Viscosity measuring mechanism and slurry preparation device

Abstract

This application discloses a viscosity measuring mechanism and a slurry preparation apparatus. The viscosity measuring mechanism includes a temporary storage component, a viscosity measuring component, and a connecting component. The temporary storage component is adapted to be mounted on a tank body and located outside the tank body, which is used to contain the slurry. The temporary storage component has a cavity, and the viscosity measuring component is at least partially disposed within the cavity. One end of the connecting component is connected to the temporary storage component and communicates with the cavity, while the other end is adapted to communicate with the tank body. The connecting component is used to allow the slurry to flow back and forth between the tank body and the temporary storage component, so that the viscosity of the slurry can be detected by the viscosity measuring component. In this application, the accuracy of the measurement results of the viscosity measuring component can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of viscosity measurement technology, specifically relating to a viscosity measurement mechanism and a slurry preparation device. Background Technology

[0002] The coating of electrodes in lithium-ion batteries is usually formed by coating a slurry. The viscosity of the slurry affects the coating quality. Therefore, the viscosity of the slurry needs to be measured during the preparation process.

[0003] In related technologies, the slurry is usually stirred in a mixing tank, and the viscosity of the slurry is measured by a viscometer installed in the mixing tank in the later stage of the stirring process.

[0004] However, during the mixing process, the high-speed rotation of the agitator inside the mixing tank will cause the slurry to flow violently, which will affect the accuracy of the viscometer's measurement results. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application aims to provide a viscosity measuring mechanism and a slurry preparation device that can solve the problem that the high-speed rotation of the stirring paddle in the mixing tank causes the slurry to flow violently, which affects the accuracy of the viscometer measurement results.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a viscosity measuring mechanism, including a temporary storage component, a viscosity measuring component, and a connecting component. The temporary storage component is adapted to be disposed on a tank body and located outside the tank body, the tank body being used to contain slurry.

[0008] The temporary storage component has a cavity, the viscosity measuring component is at least partially disposed in the cavity, one end of the connecting component is connected to the temporary storage component and communicates with the cavity, and the other end is adapted to communicate with the tank.

[0009] The connecting member is used to allow the slurry to flow back and forth between the tank and the temporary storage member, so that the viscosity of the slurry can be detected by the viscosity measuring device.

[0010] Optionally, the viscosity measuring mechanism further includes an adjusting element disposed on the connecting member, the adjusting element being used to adjust the flow rate and / or velocity of the slurry flowing within the connecting member.

[0011] Optionally, the regulating element includes a valve for regulating the flow rate of slurry flowing within the communicating element;

[0012] And / or, the regulating element includes a flow-blocking structure for regulating the flow rate of the slurry flowing within the connecting element.

[0013] Optionally, the flow-blocking structure includes a plate body, which is located at the end of the connecting member away from the temporary storage member, and the plate body has a plurality of through holes.

[0014] Optionally, the viscosity measuring mechanism includes two of the connecting members;

[0015] The tank has a height direction, and along the height direction of the tank, the temporary storage member has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to one of the connecting members, and the second end being connected to the other connecting member.

[0016] Optionally, the connecting member includes a first segment and a second segment connected together, wherein the first segment and the second segment are bent.

[0017] Optionally, the end of the second segment opposite to the first segment is connected to the temporary storage component and the first segment, and the end of the first segment opposite to the second segment is adapted to be connected to the tank body;

[0018] The first segment is inclined relative to the height of the tank body;

[0019] The two connecting parts include a first connecting part and a second connecting part, and along the height direction of the tank, the height of the first connecting part is higher than the height of the second connecting part.

[0020] In the first connecting member, the first segment includes a first end close to the temporary storage member and a second end away from the temporary storage member. Along the height direction of the tank, the height of the first end is lower than the height of the second end.

[0021] In the second connecting member, the first segment includes a third end close to the temporary storage member and a fourth end far from the temporary storage member. Along the height direction of the tank, the height of the third end is higher than the height of the fourth end.

[0022] The second segment is inclined relative to the height direction of the tank and extends in the same direction as the first segment to which it is connected, or the second segment extends along the height direction of the tank.

[0023] Optionally, the temporary storage component includes a body and a cover, the body and the cover forming the cavity, the connecting member being connected to the body, and the cover being detachably connected to the body.

[0024] Optionally, the temporary storage component has an inner portion near the tank body, the inner portion being provided with a communication port, the communication port being connected to the communication component;

[0025] The temporary storage component also has an inner bottom wall, which is inclined relative to the height of the tank, and one end of the inner bottom wall facing the inner side is lower than the end of the inner bottom wall away from the inner side.

[0026] Secondly, embodiments of this application propose a slurry preparation apparatus, including a tank and a viscosity measuring mechanism as described above, wherein the viscosity measuring mechanism is disposed on the side wall of the tank.

[0027] In the embodiments of this application, the connecting member allows the slurry to flow back and forth between the tank and the temporary storage member, enabling the viscosity of the slurry to be detected in real time by a viscosity measuring device to determine whether the viscosity of the slurry meets the requirements. In the embodiments of this application, both the temporary storage member and the viscosity measuring device are located outside the tank, which avoids the measurement results being affected by directly measuring the viscosity of the rapidly flowing slurry inside the tank, thus ensuring the accuracy of the measurement results of the viscosity measuring device. In addition, the viscosity measuring device being located outside the tank prevents interference between the viscosity measuring device and other devices inside the tank, ensuring the normal operation of other devices inside the tank, thereby minimizing interference with slurry production. Furthermore, the temporary storage member being located on the tank body can shorten the length of the connecting member.

[0028] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the slurry preparation apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a viscosity measuring mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another viscosity measuring mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a flow-blocking structure in another viscosity measurement mechanism provided in this application embodiment.

[0034] Figure label:

[0035] 10-Viscosity measuring mechanism, 11-Temporary storage component, 111-Main body, 112-Cover, 113-Cavity, 114-Inner bottom wall, 12-Viscosity measuring component, 13-Connecting component, 131-First section, 132-Second section, 14-Valve, 15-Flow obstruction structure, 151-Plate, 152-Through hole;

[0036] 20 - Tank body, 30 - Mixing component, 40 - Filling pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] The viscosity measuring mechanism and slurry preparation device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a viscosity measuring mechanism 10 according to some embodiments of this application includes a temporary storage member 11, a viscosity measuring member 12, and a connecting member 13. The temporary storage member 11 is adapted to be disposed on a tank 20 and located outside the tank 20, which is used to contain slurry. The temporary storage member 11 has a cavity 113, and the viscosity measuring member 12 is at least partially disposed in the cavity 113. One end of the connecting member 13 is connected to the temporary storage member 11 and communicates with the cavity 113, and the other end is adapted to communicate with the tank 20. The connecting member 13 is used to allow the slurry to flow back and forth between the tank 20 and the temporary storage member 11 so that the viscosity of the slurry can be detected by the viscosity measuring member 12.

[0043] The stability of the slurry directly determines the production status and product quality of subsequent processes. From the perspective of subsequent processes, a good slurry needs to have characteristics such as high solids content, appropriate slurry viscosity, and smooth filtration. The viscosity of the slurry affects the coating quality. For example, excessively high viscosity makes the slurry flow difficult, making it hard to spread evenly on the substrate, easily leading to excessive local coating thickness and uneven coating thickness, affecting the consistency of product quality. Excessively high viscosity will lead to prolonged drying time, and the internal solvent will not evaporate easily, affecting product performance and production efficiency. Excessively high viscosity will also make it difficult for internal air bubbles to rise to the surface and escape, easily forming pores or pinhole defects, thus reducing the density and protective performance of the coating. For example, low-viscosity slurries are prone to dripping and splashing during coating, making it difficult to achieve the required coating thickness. After coating, it will also lead to reduced adhesion between the coating and the substrate, easily causing problems such as peeling and flaking. Excessively low viscosity will cause the solvent to evaporate relatively quickly during the drying process, resulting in uneven shrinkage of the coating surface and defects such as cracks.

[0044] In this embodiment, the connecting member 13 allows the slurry to flow back and forth between the tank 20 and the temporary storage member 11, so that the viscosity of the slurry can be detected in real time by the viscosity measuring member 12 to determine whether the viscosity of the slurry meets the requirements. In this embodiment, both the temporary storage member 11 and the viscosity measuring member 12 are located outside the tank 20, which avoids the measurement results being affected by directly measuring the viscosity of the rapidly flowing slurry inside the tank 20, and ensures the accuracy of the measurement results of the viscosity measuring member 12. In addition, the viscosity measuring member 12 being located outside the tank 20 can prevent the viscosity measuring member 12 from interfering with other devices inside the tank 20, and can ensure the normal operation of other devices inside the tank 20, thereby minimizing interference with slurry production. Furthermore, the temporary storage member 11 being located on the tank 20 can shorten the length of the connecting member 13.

[0045] Specifically, the slurry can be a lithium-ion battery slurry, such as a positive electrode slurry or a negative electrode slurry. The lithium-ion battery slurry may include active materials, conductive agents, dispersants, binders, additives, solvents, etc. During the preparation of the lithium-ion battery slurry, stirring is required. During stirring, active materials, conductive agents, dispersants, binders, additives, and solvents are added to the tank 20 in a certain proportion and order. Under the stirring action of the stirring element 30 within the tank 20, the components are mixed together.

[0046] Tank 20 serves as a container for the slurry, functioning to vacuum and preserve it. Connecting member 13 can be a rigid pipe, flexible hose, etc. Temporary storage member 11 can be made of the same material as tank 20. The connection between connecting member 13 and temporary storage member 11 can be fixed. Alternatively, the connection between connecting member 13 and tank 20 can be detachable to facilitate the disassembly of viscosity measuring mechanism 10. Viscosity measuring element 12 includes a probe that directly contacts the slurry to measure its viscosity; the probe is entirely located within cavity 113. After the slurry from tank 20 enters temporary storage member 11 through connecting member 13, it fills temporary storage member 11, allowing the probe of viscosity measuring element 12 to be immersed in the slurry.

[0047] The viscosity measuring mechanism 10 is located on the side wall of the tank 20. The viscosity measuring mechanism 10 is preferably located in the middle area between the upper and lower liquid surfaces of the stirred slurry. This avoids the viscosity measuring mechanism 10 being too high, which would prevent the probe of the viscosity measuring element 12 from being submerged in the slurry. It also avoids the viscosity measuring mechanism 10 being too low, which would cause interference from the sedimented slurry.

[0048] As an example, there are two connecting members 13. Along the height direction of the tank 20, the temporary storage member 11 has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to one of the connecting members 13, and the second end is connected to the other connecting member 13. That is, along the height direction of the tank 20, the two connecting members 13 are of different heights. The tank 20 contains slurry, and when the stirring member 30 inside the tank 20 rotates, the pressure of the slurry at the lower connecting member 13 is greater than the pressure of the slurry at the upper connecting member 13. Thus, without power, the slurry in the tank 20 can be squeezed from the lower connecting member 13 upwards into the temporary storage member 11, and the slurry in the temporary storage member 11 then flows back into the tank 20 from the upper connecting member 13.

[0049] As another example, there is one connecting member 13, which is equipped with a bidirectional pump to enable the slurry to flow back and forth between the tank 20 and the temporary storage member 11.

[0050] The viscosity measuring element 12 is electrically connected to a host computer or a manufacturing execution system (MES). The display device in the host computer or the manufacturing execution system is used to display the viscosity measured by the viscosity measuring element 12, so that personnel can monitor the slurry status in real time.

[0051] The viscosity measuring element 12 is a viscometer. The type of viscometer can be selected according to the slurry raw material formulation and real-time application effect. For example, the viscometer can be a rotational viscometer, ultrasonic viscometer, vibration viscometer, capillary viscometer, falling ball viscometer, etc. Preferably, the viscosity measuring element 12 is any one of a rotational viscometer, ultrasonic viscometer, or vibration viscometer.

[0052] A rotational viscometer uses a motor to drive a rotor to rotate within a slurry. The rotor experiences viscous resistance from the slurry, and the viscosity of the slurry is calculated based on the torque required for the rotor to rotate. Rotational viscometers have a wide measurement range, capable of measuring slurries with varying viscosity. They are relatively simple to operate and easy to learn, and can simulate the flow state of slurries in actual production to a certain extent. They are commonly used for measuring the viscosity of battery slurries.

[0053] Ultrasonic viscometers measure viscosity based on the principle that the energy attenuation and propagation speed of ultrasonic waves propagating in a fluid are related to the fluid's viscosity. When ultrasonic waves propagate in a slurry, the viscous resistance of the slurry causes the energy of the ultrasonic waves to attenuate, and the propagation speed also changes. By measuring the degree of attenuation and propagation speed of the ultrasonic waves and comparing and calibrating with a standard fluid of known viscosity, the viscosity of the slurry can be calculated.

[0054] Vibratory viscometers calculate viscosity by measuring the amplitude decay or frequency change of an oscillator in a liquid; the higher the viscosity, the faster the amplitude decays. They are suitable for online real-time monitoring. Vibratory viscometers are applicable to fields such as petroleum, chemical, and metallurgical processing. Vibratory viscosity measurements do not affect the properties or flow state of the slurry and offer high measurement accuracy.

[0055] The principle of a capillary viscometer is based on Poiseuille's law: under a certain pressure, the flow rate of a slurry through a capillary is inversely proportional to its viscosity. Viscosity is calculated by measuring the flow time and flow rate of the slurry in the capillary. Capillary viscometers are simple in structure, relatively inexpensive, and offer high measurement accuracy, making them suitable for measuring the viscosity of Newtonian fluid slurries. The principle of a falling ball viscometer is as follows: a small ball of known diameter and density is placed in the slurry. The ball falls under gravity, and the viscosity of the slurry is calculated based on the falling velocity of the ball. Falling ball viscometers are easy to operate and require less slurry volume.

[0056] In some embodiments, the viscosity measuring mechanism further includes an adjusting member disposed on the connecting member 13, which is used to adjust the flow rate and / or velocity of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13.

[0057] As one example, the regulating element includes a valve 14 for regulating the flow rate of slurry flowing within the connecting member 13. As another example, the regulating element includes a flow-blocking structure 15, a speed control valve, etc., to regulate the flow rate of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13. As yet another example, the regulating element may include a bidirectional pump for regulating both the flow rate and flow rate of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13.

[0058] In this embodiment of the application, when the viscosity measuring element 12 measures the viscosity of the slurry, the flow rate and / or velocity of the slurry flowing in the connecting element 13 can be reduced by adjusting the adjusting element, thereby providing a stable measurement environment for the viscosity measuring element 12.

[0059] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 2 The regulating component includes valve 14, which is used to regulate the flow rate of slurry flowing within the connecting member 13.

[0060] Specifically, valve 14 can be a ball valve, and valve 14 is electrically connected to a host computer. Valve 14 can be an on / off valve, and its opening and closing can be controlled by the host computer. Valve 14 can also be an adjustable valve, and its opening, closing, and opening degree can be controlled by the host computer.

[0061] As an example, valve 14 is open by default. When the viscosity measuring element 12 is measuring the viscosity of the slurry, valve 14 can be controlled to close. After the measurement is completed, valve 14 can be controlled to open again. When the rotation speed of the agitator 30 inside the tank 20 is high, valve 14 can also be controlled to close to protect the viscosity measuring element 12.

[0062] In this embodiment, when valve 14 is closed, the slurry in tank 20 cannot enter the temporary storage member 11 through the connecting member 13, which can isolate the slurry in the temporary storage member 11 from the slurry flowing violently in tank 20, thereby reducing the energy transmitted from the slurry flowing violently in tank 20, and thus providing a more stable measurement environment for viscosity measuring member 12.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the viscosity measuring element 12 measures the viscosity of the slurry, the rotation speed of the stirring element 30 inside the tank 20 can be reduced, thereby slowing down the flow of the slurry inside the tank 20 and reducing the vibration of the tank 20 and the temporary storage element 11, so as to provide a better measurement environment.

[0064] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 The regulating component includes a flow-blocking structure 15, which is used to regulate the flow rate of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13.

[0065] Specifically, the flow-restricting structure 15 can be used solely to reduce the flow rate of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13. The amount by which the flow-restricting structure 15 reduces the flow rate of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13 can be within a fixed range. In this case, the flow-restricting structure 15 can be a throttling plate, a flow-limiting grid, a flow-restricting rib, a perforated baffle, etc. The adjustment of the flow rate of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13 by the flow-restricting structure 15 can be controllable. In this case, the flow-restricting structure 15 can be an adjustable flow-restricting structure. For example, an adjustable flow-restricting structure includes two stacked perforated baffles. The two perforated baffles can move relative to each other, thereby aligning or misaligning the holes on them, thereby relatively increasing or decreasing the flow rate. In this embodiment of the application, when the viscosity measuring device 12 measures the viscosity of the slurry, the flow-restricting structure 15 can reduce the flow rate of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13, thereby reducing the flow rate of the slurry in the temporary storage member 11, and thus improving the accuracy of the measurement results of the viscosity measuring device 12.

[0066] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 The flow-blocking structure 15 includes a plate 151, which is located at the end of the connecting member 13 away from the temporary storage member 11, and a plurality of through holes 152 are provided on the plate 151.

[0067] The through-hole 152 can be circular, triangular, square, etc. The material of the plate 151 can be the same as that of the tank 20. In this embodiment, the flow-blocking structure 15 is specifically used to reduce the flow rate of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13, and the reduction in the flow rate of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13 is within a fixed range. In this embodiment, the flow-blocking structure 15 plate 151 is located at the end of the connecting member 13 away from the temporary storage member 11. While reducing the flow rate, it can also reduce the interference of the violently flowing slurry in the tank 20 on the slurry in the temporary storage member 11; furthermore, the flow-blocking structure 15 has a simple structure and low cost.

[0068] In this embodiment, when the viscosity measuring device 12 measures the viscosity of the slurry, the rotation speed of the stirring device 30 inside the tank 20 can be reduced, thereby slowing down the flow of the slurry inside the tank 20 and reducing the interference of the slurry flowing inside the tank 20 on the slurry inside the temporary storage device 11.

[0069] In some embodiments, the viscosity measuring mechanism includes two connecting members 13; the tank 20 has a height direction, and along the height direction of the tank 20, the temporary storage member 11 has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to one of the connecting members 13 and the second end being connected to the other connecting member 13.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first end of the temporary storage member 11 can be the upper end, and the second end is the lower end. Along the height direction of the tank body 20, the two connecting members 13 have unequal heights. The tank body 20 contains slurry, and when the agitator 30 rotates, the pressure of the slurry at the lower connecting member 13 is greater than the pressure of the slurry at the upper connecting member 13. Therefore, without power, the slurry in the tank body 20 can be squeezed upwards from the lower connecting member 13 into the temporary storage member 11, and the slurry in the temporary storage member 11 can flow back into the tank body 20 from the upper connecting member 13. In this embodiment, the slurry can circulate back and forth between the tank body 20 and the temporary storage member 11 without power, resulting in a simple structure.

[0071] As an example, the viscosity measuring mechanism includes two connecting members 13, and the regulating member includes a valve 14. In this example, when both valves 14 on the two connecting members 13 are open, the two connecting members 13 and the temporary storage member 11 form a U-shaped flow structure, allowing the slurry in the tank 20 to be squeezed from the lower connecting member 13 upwards into the temporary storage member 11, and the slurry in the temporary storage member 11 to flow back into the tank 20 from the upper connecting member 13.

[0072] In some embodiments, the connecting member 13 includes a first segment 131 and a second segment 132 connected together, with the first segment 131 and the second segment 132 being bent. In this embodiment, the energy of the slurry flowing within the connecting member 13 can be attenuated at the bend, further reducing the energy transmitted from the violently flowing slurry within the tank 20. Specifically, the included angle between the first segment 131 and the second segment 132 can be an obtuse angle.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first segment 131 and the second segment 132 are detachably connected, which facilitates the removal of the viscosity measuring device from the tank 20.

[0074] In some embodiments, the regulating member is located on the first section 131 and / or the second section 132. For example, the regulating member includes a valve 14. The regulating member is located on the first section 131 and the second section 132. After the first section 131 and the second section 132 are disassembled, the valve on the first section 131 and the second section 132 can prevent the leakage of slurry in the temporary storage member 11 and the tank 20.

[0075] In some embodiments, the regulating element includes a valve 14 and a flow-blocking structure 15. The valve 14 is located in the first section 131, and the flow-blocking structure 15 is located at one end of the first section 131 near the tank body 20, on the tank body 20, or between the first section 131 and the second section 132. For example, in one embodiment, the tank body 20 has an opening, and the flow-blocking structure 15 is located at the opening, allowing the flow-blocking structure 15 to open and close relative to the opening. In another embodiment, the first section 131 and the second section 132 are detachably connected, and the flow-blocking structure 15 is located between the first section 131 and the second section 132, which facilitates the exposure of the flow-blocking structure 15 by disassembling the first section 131 and the second section 132, thereby facilitating cleaning or maintenance of the flow-blocking structure 15. In other embodiments, the first segment 131 is detachably connected to the tank body 20. The flow-blocking structure 15 is disposed at one end of the first segment 131 near the tank body 20 or on the tank body 20. When the flow-blocking structure 15 is disposed on the tank body 20, the tank body 20 has an opening, and the flow-blocking structure 15 is disposed at the opening. The flow-blocking structure 15 can be opened and closed relative to the opening. By removing the first segment 131 from the tank body 20, it is helpful to expose the flow-blocking structure 15 for easy cleaning or maintenance.

[0076] In some embodiments, the end of the second segment 132 opposite to the first segment 131 is connected to the temporary storage member 11, and the end of the first segment 131 opposite to the second segment 132 is adapted to be connected to the tank body 20; the first segment 131 is inclined relative to the height direction of the tank body 20; the two connecting members 13 include a first connecting member and a second connecting member, and along the height direction of the tank body 20, the height of the position of the first connecting member is higher than the height of the position of the second connecting member.

[0077] In the first connecting member, the first segment 131 includes a first end close to the temporary storage member 11 and a second end away from the temporary storage member 11. Along the height direction of the tank body 20, the height of the first end is lower than the height of the second end. In the second connecting member, the first segment 131 includes a third end close to the temporary storage member 11 and a fourth end away from the temporary storage member 11. Along the height direction of the tank body 20, the height of the third end is higher than the height of the fourth end. The second segment 132 is inclined relative to the height direction of the tank body 20 and extends in the same direction as the first segment 131 connected to it, or the second segment 132 extends along the height direction of the tank body 20.

[0078] As the slurry flows out of the tank 20, the liquid level of the slurry inside the tank 20 gradually decreases. When the liquid level of the slurry inside the tank 20 is lower than the second connecting member, the slurry in the temporary storage member 11 will flow out through the second connecting member. During the process of the slurry flowing out of the tank 20, the inclined first section 131 facilitates the flow of the slurry out of the temporary storage member 11, which can prevent the slurry from accumulating locally in the connecting member, thereby avoiding interference with the viscosity measurement after the next slurry enters the tank 20.

[0079] In some embodiments, the temporary storage member 11 includes a body 111 and a cover 112, which together form a cavity 113. A connecting member 13 is connected to the body 111, and the cover 112 is detachably connected to the body 111. In this embodiment, the detachable cover 112 facilitates the cleaning of the cavity 113 and the inspection and maintenance of the viscosity measuring element 12.

[0080] Specifically, the viscosity measuring element 12 can be connected to the cover 112 or the main body 111. The viscosity measuring element 12 has a connector for connecting to an external cable, and the cover 112 has a through hole through which the connector extends out of the temporary storage element 11.

[0081] In some embodiments, the temporary storage member 11 has an inner side portion near the tank body 20, and the inner side portion is provided with a communication port, which is connected to the communication member 13; the temporary storage member 11 also has an inner bottom wall 114, which is inclined relative to the height direction of the tank body 20, and one end of the inner bottom wall 114 facing the inner side portion is lower than the end of the inner bottom wall 114 away from the inner side portion.

[0082] Specifically, the inner part is the side of the main body 111 near the tank 20. When there are two connecting parts 13, the number of connecting ports is also two. One connecting port is located at one end of the main body 111 along the height direction of the tank 20, and the other connecting port is located at the other end of the main body 111 along the height direction of the tank 20. During the process of slurry flowing out of the tank 20, the liquid level of the slurry in the tank 20 gradually decreases. When the liquid level of the slurry in the tank 20 is lower than the second connecting part, the slurry in the temporary storage part 11 will flow out through the second connecting part. During the process of slurry flowing out of the tank 20, the inclined inner bottom wall 114 facilitates the flow of slurry out of the temporary storage part 11 and can prevent the slurry from accumulating in the temporary storage part 11.

[0083] Reference Figure 1 This application also provides a slurry preparation apparatus, including a tank 20 and a viscosity measuring mechanism 10 as described in the above embodiments, wherein the viscosity measuring mechanism 10 is disposed on the side wall of the tank 20.

[0084] In some embodiments, the tank 20 is further provided with a stirring element 30, which is used to stir the slurry contained in the tank 20. The stirring element 30 may include a rod and helical blades connected to the rod. In this embodiment, the slurry preparation device may be a planetary mixer, a continuous dispersion mixer, or other stirring equipment.

[0085] The slurry preparation device is specifically used for the mixing and processing of lithium-ion battery slurry. The mixing and processing process includes a pre-mixing stage, a main mixing stage, and a post-processing stage. In the pre-mixing stage, active materials, conductive agents, and other solid powders are initially mixed in tank 20. Then, a certain amount of solvent and binder are added, and the mixture is stirred at low speed. The initial mixing of solid powders enables a more uniform distribution of each solid component at the microscopic level, laying the foundation for subsequent mixing with the binder solution and reducing agglomeration. The solvent can initially dissolve the binder and simultaneously wet the solid powder, reducing the friction between particles and facilitating the dispersion of materials during subsequent mixing.

[0086] During the main stirring stage, high-speed stirring is performed to ensure thorough mixing and dispersion of the components in the slurry, and this stirring time is maintained for a certain period. The shearing and impact forces generated by high-speed stirring break up particle agglomerates, allowing active materials, conductive agents, and other components to be uniformly dispersed in the binder solution, forming a stable suspension. Maintaining a certain high-speed stirring time allows the binder to fully coat the surfaces of the active materials and conductive agents, forming a good bonding network, which improves the uniformity and stability of the slurry and ensures consistent battery performance.

[0087] In the post-processing stage, vacuum degassing is performed first, followed by testing of the slurry's viscosity, solid content, fineness, and other indicators. Adjustments are made to the slurry based on the test results, such as adding appropriate amounts of solvent or binder, to ensure the slurry meets the requirements of subsequent coating processes. Air bubbles are introduced during stirring, which can affect the slurry's rheological properties and coating quality. Vacuum degassing reduces the bubble content in the slurry, improving its density and uniformity. The viscosity measuring element 12 in the viscosity measuring mechanism 10 automatically detects the slurry's viscosity during the post-processing testing and adjustment process.

[0088] A filling pipe 40 can be connected to the top of the tank 20. The filling pipe 40 is connected to a solvent filling device, which is used to fill solvent into the tank 20 through the filling pipe 40. The solvent filling device may include a solvent storage tank, a dispensing pipe, and a solenoid valve. The dispensing pipe is connected to the solvent storage tank, and the solenoid valve is located on the dispensing pipe.

[0089] Viscosity measuring device 12 is electrically connected to the host computer. During the post-processing stage of detection and adjustment, viscosity measuring device 12 sends the measured real-time viscosity to the host computer. The host computer determines whether the real-time viscosity is greater than the preset upper limit value. If the real-time viscosity is greater than the preset upper limit value, it sends a dosing command and solvent dosing amount to the solvent dosing device. After receiving the dosing command and solvent dosing amount, the solvent dosing device adds solvent to tank 20 according to the solvent dosing amount to adjust the viscosity of the slurry in tank 20. If the real-time viscosity is less than or equal to the upper limit value, the slurry viscosity is deemed qualified.

[0090] The amount of solvent added can be determined based on the desired viscosity reduction. For example, to reduce viscosity by 100 cP, 1 kg of solvent needs to be added. Solvent can be added in batches. For instance, if N kg of solvent needs to be added, it can be added in M ​​separate batches. M is greater than or equal to 2, and M can be 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. As an example, if 10 kg of solvent needs to be added, add 2 kg of solvent at a time, wait a certain period of time, and then add another 2 kg of solvent, repeating this process 5 times. It should be noted that viscosity measurements can still be taken during the intervals between solvent additions. By adding small amounts multiple times, accuracy can be improved and deviations reduced.

[0091] As an example, a certain slurry is designed to have a viscosity of 10000 ± 3000 cP, meaning the acceptable viscosity range is between the lower limit of 7000 cP and the upper limit of 13000 cP. If it exceeds the upper limit of 13000 cP, the viscosity needs to be adjusted. Assuming the current slurry viscosity is 15000 cP, then the amount exceeding the upper limit is 2000 cP, meaning the viscosity needs to be reduced by 2000 cP. Dividing this 2000 cP reduction into four equal parts, each reduction requires a viscosity decrease of 500 cP. Theoretically, the entire system requires four solvent additions. Based on the setting of adding 1 kg of solvent for a 100 cP viscosity reduction, theoretically, a 500 cP reduction would require adding 5 kg of solvent. The specific process of adding solvent and adjusting viscosity is as follows: After the initial addition of 5 kg of solvent, the stirring element 30 is kept rotating to ensure that the solvent is evenly incorporated into the slurry; the viscosity measuring element 12 continuously measures the viscosity. After the viscosity value fed back by the viscosity measuring element 12 stabilizes, the next addition of solvent is carried out. The solvent is added repeatedly until the viscosity value fed back by the viscosity measuring element 12 is less than or equal to 13000 cP.

[0092] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0093] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A viscosity measuring mechanism, characterized in that, Includes a temporary storage component (11), a viscosity measuring component (12), and a connecting component (13), wherein the temporary storage component (11) is adapted to be disposed on a tank body (20) and located outside the tank body (20), the tank body (20) being used to contain slurry; The temporary storage member (11) has a cavity (113), the viscosity measuring member (12) is at least partially disposed in the cavity (113), one end of the connecting member (13) is connected to the temporary storage member (11) and communicates with the cavity (113), and the other end is adapted to communicate with the tank (20); The connecting member (13) is used to allow the slurry to flow back and forth between the tank (20) and the temporary storage member (11) so that the viscosity of the slurry can be detected by the viscosity measuring member (12).

2. The viscosity measuring mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The viscosity measuring mechanism further includes an adjusting element, which is disposed on the connecting member (13) and is used to adjust the flow rate and / or velocity of the slurry flowing within the connecting member (13).

3. The viscosity measuring mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The regulating component includes a valve (14) for regulating the flow rate of slurry flowing within the connecting component (13); And / or, the regulating element includes a flow-blocking structure (15) for regulating the flow rate of slurry flowing within the connecting element (13).

4. The viscosity measuring mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flow-blocking structure (15) includes a plate (151), which is located at the end of the connecting member (13) away from the temporary storage member (11), and the plate (151) has a plurality of through holes (152).

5. The viscosity measuring mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The viscosity measuring mechanism includes two of the aforementioned connecting parts (13); The tank (20) has a height direction. Along the height direction of the tank (20), the temporary storage member (11) has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to one of the connecting members (13), and the second end is connected to the other connecting member (13).

6. The viscosity measuring mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting member (13) includes a first segment (131) and a second segment (132) connected to each other, wherein the first segment (131) and the second segment (132) are bent.

7. The viscosity measuring mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second segment (132) is connected to the temporary storage component (11) at one end away from the first segment (131), and the first segment (131) is adapted to be connected to the tank (20) at one end away from the second segment (132); The first segment (131) is inclined relative to the height direction of the tank body (20); The two connecting parts (13) include a first connecting part and a second connecting part. Along the height direction of the tank body (20), the height of the first connecting part is higher than the height of the second connecting part. In the first connecting member, the first segment (131) includes a first end close to the temporary storage member (11) and a second end away from the temporary storage member (11). Along the height direction of the tank body (20), the height of the first end is lower than the height of the second end. In the second connecting member, the first segment (131) includes a third end close to the temporary storage member (11) and a fourth end away from the temporary storage member (11). Along the height direction of the tank body (20), the height of the third end is higher than the height of the fourth end. The second segment (132) is inclined relative to the height direction of the tank (20) and extends in the same direction as the first segment (131) to which it is connected, or the second segment (132) extends along the height direction of the tank (20).

8. The viscosity measuring mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The temporary storage component (11) includes a main body (111) and a cover (112). The main body (111) and the cover (112) surround and form the cavity (113). The connecting component (13) is connected to the main body (111), and the cover (112) is detachably connected to the main body (111).

9. The viscosity measuring mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The temporary storage component (11) has an inner side portion near the tank body (20), the inner side portion is provided with a communication port, and the communication port is connected to the communication component (13); The temporary storage component (11) also has an inner bottom wall (114) that is inclined relative to the height of the tank (20), and the end of the inner bottom wall (114) facing the inner side is lower than the end of the inner bottom wall (114) away from the inner side.

10. A slurry preparation apparatus, characterized in that, It includes a tank (20) and a viscosity measuring mechanism (10) as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the viscosity measuring mechanism (10) is disposed on the side wall of the tank (20).

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