Dispersing equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses dispersion equipment. The dispersion equipment comprises a tank body for accommodating slurry, a stirring device, an ultrasonic dispersion device and a flaw detection device, the stirring device, the ultrasonic dispersion device and the flaw detection device are arranged in the tank body, the stirring device is used for stirring the slurry, the ultrasonic dispersion device is used for eliminating bubbles in the slurry, and the flaw detection device is used for detecting foreign matters in the slurry. Ultrasonic waves are utilized to generate cavitation in a solvent and generate resonance effect with the slurry to achieve the purposes of dispersion and crushing, so that powder is effectively prevented from being agglomerated and dispersed, tiny bubbles in the lithium ion slurry are eliminated, and the coating quality of the lithium ion slurry is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of lithium ion batteries, and particularly relates to a dispersion equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] The lithium ion slurry is mainly composed of active substances, conductive agents, binders and solvents, and the dispersion phase is composed of particles with different particle sizes, morphologies and densities. The main purpose of slurry preparation is to uniformly disperse various substances to obtain a uniform and stable suspension slurry for the coating process of the pole piece.

[0003] In the prior art, due to the low surface tension of the solvent, and the occasional falling of foreign matter during stirring, air and impurities are easily sucked into the suspension in the form of micro-bubbles, which may cause coating defects such as pinholes and agglomeration in the subsequent coating process, resulting in increased cost and low process yield. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0004] The application aims to provide a dispersion equipment to solve the problem that the air bubbles and impurities suspended in the slurry affect the subsequent coating quality.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the application is implemented as follows:

[0006] The application provides a dispersion equipment, which comprises a tank body for containing slurry, a stirring device, an ultrasonic dispersion device and a flaw detection device.

[0007] The stirring device, the ultrasonic dispersion device and the flaw detection device are arranged in the interior of the tank body, the stirring device is used for stirring the slurry, the ultrasonic dispersion device is used for eliminating air bubbles in the slurry, and the flaw detection device is used for detecting foreign matter in the slurry.

[0008] Optionally, the stirring device comprises a first rotating shaft and a stirring paddle, the stirring paddle is connected to the first rotating shaft, and the flaw detection device is arranged on the first rotating shaft.

[0009] Optionally, a cavity is arranged in the first rotating shaft, and the flaw detection device is arranged in the cavity.

[0010] Optionally, the flaw detection device comprises, in sequence from the bottom of the tank body to the top of the tank body, a microphone, a preamplifier and a frequency analyzer, the microphone is used for receiving sound signals in the tank body and converting the sound signals into electric signals, the preamplifier is used for amplifying the electric signals, and the frequency analyzer is used for analyzing the electric signals to determine whether foreign matter exists in the slurry.

[0011] Optionally, the ultrasonic dispersion device comprises a second rotating shaft and an ultrasonic generating device, one end of the second rotating shaft is connected to the top of the tank body, and the other end is close to the bottom of the tank body, and the ultrasonic generating device is arranged at the end of the second rotating shaft close to the bottom of the tank body.

[0012] Optionally, the ultrasonic generating device comprises an ultrasonic generator, a transducer, an amplitude modulator and an ultrasonic generating head connected in sequence along the direction from the top of the tank body to the bottom of the tank body.

[0013] Optionally, the device further comprises a controller, the controller is arranged outside the tank body, and the controller is electrically connected with the stirring device, the ultrasonic dispersion device and the flaw detection device.

[0014] Optionally, the controller comprises an audible and visual alarm, the flaw detection device is electrically connected with the audible and visual alarm, and the audible and visual alarm gives an alarm when the flaw detection device detects a foreign matter.

[0015] Optionally, the controller comprises a display, and the display is electrically connected with the stirring device, the ultrasonic dispersion device and the flaw detection device.

[0016] Optionally, a hollow cooling cavity is arranged in the side wall of the tank body, and the tank body is cooled by passing condensed water into the cooling cavity.

[0017] The application discloses a dispersion device, which comprises a tank body for containing slurry, a stirring device, an ultrasonic dispersion device and a flaw detection device; the stirring device, the ultrasonic dispersion device and the flaw detection device are arranged in the interior of the tank body, the stirring device is used for stirring the slurry, the ultrasonic dispersion device is used for eliminating air bubbles in the slurry, and the flaw detection device is used for detecting foreign matters in the slurry. The ultrasonic wave produces cavitation in the solvent, and resonance effect is generated with the slurry to achieve the purpose of dispersion and crushing, the powder is effectively prevented from agglomeration and dispersed, and the micro air bubbles in the lithium ion slurry are eliminated, so that the coating quality of the lithium ion slurry is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a dispersion device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an ultrasonic generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 is a comparison chart of experimental results of case one according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a comparison diagram of the experimental results according to Case 2 of the present utility model embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5 The data is based on the decibel data of the stirring process according to the embodiments of this utility model.

[0024] Reference numerals: 1: Tank; 2: Stirring device; 21: First rotating shaft; 22: Stirring paddle; 3: Ultrasonic dispersion device; 31: Second rotating shaft; 32: Ultrasonic generator; 321: Ultrasonic generator; 322: Transducer; 323: Amplitude modulator; 324: Ultrasonic head; 4: Flaw detection device; 41: Microphone; 42: Preamplifier; 43: Frequency analyzer; 5: Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] It should be understood that the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a dispersing device according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a comparison diagram of experimental results based on Example 1 of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a comparison diagram of the experimental results according to Case 2 of the present utility model embodiment; Figure 5 The data is based on the decibel data of the stirring process according to the embodiments of this utility model.

[0028] Lithium-ion battery slurry mixing is a crucial step in battery manufacturing. Mixing ensures the uniform dispersion of active materials, conductive agents, and binders in a solvent, a process that significantly impacts battery performance. During slurry mixing, the low surface tension of the solvent and the occasional falling of foreign matter can easily draw in air and impurities, creating tiny air bubbles in the suspension. These bubbles can cause pinholes, agglomeration, and other coating defects in subsequent coating processes, leading to increased costs and lower process yields.

[0029] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model discloses a dispersion device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a tank 1 for containing slurry, a stirring device 2, an ultrasonic dispersing device 3, and a flaw detection device 4; the stirring device 2, the ultrasonic dispersing device 3, and the flaw detection device 4 are disposed inside the tank 1. The stirring device 2 is used to stir the slurry, the ultrasonic dispersing device 3 is used to eliminate air bubbles in the slurry, and the flaw detection device 4 is used to detect foreign objects in the slurry.

[0030] Tank 1 is generally equipped with a level gauge for easy monitoring and control of the liquid level. Raw materials are added to tank 1 to the designated height. One end of the stirring device 2 and the ultrasonic dispersing device 3 are connected to the top of tank 1, and the other end extends into the slurry. Both the stirring device 2 and the ultrasonic dispersing device 3 have a rotation function. The stirring device 2 uses a hydrodynamic shear disperser, such as a double planetary mixer, a high-speed shear disperser, or a twin-screw continuous pulping machine. The stirring device 2 can simultaneously revolve and rotate. When the material rotates within tank 1, the centrifugal vector force generated by the rotation of tank 1, the shear force between the material and the tank 1 wall, and the friction between molecules within the material produce a mixing and dispersion effect. When the material revolves within tank 1, it is subjected to centrifugal force, and the specific gravity separation motion along the vector direction, combined with the upward pushing force generated by the material's own weight, separates air bubbles, achieving a degassing effect.

[0031] In some embodiments, the tank 1 is also equipped with a vacuum device. After dispersion, air bubbles can be quickly removed by vacuuming, ultrasonic vibration, and slow stirring for 60 minutes. The vacuum device is turned on to adjust the air pressure inside the tank 1 to a negative pressure state of 93-95 kPa. First, high-speed stirring is used to accelerate the dissolution and uniform mixing of the substances. After uniform mixing, the speed is reduced to reduce the generation of air bubbles during stirring. At the same time, stirring continues to accelerate the release of air bubbles. The negative pressure state of the tank 1 can accelerate the release of air bubbles.

[0032] The ultrasonic dispersion device 3 releases high-frequency sound waves of 20kHz to 2MHz into the slurry, causing vibration inside the slurry and cavitation in the solvent. The generated microbubbles expand and contract rapidly under pressure changes, generating strong shock waves, thereby destroying the bubbles in the slurry and achieving the purpose of defoaming.

[0033] The flaw detection device 4 can be installed on the inner wall of the tank 1, or on the stirring device 2 and the ultrasonic dispersion device 3. Specifically, it uses a decibel meter to detect foreign objects inside the tank 1 by monitoring the sound signal. If parts or impurities fall into the slurry, they will scrape against the inner wall of the tank 1 and the devices inside during the stirring process of the stirring device 2, generating noise. The flaw detection device 4 can monitor the entire process of slurry stirring and dispersion, and will issue an alarm when abnormal noise is detected, allowing for timely inspection and cleaning.

[0034] This embodiment utilizes ultrasound to generate cavitation in a solvent, creating a resonance effect with the slurry to achieve dispersion and pulverization, effectively preventing powder agglomeration and achieving good dispersion results. After dispersion, vacuuming combined with ultrasonic vibration and slow stirring for 60 minutes can quickly remove air bubbles, reducing process time, costs, and improving process yield. Whether the stirring paddle 22 scrapes the bottom / wall of the tank is detected using a decibel meter, and the detection results can be quantified. The detection process can be monitored throughout.

[0035] In some alternative embodiments, the stirring device 2 includes a first rotating shaft 21 and a stirring paddle 22, the stirring paddle 22 being connected to the first rotating shaft 21, and the flaw detection device 4 being disposed on the first rotating shaft 21.

[0036] The first rotating shaft 21 is located on the central axis of the tank 1, driving the stirring paddle 22 to revolve around the first rotating shaft 21. At the same time, the stirring paddle 22 rotates on its own central axis to enhance the mixing effect of the materials. The strong shear force generated evenly disperses the raw materials in the solvent. The flaw detection device 4 is set on the first rotating shaft 21 and is higher than the working liquid level.

[0037] In some embodiments, a stirring disc can be used instead of a stirring paddle 22, or both a stirring paddle 22 and a stirring disc can be provided, with the stirring disc also performing revolution and rotation. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of stirring device 2.

[0038] In some alternative embodiments, the first rotating shaft 21 is provided with a cavity, and the flaw detection device 4 is disposed in the cavity.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first rotating shaft 21 is hollow inside to accommodate the flaw detection device 4. The wiring connecting the flaw detection device 4 is arranged in the cavity, which can play a protective role, preventing the internal precision instruments and wiring from being damaged by external forces, and at the same time making the monitoring environment more stable.

[0040] In some alternative embodiments, the flaw detection device 4 includes a microphone 41, a preamplifier 42, and a frequency analyzer 43 connected sequentially along the direction from the bottom to the top of the tank 1. The microphone 41 is used to receive sound signals in the tank 1 and convert them into electrical signals. The preamplifier 42 is used to amplify the electrical signals. The frequency analyzer 43 is used to analyze the electrical signals to determine whether there are foreign objects in the slurry.

[0041] The flaw detection device 4 consists of a microphone 41, a preamplifier 42, and a frequency analyzer 43. The microphone 41 converts the acquired sound signal into an electrical signal. The preamplifier 42 adjusts the impedance to match the microphone 41, and then amplifies the electrical signal through input and output amplifiers to ensure that the electrical signal reaches an appropriate amplitude. The frequency analyzer 43 displays the analysis results in analog or digital mode, analyzing electrical signals in the entire radio frequency band from very low frequency below 1 Hz to the submillimeter wave band. Figure 5 As shown, the pulping process can be divided into four stages: dry powder feeding, dry mixing, solvent feeding, high-speed dispersion, and cooling test. The noise generated during high-speed dispersion in tank 1 is the highest, with a stable value of around 80 decibels. This means that the noise generated by the stirring device 2 and ultrasonic dispersion device 3 in tank 1 during normal operation does not exceed 80 decibels. Therefore, the alarm threshold is set to 90 decibels. An alarm is triggered when the sound exceeds the threshold, which can effectively detect situations where metal foreign objects such as screws fall into tank 1 and continuously rub against it during stirring. The detection results are quantifiable, and the detection process can be monitored throughout.

[0042] In addition, in some optional embodiments, the ultrasonic dispersion device 3 includes a second rotating shaft 31 and an ultrasonic generating device 32. One end of the second rotating shaft 31 is connected to the top of the tank 1, and the other end is close to the bottom of the tank 1. The ultrasonic generating device 32 is disposed at the end of the second rotating shaft 31 close to the bottom of the tank 1.

[0043] Multiple ultrasonic dispersion devices 3 can be evenly distributed between the stirring device 2 and the inner wall of the tank 1, causing the slurry to vibrate uniformly. Each ultrasonic dispersion device 3 includes a second rotating shaft 31 and an ultrasonic generator 32. The second rotating shaft 31 has a rotating function, with one end connected to the top of the tank 1 and the other end extending into the slurry. The ultrasonic generator 32 is located at the bottom of the second rotating shaft 31, converting electrical energy into mechanical vibration and transmitting it to the slurry. The defoaming effect can be controlled by adjusting parameters such as ultrasonic frequency, amplitude, and processing time. Compared to traditional chemical defoamers, ultrasonic defoaming does not require the addition of additional chemicals and has advantages such as being pollution-free, highly efficient, and easy to operate.

[0044] Additionally, in some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the ultrasonic generating device 32 includes an ultrasonic generator 321, a transducer 322, an amplitude modulator 323 and an ultrasonic generating head 324 connected sequentially along the direction from the top of the tank 1 to the bottom of the tank 1.

[0045] The ultrasonic generator 321 converts industrial frequency alternating current into ultrasonic frequency oscillations with a certain power output, transmitting energy and exciting object vibration. The transducer 322 is the core component of the ultrasonic equipment. Its main function is to convert the input electrical power into mechanical power (i.e., ultrasonic waves) and then transmit it, while consuming very little power itself. It utilizes the piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric materials to convert electrical energy into mechanical vibration, thereby generating ultrasonic waves. The amplitude modulator 323 is a circuit that varies with the modulation signal, used to increase the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves.

[0046] In addition, in some optional embodiments, a controller 5 is also included, which is located outside the tank 1 and is electrically connected to the stirring device 2, the ultrasonic dispersion device 3 and the flaw detection device 4.

[0047] Various sensors and control devices inside tank 1 are connected to controller 5. Operators can control and monitor the pulping process inside tank 1 at the terminal, and adjust parameters such as the rotation speed and stirring time of stirring device 2, and the frequency, amplitude, and processing time of ultrasonic waves generated by ultrasonic dispersion device 3 in real time.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments, the controller 5 includes an audible and visual alarm, and the flaw detection device 4 is electrically connected to the audible and visual alarm. When the flaw detection device 4 detects a foreign object, the audible and visual alarm sounds an alarm.

[0049] The flaw detection device 4 converts the sound signal inside the tank 1 into an electrical signal. When the noise level inside the tank 1 exceeds the preset threshold, the sound and light alarm is triggered.

[0050] Additionally, in some alternative embodiments, the controller 5 includes a display and is electrically connected to the stirring device 2, the ultrasonic dispersing device 3, and the flaw detection device 4.

[0051] In this embodiment, the stirring device 2, ultrasonic dispersion device 3, and flaw detection device 4 inside the tank 1 are connected to the display. The effective value detector converts the amplified electrical signal into a DC signal. The display shows the slow, fast, pulse, or peak effective value according to the measurement requirements, and performs real-time monitoring and data recording.

[0052] In addition, in some optional embodiments, a hollow cooling cavity is provided in the side wall of the tank 1 for introducing condensate to cool the tank 1.

[0053] In this embodiment of the utility model, the side wall of the tank 1 has a hollow cavity, which serves as a heat insulation function and also allows condensate to be introduced into the cavity to cool the tank 1.

[0054] Furthermore, a coil can be installed in the cooling chamber to surround the inner shell in a spiral shape along the side wall of the tank 1. The condensate circulates in the coil, resulting in a better cooling effect.

[0055] Based on three sets of experimental cases, the defoaming and flaw detection performance of the dispersion device disclosed in this utility model was tested, and the experimental results are as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown.

[0056] Case 1:

[0057] Control group: Slow stirring + vacuum defoaming verification: The equipment automatically circulates defoaming for 120 minutes, with vacuum negative pressure monitoring. Defoaming begins when the negative pressure is higher than 90 kPa, and stops when the negative pressure is lower than 90 kPa. Then, vacuuming is performed. When the vacuum reaches the defoaming standard of higher than 90 kPa, defoaming is automatically started, and the coating effect is verified.

[0058] Experimental Group: Slow stirring + vacuuming + ultrasonic defoaming: The equipment automatically circulates for defoaming for 60 minutes, with vacuuming and negative pressure monitoring. Defoaming begins when the negative pressure exceeds 90 kPa and stops when it falls below 90 kPa. Vacuuming then begins, and automatically resumes when the vacuum reaches the defoaming standard of above 90 kPa. The coating process is then used to verify the effect. Conclusion: CCD monitoring of coating bubbles during the die-cutting process, along with marking of abnormal bubble locations, reduces the bubble marking rate on the electrode appearance by 78% after coating.

[0059] Case 2:

[0060] Control group: The toothed shearing and dispersing impeller and the double planetary mixing impeller were used to disperse and homogenize the slurry. 20.0K-SEM analysis showed that the conductive agent in the slurry agglomerated on the graphite surface and could not completely coat the main material, resulting in an unsatisfactory dispersion effect.

[0061] Experimental group: The slurry was dispersed and homogenized using an ultrasonic dispersion device and a dual planetary mixing impeller. 20.0K-SEM analysis showed that the conductive agent in the slurry could be well dispersed on the graphite surface and uniformly coat the main material, resulting in a good dispersion effect.

[0062] Case 3:

[0063] Control group: Currently, the mechanical stethoscope method is used to detect whether the agitator scrapes the bottom / wall of the tank, but the detection results cannot be quantified; the detection process cannot be monitored throughout.

[0064] Experimental group:

[0065] Whether the agitator scrapes the bottom / wall of the tank is detected using a decibel meter, and the detection results can be quantified; the detection process can be monitored throughout.

[0066] This utility model discloses a dispersion device, including a tank for containing slurry, a stirring device, an ultrasonic dispersion device, and a flaw detection device. The stirring device, ultrasonic dispersion device, and flaw detection device are disposed inside the tank. The stirring device is used to stir the slurry, the ultrasonic dispersion device is used to eliminate air bubbles in the slurry, and the flaw detection device is used to detect foreign matter in the slurry. Utilizing the cavitation effect generated by ultrasound in the solvent, a resonance effect is created with the slurry to achieve dispersion and pulverization, effectively preventing powder agglomeration and eliminating tiny air bubbles in the lithium-ion slurry. The flaw detection device can monitor the entire process of slurry stirring and dispersion, issuing an alarm when abnormal noise is detected, allowing for timely inspection and cleaning, thereby improving the coating quality of the lithium-ion slurry.

[0067] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0068] Although optional embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the optional embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or terminal device that includes that element.

[0070] The technical solutions provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the principles and implementation methods of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A dispersing device, characterized in that, The application relates to a slurry tank, which comprises a tank body for containing slurry, a stirring device, an ultrasonic dispersion device and a flaw detection device. The stirring device, the ultrasonic dispersion device and the flaw detection device are arranged in the tank body, the stirring device is used for stirring the slurry, the ultrasonic dispersion device is used for eliminating air bubbles in the slurry, and the flaw detection device is used for detecting foreign matters in the slurry. The stirring device comprises a first rotating shaft and stirring paddles connected to the first rotating shaft, and the flaw detection device is arranged on the first rotating shaft.

2. A dispersing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The first rotating shaft is internally provided with a cavity, and the flaw detection device is arranged in the cavity.

3. A dispersing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that The flaw detection device comprises, in sequence from the bottom of the tank body to the top of the tank body, a microphone, a preamplifier and a frequency analyzer, the microphone is used for receiving sound signals in the tank body and converting the sound signals into electric signals, the preamplifier is used for amplifying the electric signals, and the frequency analyzer is used for analyzing the electric signals to determine whether foreign matters exist in the slurry.

4. A dispersing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that The ultrasonic dispersion device comprises a second rotating shaft and an ultrasonic generating device, one end of the second rotating shaft is connected to the top of the tank body, and the other end is close to the bottom of the tank body, and the ultrasonic generating device is arranged at the end of the second rotating shaft close to the bottom of the tank body.

5. A dispersing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The ultrasonic generating device comprises, in sequence from the top of the tank body to the bottom of the tank body, an ultrasonic generator, a transducer, an amplitude modulator and an ultrasonic generating head.

6. A dispersing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that The application further comprises a controller arranged outside the tank body, and the controller is electrically connected with the stirring device, the ultrasonic dispersion device and the flaw detection device.

7. A dispersing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The controller comprises an audible and visual alarm, the flaw detection device is electrically connected with the audible and visual alarm, and the audible and visual alarm gives an alarm when the flaw detection device detects foreign matters.

8. A dispersing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that The controller comprises a display electrically connected with the stirring device, the ultrasonic dispersion device and the flaw detection device.

9. A dispersing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that The tank body is provided with a hollow cooling cavity in the side wall, and condensed water is introduced into the cooling cavity to cool the tank body.

10. A dispersing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that ​

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