Regeneration device for lithium battery cathode material

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a lithium battery positive electrode material regeneration device, comprising a tabletting device, a conveying device, an electrolyte atomizing device, a gas supply device, a heating and insulation device, and a crushing device. The lithium battery positive electrode powder is pressed and formed into a positive electrode sheet by the tabletting device. The positive electrode sheet is placed in the conveying cabin of the conveying device. The conveying cabin is provided with protective gas by the gas supply device and heated by the heating and insulation device. The positive electrode sheet can fully react with the misty electrolyte atomized by the electrolyte atomizing device until the reacted positive electrode sheet is crushed into powder by the crushing device to obtain regenerated positive electrode powder. The lithium battery positive electrode material regeneration device uses electrolyte as lithium source and carbon source to react the positive electrode sheet pressed into powder with electrolyte to regenerate positive electrode powder, avoids high concentration of acid and alkali, heavy metal ions and harmful gas emission in traditional chemical treatment, effectively reduces the risk of environmental pollution, and improves the overall processing speed and battery advantage component recovery efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of lithium battery processing technology, and in particular to a device for regenerating lithium battery cathode materials. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the development of new energy vehicles and the energy storage industry, the use of lithium batteries has increased significantly, and correspondingly, the number of retired lithium batteries has also increased substantially. The environmental pollution and resource waste caused by retired lithium batteries are becoming increasingly serious problems. Implementing recycling and regeneration technologies for materials from retired lithium batteries will help prevent pollution from waste batteries, alleviate the pressure of battery material (e.g., lithium) resource shortages, and promote the healthy development of my country's lithium battery industry.

[0003] Taking lithium iron phosphate batteries as an example, the recycling of retired lithium iron phosphate batteries often involves using chemical reagents such as acids and alkalis to produce electrode material precursors or other chemicals. This type of component recycling technology often relies on large amounts of chemical reagents, generating substantial amounts of waste liquid. Waste liquid treatment is costly and prone to secondary pollution. Furthermore, the secondary regeneration of electrode materials requires additional lithium and carbon sources, significantly increasing battery recycling costs. In addition, during battery dismantling and recycling, waste electrolyte is often incinerated, resulting in the waste of battery components, and the treatment of the generated organic waste gas greatly increases recycling costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the above-mentioned related technologies, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a lithium battery cathode material regeneration device to solve the various problems in the related technologies.

[0005] This disclosure provides a device for regenerating lithium battery cathode materials, including:

[0006] A pressing device is used to press lithium battery cathode powder into cathode sheets;

[0007] The conveying device includes: an electrode feed inlet, a conveying chamber, an electrode discharge outlet, and a conveying mechanism;

[0008] An electrolyte atomizing device is used to atomize the electrolyte and spray the atomized electrolyte onto the positive electrode plate in the transfer chamber, so that the positive electrode plate reacts with the electrolyte.

[0009] A gas supply device is used to provide protective gas, so that the transfer chamber is in a protective atmosphere environment;

[0010] A heating and heat preservation device is used to heat the transfer chamber, bringing it to the temperature required for the positive electrode plate and the mist electrolyte to react; and

[0011] A crushing device is used to receive the positive electrode sheet that has reacted with the electrolyte in the conveying chamber and is conveyed by the conveying mechanism, and to crush the positive electrode sheet into powder to obtain regenerated positive electrode powder.

[0012] In some examples, the tableting device includes: an inlet; an outlet; a first tableting platform having a bearing surface; the bearing surface being used to bear lithium battery cathode powder input through the inlet; a second tableting platform disposed opposite to the first tableting platform; the second tableting platform having a pressing surface facing the bearing surface of the first tableting platform, the pressing surface being provided with a tableting forming structure; wherein the second tableting platform is controlled by a pressing drive unit to approach the first tableting platform to crush the lithium battery cathode powder on the first tableting platform, so that the lithium battery cathode powder is crushed into a cathode sheet consistent with the tableting forming structure.

[0013] In some examples, the tableting device further includes: a spreading mechanism, adjacent to the inlet, for spreading the lithium battery positive electrode powder input from the inlet onto the first tableting platform according to the tableting structure; and a discharging mechanism, adjacent to the first tableting platform, for moving the positive electrode sheet formed by rolling on the first tableting platform and outputting the positive electrode sheet from the outlet.

[0014] In some examples, the conveying mechanism is a flat belt conveyor or a synchronous belt conveyor.

[0015] In some examples, the electrolyte atomizing device includes: an electrolyte enrichment tank, an electrolyte input assembly, and an electrolyte atomizer; the electrolyte enrichment tank is used to store electrolyte; the electrolyte input assembly includes a delivery pump and an electrolyte input pipeline connecting the electrolyte enrichment tank and the electrolyte atomizer; the electrolyte atomizer is used to atomize the received electrolyte and deliver the atomized electrolyte mist to the transfer chamber.

[0016] In some examples, the electrolyte atomizer includes: an atomizing chamber; an electrolyte inlet disposed in the atomizing chamber; the electrolyte inlet being connected to the electrolyte input pipeline, wherein the electrolyte input through the electrolyte inlet forms an electrolyte pool in the atomizing chamber; a gas inlet disposed at the bottom of the atomizing chamber; a compressed gas generating device including: a gas compressor, a gas pipeline, and a nozzle, the nozzle being directed towards the electrolyte pool in the atomizing chamber through the gas inlet; the compressed gas generated by the gas compressor being delivered to the nozzle through the gas pipeline to generate high-pressure gas, which breaks down the electrolyte into atomized electrolyte; an electrolyte outlet disposed in the atomizing chamber; and a spray assembly including an electrolyte output pipeline entering the atomizing chamber through the electrolyte outlet and a spray head connected to the electrolyte output pipeline, for conveying the atomized electrolyte to the transfer chamber.

[0017] In some examples, in the electrolyte atomizer, an impact blocking member is provided at one end of the electrolyte output line near the nozzle, facing the nozzle. The impact blocking member has a liquid-facing surface, which is used to cause the atomized electrolyte to be impacted and crushed under the action of high-pressure gas, forming smaller particles.

[0018] In some examples, the gas supply device includes a protective gas delivery pipeline connected to the transfer chamber, through which the protective gas is directly delivered to the transfer chamber; or, the gas supply device includes a protective gas delivery pipeline connected to the electrolyte output pipeline, through which the protective gas is mixed with the mist electrolyte in the electrolyte output pipeline to protect the mist electrolyte.

[0019] In some examples, the heating and insulation device includes: a temperature detector for detecting the temperature inside the transfer chamber; a heater; and a controller for controlling the heater to heat the transfer chamber according to the temperature detected by the temperature detector; or, the heating and insulation device includes: a temperature detector for detecting the temperature inside the transfer chamber; a heater; a controller for controlling the heater to heat the transfer chamber according to the temperature detected by the temperature detector; and an insulation component disposed on the inner wall of the transfer chamber.

[0020] In some examples, the rear end of the pulverizing device is provided with a collection box for collecting the regenerated cathode powder.

[0021] As described above, the lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment provided in this disclosure uses electrolyte as a lithium source and carbon source. After the lithium battery cathode powder is rolled into cathode sheets, the cathode sheets are reacted with electrolyte to form regenerated cathode powder. This avoids the high concentration of acid and alkali, heavy metal ions and harmful gas emissions in traditional chemical treatment, reduces environmental pollution risks or waste liquid treatment costs, and improves the overall processing speed and the recovery efficiency of the battery's advantageous components. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 The diagram shown is an assembly schematic of a lithium battery cathode material regeneration device in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 The diagram shows the overall external appearance of the tableting device.

[0024] Figure 3 The diagram shows the internal structure of the tablet compression device.

[0025] Figure 4 The image shown is a front view of an electrolyte atomizing device in one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 The image shown is a top view of an electrolyte atomizing device in one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 The image shown is a front view of an electrolyte atomizer in another embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of an electrolyte atomizing device in another embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 The image shown is a top view of a heating and heat preservation device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this disclosure from the information disclosed herein. This disclosure can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this disclosure can be modified or changed according to different viewpoints and application modules without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0031] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can readily implement it. This disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0032] In this disclosure, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic represented in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics represented may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or a group of embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples represented in this disclosure, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the representation of this disclosure, "a set" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] For the purpose of clarity, devices unrelated to the description are omitted, and the same or similar components throughout the specification are given the same reference numerals.

[0035] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise explicitly stated and limited, the terms "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] Furthermore, when it is said that a device "includes" a certain component, unless there is a particularly contrary statement, it does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may also be included.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0038] While the terms first, second, etc., are used in some examples herein to refer to various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, first interface and second interface, etc., are used. Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” indicate the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, module, item, kind, and / or group, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, modules, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Thus, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0039] The technical terms used herein are for reference only to specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The singular form used herein includes the plural form unless the statement explicitly indicates otherwise. The word "comprising" as used in this specification means to specify a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0040] Although not explicitly defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms used herein, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be further interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant technical literature and the message of the present disclosure, and shall not be over-interpreted as having an ideal or overly formulaic meaning unless otherwise defined.

[0041] In the technologies related to lithium extraction from lithium batteries, chemical leaching is often used. However, chemical leaching often has problems such as complex operation, low efficiency, and heavy pollution. For example, chemical leaching requires the use of large amounts of acid and alkali solutions and the incineration of waste electrolyte, which brings environmental pollution risks and increases treatment costs.

[0042] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a lithium battery cathode material regeneration device, which combines waste lithium battery cathode powder with waste electrolyte, using the waste electrolyte as a lithium source and carbon source. Through powder pressing and a temperature-controlled electrothermal sealed chamber, the lithium battery cathode sheet reacts with the waste electrolyte to directly sinter into recycled cathode powder, providing an efficient, environmentally friendly and economical solution for lithium battery recycling, promoting industrial development and achieving sustainable resource utilization and reducing environmental hazards.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 The diagram shows an assembly schematic of a lithium battery cathode material regeneration device in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment disclosed herein may include: a pressing device 1, a conveying device 2, an electrolyte atomizing device 3, a gas supply device 4, a heating and heat preservation device 5, and a pulverizing device 6. These devices are interconnected, and the various processes cooperate with each other, enabling the waste lithium battery cathode powder to be sintered into recycled cathode powder after reacting with waste electrolyte, which serves as both a lithium and carbon source.

[0045] The pressing device 1 is used to press lithium battery positive electrode powder into positive electrode sheets.

[0046] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ,in, Figure 2The diagram shows the overall external appearance of the tablet compressing device. Figure 3 The diagram shows the internal structure of the tablet compression device.

[0047] As shown in the figure, the tableting device 1 includes a tableting machine housing 11, a feed port 101, a discharge port 103, a first tableting platform 13, and a second tableting platform 15.

[0048] The feed port is used to convey lithium battery cathode powder into the tableting device. In this embodiment, the feed port 101 is located at the top of the tableting machine housing 11. Through the feed port 101, the processed lithium battery cathode powder can be fed into the tableting device 1.

[0049] In order to enable the lithium battery cathode powder to be transported more smoothly through the feed inlet 101, in this embodiment, the tablet pressing device 1 is also provided with an electrode powder input pipe 102 connected to the feed inlet 101. The electrode powder input pipe 102 can extend upward and inward, and the lithium battery cathode powder is input into the tablet pressing device 1 through the feed inlet 101 and the connected electrode powder input pipe 102.

[0050] In some embodiments, the lithium battery cathode powder may be, for example, lithium iron phosphate battery cathode powder. The lithium iron phosphate battery cathode powder has been obtained in a previous process by pre-treating waste lithium iron phosphate batteries. Exemplarily, the pre-treatment of waste lithium iron phosphate batteries may include: first, crushing the cathode sheet containing the current collector layer to remove the current collector layer and obtain cathode particles; then treating the cathode particles with chemical reagents, and after drying, obtaining cathode powder.

[0051] The first pressing platform is used to carry the lithium battery cathode powder input through the feed port. In this embodiment, the first pressing platform 13 is disposed at the bottom of the pressing device 1 and is used to carry the lithium battery cathode powder input through the feed port 101. Exemplarily, the first pressing platform 13 may adopt a plate-like structure and have a bearing surface, which is horizontally arranged facing upwards.

[0052] The second tableting platform is disposed opposite to the first tableting platform. In this embodiment, the second tableting platform 15 is disposed directly above the first tableting platform 13. Exemplarily, the second tableting platform 15 may adopt a plate-like structure and have a pressing surface that faces the bearing surface of the first tableting platform 13, that is, the pressing surface is arranged horizontally.

[0053] A pressing and forming structure 151 is provided on the pressing surface. Using this pressing and forming structure, lithium battery positive electrode powder can be rolled into a positive electrode sheet with a shape adapted to the pressing and forming structure. In some embodiments, the pressing and forming structure is, for example, a pressing groove. Exemplarily, the pressing groove is an inverted truncated pyramid (smaller at the top and larger at the bottom), with a trapezoidal cross-section (narrower at the top and wider at the bottom).

[0054] The first and second pressing platforms move closer to each other, causing the lithium battery cathode powder carried on the second pressing platform to be crushed and shaped. In this embodiment, the second pressing platform 15 is controlled by a pressing drive unit 12 and can move up and down to approach or move away from the first pressing platform 13 below. Exemplarily, the pressing drive unit 12 can be, for example, a hydraulic motor, which is connected to the second pressing platform via a telescopic rod. When the hydraulic motor drives the telescopic rod to extend, it can drive the connected second pressing platform 15 to descend and approach the first pressing platform 13. When the hydraulic motor drives the telescopic rod to retract, it can drive the connected second pressing platform 15 to rise and move away from the first pressing platform 13.

[0055] The discharge port is used to convey the rolled positive electrode sheet. In this embodiment, the discharge port 103 is located at the bottom of the tablet press housing 11 and is correspondingly arranged with respect to the first tablet pressing platform 13.

[0056] In addition, the tableting device also includes a feeding mechanism and a unloading mechanism.

[0057] The material spreading mechanism is adjacent to the inlet and is used to spread the lithium battery cathode powder input from the inlet onto the first pressing platform according to the pressing structure. In this embodiment, the material spreading mechanism 14 is adjacent to the electrode powder input pipe 102 connected to the inlet 101 and is used to evenly spread the lithium battery cathode powder output from the electrode powder input pipe 102 onto the first pressing platform 13. Exemplarily, the material spreading mechanism may further include: a hopper, a traveling track, and a traveling motor, wherein the traveling track is horizontally arranged, and the length of the traveling track may be the same as the length of the first pressing platform; the hopper is set on the traveling track, and the hopper can hold a certain amount of lithium battery cathode powder; the traveling motor is used to drive the hopper to move along the traveling track and release the lithium battery cathode powder it carries at a predetermined position to spread onto the first pressing platform. Thus, using the material spreading mechanism, lithium battery cathode powder can be spread onto the first pressing platform according to the pressing structure.

[0058] The unloading mechanism is adjacent to the first tableting platform and is used to move the positive electrode sheet that has been rolled and formed on the first tableting platform and output the positive electrode sheet from the discharge port. In this embodiment, the unloading mechanism 16 is adjacent to the first tableting platform 13. Exemplarily, the unloading mechanism may further include a pusher and a telescopic motor. The telescopic motor can be connected to the unloading member via a telescopic rod. The unloading member can be, for example, a push plate or a push block, and its width can be the same as the width of the first tableting platform 13. The unloading member moves along the length direction of the first tableting platform 13 under the drive of the telescopic motor, and is used to push each positive electrode sheet on the first tableting platform 13 until it is output from the corresponding discharge port 103.

[0059] For the tableting device 1, when the tableting device 1 is working, the pre-treated electrode powder is put into the tableting device 1 through the feed port 101 and the electrode powder input pipe 102; the spreading mechanism 14 moves to spread the lithium battery positive electrode powder output from the electrode powder input pipe 102 evenly on the first tableting platform 13; the pressing drive unit 12 drives the second tableting platform 15 to move downward to approach the first tableting platform 13 below until the pressing surface of the second tableting platform 15, which has a tablet forming structure, rolls the lithium battery positive electrode powder carried on the first tableting platform 13, so that the lithium battery positive electrode powder is formed into a positive electrode sheet with the same tablet forming structure after rolling; the unloading mechanism 16 moves the positive electrode sheet formed by rolling on the first tableting platform 13 and outputs the positive electrode sheet from the discharge port 103.

[0060] The conveying device 2 is used to convey the positive electrode sheet and cause the positive electrode sheet to react with the electrolyte.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveying device 2 may include: an electrode feed port 21, a conveying chamber 22, an electrode discharge port 23, and a conveying mechanism 24.

[0062] The transfer chamber 22 has a compartment for providing space for the transfer and reaction of the positive electrode sheet. The transfer chamber 22 has a certain length to ensure the transfer of the positive electrode sheet and the full reaction of the positive electrode sheet. The transfer chamber 22 is a sealed configuration, and the sealed environment allows the positive electrode sheet to complete the reaction with the electrolyte within the transfer chamber 22.

[0063] The front end of the conveyor chamber 22 is provided with an electrode feed port 21, and the rear end of the conveyor chamber 22 is provided with an electrode discharge port 23.

[0064] The conveying mechanism 24 is used to convey the positive electrode sheet. For example... Figure 1As shown, the conveying mechanism 24 can be located between the electrode inlet 21 of the tableting device 1 and the conveying chamber 22, for conveying the positive electrode sheet output from the outlet 103 of the tableting device 1 to the electrode inlet 21 of the conveying chamber 22 and inputting it into the conveying chamber 22. Of course, the conveying mechanism 24 can also be located inside the conveying chamber 22, for conveying the positive electrode sheet within the conveying chamber 22.

[0065] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism 24 may be, for example, a flat belt conveyor or a synchronous belt conveyor. Taking a flat belt conveyor as an example, it may include a conveyor belt, a roller assembly, and a drive motor. Taking a synchronous belt conveyor as an example, it may include a toothed conveyor belt, a toothed synchronous pulley, and a drive motor, wherein the teeth of the conveyor belt mesh with the toothed grooves of the synchronous pulley. Exemplarily, the front end of the conveyor belt in the flat belt conveyor or synchronous belt conveyor is located below the discharge port 103 of the tablet pressing device 1, and the conveying chamber 22 is located below the conveyor belt in the flat belt conveyor or synchronous belt conveyor. The positive electrode sheets output from the discharge port 103 of the tablet pressing device 1 fall onto the conveyor belt. After being conveyed, the positive electrode sheets on the conveyor belt enter the conveying chamber 22 through the electrode sheet inlet 21 of the conveying chamber 22.

[0066] The electrolyte atomizing device 3 is used to atomize the electrolyte and spray the atomized electrolyte onto the positive electrode plate conveyed by the conveying mechanism inside the conveying chamber 22.

[0067] Please see 4 and Figure 5 ,in, Figure 4 The image shown is a front view of an electrolyte atomizing device in one embodiment. Figure 5 The image shown is a top view of an electrolyte atomizing device in one embodiment.

[0068] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the electrolyte atomizing device 3 may include: an electrolyte enrichment box 31, an electrolyte input component, and an electrolyte atomizer 33.

[0069] The electrolyte enrichment tank 31 is used to store the electrolyte. In this embodiment, the electrolyte serves as both a lithium source and a carbon source for subsequent reaction with the positive electrode.

[0070] The electrolyte input assembly includes a delivery pump 321 and an electrolyte input pipeline 323 connecting the electrolyte enrichment tank 31 and the electrolyte atomizer 33. The delivery pump 321 pumps the electrolyte in the electrolyte enrichment tank 31 into the electrolyte atomizer 33 through the electrolyte input pipeline 323.

[0071] The electrolyte atomizer 33 is used to atomize the received electrolyte and deliver the atomized electrolyte to the transfer chamber 22.

[0072] The electrolyte atomizer 33 includes: an atomization chamber 331, an electrolyte inlet 332, a compressed gas generating device, an electrolyte outlet 334, and a spray assembly.

[0073] The atomizing chamber 331 has a certain amount of space to hold a certain amount of electrolyte.

[0074] An electrolyte inlet 332 is located in the atomization chamber 331. The electrolyte inlet 332 is connected to the electrolyte input pipe 323, and the electrolyte input through the electrolyte inlet 332 forms an electrolyte pool within the atomization chamber 331. Since an electrolyte pool needs to be formed within the atomization chamber 331, the electrolyte inlet 332 can be located on the side wall of the atomization chamber 331, and the distance between the electrolyte inlet 332 and the bottom of the atomization chamber 331 must be sufficient to form the required electrolyte pool.

[0075] The compressed gas generating device includes a gas compressor 3331, a gas pipeline 3333, and a nozzle 3335. The nozzle 3335 faces the electrolyte pool within the atomization chamber via a gas inlet located at the bottom of the atomization chamber 331. Compressed gas generated by the gas compressor 3331 is delivered to the nozzle 3335 via the gas pipeline 3333, generating high-pressure gas that acts on the electrolyte pool. The generated high-pressure gas breaks down the electrolyte into a mist-like electrolyte. Specifically, the gas compressor 3331 generates high-velocity compressed gas, which is transmitted through the gas pipeline 3333 and suddenly depressurizes at high speed when passing through the nozzle 3335, creating a local negative pressure. This generates a siphon effect, causing the electrolyte in the electrolyte pool to concentrate near the nozzle 3335. The electrolyte is then impacted and broken down into a mist-like electrolyte by the compressed gas.

[0076] Electrolyte outlet 334 is located in atomization chamber 331. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the electrolyte outlet 334 can be located at the top of the atomization chamber 331.

[0077] The spray assembly includes an electrolyte output pipe 3351 and spray heads 3353. The electrolyte output pipe 3351 has an input end and an output end. The input end of the electrolyte output pipe 3351 enters the atomization chamber 331 through the electrolyte outlet 334 and is positioned opposite the nozzle 3335, so that it can directly receive the atomized electrolyte after being impacted and broken by compressed gas. The output end of the electrolyte output pipe 3351 can be cascaded with multiple spray heads 3353. The multiple spray heads 3353 can be located at different positions in the transfer chamber 22 to spray the atomized electrolyte into the transfer chamber 22, so that the sprayed atomized electrolyte can fully contact and react with the positive electrode plate being transferred in the transfer chamber 22.

[0078] Furthermore, in the electrolyte atomizer 33, an impact blocking member 3355 is provided at one end of the electrolyte output pipe 3351 near the nozzle 3335 (i.e., the input end of the electrolyte output pipe 3351), facing the nozzle. In some embodiments, the impact blocking member 3355 has a liquid-facing surface, which is used to cause the atomized electrolyte to be impacted and pulverized under the action of high-pressure gas, forming smaller particles. That is, the electrolyte is broken down into atomized electrolyte by the impact of compressed gas, and the atomized electrolyte continues to impact the liquid-facing surface of the impact blocking member 3355 under the action of high-pressure gas, and the atomized electrolyte is further pulverized by the impact. In addition, when some of the atomized electrolyte passes through the impact blocking member 3355, excessively large droplets will fall back into the electrolyte pool, and only sufficiently small droplets can enter the electrolyte output pipe 3351 and be transported out. Figure 4 As shown, the impact blocking member 3355 may, for example, be a sleeve structure that expands outward and contracts inward.

[0079] The gas supply device 4 provides a protective gas, ensuring that the transfer chamber 22 is in a protective atmosphere. In some embodiments, the protective gas is an inert gas, which is introduced into the transfer chamber 22 to provide an inert gas environment. In an inert gas environment, the positive electrode sheet can effectively avoid unnecessary chemical reactions with active components such as oxygen and moisture in the air when reacting with the electrolyte, thereby ensuring that the reaction proceeds in the expected direction and manner, and helping to improve the stability, accuracy, and quality of the final product. Exemplarily, the gas supply device 4 may be, for example, an argon gas compression supply device, used to provide argon gas.

[0080] The gas supply device 4 also includes a protective gas delivery pipeline 41 for delivering the protective gas provided by the gas supply device 4.

[0081] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the protective gas delivery pipeline is directly connected to the transfer chamber, and the protective gas is directly delivered to the transfer chamber through the protective gas delivery pipeline.

[0082] In some embodiments, the protective gas delivery line is connected to the electrolyte output line. See also... Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,in, Figure 6 The image shown is a front view of an electrolyte atomizer in another embodiment. Figure 7 The image shown is a cross-sectional view of an electrolyte atomizing device in another embodiment. (See image.) Figure 6 and 7As shown, the protective gas delivery pipeline 41 is connected to the electrolyte output pipeline 3351. Thus, the protective gas provided by the gas supply device 4 is mixed with the mist electrolyte delivered in the electrolyte output pipeline 3351 through the protective gas delivery pipeline 41, protecting the mist electrolyte and ensuring that the mist electrolyte does not undergo unnecessary chemical reactions with active ingredients such as oxygen and moisture in the air.

[0083] The heating and heat preservation device is used to heat and preserve the temperature of the transfer chamber, so that the positive electrode plate and the mist electrolyte can react in the high-temperature environment of the transfer chamber filled with protective gas.

[0084] In some embodiments, the heating and insulation device includes: a temperature detector for detecting the temperature inside the transfer chamber; a heater; and a controller for controlling the heater to heat the transfer chamber based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector. The temperature detector may be, for example, a temperature sensor, the heater may be, for example, a heating wire, and the controller may be, for example, an electric heating control panel communicatively connected to the temperature sensor and the heating wire.

[0085] The heating and insulation device includes: a temperature detector for detecting the temperature inside the transfer chamber; a heater; a controller for controlling the heater to heat the transfer chamber according to the temperature detected by the temperature detector; and an insulation component disposed on the inner wall of the transfer chamber for insulation. The temperature detector may be, for example, a temperature sensor; the heater may be, for example, a heating wire; the controller may be, for example, an electric heating control panel communicatively connected to the temperature sensor and the heating wire; and the insulation component may be, for example, an insulation layer and / or a heat insulation layer.

[0086] Please see Figure 8 The image shown is a top view of a heating and heat preservation device in one embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the heating and heat preservation device 5 includes: a temperature sensor 51, a heating wire 53, an electric heating control panel 55, a heat preservation layer 57, and a heat insulation layer 59. The temperature sensor 51 and the heating wire 53 are disposed inside the transfer chamber 22, while the electric heating control panel 55 is disposed outside the transfer chamber 22. The heat preservation layer 57 and the heat insulation layer 59 are arranged around the inner wall of the transfer chamber 22. In practical applications, the temperature sensor 51 disposed inside the transfer chamber 22 can detect the temperature inside the transfer chamber 22 in real time. The electric heating control panel 55 controls the heating wire 53 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 51. When the current temperature is detected to be lower than a threshold, the heating wire 53 is controlled to heat the transfer chamber 22 using the current heating effect, so as to reach the required reaction temperature in a shorter time. At the same time, the heat preservation layer and the heat insulation layer 59 improve the uniformity and efficiency of heating.

[0087] The crushing device is used to receive the positive electrode sheet that has reacted with the electrolyte in the conveying chamber and is conveyed by the conveying mechanism, and to crush the positive electrode sheet into powder to obtain regenerated positive electrode powder.

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, the crushing device 6 is located at the rear end of the conveying chamber 22 and is connected to the electrode outlet 23 of the conveying chamber 22. It receives the positive electrode sheet output from the electrode outlet 23, crushes the positive electrode sheet into powder, and obtains regenerated positive electrode powder.

[0089] In addition, a collection box is provided at the rear end of the pulverizing device for collecting the regenerated positive electrode powder. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the collection box 7 is located below the crushing device 6. The regenerated positive electrode powder, which is conveyed through the discharge port by the high-speed rotating blades inside the crushing device 6, enters the collection box 7 below.

[0090] When using the lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment provided in this disclosure, taking lithium iron phosphate batteries as an example, the entire regeneration process may include: starting a pressing device, a conveying device, an electrolyte atomizing device, a gas supply device, a heating and heat preservation device, and a crushing device; inputting lithium iron phosphate battery cathode powder obtained after corresponding pretreatment of waste lithium iron phosphate batteries into the pressing device; the pressing device crushes the lithium iron phosphate battery cathode powder into cathode sheets and conveys the cathode sheets to the conveying chamber of the conveying device; in the conveying chamber, the gas supply device provides protective gas and the heating and heat preservation device heats the conveying chamber to keep it in a suitable high-temperature environment; the electrolyte atomizing device atomizes the electrolyte to form a mist electrolyte and sprays the mist electrolyte onto the cathode sheets, so that the cathode sheets can fully react with the electrolyte in the high-temperature environment and protective gas environment; the reacted cathode sheets are conveyed to the crushing device, which crushes the cathode sheets into powder to obtain regenerated cathode powder.

[0091] The lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment disclosed herein uses electrolyte as a lithium and carbon source. After the lithium battery cathode powder is rolled into cathode sheets, the cathode sheets are reacted with electrolyte to form regenerated cathode powder. This avoids the high concentration of acid and alkali, heavy metal ions and harmful gas emissions in traditional chemical treatment, reduces environmental pollution risks or waste liquid treatment costs, and improves the overall processing speed and the recovery efficiency of the battery's advantageous components.

[0092] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this disclosure should still be covered by the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for regenerating lithium battery cathode material, characterized in that, include: A pressing device is used to press lithium battery cathode powder into cathode sheets; The conveying device includes: an electrode feed inlet, a conveying chamber, an electrode discharge outlet, and a conveying mechanism; An electrolyte atomizing device is used to atomize the electrolyte and spray the atomized electrolyte onto the positive electrode plate in the transfer chamber, so that the positive electrode plate reacts with the electrolyte. A gas supply device is used to provide protective gas, so that the transfer chamber is in a protective atmosphere environment; A heating and heat preservation device is used to heat the transfer chamber, bringing it to the temperature required for the positive electrode plate and the mist electrolyte to react; and A crushing device is used to receive the positive electrode sheet that has reacted with the electrolyte in the conveying chamber and is conveyed by the conveying mechanism, and to crush the positive electrode sheet into powder to obtain regenerated positive electrode powder.

2. The lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tableting device includes: Inlet; Discharge port; A first tableting platform has a bearing surface; the bearing surface is used to bear lithium battery cathode powder input through the feed port; and A second tableting platform is disposed opposite to the first tableting platform; the second tableting platform has a pressing surface that faces the bearing surface of the first tableting platform, and a tableting structure is provided on the pressing surface; The second pressing platform is controlled by a pressing drive unit to approach the first pressing platform and crush the lithium battery positive electrode powder on the first pressing platform, so that the lithium battery positive electrode powder is crushed into a positive electrode sheet with the same pressing structure.

3. The lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tablet pressing device further includes: A material spreading mechanism, adjacent to the feed inlet, is used to spread the lithium battery cathode powder input through the feed inlet onto the first pressing platform according to the pressing structure; and The unloading mechanism is temporarily located on the first pressing platform and is used to move the positive electrode sheet that has been rolled and formed on the first pressing platform and output the positive electrode sheet from the discharge port.

4. The lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism is a flat belt conveyor or a synchronous belt conveyor.

5. The lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolyte atomizing device includes: an electrolyte enrichment tank, an electrolyte input component, and an electrolyte atomizer; the electrolyte enrichment tank is used to store electrolyte; the electrolyte input component includes a delivery pump and an electrolyte input pipeline connecting the electrolyte enrichment tank and the electrolyte atomizer; the electrolyte atomizer is used to atomize the received electrolyte and deliver the atomized electrolyte to the transfer chamber.

6. The lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electrolyte atomizer includes: Atomization chamber; An electrolyte inlet is located in the atomization chamber; the electrolyte inlet is connected to the electrolyte input pipeline, and the electrolyte input through the electrolyte inlet forms an electrolyte pool in the atomization chamber; The gas inlet is located at the bottom of the atomizing chamber; A compressed gas generating device includes: a gas compressor, a gas pipeline, and a nozzle, wherein the nozzle is directed toward the electrolyte pool in the atomization chamber through the gas inlet; the compressed gas generated by the gas compressor is delivered to the nozzle through the gas pipeline to generate high-pressure gas, which decomposes the electrolyte into a mist electrolyte; The electrolyte outlet is located in the atomizing chamber; and The spray assembly includes an electrolyte output pipe that enters the atomization chamber through the electrolyte outlet and a spray head that communicates with the electrolyte output pipe, for conveying the atomized electrolyte into the transfer chamber.

7. The lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the electrolyte atomizer, an impact blocking member is provided at one end of the electrolyte output pipeline near the nozzle, facing the nozzle. The impact blocking member has a liquid-facing surface, which is used to cause the atomized electrolyte to be impacted and crushed under the action of high-pressure gas, forming smaller particles.

8. The lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gas supply device includes a protective gas delivery pipeline connected to the transfer chamber, through which the protective gas is directly delivered to the transfer chamber; or, the gas supply device includes a protective gas delivery pipeline connected to the electrolyte output pipeline, through which the protective gas is mixed with the mist electrolyte in the electrolyte output pipeline to protect the mist electrolyte.

9. The lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating and insulation device includes: a temperature detector for detecting the temperature inside the transfer chamber; a heater; and a controller for controlling the heater to heat the transfer chamber according to the temperature detected by the temperature detector; or, in addition to the temperature detector, heater, and controller, the heating and insulation device further includes: an insulation component disposed on the inner wall of the transfer chamber.

10. The lithium battery cathode material regeneration equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear end of the pulverizing device is equipped with a collection box for collecting the regenerated positive electrode powder.

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