Glove box system

Abstract

The utility model provides a glove box system, and relates to the technical field of glove boxes. Due to the fact that the pneumatic execution device needs to be additionally arranged in the glove box system, in order to prevent ultra-pure atmosphere in the glove box from being polluted by the pneumatic execution unit, the gas compression device is communicated with the gas treatment unit through the first branch pipeline, and gas treated by the gas treatment unit is introduced into the gas compression device; and after being cooled by the cooling device, the air enters the pneumatic execution device to provide a power source for the pneumatic execution device, so that the pneumatic execution device can normally produce. The pneumatic execution unit formed by connecting the gas compression device, the cooling device, the pneumatic execution device and the pipelines among the gas compression device, the cooling device and the pneumatic execution device is arranged, the pneumatic execution device in the pneumatic execution unit is arranged in the glove box body, the ultra-pure atmosphere in the glove box body can be utilized for production, the smooth production process is guaranteed, and the production efficiency is improved. Meanwhile, the gas consumption is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of glove boxes, in particular to a glove box system. Background Art

[0002] The glove box is a device widely used in scientific research and industrial production. It can provide an ultra-pure environment without water, oxygen and dust, which is essential for the processing and experimental operation of many sensitive materials. Therefore, it is widely used in powder metallurgy, the manufacture of photosensitive, heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive components, as well as organic synthesis, chemical reagent synthesis, cell culture, genetic engineering and molecular biology research.

[0003] In addition, glove boxes also play an important role in lithium battery production, semiconductor and supercapacitor manufacturing, special welding and OLED / PLED research. With the development of the industry, higher requirements are placed on the energy density and safety of batteries, and therefore, the environmental requirements for the battery production process are also increasing. For example, in the production process of sulfide all-solid-state batteries, since sulfide electrolytes are extremely sensitive to oxygen, moisture and impurities in the air, in order to ensure the purity of the materials and the performance of the battery, they need to be carried out in a water-free, oxygen-free and dust-free environment. This environment is usually achieved through the use of a glove box. By placing the relevant equipment and materials in the glove box, the glove box can provide a highly pure and controllable experimental condition to meet the strict requirements of sulfide all-solid-state batteries for the production environment.

[0004] However, in the process of preparing sulfide all-solid-state batteries in the glove box, one of the power devices of some production equipment is compressed gas. When it is placed in the glove box, if ultra-pure inert compressed gas is supplied alone, the production cost will be high. If ordinary compressed air is supplied, the inert atmosphere inside the glove box may be contaminated, which will affect the electrochemical performance of the all-solid-state sulfide battery cell.

[0005] Therefore, how to install equipment that requires compressed air to provide power in the glove box while controlling the cost of use and avoiding the equipment from contaminating the glove box atmosphere will help further expand the promotion and application of glove boxes.

[0006] In view of this, the present utility model is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a glove box system, which can be suitable for gas-driven external equipment to be installed in the glove box body, while not causing the atmosphere in the glove box system to be polluted, thereby saving gas consumption.

[0008] The embodiment of the present utility model is achieved as follows:

[0009] In a first aspect, the utility model provides a glove box system, comprising a glove box body, an air supply unit, a gas processing unit and a pneumatic execution unit.

[0010] The air supply unit, the glove box body and the gas treatment unit are connected in sequence through pipelines, and the glove box body and the gas treatment unit are connected through a loop pipeline to form a loop. The gas treatment unit is configured to adjust the atmosphere in the glove box body.

[0011] The pneumatic actuator unit includes a gas compression device, a cooling device and a pneumatic actuator connected in sequence through pipelines. The pneumatic actuator is arranged in the glove box body, and the air outlet of the pneumatic actuator is located in the inner cavity of the glove box body. The gas compression device is connected to the gas processing unit through a first branch pipeline, and a first control valve is provided on the first branch pipeline.

[0012] Pneumatic actuators are devices that are driven by gas.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, when there are multiple pneumatic actuators, the multiple pneumatic actuators are connected in parallel to each other through pipelines and are all connected in series with the cooling device.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the gas supply unit is further connected to the gas compression device through a second branch pipeline, and a second control valve is provided on the second branch pipeline.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the gas processing unit includes a purification device, a regeneration device and a fan connected in sequence through pipes, the purification device is connected to the glove box body through a pipe, the fan is connected to the glove box body through a loop pipe, and the fan is also connected to the gas compression device through a first branch pipe.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, when there are multiple regeneration devices, the multiple regeneration devices are connected in parallel with each other through pipelines, and are all connected in series with the purification device and the fan.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, an inlet valve and an outlet valve are correspondingly provided on the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe connected to each regeneration device.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, a third control valve is provided on the loop pipe connecting the blower and the glove box body.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, a fourth control valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the glove box body and the purification device.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the air supply unit includes an air storage device and a fifth control valve. The air storage device is connected to the glove box body, and the fifth control valve is provided on the connected pipeline.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, a control unit is further included, which is communicatively connected to the glove box body, the air supply unit, the gas processing unit and the pneumatic execution unit respectively.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present utility model are:

[0023] The present invention provides a glove box system. Since it is necessary to add a pneumatic actuator to the glove box system, in order to prevent the ultra-pure atmosphere in the glove box from being contaminated by the pneumatic actuator, the gas compression device is connected to the gas processing unit through a first branch pipe, and the gas processed by the gas processing unit is introduced into the gas compression device. After being cooled by the cooling device, the gas enters the pneumatic actuator, providing a power source for the pneumatic actuator, ensuring that the pneumatic actuator can produce normally. By providing a pneumatic actuator unit formed by the above-mentioned gas compression device, cooling device and pneumatic actuator and the pipelines therebetween, and the pneumatic actuator in the pneumatic actuator unit is arranged in the glove box body, the ultra-pure atmosphere in the glove box body can be used for production, ensuring the efficient and high-quality operation of various equipment under special working conditions. The system is suitable for gas-driven external equipment to be installed in the glove box body, and at the same time will not cause the atmosphere in the glove box system to be contaminated, saving gas consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a glove box system provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0026] Icons: 100-glove box system; 110-glove box body; 121-gas storage device; 122-fifth control valve; 131-purification device; 132-regeneration device; 133-blower; 141-gas compression device; 142-cooling device; 143-pneumatic actuator; 151-loop pipe; 152-first branch pipe; 153-second branch pipe; 161-first control valve; 162-second control valve; 163-inlet valve; 164-outlet valve; 165-third control valve; 166-fourth control valve; 170-control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but rather merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" and the like, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or are the orientations or positional relationships in which the utility model product is typically placed when in use. These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used solely to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not necessarily mean that a component must be absolutely horizontal or overhanging, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted.

[0032] It should also be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 This embodiment provides a glove box system 100, which includes a glove box body 110, a gas supply unit, a gas processing unit and a pneumatic execution unit.

[0034] The gas processing unit is configured to adjust the atmosphere in the glove box body 110 . In the existing glove box system 100 , any device capable of adjusting the atmosphere in the glove box body 110 can be applied to the structure of the gas processing unit of this embodiment.

[0035] For example, the glove box system 100 needs to control the content of substances such as water, oxygen, and dust in the atmosphere inside the system. The function of the gas treatment unit is to regulate the content of substances such as water, oxygen, and dust in the atmosphere inside the glove box system 100 to ensure that the system is dust-free, oxygen-free, and water-free, thereby ensuring that the inside of the glove box system 100 is in an ultra-pure environment.

[0036] In this embodiment, the gas treatment unit includes a purification device 131, a regeneration device 132 and a fan 133 which are connected in sequence through pipes. The purification device 131 is connected to the glove box body 110 through a pipe, and the fan 133 is connected to the glove box body 110 through a loop pipe 151, so that a loop is formed between the glove box body 110, the purification device 131, the regeneration device 132 and the fan 133.

[0037] When blower 133 is activated, it extracts gas from the glove box body 110, passing it sequentially through the purification unit 131 and regeneration unit 132. Purification unit 131 removes dust and other impurities from the gas, while regeneration unit 132 removes oxygen and moisture from the gas. This results in a dry, oxygen-free, and dust-free, ultra-pure atmosphere after passing through the gas treatment unit. After passing through blower 133, the ultra-pure atmosphere returns to the glove box body 110 through the return line 151, completing the purification and circulation of the gas within the glove box system 100.

[0038] In this embodiment, the gas within the glove box body 110 originates from a gas supply unit, which includes a gas storage device 121 and a fifth control valve 122. The gas storage device 121 can be, for example, a gas cylinder or gas tank, and the gas stored therein can be an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon. The gas within the gas storage device 121 can be selected based on the atmosphere requirements of the process to be performed within the glove box body 110.

[0039] In this embodiment, to facilitate control of gas flow into the glove box body 110, a gas storage device 121 is connected to the glove box body 110, and a fifth control valve 122 is provided on the connecting pipe. By controlling the opening and closing of the fifth control valve 122, the timing and amount of gas flow from the gas storage device 121 into the glove box body 110 are controlled.

[0040] In this embodiment, the pneumatic actuator unit includes a gas compression device 141 , a cooling device 142 , and a pneumatic actuator 143 , which are sequentially connected through a pipeline.

[0041] Pneumatic actuator 143 is an external device powered by gas and can be used to process materials sensitive to ambient atmospheric conditions. For example, pneumatic actuator 143 can be a die-cutter, processing materials such as sulfide-containing positive and negative electrodes in all-solid-state batteries. In other embodiments, pneumatic actuator 143 can also be other equipment that requires gas to operate, and the raw materials used in the production process of such equipment are also highly sensitive to ambient atmospheric conditions.

[0042] In order to ensure the smooth production process of the pneumatic actuator 143, the pneumatic actuator 143 is arranged in the glove box body 110. Since the pneumatic actuator 143 is entirely located in the glove box body 110, the air outlet of the pneumatic actuator 143 is also located in the inner cavity of the glove box body 110.

[0043] After external driving gas enters the pneumatic actuator 143 to drive it, it must be exhausted from the actuator 143. This exhaust process can cause leakage of the external driving gas, potentially contaminating the ultrapure atmosphere within the glove box system 100 and impacting the production process. Furthermore, using external driving gas for actuation can increase gas consumption and production costs.

[0044] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems that may arise when the pneumatic actuator 143 is introduced into the glove box system 100 for production, the glove box system 100 provided in this embodiment proposes connecting the gas compression device 141 to the fan 133 through the first branch pipe 152.

[0045] When the first branch pipe 152 is connected to the gas compression device 141, the gas entering the gas compression device 141 is the ultra-pure atmosphere processed by the gas processing unit. After passing through the gas compression device 141, the cooling device 142 and the pneumatic actuator 143 of the pneumatic actuator unit, the purity of the gas remains almost unchanged. The pneumatic actuator 143 can directly exchange and share gas with the glove box body 110, and reduce gas consumption and reduce production costs.

[0046] In this embodiment, a first control valve 161 is provided on the first branch conduit 152. This valve controls whether the ultrapure atmosphere from the gas processing unit enters the pneumatic actuator unit. When the pneumatic actuator 143 is no longer required during use of the glove box system 100, the first control valve 161 can be closed, and the gas supply unit, glove box body 110, and gas processing unit are sequentially connected, forming a circuit between the glove box body 110 and the gas processing unit, thus enabling normal operation of the glove box system 100.

[0047] In this embodiment, the gas storage device 121 is also connected to the gas compression device 141 through a second branch pipe 153 for supplying gas to the gas compression device 141; a second control valve 162 is provided on the second branch pipe 153, and the second control valve 162 can control the gas from the gas storage device 121 into the gas compression device 141 to meet the compressed gas source of the gas compression device 141.

[0048] Preferably, the source of gas in the pneumatic actuator 143 mainly comes from the gas processing unit. The second control valve 162 is only briefly opened for a period of time to replenish gas to the pneumatic actuator 143 when the gas flow in the gas processing unit is insufficient. At the same time, the gas processing unit purifies the replenished gas to ensure an ultra-pure atmosphere in the glove box body 110.

[0049] In this embodiment, the number of pneumatic actuators 143 is not limited, and can be one or more. In the actual production process, for example, in the process of producing batteries, when the pneumatic actuator 143 is a die-cutting machine, there are generally multiple pneumatic actuators 143. The multiple pneumatic actuators 143 are connected in parallel with each other through pipelines, and are all connected in series with the cooling device 142. The gas cooled by the cooling device 142 can enter each pneumatic actuator 143 respectively to supply air to the pneumatic actuator 143.

[0050] Furthermore, since the compression process may cause the gas temperature to rise, a cooling device 142 is provided outside the gas compression device 141 to cool the high-temperature gas coming out of the gas compression device 141 to ensure the normal operation of the glove box system 100.

[0051] The regeneration device 132 is a device that removes oxygen and moisture from the gas within the glove box system 100. Its general principle is to remove oxygen from the gas by chemically reacting a copper catalyst with the gas to absorb oxygen, generating copper oxide. The porous structure of the molecular sieve then physically absorbs moisture, capturing water molecules through its pores, thereby removing moisture from the gas. After the regeneration device 132 has been used for a period of time, the copper catalyst and molecular sieve gradually become saturated with oxygen and water, requiring regeneration. This involves reducing the copper oxide to copper under the action of high temperature and hydrogen to restore its deoxygenation capacity, and removing the moisture adsorbed in the molecular sieve by heating to restore its moisture absorption capacity.

[0052] When the regeneration device 132 is performing the regeneration process, in order to ensure that the glove box system 100 can continue to operate, in this embodiment, there are multiple regeneration devices 132, and the multiple regeneration devices 132 are connected in parallel with each other through pipelines, and are all connected in series with the purification device 131 and the fan 133.

[0053] Furthermore, an inlet valve 163 and an outlet valve 164 are correspondingly provided on the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe connected to each regeneration device 132 to control the working status of each regeneration device 132. For example, when one of the regeneration devices 132 needs to be regenerated, its corresponding inlet valve 163 and outlet valve 164 are closed, and the inlet valve 163 and outlet valve 164 of the other regeneration devices 132 are opened, thereby ensuring the continuous operation of the glove box system 100 and the regeneration of the regeneration device 132.

[0054] In this embodiment, a third control valve 165 is provided on the loop pipe 151 connecting the fan 133 and the glove box body 110. The third control valve 165 can control whether the loop between the glove box body 110, the purification device 131, the regeneration device 132 and the fan 133 of the glove box system 100 is unobstructed.

[0055] In this embodiment, a fourth control valve 166 is provided on the pipeline connecting the glove box body 110 and the purification device. The fourth control valve 166 is used to control the flow of gas from the glove box body 110 into the purification device 131 .

[0056] In this embodiment, in order to realize the automatic control of the glove box body 110, based on the structure of the above-mentioned glove box system 100, the glove box system 100 further includes a control unit 170, and the control unit 170 is respectively communicated with the glove box body 110, the air supply unit, the gas processing unit and the pneumatic execution unit. Figure 1 Indicated by the dotted line.

[0057] Specifically, the control unit 170 can control all valves in the glove box system 100 to achieve automatic opening and closing of each valve.

[0058] In addition, the control unit 170 may also control all the regeneration devices 132 in the glove box system 100 to control the purpose (gas purification or regeneration process) of each regeneration device 132 .

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 170 can also control the fan 133 in the glove box system 100 , thereby realizing the automatic extraction of gas in the glove box body 110 and the purification and circulation process of the gas by the glove box system 100 .

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 170 can also control the gas compression device 141 in the glove box system 100 to control its operating state, realize the gas compression function, and provide a power source for the pneumatic actuator 143.

[0061] The control unit 170 may also control the pneumatic actuator 143 in the glove box system 100 to implement functions such as automated operation and exhaust of the pneumatic actuator 143 .

[0062] This embodiment provides a glove box system 100, whose working principle is as follows:

[0063] 1) When the pneumatic actuator is not working, it can be applied to most application scenarios of the glove box, such as organic reactions, cell culture and powder metallurgy.

[0064] Control unit 170 controls the glove box system 100 to close its first and second control valves 161 and 162, while opening the remaining valves. Gas storage device 121 supplies gas to the glove box body 110 and the glove box system 100. When the gas fills the glove box system 100, fifth control valve 122 closes. Control unit 170 controls fan 133 to turn on, pumping air from the glove box body 110 to the purification device 131 for impurity removal, then to the regeneration device 132 for water and oxygen removal, and finally to fan 133. As the gas within the glove box body 110 is drawn away by fan 133, the gas in the duct leading to the outlet of fan 133 fills the glove box body 110 and is then purified according to the aforementioned process. The purified gas then flows from fan 133 along the duct back into the glove box body 110. Therefore, after a period of time after the blower 133 is turned on, the gas in the glove box system 100 is purified into an ultra-pure atmosphere, and the materials in the glove box body 110 can be processed.

[0065] 2) When the pneumatic actuator unit is working, it can be applied to the battery production process. The pneumatic actuator 143 is a die-cutting machine.

[0066] The control unit 170 controls the glove box system 100 to close the second and third control valves 162 and 165, while opening the remaining valves. The gas storage device 121 supplies gas to the glove box body 110 and the glove box system 100. When the gas fills the glove box system 100, the fifth control valve 122 closes. The control unit 170 controls the fan 133 to turn on. Fan 133 draws gas from the glove box body 110 to the purification device 131 for impurity removal, then to the regeneration device 132 for water and oxygen removal, and finally to the fan 133. As the gas within the glove box body 110 is drawn by the fan 133, the gas in the pipeline toward the fan 133 outlet passes through the gas compression device 141, the cooling device 142, and the pneumatic actuator 143 in sequence, filling the glove box body 110. The gas is then purified according to the aforementioned process, and the purified gas flows from the fan 133 back through the pipeline into the glove box body 110. Therefore, after a period of time after the blower 133 is turned on, the gas in the glove box system 100 is purified into an ultra-pure atmosphere, which can be used to process the materials in the glove box body 110 and prevent the materials from being contaminated by oxygen, moisture and impurities.

[0067] When the power source of the pneumatic actuator 143 is insufficient, the control unit 170 controls the second control valve 162 to open, quickly replenishing air to the pneumatic actuator 143. After the air replenishment is completed, the second control valve 162 is closed, and the fan 133 is kept pumping air during the process to achieve gas purification.

[0068] 3) When the regeneration device 132 needs to be regenerated, the control unit 170 controls the inlet valve 163 and the outlet valve 164 of one of the regeneration devices 132 to be closed, and the regeneration device 132 is regenerated, and the gas passes through the other regeneration devices 132 for dehydration and deoxygenation.

[0069] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A glove box system, characterized in that: It includes a glove box body, a gas supply unit, a gas processing unit and a pneumatic execution unit; The gas supply unit, the glove box body, and the gas treatment unit are sequentially connected through pipelines, and the glove box body and the gas treatment unit are connected through a loop pipeline to form a loop. The gas treatment unit is configured to adjust the atmosphere in the glove box body; The pneumatic actuator unit includes a gas compression device, a cooling device, and a pneumatic actuator connected in sequence through a pipeline. The pneumatic actuator is disposed in the glove box body, and the gas outlet of the pneumatic actuator is located in the inner cavity of the glove box body. The gas compression device is connected to the gas processing unit through a first branch pipeline, and the first branch pipeline is provided with a first control valve. The pneumatic actuator is a device that is driven by gas.

2. The glove box system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When there are multiple pneumatic actuators, the multiple pneumatic actuators are connected in parallel with each other through pipelines, and are all connected in series with the cooling device.

3. The glove box system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air supply unit is also connected to the gas compression device through a second branch pipeline, and a second control valve is provided on the second branch pipeline.

4. The glove box system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas processing unit includes a purification device, a regeneration device and a fan connected in sequence through a pipeline. The purification device is connected to the glove box body through a pipeline. The fan is connected to the glove box body through the loop pipeline, and the fan is also connected to the gas compression device through the first branch pipeline.

5. The glove box system according to claim 4, characterized in that: When there are multiple regeneration devices, the multiple regeneration devices are connected in parallel with each other through pipelines, and are all connected in series with the purification device and the fan.

6. The glove box system according to claim 5, characterized in that: An inlet valve and an outlet valve are correspondingly provided on the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe connected to each regeneration device.

7. The glove box system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A third control valve is provided on the loop pipeline connecting the blower and the glove box body.

8. The glove box system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A fourth control valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the glove box body and the purification device.

9. The glove box system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air supply unit includes an air storage device and a fifth control valve. The air storage device is connected to the glove box body, and the fifth control valve is provided on the connected pipeline.

10. The glove box system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control unit, which is communicatively connected to the glove box body, the air supply unit, the gas processing unit and the pneumatic execution unit respectively.

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