An electrolyte refill device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of electrolytic aluminum production technology and discloses an electrolyte refilling device, including a traveling trolley and a refilling mechanism installed at the front end of the traveling trolley. The refilling mechanism includes two crossbars and an electrolyte tank disposed between the two crossbars. One end of each of the two crossbars is fixedly connected to the traveling trolley, and the other end of each crossbar has a mounting cylinder in the middle. The mounting cylinder is rotatably connected to the ends of the crossbars via rotating rods on both sides. The electrolyte tank is detachably mounted inside the mounting cylinder via clamping rods on both sides, and the clamping rods are fixedly connected to the side walls of the electrolyte tank. The crossbars are also equipped with a tilting mechanism for driving the electrolyte tank to tilt the electrolyte. The tilting mechanism is connected to the mounting cylinder via multiple steel wire ropes. This invention aims to solve the problems of existing electrolyte refilling operations being highly dependent on manual operation and having low safety and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrolytic aluminum production technology, and more specifically to an electrolyte recharge device. Background Technology

[0002] In the electrolytic aluminum production process, the high-temperature molten electrolyte in the aluminum electrolytic cell is the core medium for realizing electrochemical reactions and aluminum liquid precipitation. Its liquid level must be strictly matched to the preset process parameters. Excessive liquid level leads to a significant increase in electrolytic energy consumption, while insufficient liquid level causes damage to the cell lining; both directly affect electrolysis efficiency and the long-term stability of the production process. To maintain continuous and stable production, the electrolysis workshop needs to perform electrolyte backfilling operations daily for electrolytic cells with abnormal liquid levels. This involves quantitatively transferring the high-temperature electrolyte from the excessively high-level cells to the insufficiently high-level cells, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of the overall cell system's thermal and material balance.

[0003] Currently, mainstream electrolyte refilling operations in the industry still heavily rely on manually operated, self-made, unpowered carts. These devices are typically assembled from a simple metal frame and a fixed or simply clamped container, with a capacity usually only 30-50 kg. During operation, at least two operators must work together to first push the cart to the rich electrolyte cell, then manually scoop high-temperature electrolytes (above 900℃) using a simple electrolyte ladle and inject them into the container, before pushing it to the low-liquid cell. Pouring requires two people working together, making coordination difficult to control. The tilting angle and flow rate are primarily controlled by visual inspection and experience to inject the high-temperature electrolyte into the target electrolytic cell. The entire operation is entirely manual.

[0004] The existing non-powered trolley-based electrolyte refilling operation mode is no longer suitable for the modern production needs of the current electrolytic aluminum industry, which require automation, green production, and digitalization. Firstly, the existing trolleys have a simple structure, are relatively heavy, and have poor steering and braking flexibility. They are prone to tipping over when traveling on uneven workshop surfaces. Relying entirely on two people manually coordinating the refilling process makes coordination difficult, easily leading to electrolyte splashing and burns to operators. Secondly, the trolleys are not powered and rely entirely on manual pushing. Coupled with the small capacity of the containers, the effective load per transfer is extremely limited. When dealing with a large number of electrolytic cells requiring adjustment, repeated trips and adjustments to the trolley's position and angle of force are necessary. This easily leads to operator fatigue, further reducing work efficiency, prolonging the duration of abnormal electrolytic cell levels, and hindering the rapid return of process parameters to a reasonable range. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an electrolyte recharge device to solve the problems of existing electrolyte recharge operations being highly dependent on manual operation and having low safety and efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An electrolyte refilling device includes a traveling trolley and a refilling mechanism installed at the front end of the traveling trolley. The refilling mechanism includes two crossbars and an electrolyte tank disposed between the two crossbars. One end of each of the two crossbars is fixedly connected to the traveling trolley, and the other end of each of the two crossbars is provided with an installation cylinder. The two sides of the installation cylinder are rotatably connected to the ends of the crossbars via rotating rods. The electrolyte tank is detachably disposed inside the installation cylinder via clamping rods on both sides. The clamping rods are fixedly connected to the side walls of the electrolyte tank. The crossbars are also provided with a tilting mechanism for driving the electrolyte tank to tilt the electrolyte. The tilting mechanism is connected to the installation cylinder via multiple steel wire ropes.

[0007] The principles and advantages of this scheme are: 1. Significantly improved work efficiency: The use of motorized vehicles greatly reduces long-distance transport time compared to traditional unpowered trolleys, and the equipment's load capacity can easily break through the traditional 30-50kg limit; At the same time, the tilting mechanism drives the electrolyte tank to rotate for electrolyte pouring. Compared to traditional manual pouring, which requires repeated adjustments of angle and force point, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, the motor and steel wire rope drive method allows for continuous adjustment and control of the tilting angle. Operators can precisely control the tilting speed and angle according to the target electrolytic cell liquid level gap, significantly shortening the time of a single pouring operation.

[0008] 2. The electrolyte tank is quickly matched and snapped into the mounting cylinder via a snap-fit ​​rod, and is equipped with a mechanical lock to prevent loosening during operation. A single person can quickly complete the disassembly, replacement, and cleaning of the electrolyte tank without the need for complicated disassembly and assembly tools, which greatly improves the efficiency of equipment maintenance and material cleaning.

[0009] Preferably, as an improvement, the mounting cylinder is a hollow cylindrical structure, and the side wall of the mounting cylinder is provided with two symmetrical guide grooves and two symmetrical mounting grooves. The guide grooves and mounting grooves are interconnected. The mounting grooves are located below the rotating rod. The guide grooves include a vertical groove and an arc-shaped groove. The top of the vertical groove penetrates through the top of the mounting cylinder. One end of the arc-shaped groove is connected to the bottom of the vertical groove, and the other end is connected to the mounting groove.

[0010] Technical Benefits: This solution employs the aforementioned configuration. The vertical groove extends straight from the top of the cylinder to its interior, allowing the locking rod to be inserted vertically from top to bottom. The arc-shaped groove smoothly changes the direction of movement, steadily guiding the locking rod into the side mounting slot. Assembly and disassembly are seamless and require no precise alignment; a single person can complete the assembly by holding the cylinder handle, reducing labor intensity. Furthermore, the inner wall of the mounting cylinder fits snugly against the outer wall of the electrolyte tank, providing comprehensive coverage and limiting movement. This suppresses lateral displacement of the tank during transport, improving overall vehicle stability and preventing electrolyte spillage.

[0011] Preferably, as an improvement, the mounting groove is provided with a mounting block, and the mounting block is provided with a slot for engaging the engaging rod, and the mounting block is slidably connected to the mounting groove.

[0012] Technical Effects: This solution employs the above-described configuration. During assembly, the locking rod enters the slot and presses downwards against the tank body, causing the mounting block to slide down the mounting groove. The slot is sealed by the groove wall, forming a mechanical lock. The locking rod cannot disengage during tilting or transport, reducing the risk of the electrolyte tank falling. Furthermore, when the electrolyte tank is filled with high-temperature electrolyte, the overall weight increases significantly. The sinking of the electrolyte tank keeps the mounting block at the bottom of the mounting groove, further preventing the locking rod from disengaging from the mounting block's slot. The greater the load on the electrolyte tank, the stronger the mechanical locking force, eliminating the significant hazard of the electrolyte tank falling during transport due to operator forgetting to tighten the lock.

[0013] Preferably, as an improvement, the snap-fit ​​rod is polygonal, and the slot on the mounting block matches the contour of the snap-fit ​​rod.

[0014] Technical effect: The above-mentioned configuration of this solution allows the polygonal structure to fit tightly into the slot, restricting the circumferential rotation of the locking rod and ensuring that the locking rod cannot rotate around its own axis within the slot. No matter how the wire rope pulls or tilts, the electrolyte tank pouring opening always maintains the preset orientation, making pouring precise and controllable.

[0015] Preferably, as an improvement, the tilting mechanism includes a rotating shaft and multiple coils coaxially arranged on the rotating shaft. Both ends of the rotating shaft are rotatably connected to a crossbar. The crossbar is equipped with a motor for driving the rotating shaft to rotate. The multiple coils are fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. One end of multiple steel wire ropes is wound on the coils, and the other end is connected to the mounting cylinder through a pull ring. The pull ring is fixedly arranged at the bottom of the mounting cylinder.

[0016] Technical Benefits: This solution employs the above-described configuration, with multiple reels fixed on the same rotating shaft. This ensures that the winding speed of all reels is completely consistent, guaranteeing balanced force at the three points at the bottom of the installation cylinder. This prevents twisting and deformation when the cylinder tilts. Synchronous traction at the left, center, and right points ensures balanced force at the bottom, allowing the installation cylinder to rotate smoothly along the rotating rod. Furthermore, the wire rope's flexibility allows the installation cylinder to adapt to geometric deformation at extreme tilting angles, avoiding the jamming phenomenon that easily occurs in rigid jacking mechanisms.

[0017] Preferably, as an improvement, the electrolyte tank is provided with handles symmetrically on the top.

[0018] Technical benefits: The above-mentioned setup allows for easy two-handed gripping of the handles on both sides, precise control of the barrel's posture, and easy simultaneous alignment of the two side locking rods with the two sets of guide slots. This enables a single person to quickly complete the assembly and disassembly without the need for assistance from others.

[0019] Preferably, as an improvement, the crossbar is provided with an electromagnetic brake, which is connected to the rotating rod.

[0020] Technical effect: With the above settings, the electromagnetic brake locks the rotating rod during the transfer process, preventing the installation cylinder from rotating and swinging. This avoids the installation cylinder from swinging freely due to the bumps of the traveling trolley, which could cause electrolyte to spill onto the workshop floor. The cylinder is only unlocked during the pouring operation, allowing it to tilt and pour the electrolyte from the electrolyte tank. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inverted flow mechanism of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inverted flow mechanism of the present invention.

[0024] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Traveling trolley; 2. Crossbar; 3. Mounting cylinder; 31. Guide groove; 32. Mounting groove; 33. Mounting block; 34. Pull ring; 35. Rotating rod; 4. Electrolyte tank; 41. Clip rod; 42. Handle; 5. Tilting mechanism; 51. Cable reel; 52. Rotating shaft; 53. Motor; 6. Wire rope; 7. Electromagnetic brake. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method: Example The basics are as follows: Figure 1-3 As shown: An electrolyte refill device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a traveling trolley 1 and a backflow mechanism installed at the front end of the traveling trolley 1. The traveling trolley 1 is manually driven. The backflow mechanism includes two crossbars 2 and an electrolyte tank 4 disposed between the two crossbars 2. One end of each crossbar 2 is fixedly connected to the front end of the traveling trolley 1, where "front end" refers to the end in the forward direction of the traveling trolley 1. An installation cylinder 3 is provided in the middle of the other end of the two crossbars 2. The two sides of the installation cylinder 3 are rotatably connected to the ends of the crossbars 2 through rotating rods 35. One end of the rotating rod 35 is fixedly connected to the installation cylinder 3, and the other end is rotatably connected to the crossbar 2.

[0026] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the electrolyte tank 4 is detachably mounted inside the mounting cylinder 3 via clamping rods 41 on both sides. Handles 42 are symmetrically provided on the top of the electrolyte tank 4 for easy disassembly. The clamping rods 41 are fixedly connected to the side walls of the electrolyte tank 4. The clamping rods 41 are polygonal; in this embodiment, the outer contour of the clamping rods 41 is quadrilateral. A tilting mechanism 5 is also provided on the crossbar 2 for driving the electrolyte tank 4 to tilt the electrolyte. The tilting device is connected to the mounting cylinder 3 via multiple steel wire ropes 6, used to drive the mounting cylinder 3 to tilt, thereby driving the electrolyte tank 4 inside the mounting cylinder 3 to tilt and pour the electrolyte to the designated position in the electrolytic cell.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the mounting cylinder 3 is a hollow cylindrical structure, and its inner wall matches the outline of the outer wall of the electrolyte tank 4. That is, when the electrolyte tank 4 is placed inside the mounting cylinder 3, the inner wall of the mounting cylinder 3 fits against the outer wall of the electrolyte tank 4. The side wall of the mounting cylinder 3 is provided with two symmetrical guide grooves 31 and two symmetrical mounting grooves 32. That is, the two guide grooves 31 are symmetrically arranged on the side wall of the mounting cylinder 3, and the two mounting grooves 32 are also symmetrically arranged on the side wall of the mounting cylinder 3. The guide grooves 31 and the mounting grooves 32 are interconnected. The mounting grooves 32 are located below the rotating rod 35. The guide groove 31 includes a vertical groove and an arc-shaped groove. The top of the vertical groove penetrates the top of the mounting cylinder 3. The arc-shaped groove is perpendicular to the axial direction of the mounting cylinder 3. One end of the arc-shaped groove is connected to the bottom of the vertical groove, and the other end is connected to the top of the mounting groove 32. The locking rod 41 of the electrolyte tank 4 can enter the mounting groove 32 in sequence along the vertical groove and the arc-shaped groove.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the mounting groove 32 is provided with a mounting block 33, and the mounting block 33 is provided with a slot for engaging the engaging rod 41. The mounting block 33 and the mounting groove 32 are slidably connected. The slot on the mounting block 33 matches the contour of the engaging rod 41, and the side of the slot near the arc groove has an opening, so that the engaging rod 41 can directly enter the slot from the arc groove. When installing the electrolyte tank 4, hold the handle 42 and push the two engaging rods 41 of the electrolyte tank 4 downward along the two vertical grooves, and then enter the slot of the mounting block 33 through the arc groove. After the engaging rod 41 enters the slot, press the entire electrolyte tank 4 downward, so that the mounting block 33 slides into the bottom of the mounting groove 32. At this time, the opening of the slot is sealed by the side wall of the mounting groove 32, and the engaging rod 41 cannot be disengaged from the slot.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the tilting mechanism 5 includes a rotating shaft 52 and multiple coils 51 coaxially mounted on the rotating shaft 52. The two ends of the rotating shaft 52 are rotatably connected to the crossbar 2. The crossbar 2 is equipped with a motor 53 for driving the rotating shaft 52 to rotate. The multiple coils 51 are fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 52. The rotation of the rotating shaft 52 can drive the multiple coils 51 to rotate synchronously. One end of multiple steel wire ropes 6 is wound on the coils 51, and the other end is connected to the mounting cylinder 3 through a pull ring 34. The end of the steel wire rope 6 is fixedly connected to the pull ring 34. The pull ring 34 is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the mounting cylinder 3. In this embodiment, there are three coils 51, three steel wire ropes 6, and three pull rings 34. The pull rings 34 are located at the left, middle, and right positions at the bottom of the mounting cylinder 3.

[0030] like Figure 3As shown, the crossbar 2 is also equipped with an electromagnetic brake 7, which is connected to the rotating rod 35. The electromagnetic brake valve restricts the rotation of the rotating rod 35 during transportation to prevent the electrolyte tank 4 from shaking back and forth and causing the electrolyte to spill out. When it is necessary to pour the electrolyte into the electrolyte tank, the electromagnetic brake valve is closed, so that the pouring mechanism 5 can drive the electrolyte tank 4 to rotate to pour the electrolyte.

[0031] In actual use, first install the locking rod 41 of the electrolyte tank 4 into the slot of the mounting block 33. At this time, the electrolyte tank 4 is fixed inside the mounting cylinder 3, and the pouring port of the electrolyte tank 4 faces the forward direction of the traveling trolley 1. After installation and fixing, the operator drives the traveling trolley 1 to the electrolytic cell where electrolyte needs to be extracted, adjusts the position of the traveling trolley 1 so that the electrolyte tank 4 is aligned with the electrolyte outlet of the electrolytic cell, and uses an electrolyte scoop to scoop electrolyte into the electrolyte tank 4. After scooping, the operator drives the traveling trolley 1 to the electrolytic cell where electrolyte needs to be added. During the journey, a low speed must be maintained to prevent electrolyte spillage. The operator adjusts the vehicle alignment. At this time, the motor 53 works, driving the rotating shaft 52 to rotate. Multiple coils 51 rotate synchronously to wind the steel wire rope 6. Multiple steel wire ropes 6 synchronously drag the bottom of the mounting cylinder 3, causing it to rotate along the rotating rod 35, thereby adjusting the pouring angle of the electrolyte tank 4 and accurately pouring the electrolyte into the target electrolytic cell.

[0032] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge such as specific technical solutions and / or characteristics are not described in detail here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the technical solutions of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An electrolyte recharge device, comprising a traveling trolley and a recharge mechanism installed at the front end of the traveling trolley, characterized in that: The inverting mechanism includes two crossbars and an electrolyte tank disposed between the two crossbars. One end of each crossbar is fixedly connected to a traveling trolley, and the other end of each crossbar has a mounting cylinder in the middle. The mounting cylinder is rotatably connected to the ends of the crossbars via rotating rods on both sides. The electrolyte tank is detachably disposed inside the mounting cylinder via clamping rods on both sides. The clamping rods are fixedly connected to the side wall of the electrolyte tank. The crossbars are also provided with a tilting mechanism for driving the electrolyte tank to tilt the electrolyte. The tilting mechanism is connected to the mounting cylinder via multiple steel wire ropes.

2. The electrolyte recharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting cylinder is a hollow cylindrical structure. The side wall of the mounting cylinder is provided with two symmetrical guide grooves and two symmetrical mounting grooves. The guide grooves and mounting grooves are interconnected. The mounting grooves are located below the rotating rod. The guide grooves include a vertical groove and an arc-shaped groove. The top of the vertical groove penetrates through the top of the mounting cylinder. One end of the arc-shaped groove is connected to the bottom of the vertical groove, and the other end is connected to the mounting groove.

3. The electrolyte recharge device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting slot is provided with a mounting block, and the mounting block is provided with a slot for engaging the engagement rod. The mounting block is slidably connected to the mounting slot.

4. The electrolyte recharge device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The snap-fit ​​rod is polygonal, and the slot on the mounting block matches the contour of the snap-fit ​​rod.

5. The electrolyte recharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tilting mechanism includes a rotating shaft and multiple coils coaxially mounted on the rotating shaft. Both ends of the rotating shaft are rotatably connected to a crossbar. The crossbar is equipped with a motor for driving the rotating shaft to rotate. The multiple coils are fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. One end of each of the multiple steel wire ropes is wound on the coils, and the other end is connected to the mounting cylinder through a pull ring. The pull ring is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the mounting cylinder.

6. The electrolyte recharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte tank has symmetrical handles on its top.

7. The electrolyte recharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An electromagnetic brake is provided on the crossbar, and the electromagnetic brake is connected to the rotating rod.

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