant stored in the supply tank.

12. A refrigerant supply device, comprising: A refrigerant storage tank is configured to supply refrigerant to the slurry mixer via supply lines and bypass lines; A supply tank, on the supply line, is configured to store the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant reservoir; The valve section is configured to regulate the flow of the refrigerant to the supply line and the bypass line; as well as A recovery tank is configured to return the refrigerant from the slurry mixer via a recovery line, and to return the refrigerant stored therein to the refrigerant storage tank via a return line.

13. The refrigerant supply device of claim 12, further comprising a controller electrically connected to the valve portion, the controller being configured to control the actuation of the valve portion according to a level of the supplied refrigerant stored in the supply tank.

14. The refrigerant supply device of claim 12, wherein the recovery tank has an opening, and the internal space and the external space of the recovery tank are in fluid communication with each other through the opening.

15. The refrigerant supply device of claim 14, wherein the opening is closer to the upper surface of the recovery tank than to the lower surface of the recovery tank.

16. The refrigerant supply apparatus of claim 12, wherein the location where the recovery line connects to the recovery tank is closer to the upper surface of the recovery tank than to the lower surface of the recovery tank.

17. The refrigerant supply device of claim 12, wherein the location where the return line is connected to the recovery tank is closer to the lower surface of the recovery tank than to the upper surface of the recovery tank.

18. The refrigerant supply apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a reflux pump on the reflux line, the reflux pump being configured to return the refrigerant stored in the recovery tank to the refrigerant storage tank.

19. The refrigerant supply apparatus of claim 18, wherein the reflux pump is configured to operate according to the level of the refrigerant in the recovery tank.

20. The refrigerant supply apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a controller electrically connected to the reflux pump, the controller being configured to control the drive of the reflux pump based on the level of the refrigerant in the recovery tank.

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