Stirring paddle with heat management function

Abstract

The utility model discloses a stirring paddle with a heat management function, and the stirring paddle comprises a stirring paddle assembly which can rotate around the axial direction, the stirring paddle assembly comprises a paddle rod and a paddle blade fixedly connected with the paddle rod, a heat exchange medium circulation channel is formed in the paddle rod and the paddle blade, and the paddle rod is provided with an inlet hole and a discharge hole; the circulating connecting piece is fixedly arranged, the paddle rod rotatably penetrates through the circulating connecting piece, and the circulating connecting piece comprises a supply cavity and a discharge cavity which are arranged in the axial direction; and the supply cavity and the discharge cavity are arranged around the paddle rod, so that the inlet hole is communicated with the supply cavity, and the discharge hole is communicated with the discharge cavity for supplying a heat exchange medium to the interior of the paddle rod and for discharging the heat exchange medium out of the paddle rod. According to the stirring paddle with the heat management function, the heat exchange effect of slurry can be improved, and the stirring quality of the slurry is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of lithium battery slurry manufacturing technology. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a stirring paddle with thermal management capabilities. Background Technology

[0002] Slurry is a crucial material in lithium-ion battery manufacturing. During production, it is uniformly coated onto metal foil and then dried and cured to form the battery electrodes. Slurry is typically formed by mixing active materials, conductive agents, binders, and solvents, resulting in a viscous liquid or semi-solid substance. During operation, the high-speed agitator generates high temperatures due to friction between the slurry and the high-speed moving impeller, necessitating cooling to ensure stable slurry quality.

[0003] The existing mixer cooling system cools the slurry by installing cooling devices on the wall of the mixing tank. This can only reduce the temperature of the slurry near the tank wall. Due to the movement of the slurry and the uneven heat conduction, the slurry near the cooling device will be cooled better, while the slurry far from the cooling device or in the center of the mixing tank will have poor heat exchange. This results in uneven temperature distribution of the slurry throughout the mixing tank, which affects the quality of the slurry.

[0004] In view of this, there is an urgent need to provide a stirring paddle solution with thermal management function in order to improve the heat exchange effect of the slurry and ensure the quality of the slurry. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to at least address one or more of the technical problems mentioned above, this disclosure proposes a stirring paddle solution with thermal management capabilities.

[0006] This disclosure provides a stirring impeller with thermal management function, comprising: an axially rotatable stirring impeller assembly including a shaft and blades fixedly connected to the shaft, wherein a heat exchange medium circulation channel is formed within the shaft and blades, and an inlet hole and an outlet hole are provided on the shaft; a fixedly disposed circulation connector through which the shaft rotatably passes, the circulation connector including a supply chamber and an outlet chamber disposed along the shaft; and the supply chamber and the outlet chamber being disposed around the shaft such that the inlet hole communicates with the supply chamber and the outlet hole communicates with the outlet chamber, for supplying heat exchange medium into the shaft and for discharging heat exchange medium from the shaft.

[0007] In some embodiments, the supply chamber and the discharge chamber are adjacent and separated annular cavities, with the propeller passing through the middle of the annular cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the propeller shaft extends axially, and the propeller blades include transverse blades intersecting the propeller shaft and longitudinal blades intersecting the transverse blades.

[0009] In some embodiments, a plurality of transverse blades are disposed at different positions on the propeller shaft along the direction of the propeller shaft extension; the two ends of the longitudinal blades are connected to the transverse blades; the transverse blades and the longitudinal blades are provided with blade channels inside, and the blade channels constitute part of the heat exchange medium circulation channel.

[0010] In some embodiments, a portion of the heat exchange medium circulation channel includes a path that connects from the propeller shaft to the transverse blade, then from the transverse blade to the longitudinal blade, and then from the longitudinal blade to the propeller shaft.

[0011] In some embodiments, the propeller shaft includes a plurality of propeller shaft channels arranged axially and parallel to each other, and the plurality of propeller shaft channels are respectively connected to the blade channels of a plurality of transverse blades arranged around the propeller shaft.

[0012] In some embodiments, the transverse blades include a first blade, a third blade, a fourth blade, and a sixth blade, and the longitudinal blades include a second blade and a fifth blade. The first blade, the second blade, and the third blade are connected in sequence to form a U-shape, and the fourth blade, the fifth blade, and the sixth blade are connected in sequence to form a U-shape.

[0013] In some embodiments, the front surfaces of both the first and fourth blades are inclined downwards.

[0014] In some embodiments, the circulating connector is fixed by a support member, which includes a cover plate and a fixing member. The fixing member includes a fixing ring and a support leg. The fixing ring is fixedly fitted onto the circulating connector, and the two ends of the support leg are respectively fixed to the fixing ring and the cover plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor is also included for detecting the temperature of the heat exchange medium within the discharge chamber.

[0016] With the thermal management function of the agitator provided above, the embodiments disclosed in this paper, by setting a circulation connector through which the agitator rod rotatably passes, and by setting an inlet hole and an outlet hole on the agitator rod, the inlet hole is located in the supply chamber of the circulation connector, and the outlet hole is located in the outlet chamber of the circulation connector, so that when the agitator rod drives the blades on it to rotate at high speed to agitate the slurry, the heat exchange medium can enter the heat exchange medium circulation channel in the agitator rod and blades from the supply chamber through the inlet hole, and flow out from the outlet chamber through the outlet hole. Therefore, when the blades and agitator rod rotate at high speed to agitate the slurry, the heat exchange medium can flow in the heat exchange medium circulation channel in the blades and agitator rod, carrying away the heat generated by the friction between the agitator rod and blades and the slurry, ensuring the consistency of the slurry temperature in the mixing tank. Therefore, the thermal management function of the agitator provided in this paper can improve the heat exchange effect of the slurry and ensure the mixing quality of the slurry.

[0017] Furthermore, in some embodiments, by configuring both the supply chamber and the discharge chamber as annular cavities surrounding the paddle shaft, the heat exchange medium flowing through the inlet and outlet holes of the rotating paddle shaft can form annular flow within the supply and discharge chambers, thereby ensuring the stability of the circulation connection and further guaranteeing the stability of the heat exchange medium circulation system. Even further, in some embodiments, by arranging the anti-slurry surfaces of both the first and fourth paddle blades downwards, the slurry on the upper side of the mixing tank can be pushed downwards when the agitator is stirring the slurry, resulting in more uniform slurry mixing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will become readily apparent upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 An exemplary side view of a stirring paddle with thermal management functionality, representing some embodiments of this disclosure, is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 An exemplary perspective view of a stirring impeller with thermal management functionality, representing some embodiments of this disclosure, is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The accompanying view of the embodiment shown;

[0022] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A sectional view along the A-A direction;

[0023] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Enlarged view of section A;

[0024] Figure 6 An exemplary perspective view of a mixer according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1 – Support component; 11 – Cover plate; 100 – Stirring paddle with thermal management function; 110 – Paddle rod hole; 111 – Annular protrusion; 12 – Fixing component; 120 – Connecting hole; 121 – Fixing ring; 122 – Support leg; 2 – Stirring paddle assembly; 200 – Mixer; 21 – Paddle rod; 210 – Heat exchange medium circulation channel; 211 – Inlet hole; 212 – Discharge hole; 22 – Paddle blade; 221 – First paddle blade; 222 – Second paddle blade; 223 – Third paddle blade; 224 – Fourth paddle blade; 225 – Fifth paddle blade; 226 – Sixth paddle blade; 227 – Pulse-facing surface; 228 – Pulse-facing surface; 3 – Circulation connector; 300 – Mixing tank; 31 – Supply chamber; 310 – Connecting rod hole; 311 – Inlet; 32 – Discharge chamber; 321 – Outlet; 50 – Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0028] It should be understood that the terms “comprising” and “including” used in this disclosure and claims indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0029] It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. As used in this disclosure and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this disclosure and claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations.

[0030] As used in this specification and claims, the term "if" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "when," "once," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [described condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "once determined," "in response to determination," "once [described condition or event] is detected," or "in response to detection of [described condition or event]."

[0031] The specific embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Exemplary application scenarios:

[0033] A lithium battery slurry mixer is a specialized piece of equipment used in the lithium battery production process to mix the slurry. Lithium battery slurry mixers typically employ mechanical mixing, using a motor to drive the impeller and blades to rotate, causing the slurry to continuously flow and mix within the mixing tank. During mixing, the high-speed movement of the impeller and the slurry generates high temperatures due to flow friction. This increased slurry temperature intensifies the molecular motion of components such as binders, leading to a decrease in slurry viscosity. This viscosity change affects the coating performance of the slurry, potentially resulting in uneven electrode thickness after coating and impacting battery consistency. Therefore, the mixer needs to be equipped with a cooling device to control the slurry temperature.

[0034] Existing mixer cooling systems use cooling devices on the outer perimeter of the mixing tank to cool the slurry, which only lowers the temperature of the slurry near the tank wall. Due to the movement of the slurry and the unevenness of heat conduction, the slurry near the cooling device is cooled better, while the slurry far from the cooling device or in the center of the mixing tank experiences poor heat exchange. This results in an uneven temperature distribution of the slurry throughout the mixing tank. This uneven cooling causes differences in the slurry's properties at different locations, affecting the slurry quality.

[0035] Exemplary agitator solution with thermal management function:

[0036] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a stirring paddle solution with thermal management function. It features a circulation connector with a supply chamber for supplying the heat exchange medium and a discharge chamber for discharging the heat exchange medium. The paddle rod rotatably passes through the circulation connector, and a heat exchange medium circulation channel is formed within the paddle rod and blades. An inlet hole and a outlet hole are provided on the paddle rod, with the inlet hole located within the supply chamber and the outlet hole within the discharge chamber. Thus, when the paddle rod drives the blades to rotate at high speed to stir the slurry, the heat exchange medium (e.g., cooling water, but not limited to cooling water) can enter the heat exchange medium circulation channel within the paddle rod and blades from the supply chamber through the inlet hole and flow out from the discharge chamber through the outlet hole. Therefore, when the blades and paddle rod rotate at high speed to stir the slurry, the heat exchange medium can flow within the heat exchange medium circulation channel in the blades and paddle rod, carrying away the heat generated by the friction between the paddle rod and blades and the slurry flow, improving the heat exchange effect of the slurry, ensuring the consistency of the slurry temperature within the mixing tank, and guaranteeing the stirring quality of the slurry.

[0037] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 An exemplary side view of a stirring paddle with thermal management functionality, representing some embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. Figure 2An exemplary perspective view of a stirring impeller with thermal management functionality, representing some embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. The locations of the associated container and / or the liquid to be stirred are indicated by dashed lines.

[0038] As shown in the figure, the stirring paddle 100 with thermal management function disclosed herein includes a support 1, a stirring paddle assembly 2, and a circulation connector 3.

[0039] The support member 1 provides stable support for the impeller assembly 2 and the circulation connector 3, ensuring that the seal between the impeller assembly 2 and the circulation connector 3 is not damaged due to vibration during rotation of the impeller with thermal management function. The impeller assembly 2 is rotatably connected to the circulation connector 3 and the support member 1 around its axial direction for stirring. The circulation connector 3 is fixed to the support member 1 and is used to connect to an external heat exchange medium source to receive the heat exchange medium and transport it to the impeller assembly 2.

[0040] Specifically, see also Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 3 An exemplary top view of an agitator with thermal management functionality according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. The support member 1 includes a cover plate 11 and a fixing member 12 disposed on the upper side of the cover plate 11. The cover plate 11 is a tank cover that can be securely placed on the mixing tank; it is generally circular in shape, and its central portion has a paddle rod hole 110 for through which the agitator assembly 2 passes. The fixing member 12 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the cover plate 11 and includes a connecting hole 120 for partially receiving and supporting the circulation connector 3, and this connecting hole 120 corresponds to the axial direction of the paddle rod hole 110. The circulation connector 3 is at least partially received radially inside the connecting hole 120, and its upper side has an inlet 311 for connecting a pipe to supply cooling liquid. The circulation connector 3 also has a connecting rod hole 310 extending through the circulation connector 3 in the axial direction of the aforementioned paddle rod hole 110.

[0041] The stirring paddle assembly 2 includes a paddle rod 21 and a paddle blade 22 fixedly disposed at one end of the paddle rod. The paddle rod 21 is generally long and cylindrical, with one end fixedly connected to the paddle blade 22 for extending into the stirring tank to drive the paddle blade 22 to rotate for stirring. The other end passes through the paddle rod hole 110 of the cover plate 11 and the connecting rod hole 310 of the circulation connector 3 along the axial direction of the aforementioned paddle rod hole 110. The paddle rod 21 can rotate relative to the cover plate 11 and the circulation connector 3.

[0042] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the fixing member 12 includes a fixing ring 121 and a support leg 122. The fixing ring 121 is fixedly fitted onto the circulating connector 3. The fixing ring 121 mainly serves to surround and hold the circulating connector 3, ensuring that the circulating connector 3 does not move in the vertical direction. The fixing ring 121 also prevents the circulating connector 3 from vibrating during operation, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the agitator with thermal management function.

[0043] See also: Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A sectional view along the A-A direction; Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of section A. The inner diameter of the retaining ring 121 is slightly smaller than the outer dimension of the circulating connector 3 to ensure a tight fit. The two ends of the support leg 122 are fixed to the retaining ring 121 and the support member 1, respectively. The support leg 122 supports the circulating connector 3, evenly transferring its weight to the support member 1, and facilitates the connection of other equipment or pipelines. In this embodiment, the number of support legs 122 is preferably multiple, such as two, three, four, or more. Multiple support legs 122 are evenly distributed around the retaining ring 121. By providing multiple support legs 122, the pressure supporting the circulating connector 3 can be distributed to different positions on the support member 1, making the pressure on the support member 1 more uniform. Simultaneously, multiple support legs 122 can also provide better resistance when the heat exchange medium flow impacts the circulating connector 3.

[0044] When the propeller 21 rotates at high speed, the flow velocity of the heat exchange medium inside the circulating connector 3 is relatively fast, which impacts the inner wall of the circulating connector 3, causing it to vibrate. Significant vibration can lead to relative displacement between the two sealing surfaces of the dynamic seal between the propeller 21 and the circulating connector 3, preventing the sealing surfaces from fitting tightly and affecting sealing performance. In this embodiment, the circulating connector 3 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 11 by the fixing member 12. This reduces the vibration of the circulating connector 3 caused by the flow of the heat exchange medium when the propeller 21 rotates at high speed, ensuring the sealing effect of the dynamic seal between the propeller 21 and the circulating connector 3, preventing heat exchange medium leakage, and thus ensuring the stability of the heat exchange medium circulation system.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that although the above description describes a structure of a fixing member 12 with multiple legs, this disclosure does not limit this aspect. For example, the fixing member 12 can be a bracket, the shape of which can be U-shaped or other shapes suitable for supporting and fixing the circulating connector 3. The bracket can be fixed to the support member 1 with bolts. After the circulating connector 3 is placed on the bracket and adjusted in position, auxiliary fixing devices such as cable ties and clamps can be used to fasten the circulating connector 3 to the bracket to ensure that it will not shake or shift during use.

[0046] See also Figure 4 The cover plate 11 has a downward-facing annular protrusion 111 on its edge. The annular protrusion 111 forms a sturdy frame on the surface of the cover plate 11, improving the overall structural strength of the cover plate. At the same time, the annular protrusion 111 can also contact the opening of the mixing tank, increasing the contact area between the cover plate 11 and the mixing tank. A larger contact area means greater friction, making it less likely for the cover plate 11 to slip or loosen during the rotation of the mixing paddle assembly 2.

[0047] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 The circulation connector 3 is provided with a supply chamber 31 for supplying the heat exchange medium and a discharge chamber 32 for discharging the heat exchange medium. The circulation connector 3 is preferably made of a corrosion-resistant, pressure-resistant, and low-temperature-resistant material to ensure that it will not be damaged due to the chemical properties or temperature changes of the heat exchange medium during long-term use. For example, the circulation connector 3 can be made of materials such as stainless steel or polyethylene.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the circulation connector 3 is provided with an inlet 311 communicating with the supply chamber 31. The inlet 311 can be located on the upper part or side of the circulation connector 3, and is used to receive the heat exchange medium from the water source or cooling circulation system. The size and shape of the inlet 311 match the heat exchange medium pipeline to ensure that the heat exchange medium enters the supply chamber 31 smoothly. To prevent impurities from entering the supply chamber 31, a filter or filter screen can be installed at the inlet 311 to filter out solid particles, impurities, and contaminants in the heat exchange medium, protecting the normal operation of the agitator with thermal management function. The circulation connector 3 is also provided with an outlet 321 communicating with the discharge chamber 32. The outlet 321 can be located on the bottom or side of the circulation connector 3 to transport the heat exchange medium to the external cooling circulation system. The circulation connector 3 can be arranged in any suitable manner. In this embodiment, the supply chamber 31 and the discharge chamber 32 are arranged adjacent to each other and separated from each other. The supply chamber 31 is located above the discharge chamber 32 so that the liquid pipeline in the circulation connector 3 forms an upward-inward and downward-outward structure, and the circulation flow of the heat exchange medium is accelerated by gravity.

[0049] Refer again Figure 4 In this embodiment, the propeller shaft 21 has multiple propeller shaft channels extending axially and arranged parallel to each other, while the blade 22 has blade channels extending along the blade's extension direction. The blade channels and propeller shaft channels are interconnected, together forming a heat exchange medium circulation channel 210. This allows the heat exchange medium circulation channel 210 to pass through various parts of the propeller shaft 21 and blade 22, ensuring sufficient contact with the heat exchange medium and effectively removing heat.

[0050] The paddle 21 rotatably passes through the circulation connector 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that a sealing structure is required between the paddle 21 and the circulation connector 3 to prevent leakage of the heat exchange medium from the gap between the circulation connector 3 and the paddle 21. The sealing structure can use a mechanical seal, a packing seal, or other sealing methods to ensure the reliability of the seal. For example, when using a mechanical seal, the tight fit between the rotating and stationary rings can effectively prevent leakage of the heat exchange medium.

[0051] See also Figure 5 The portion of the paddle rod 21 that extends into the circulation connector 3 has an inlet hole 211 and an outlet hole 212, located at opposite ends of the heat exchange medium circulation channel 210. The inlet hole 211 is located within the supply chamber 31, preferably at its lower side. The outlet hole 212 is located within the outlet chamber 32, preferably at its upper side. The inlet hole 211 and outlet hole 212 can be circular, square, or elliptical, etc., preferably circular, to ensure uniform resistance distribution of the heat exchange medium flow at the orifice, reduce turbulence, and thus reduce vibration of the circulation connector 3 and the paddle rod 21.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the stirring paddle with thermal management function rotates under the drive of an external power source. During rotation, the paddle 21 and blades 22 exert shearing and frictional forces on the slurry, ensuring thorough mixing of the various components and further dispersing the particles. Simultaneously, the heat exchange medium enters the supply chamber 31 through the inlet 311 of the circulation connector 3 via an external pipe, and then enters the heat exchange medium circulation channel 210 through the inlet hole 211 on the paddle 21, flowing within the channel as the paddle 21 and blades 22 rotate. Because the paddle 21 and blades 22 are in direct contact with the slurry, the heat exchange medium can exchange heat with the slurry through the walls of the paddle 21 and blades 22. Furthermore, since the main reason for the temperature rise of the slurry during the mixing process is the friction between the slurry and the impeller 22 and impeller rod 21, the heat generated by this friction can be directly transferred from the slurry near the impeller 22 and impeller rod 21 to the low-temperature heat exchange medium through the side walls of the impeller 22 and impeller rod 21, thereby achieving rapid and uniform cooling of the slurry. After flowing through the heat exchange medium circulation channel 210, the heat exchange medium enters the discharge chamber 32 of the circulation connector 3 through the discharge hole 212, and then enters the external cooling circulation system through the discharge port 321 via a pipeline. The external cooling circulation system ensures a continuous supply of heat exchange medium to the agitator during operation.

[0053] In this invention, the supply chamber 31 and discharge chamber 32 can adopt various suitable shapes to accommodate the heat exchange medium. In some embodiments disclosed herein, both the supply chamber 31 and discharge chamber 32 are annular cavities, and the paddle rod 21 passes through the middle of the annular cavity, meaning that both the supply chamber 31 and discharge chamber 32 are arranged around the paddle rod 21. In the embodiments disclosed herein, by setting both the supply chamber 31 and discharge chamber 32 as annular cavities surrounding the paddle rod 21, the heat exchange medium flowing from the inlet hole 211 and outlet hole 212 of the rotating paddle rod 21 can form annular flow within the supply chamber 31 and discharge chamber 32, for supplying the heat exchange medium into the paddle rod 21 and for discharging the heat exchange medium from the paddle rod 21. This also ensures that the forces generated by the distribution and flow of the heat exchange medium are relatively balanced, thereby allowing the circulation connector 3 to remain stable, further guaranteeing the stability of the heat exchange medium circulation system.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in this disclosure, the blades 22 can be distributed in various suitable ways. For example, the blades 22 can be distributed vertically along the axial direction of the shaft 21, so that the blades 22 can directly act on different layers of the slurry when rotating, stirring and mixing the slurry from the axial direction and avoiding stratification; or the blades 22 can be distributed obliquely on the shaft 21. This distribution method combines the effects of axial stirring and lateral shearing. During the stirring process, the inclination angle of the blades 22 causes the slurry to be pushed axially while also generating a certain amount of lateral flow and shearing, thereby enhancing the stirring effect.

[0055] In some embodiments disclosed herein, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the impeller 22 includes multiple transverse blades intersecting the impeller shaft 21 and multiple longitudinal blades intersecting the transverse blades. The multiple transverse blades are arranged at different positions along the direction of extension of the impeller shaft 21; the two ends of the longitudinal blades are connected to the transverse blades, and the blade channels inside both the transverse and longitudinal blades are connected to the impeller shaft channels to form a heat exchange medium circulation channel 210. Therefore, during stirring, slurry at different depths can contact different positions of the longitudinal blades or the transverse blades located at higher and lower positions, thereby achieving uniform heat exchange for the slurry at different depths. The transverse blades include a first blade 221, a third blade 223, a fourth blade 224, and a sixth blade 226, while the longitudinal blades include a second blade 222 and a fifth blade 225. The first blade 221, the second blade 222, and the third blade 223 are connected in sequence to form a U-shape, and the fourth blade 224, the fifth blade 225, and the sixth blade 226 are connected in sequence to form a U-shape. The two sets of U-shaped blades are symmetrically fixed on both sides of the propeller shaft 21.

[0056] Specifically, the first blade 221, second blade 222, third blade 223, fourth blade 224, fifth blade 225, and sixth blade 226 are arranged in a rectangular shape. One end of the first blade 221 is connected to the propeller shaft 21, and the other end of the first blade 221 is connected to one end of the second blade 222. The other end of the second blade 222 is connected to the third blade 223, and the other end of the third blade 223 is connected to the propeller shaft 21. One end of the fourth blade 224 is connected to the propeller shaft 21, and the other end of the fourth blade 224 is connected to one end of the fifth blade 225. The other end of the fifth blade 225 is connected to the sixth blade 226, and the other end of the sixth blade 226 is connected to the propeller shaft 21. The third blade 223 and the sixth blade 226 can be a single integrated structure. Figure 4As shown by the middle arrow, the heat exchange medium circulation channel 210 passes through the propeller 21, the first propeller blade 221, the second propeller blade 222, the third propeller blade 223, the propeller 21, the sixth propeller blade 226, the fifth propeller blade 225, the fourth propeller blade 224 and the propeller 21 in sequence.

[0057] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the connection of the first blade 221, the second blade 222, the third blade 223, the fourth blade 224, the fifth blade 225, the sixth blade 226, and the propeller shaft 21 allows the propeller shaft 21 and the blades 22 to form a rectangular frame structure. This facilitates the design of hollow structures for the blades 22 and the propeller shaft 21 to create cooling channels. Simultaneously, at the four vertices of the rectangular frame, the blades 22 can penetrate into the corners of the mixing tank, ensuring that the lithium battery slurry in the corners is fully agitated, avoiding dead zones and ensuring uniform mixing of the slurry in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Compared to other distribution methods, the rectangular frame distribution better covers the mixing area and improves the uniformity of mixing. Furthermore, the rectangular frame composed of the blades 22 and the shaft 21 can withstand greater torque and centrifugal force during the stirring process. Compared with some irregular distribution structures, the rectangular frame has a more uniform force distribution. The blades 22 on each side and corner can support each other, reducing the force on a single blade 22. When the shaft 21 rotates at high speed, the four sides of the rectangular frame can balance the centrifugal force, keeping the stirring paddle as a whole stable and reducing vibration and noise.

[0058] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the portion of the heat exchange medium circulation channel 210 that sequentially passes through the first blade 221, the second blade 222, the third blade 223, the blade 21, the sixth blade 226, the fifth blade 225, and the fourth blade 224 is U-shaped. That is, as shown... Figure 4 As shown by the middle arrow, the heat exchange medium flows sequentially through the channels on the first blade 221, the second blade 222, the third blade 223, the blade 21, the sixth blade 226, the fifth blade 225, and the fourth blade 224, forming a U-shaped heat exchange medium flow path. By setting a U-shaped heat exchange medium circulation channel, compared with a simple circular or straight channel, its contact area with the blade 21 is significantly increased, which can better conform to the shape of the impeller, allowing the wall surface of the cooling channel to cover a larger area inside the impeller, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0059] It is understood that although the above describes a scheme in which a first blade 221, a second blade 222, a third blade 223, a fourth blade 224, a fifth blade 225, and a sixth blade 226, all formed into a rectangle, are fixedly disposed on the impeller shaft 21 to form an agitator assembly, this disclosure does not limit the specific composition of the agitator assembly. For example, in some embodiments not shown, the agitator assembly includes more sets of U-shaped blades, such as three or four sets. These multiple sets of U-shaped blades are arranged radially relative to the impeller shaft 21, that is, adjacent sets of blades are arranged at equal angular intervals around the outer periphery of the impeller shaft 21, in order to provide a more efficient stirring effect while increasing the heat exchange area and improving cooling efficiency.

[0060] In some embodiments disclosed herein, such as Figure 2 As shown, the slurry-facing surfaces 228 of the first blade 221 and 227 of the fourth blade 224 are both inclined downwards. The slurry-facing surface refers to the surface of the blade that exerts thrust on the slurry during rotation. By tilting the slurry-facing surfaces of the first blade 221 and the second blade 222 downwards, during the rotation of the agitator, the first blade 221 and the second blade 222 can effectively push the upper layer of lithium battery slurry downwards, creating a more complex flow path for the slurry within the mixing tank. The lower layer of slurry moves upwards under the action of other blades and the tank wall. This continuous exchange and mixing of the upper and lower layers of slurry prevents stratification. Simultaneously, by pressing the upper layer of slurry downwards by the first blade 221 and the second blade 222, the contact between the slurry and air is reduced, thereby lowering the possibility of foam formation.

[0061] See you again Figure 5 In some embodiments disclosed herein, the agitator with thermal management function may further include a temperature sensor 50 for detecting the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the discharge chamber 32. The temperature sensor 50 is disposed within the discharge chamber 32. In some other embodiments, it may also be disposed at the discharge port 321 of the circulation connector 3. By using the temperature sensor 50 to detect the temperature of the heat exchange medium discharged by the agitator with thermal management function, the cooling efficiency of the agitator with thermal management function can be intuitively understood, so as to adjust the temperature of the input heat exchange medium. For example, when the viscosity of the lithium battery slurry is high or the stirring speed is too fast, the heat generated by the agitator will increase. If the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the discharged heat exchange medium exceeds the set value, the temperature of the input heat exchange medium needs to be reduced.

[0062] In summary, the stirring paddle with thermal management function provided by this utility model, by setting up the circulation connector 3 and the support 1, allows the heat exchange medium to flow in the heat exchange medium circulation channel 210, carrying away the heat generated by the friction between the paddle rod 21 and the blade and the slurry, improving the heat exchange effect of the slurry, ensuring the consistency of the slurry temperature in the mixing tank, and ensuring the mixing quality of the slurry.

[0063] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 An exemplary perspective view of a mixer according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a mixer 200, including a mixing tank 300 and a mixing blade, wherein the mixing blade is the mixing blade 100 with thermal management function provided in the above embodiments.

[0064] When the mixer 200 is in use, the cover plate 11 of the agitator 100 with thermal management function is fastened and fixed to the upper side of the mixing tank 300, and the agitator assembly 2 extends into the mixing tank 300. The operator first needs to add the lithium battery slurry to be mixed into the mixing tank 300 according to a certain formula and ratio. Then, the agitator drive (e.g., a motor) is started, causing the agitator assembly to begin rotating. Simultaneously, the heat exchange medium (e.g., cooling water) enters the heat exchange medium circulation channel inside the agitator assembly and flows within the channel as the agitator assembly rotates. Throughout the mixing process, the agitator assembly 2 rotates continuously to maintain the uniformity and stability of the slurry. The heat exchange medium can exchange heat with the slurry through the wall of the agitator assembly 2, transferring heat from the high-temperature slurry to the low-temperature heat exchange medium, thus cooling the slurry.

[0065] While numerous embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many modifications, alterations, and alternatives will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and intent of this disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of this disclosure described herein may be employed in the practice of this disclosure. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of this disclosure and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A stirring paddle with thermal management function, characterized in that, include: A stirring paddle assembly (2) that can rotate around an axial direction includes a paddle rod (21) and a paddle blade (22) fixedly connected to the paddle rod (21). A heat exchange medium circulation channel (210) is formed in the paddle rod (21) and the paddle blade (22). An inlet hole (211) and an outlet hole (212) are provided on the paddle rod (21). A fixedly arranged circulation connector (3) through which the paddle rod (21) rotatably passes, the circulation connector (3) including a supply chamber (31) and a discharge chamber (32) arranged along the axial direction; Furthermore, the supply chamber (31) and the discharge chamber (32) are arranged around the propeller (21) such that the inlet hole (211) communicates with the supply chamber (31) and the discharge hole (212) communicates with the discharge chamber (32) for supplying heat exchange medium into the propeller (21) and for discharging heat exchange medium from the propeller (21).

2. The stirring paddle with thermal management function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supply chamber (31) and the discharge chamber (32) are adjacent and separated annular cavities, and the paddle rod (21) passes through the middle of the annular cavity.

3. The stirring paddle with thermal management function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The propeller shaft (21) extends along the axial direction, and the blade (22) includes a transverse blade intersecting the propeller shaft (21) and a longitudinal blade intersecting the transverse blade.

4. The stirring paddle with thermal management function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of the transverse blades are arranged at different positions on the propeller (21) along the direction of extension of the propeller (21); The two ends of the longitudinal blade are connected to the transverse blade; The transverse blade and the longitudinal blade are provided with blade channels inside, and the blade channels constitute part of the heat exchange medium circulation channel (210).

5. The stirring paddle with thermal management function according to claim 4, characterized in that, A portion of the path of the heat exchange medium circulation channel (210) includes: a path from the propeller (21) to the transverse blade, then from the transverse blade to the longitudinal blade, and then from the longitudinal blade back to the propeller (21).

6. The stirring paddle with thermal management function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The propeller (21) includes a plurality of propeller channels arranged along the axial direction and parallel to each other, and the plurality of propeller channels are respectively connected to the blade channels of the plurality of transverse blades arranged around the propeller (21).

7. The stirring paddle with thermal management function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transverse blades include a first blade (221), a third blade (223), a fourth blade (224), and a sixth blade (226), and the longitudinal blades include a second blade (222) and a fifth blade (225). The first blade (221), the second blade (222), and the third blade (223) are connected in sequence to form a U-shape, and the fourth blade (224), the fifth blade (225), and the sixth blade (226) are connected in sequence to form a U-shape.

8. The stirring paddle with thermal management function according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first blade (221) and the fourth blade (224) are both inclined downwards on their anti-slurry surfaces.

9. The stirring paddle with thermal management function according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The circulating connector (3) is fixed by a support member (1). The support member (1) includes a cover plate (11) and a fixing member (12). The fixing member (12) includes a fixing ring (121) and a support leg (122). The fixing ring (121) is fixedly fitted onto the circulating connector (3). The two ends of the support leg (122) are respectively fixed onto the fixing ring (121) and the cover plate (11).

10. The stirring paddle with thermal management function according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor (50) for detecting the temperature of the heat exchange medium inside the discharge chamber (32).

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