Sorting device and battery production system

Abstract

The utility model provides a sorting device and a battery production system, and relates to the technical field of material separation. The sorting device comprises a stirring assembly and a collecting assembly, the stirring assembly comprises a stirring tank and stirring blades, the stirring tank is used for containing mixed slurry to be separated, the stirring blades are rotationally arranged in the stirring tank, and an overflow opening is formed in one end of the stirring tank; the collecting assembly comprises a collecting container, an overflow pipe and a monitoring part, one end of the overflow pipe is connected with the overflow opening, the end, away from the overflow opening, of the overflow pipe is communicated with the collecting container, and the monitoring part is installed between the stirring tank and the collecting container and communicated with the overflow pipe. Automatic sorting of particles is achieved, and the sorting efficiency and the particle quality are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of material separation, and in particular to a sorting device and a battery production system. Background Art

[0002] In the process of material generation, particles of different sizes are often produced. In order to improve the uniformity and quality of the particles, they need to be sorted. In the related technology, graded screening or induced draft to remove small particles are often used, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, with low efficiency. In addition, some large particles will be taken away during the induced draft process, affecting the material recovery rate. To this end, a sorting device and a battery production system are now provided. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of the present application is to provide a sorting device and a battery production system, aiming to solve the technical problems of low sorting efficiency and low material recovery rate in the related technology.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions adopted in this application are as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a sorting device, comprising:

[0006] A stirring assembly, the stirring assembly comprising a stirring tank and a stirring blade, the stirring tank is used to place the mixed slurry to be separated, the stirring blade is rotatably arranged in the stirring tank, and an overflow port is opened at one end of the stirring tank;

[0007] A collecting component, the collecting component includes a collecting container, an overflow pipe and a monitoring device, one end of the overflow pipe is connected to the overflow port, the end of the overflow pipe away from the overflow port leads to the collecting container, the monitoring device is installed between the stirring tank and the collecting container, and the monitoring device is connected to the overflow pipe.

[0008] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the monitoring device includes a shell, a microscope group and a display screen, the shell is connected to the overflow pipe, the microscope group is installed in the shell, and the microscope group is electrically connected to the display screen, and the display screen is installed on the outside of the shell.

[0009] In one of the embodiments of the first aspect, the overflow pipe is provided with a regulating valve, and the regulating valve is located between the overflow port and the monitoring component.

[0010] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the sorting device further comprises a liquid balance component, both ends of which are respectively connected to the stirring tank and the collecting container, and the liquid balance component transports part of the liquid in the collecting container to the stirring tank.

[0011] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the liquid balance assembly includes a delivery pipe and a pump body, both ends of the delivery pipe are respectively connected to the stirring tank and the collection container, and the pump body is installed on the delivery pipe and connected to the delivery pipe.

[0012] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the liquid balance assembly further includes a filter element, the filter element is installed in the collection container, and one end of the delivery pipeline away from the stirring tank is connected to the filter element.

[0013] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the filter elements are provided in a plurality of groups, and the plurality of groups of filter elements are connected to the delivery pipeline.

[0014] In one embodiment of the first aspect, a plurality of baffles are disposed in the stirring tank, and the plurality of baffles are spaced apart circumferentially along the inner wall of the stirring tank.

[0015] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the stirring assembly further includes a driving motor, the driving motor is installed on the outside of the stirring tank, and the stirring blade is connected to the output shaft of the driving motor;

[0016] The sorting device also includes a control component, which is electrically connected to the monitoring component and the driving motor respectively.

[0017] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a battery production system, comprising the sorting device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0018] Compared with the related art, the beneficial effect of the present application is that the present application provides a sorting device and a battery production system, which can be used for the sorting of precursor materials for the positive electrode of the battery. The sorting device includes a stirring component and a collecting component, wherein the stirring component includes a stirring tank and a stirring blade, the stirring tank is used to place a slurry mixed with large and small particles; the stirring blade is used to stir the slurry, and the collecting component includes a collecting container, an overflow pipe and a monitoring component, the collecting container is connected to the stirring tank through the overflow pipe, and the monitoring component can reflect the material flow in the overflow pipe. In this way, during the sorting process, when the slurry fills the stirring tank, under the stirring of the stirring blade, the slurry will overflow and bring out some particles into the collecting container. Due to the different gravitational sedimentation speeds of large and small particles, that is, the sedimentation rate of small particles is slower, during the overflow process, large particles settle in the stirring tank, and small particles follow the liquid to overflow to the collecting container, thereby realizing automatic sorting of particles and improving sorting efficiency and particle quality. At the same time, the monitoring component can observe the particle size in the overflow pipe in real time, and then adjust the stirring rate of the stirring blade to avoid overflow of large particles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a sorting device in some embodiments of the present application is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a stirring assembly in some embodiments of the present application is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a collection component in some embodiments of the present application is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the monitoring component in some embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0024] Description of main component symbols:

[0025] 100-sorting device; 110-stirring assembly; 111-stirring tank; 112-stirring blade; 113-baffle; 114-driving motor; 115-feeding valve; 116-discharging valve; 117-reflux port; 118-overflow port; 120-collecting assembly; 121-collecting container; 122-overflow pipe; 123-monitoring element; 1231-housing; 1232-microscope group; 1233-display screen; 124-regulating valve; 130-liquid balance assembly; 131-delivery pipeline; 132-pump body; 133-filter element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0027] In the description of the present application, “plurality” means two or more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0029] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being “above” or “below” a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being “above”, “above”, and “above” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being “below”, “below”, and “below” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0030] The cathode material precursor is the starting material for preparing the cathode material. The cathode material is usually a metal oxide, such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, etc., while the cathode material precursor can be the corresponding metal salt or metal hydroxide. In the battery preparation process, the cathode material precursor first needs to undergo a series of chemical reactions and finally be converted into a cathode material with specific structure and performance.

[0031] Positive electrode material precursors often require "large" particles with a particle size of about 10-20μm, and a cumulative particle size distribution percentage of 50%. Precursors are often synthesized by liquid phase method, but small particles far smaller than the target particle size will inevitably appear during the synthesis process, with a particle size of about 1-5μm. These small particles will reduce the particle uniformity of the precursor material and affect the particle quality. In the relevant sorting process, the material is usually dried and then graded and screened, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient; or the small particles are removed by induced draft through calcination in a rotary kiln, but a portion of the "large" particles are often taken away, resulting in a decrease in the yield of the material.

[0032] The embodiment of the present application provides a sorting device 100, which can be used for sorting particles of different particle sizes. The sorting device 100 provided in the present application can also be used for sorting positive electrode material precursors in a battery production system to achieve automatic sorting of particles, thereby improving sorting efficiency and particle quality.

[0033] It should be noted that the sorting device 100 provided in the present application is not only used for sorting positive electrode material precursors, but can also be used in other production processes involving particle sorting.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a sorting device 100, and the sorting device 100 includes a stirring component 110 and a collecting component 120. Among them, the stirring component 110 includes a stirring tank 111 and a stirring blade 112, the stirring tank 111 is used to place the mixed slurry to be separated, the stirring blade 112 is rotatably arranged in the stirring tank 111, and an overflow port 118 is opened at one end of the stirring tank 111. The collecting component 120 includes a collecting container 121, an overflow pipe 122 and a monitoring component 123, one end of the overflow pipe 122 is connected to the overflow port 118, and the end of the overflow pipe 122 away from the overflow port 118 is connected to the collecting container 121, and the monitoring component 123 is installed between the stirring tank 111 and the collecting container 121, and the monitoring component 123 is connected to the overflow pipe 122.

[0035] Combined Figure 2 As shown, illustratively, the stirring assembly 110 is used to stir the mixed slurry to be sorted, so that the particles splash to the surrounding side under the action of centrifugal force, so that the small particles overflow with the liquid. The stirring tank 111 can be a metal tank body and is placed horizontally to facilitate the outflow of particles. The stirring blade 112 may include a rotating shaft and a paddle, and the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to one end of the stirring tank 111. Under the action of the driving member, the rotating shaft drives the paddle to rotate, thereby stirring the slurry.

[0036] Combined Figure 3 As shown, the collecting assembly 120 is used to collect small particles and liquid overflowing from the stirring tank 111. An overflow port 118 is provided on the top side of one end of the stirring tank 111 close to the collecting assembly 120. One end of the overflow pipe 122 is connected to the overflow port 118, and the other end extends into the collecting container 121, so that the slurry mixed with small particles flows into the collecting container 121 to collect the small particles. The monitoring component 123 can observe the size of the circulating particles in the overflow pipe 122, so as to adjust the rotation speed of the stirring blade 112 in real time to avoid too fast rotation speed, which makes it difficult for large particles to settle and overflow into the overflow pipe 122.

[0037] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: when sorting the granular material, the mixed slurry of the precursor particles and the solvent is injected into the stirring tank 111, and the solvent can be an ammonium bicarbonate solution or an ammonium carbonate solution. After the slurry fills the stirring tank 111, the driving part is started, and the stirring blade 112 is rotated and stirred. Under the action of centrifugal force, the particles splash outward, and the solvent flows out from the overflow port 118 on the top side. Due to the different gravitational sedimentation speeds of particles of different sizes, the sedimentation rate of small particles is slower, so that the small particles follow the solvent and flow into the overflow pipe 122 from the overflow port 118 on the top side, and finally fall into the collection container 121, and the large particles remain in the stirring tank 111, so as to achieve the sorting of large and small particles. At the same time, during the sorting process, the particle size in the overflow pipe 122 is monitored in real time by the monitoring part 123, and then the rotation speed of the stirring blade 112 is adjusted to avoid the rotation speed of the stirring blade 112 being too fast, and the large particles cannot settle in time and overflow into the overflow pipe 122 together.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the monitoring device 123 includes a shell 1231, a microscope group 1232 and a display screen 1233, the shell 1231 is connected to the overflow pipe 122, the microscope group 1232 is installed in the shell 1231, and the microscope group 1232 is electrically connected to the display screen 1233, and the display screen 1233 is installed on the outside of the shell 1231.

[0039] Exemplarily, the monitoring component 123 may be a digital microscope group 1232, which can convert the real image seen by the microscope group 1232 into digital-to-analog form, so that it can be imaged on the display screen 1233 or the computer. Both ends of the housing 1231 are connected to the overflow pipe 122 at the same time, so that the material can pass through the housing 1231 when overflowing. The stop mirror group may include an optical lens and an image sensor, and the stop mirror group is installed in the housing 1231. When the material passes through the housing 1231, the material is magnified and the image is transmitted to the display screen 1233 to intuitively display the particle size, so as to adjust the stirring rate of the stirring blade 112.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the overflow pipe 122 is provided with a regulating valve 124 , and the regulating valve 124 is located between the overflow port 118 and the monitoring component 123 .

[0041] Exemplarily, the regulating valve 124 is installed at one end of the overflow pipe 122 close to the stirring tank 111. By adjusting the opening setting of the regulating valve 124, the overflow speed of the slurry is adjusted to ensure stable transportation and collection of small particles.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the sorting device 100 further includes a liquid balance component 130 , both ends of which are respectively connected to the stirring tank 111 and the collecting container 121 , and the liquid balance component 130 transports part of the liquid in the collecting container 121 to the stirring tank 111 .

[0043] Exemplarily, during the stirring process, due to the space limitation of the stirring tank 111, the solvent carries small particles out of the overflow port 118, resulting in the loss of liquid in the stirring tank 111. As the liquid level decreases, it will be difficult for small particles to reach the overflow port 118. Before the sorting operation, a portion of the same solvent as the slurry is placed in the collecting container 121 to obtain an initial liquid level. As the particles and solvent flow in during the sorting process, the liquid level of the collecting container 121 will rise, and the liquid level in the stirring tank 111 will decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to re-transport the increased liquid in the collecting container 121 to the stirring tank 111 through the liquid balance component 130 to maintain the liquid level balance in the stirring tank 111 and the collecting container 121, so as to ensure that small particles can continue to flow out through the overflow port 118. Through the setting of the liquid balance component 130, there is no need to add new solvent. In the subsequent sorting process, the precursor raw material can be continuously added for sorting, thereby reducing the sorting cost.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid balance component 130 includes a delivery pipe 131 and a pump body 132 , the two ends of the delivery pipe 131 are respectively connected to the stirring tank 111 and the collection container 121 , and the pump body 132 is installed on the delivery pipe 131 and connected to the delivery pipe 131 .

[0045] Combined Figure 2 As shown, illustratively, a reflux port 117 is provided on one side of the stirring tank 111, one end of the delivery pipe 131 is inserted into the stirring tank 111 through the reflux port 117, and the other end extends into the collecting container 121. The pump body 132 may be a pneumatic pump, and through the arrangement of the pump body 132, during the overflow process, the pump body 132 returns the liquid added to the collecting container 121 to the stirring tank 111 through the delivery pipe 131, so as to keep the liquid levels in the collecting container 121 and the stirring tank 111 balanced.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid balance component 130 further includes a filter element 133 , which is installed in the collection container 121 , and one end of the delivery pipe 131 away from the stirring tank 111 is connected to the filter element 133 .

[0047] Exemplarily, by providing the filter element 133 , particles can be isolated on the outside of the filter element 133 during the pumping process of the pump body 132 , thereby preventing the sorted small particles from being re-delivered to the mixing tank 111 during the pumping process.

[0048] In some embodiments, multiple groups of filter elements 133 are provided, and the multiple groups of filter elements 133 are all connected to the delivery pipeline 131 .

[0049] Exemplarily, the filter element 133 can be provided in two, three, or four groups, etc., which can be specifically provided according to the size of the collection container 121 and actual needs. By providing multiple groups of filter elements 133, the liquid receiving and sending efficiency can be improved, and the filtering effect of the filter element 133 can be prevented from decreasing as the number of small particles increases.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, a plurality of baffles 113 are disposed in the stirring tank 111 , and the plurality of baffles 113 are circumferentially installed on the inner wall of the stirring tank 111 .

[0051] Exemplarily, the number of baffles 113 may be two, three, four, etc., and the plurality of baffles 113 are circumferentially distributed on the inner side of the stirring tank 111, and the spacing between two adjacent baffles 113 is equal. By setting the baffle 113, the mechanical strength and fluidity of the material in the stirring tank 111 can be increased. In the absence of the baffle 113, the material is easily affected by the centrifugal force, forming a large vortex, resulting in insufficient mixing, which will affect the product quality and reaction rate. The use of the baffle 113 can effectively cut off these vortices, making the material flow more uniform and achieving a better mixing effect. The baffle 113 can also improve the stirring efficiency. The baffle 113 can disperse the bubbles growing on the surface of the stirring liquid, speed up the stirring speed, and improve the mixing efficiency.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the stirring assembly 110 further includes a driving motor 114, which is installed on the outside of the stirring tank 111, and the stirring blade 112 is connected to the output shaft of the driving motor 114. The sorting device 100 also includes a control assembly, which is electrically connected to the monitoring component 123 and the driving motor 114 respectively.

[0053] Exemplarily, the drive motor 114 may be an AC motor, which can perform forward and reverse stirring as needed during use. The control component may be a processing computer, in which a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) control program may be installed, and the control component receives signals from the monitoring component 123 and the drive motor 114 at the same time, and makes control instructions. The control component receives the image information of the monitoring component 123, and when large particles are found to flow out, adjusts the working speed of the drive motor 114, thereby adjusting the stirring speed of the stirring blade 112, and realizing automatic sorting of particles.

[0054] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the stirring tank 111 is provided with a feed valve 115 and a discharge valve 116 , and the feed valve 115 and the discharge valve 116 are respectively located at two opposite ends of the stirring tank 111 .

[0055] Exemplarily, the feed valve 115 is disposed at the top of the stirring tank 111, and the feed valve 115 can be connected to the raw material silo, and the injection of materials can be limited by the control of the feed valve 115. The stirring tank 111 can be filled with an initial solvent, and after the particles are injected, they are stirred to form a slurry. The discharge valve 116 is disposed at the bottom of the stirring tank 111. After the sorting is completed, the discharge valve 116 can be opened to discharge the large particles.

[0056] An embodiment of the present application further provides a battery production system, comprising the sorting device 100 in any of the above embodiments.

[0057] This embodiment has the sorting device 100 in any of the above embodiments, and therefore has all the beneficial effects of the sorting device 100 in any of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0058] In summary, the sorting device 100 and battery production system provided by the present application can realize automatic sorting of particles and improve sorting efficiency and particle quality by taking advantage of the different gravitational sedimentation rates of large and small particles, so that during the overflow process, large particles settle in the stirring tank 111, and small particles overflow to the collection container 121 with the liquid. At the same time, the monitoring component 123 can observe the particle size in the overflow pipe 122 in real time, and then adjust the stirring rate of the stirring blade 112 to avoid overflow of large particles. The sorting device 100 has low energy consumption, simple operation, high degree of automation, and improves sorting efficiency and effect.

[0059] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A sorting device, characterized in that: include: A stirring assembly (110), the stirring assembly (110) comprising a stirring tank (111) and a stirring blade (112), the stirring tank (111) being used to place a mixed slurry to be separated, the stirring blade (112) being rotatably disposed in the stirring tank (111), and an overflow port (118) being provided at one end of the stirring tank (111); A collecting assembly (120), the collecting assembly (120) comprising a collecting container (121), an overflow pipe (122) and a monitoring device (123), one end of the overflow pipe (122) being connected to the overflow port (118), one end of the overflow pipe (122) away from the overflow port (118) being connected to the collecting container (121), the monitoring device (123) being installed between the stirring tank (111) and the collecting container (121), and the monitoring device (123) being connected to the overflow pipe (122).

2. The sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring device (123) comprises a shell (1231), a microscope group (1232) and a display screen (1233); the shell (1231) is connected to the overflow pipe (122); the microscope group (1232) is installed in the shell (1231); the microscope group (1232) is electrically connected to the display screen (1233); and the display screen (1233) is installed on the outside of the shell (1231).

3. The sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow pipe (122) is provided with a regulating valve (124), and the regulating valve (124) is located between the overflow port (118) and the monitoring component (123).

4. The sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sorting device (100) further comprises a liquid balance component (130), the two ends of which are respectively connected to the stirring tank (111) and the collecting container (121), and the liquid balance component (130) transports part of the liquid in the collecting container (121) to the stirring tank (111).

5. The sorting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The liquid balance component (130) comprises a delivery pipeline (131) and a pump body (132). The two ends of the delivery pipeline (131) are respectively connected to the stirring tank (111) and the collecting container (121). The pump body (132) is installed on the delivery pipeline (131) and is connected to the delivery pipeline (131).

6. The sorting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid balance component (130) further comprises a filter element (133), wherein the filter element (133) is installed in the collection container (121), and an end of the delivery pipe (131) away from the stirring tank (111) is connected to the filter element (133).

7. The sorting device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The filter elements (133) are provided in multiple groups, and the multiple groups of filter elements (133) are all connected to the delivery pipeline (131).

8. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A plurality of baffles (113) are arranged in the stirring tank (111), and the plurality of baffles (113) are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner wall of the stirring tank (111).

9. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The stirring assembly (110) further comprises a driving motor (114), wherein the driving motor (114) is installed on the outside of the stirring tank (111), and the stirring blade (112) is connected to the output shaft of the driving motor (114); The sorting device (100) further comprises a control component, wherein the control component is electrically connected to the monitoring component (123) and the driving motor (114) respectively.

10. A battery production system, characterized in that: A sorting device (100) comprising any one of claims 1 to 9.

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