A sodium-ion battery slurry mixing device

Abstract

This invention provides a sodium-ion battery slurry mixing device, comprising a device body, on which a spherical mixing tank is mounted via a fixing rod. A drive motor is mounted on the outer surface of the device body, and a fixed ball is fixed to the output end of the drive motor through the surface of the device body and the surface of the spherical mixing tank. A stirring rod is mounted around the periphery of the fixed ball. This invention utilizes a structure of a spherical mixing tank combined with a fixed ball and a surrounding stirring rod, effectively eliminating the corners and bottom stirring dead zones of traditional mixing tanks. The inner wall of the spherical tank has no right angles or flat recesses, and the fixed ball drives the stirring rod to rotate omnidirectionally in three-dimensional space, allowing the active materials, conductive agents, and binders in the slurry to be fully mixed, improving mixing uniformity and ensuring the quality stability of subsequent coating processes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of stirring technology, and in particular to a stirring device for sodium-ion battery slurry. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of sodium-ion batteries, the uniformity of slurry mixing directly affects battery performance. Currently, the slurry mixing devices commonly used in the industry mostly employ cylindrical or square mixing tanks, combined with traditional paddle-type mixing structures. During mixing, this structure tends to create a fixed flow path within the tank, resulting in dead zones in the corners and bottom areas. This prevents the active materials, conductive agents, and binders in the slurry from being fully mixed, affecting the quality stability of subsequent coating processes. Furthermore, the mixing components of traditional mixing devices are mostly integral, fixed structures. When adjusting the mixing intensity or replacing mixing components is required based on slurry characteristics, the operation is cumbersome, requiring the disassembly of numerous connecting structures, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it difficult to adapt to the mixing requirements of different batches of slurry.

[0003] Furthermore, in existing mixing devices, the connection between the mixing rod and the mixing shaft is mostly achieved through welding or bolting, which has significant drawbacks. Welded connections mean that the mixing rod cannot be replaced individually after damage; the entire mixing component must be replaced, increasing equipment maintenance costs.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device, which solves the problems in the background art.

[0006] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a sodium-ion battery slurry mixing device, comprising a device body, on which a spherical mixing tank is mounted via a fixing rod. The fixing rod supports and fixes the spherical mixing tank, suspending it within the device body. A drive motor is mounted on the outer surface of the device body, and a fixed ball is fixed to the output end of the drive motor, passing through the surface of the device body and the surface of the spherical mixing tank. Multiple stirring rods are mounted around the periphery of the fixed ball, extending radially from the fixed ball. During operation, after the drive motor starts, it drives the fixed ball to rotate within the spherical mixing tank via its output end. The fixed ball then drives the surrounding stirring rods to rotate synchronously. The rotating stirring rods shear and mix the slurry within the spherical mixing tank, achieving the mixing function. The arc-shaped inner wall of the spherical mixing tank, in conjunction with the rotation trajectory of the stirring rods, effectively ensures thorough mixing without dead zones.

[0007] Preferably, the fixed ball has multiple threaded holes evenly distributed on its circumferential side. Each stirring rod has a threaded connector fitted to one end of each threaded hole. The stirring rod is screwed into the threaded hole of the fixed ball via the threaded connector, achieving a detachable connection. This threaded connection structure allows for flexible assembly and disassembly of the stirring rod. When the stirring rod wears out or the stirring intensity needs adjustment, the stirring rod can be replaced individually or added / removed without disassembling the fixed ball. This reduces maintenance costs and adapts to the stirring needs of different slurries.

[0008] Preferably, a heating element is fitted onto the outer surface of the spherical mixing tank, covering a portion of the tank. The heating element is equipped with a corresponding temperature sensor, typically installed on the inner wall of the spherical mixing tank or near the heating element, to monitor the temperature of the slurry inside. When the heating element is energized, it generates heat, which is transferred to the slurry through the tank wall, thus heating the material. Simultaneously, the temperature sensor monitors the slurry temperature in real time and feeds the signal back to the control unit, ensuring that the heating temperature meets the slurry mixing requirements and preventing excessively high or low temperatures from affecting the slurry's performance.

[0009] Preferably, the top of the spherical mixing tank is equipped with a maintenance cover, which can be connected to the tank body via a snap-fit ​​or threaded structure to achieve sealing or opening. A discharge pipe is installed through the bottom of the spherical mixing tank, and the other end of the discharge pipe extends to the outside of the device body, with valves installed in series on its surface. The function of the maintenance cover is to seal the top of the spherical mixing tank to prevent slurry from overflowing during mixing, and at the same time facilitate the addition of slurry into the tank or internal maintenance. After mixing is completed, the valve is opened, and the slurry in the tank can be discharged through the discharge pipe. The valve is used to control the opening and closing of the discharge and adjust the discharge speed.

[0010] Preferably, among the multiple stirring rods, one of the stirring rods has an arc-shaped scraper fixedly installed at its free end (the end away from the fixed ball). The arc of the scraper matches the arc of the inner wall of the spherical mixing tank, and the edge of the scraper is in close contact with the inner wall of the spherical mixing tank. When the stirring rod rotates with the fixed ball, the arc-shaped scraper slides synchronously along the inner wall of the spherical mixing tank, which can scrape off the slurry adhering to the tank wall, prevent the slurry from adhering and accumulating, ensure that all slurry can participate in the mixing, and improve the uniformity of mixing.

[0011] Preferably, the device body is equipped with multiple casters at its bottom. These casters are equidistantly installed at the four corners of the bottom of the device body and are fixedly connected to the device body via bolts or other structures. The casters support the entire device body, allowing for flexible movement and easy adjustment of the equipment position to adapt to the layout requirements of the production site, thus improving the flexibility of equipment use.

[0012] Preferably, a controller is mounted on the outer surface of the device body. The controller is usually located near the drive motor or operating area for easy operation by the operator. The controller is connected to components such as the drive motor, heating element, and temperature sensor via circuitry. During operation, it receives signals from the temperature sensor and simultaneously outputs commands to control the speed of the drive motor (thereby adjusting the stirring intensity) and the working state of the heating element (controlling the heating temperature), thereby achieving automated control of the stirring process.

[0013] Compared with related technologies, the sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, this device adopts a spherical mixing tank with a fixed ball and a surrounding stirring rod, which can effectively eliminate the corners and bottom mixing dead zones of traditional mixing tanks. The inner wall of the spherical tank has no right angles or flat recesses, and together with the fixed ball, it drives the stirring rod to rotate in all directions in three-dimensional space, which can fully mix the active substances, conductive agents and binders in the slurry, improve the mixing uniformity, and ensure the quality stability of subsequent coating processes.

[0015] Compared to existing technologies, the stirring rod is helically connected to the threaded hole of the fixing ball via a threaded connector, enabling detachable installation. When the stirring rod is damaged, the damaged part can be replaced individually without replacing the entire stirring structure, reducing equipment maintenance costs. Furthermore, it allows for flexible adjustment of the number or type of stirring rods according to the characteristics of different batches of slurry, simplifying operation and adapting to diverse stirring needs.

[0016] The parts of the device not covered herein are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device provided by this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the fixed ball structure of a sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device provided by this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the stirring rod structure of a sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device provided by this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the threaded connector structure of a sodium-ion battery slurry mixing device provided by this utility model.

[0021] Numbering on the map:

[0022] 1. Device body; 2. Drive motor; 3. Controller; 4. Spherical mixing tank; 5. Heating element; 6. Inspection cover; 7. Discharge pipe; 8. Valve; 9. Casters; 10. Fixed ball; 11. Mixing rod; 12. Arc-shaped scraper; 13. Spiral hole; 14. Threaded connector. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Example 1

[0024] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-4 A sodium-ion battery slurry mixing device includes a device body 1, which serves as an integral support foundation. Multiple screw holes are pre-set on the top of the device body 1. One end of a fixing rod is connected to the screw holes of the device body 1 via bolts, and the other end is fixed to the center of the outer surface of a spherical mixing tank 4 by welding, suspending the spherical mixing tank 4 and ensuring its central axis coincides with the central axis of the device body 1. A drive motor 2 is bolted to the outer surface of the device body 1. A mechanical seal is installed between the motor output shaft and a through hole on the surface of the spherical mixing tank 4 to prevent slurry leakage. The end of the output shaft is connected to the center hole of a fixing ball 10 via a flat key and is fixed by a shaft end retaining ring. Mounting positions are pre-set at equal angles along the radial side of the fixing ball 10. One end of a stirring rod 11 is welded to the outer surface of the fixing ball 10, and the rods are radially and evenly distributed, with an included angle of 60° between adjacent stirring rods 11. During installation, the device body 1 is fixed first, then the fixing rod and the spherical mixing tank 4 are installed sequentially, and finally the drive motor 2 and the internal mixing components are assembled. During operation, the drive motor 2 drives the fixed ball 10 to rotate through the output shaft, and the stirring rod 11 moves in a circular motion. Utilizing the angular structure of the spherical tank, combined with the three-dimensional stirring trajectory of the stirring rod 11, the fixed flow field of the traditional tank is broken, causing the slurry to form a spiral convection inside the tank, eliminating dead corners. The radially distributed stirring rods 11 simultaneously generate radial shear force and axial thrust on the slurry, achieving full mixing of active materials, conductive agents and binders, solving the problem of insufficient uniformity in traditional stirring. Example 2

[0025] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-4 M12 threaded holes 13 are machined radially at equal intervals on the side of the fixed ball 10, with a hole depth of 1 / 3 of the radius of the fixed ball 10. A matching external threaded connector 14 is machined at one end of the stirring rod 11 using a lathe. The thread length matches the depth of the threaded hole 13. A positioning step is provided at the end of the connector to ensure that the stirring rod 11 fits snugly against the surface of the fixed ball 10 after installation. During installation, align the threaded connector 14 of the stirring rod 11 with the threaded hole 13 and tighten it until the positioning step contacts the surface of the fixed ball 10. When the stirring rod 11 wears out, simply unscrew the old rod and replace it with a new one; there is no need to disassemble the fixed ball 10. The stirring assembly can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to the characteristics of different batches of slurry. Example 3

[0026] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-4 The outer surface of the spherical mixing tank 4 is sandblasted. The heating element 5 is made of flexible silicone and is attached to the lower half of the tank body with a high-temperature resistant adhesive, covering 40% of the tank's surface area. The lead wire of the heating element 5 is connected to the controller 3 through a pre-set wire hole in the main body 1. The temperature sensor is a PT100 type, with its probe extending 5mm into the tank through a pre-set mounting hole. A sealing gasket is installed between the sensor and the tank wall. The sensor cable is bundled with the heating element 5 cable and then connected to the controller 3. During installation, the heating element 5 is attached first, then the temperature sensor is fixed, and finally the circuit is connected. During operation, the controller 3 controls the heating element 5 to heat according to the set temperature (25-60℃). The heat is conducted to the slurry through the metal wall of the tank. The temperature sensor monitors the slurry temperature in real time and provides feedback. When the temperature deviation exceeds ±2℃, the controller 3 automatically adjusts the power of the heating element 5 to ensure that the slurry is stirred at the optimal temperature. This structure keeps the slurry viscosity stable, solving the problem of coating quality differences caused by temperature fluctuations in traditional stirring. Example 4

[0027] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-4 The spherical mixing tank 4 has a 300mm diameter inlet at its top. A rubber sealing ring is installed on the edge of the inspection cover 6. The cover and tank body are connected by six evenly distributed circumferential fasteners. The fastener base is welded to the edge of the inlet of the tank body, and the fastener body is installed on the edge of the inspection cover 6 via hinges. A DN50 seamless steel pipe is welded to the lowest point of the bottom of the spherical mixing tank 4 as the discharge pipe 7, extending 100mm beyond the bottom of the device body 1. The valve 8 is a pneumatic ball valve, connected to the discharge pipe 7 via a flange. The air supply pipe is connected to the air circuit interface of the device body 1. The installation sequence is: first weld the discharge pipe 7 to the flange, then assemble the valve 8, and finally install the inspection cover 6. In use, the inspection cover 6 can be opened by opening the fasteners to add slurry. After mixing, the pneumatic ball valve is opened by the controller 3, and the slurry is discharged from the discharge pipe 7 under gravity. When the valve 8 is closed, zero leakage is achieved through the rubber sealing surface. This structural design ensures both the convenience of material feeding and maintenance, and solves the problem of residue in traditional side discharge by using bottom discharge, resulting in a discharge residue of less than 0.5%. Example 5

[0028] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-4Of the six stirring rods 11, one horizontal stirring rod 11 has an arc-shaped scraper 12 bolted to its end. The scraper is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a thickness of 8mm. The inner curvature of the scraper has an error of ≤0.5mm with the inner wall curvature of the spherical mixing tank 4. The contact pressure between the scraper edge and the tank wall is controlled at 5-8N by adjusting the preload of the bolts. During installation, the scraper and stirring rod 11 are aligned with the positioning pins, and then the fixing bolts are tightened. During operation, the stirring rod 11 drives the scraper to move in a circular motion with the fixed ball 10. The line contact design between the scraper and the tank wall effectively removes the attached slurry. The scraped material is immediately carried into the main flow by the surrounding stirring rods 11, avoiding the material drying phenomenon on the tank wall in traditional mixing. At the same time, the scraper generates local turbulence during its movement, enhancing the mixing intensity of the slurry near the scraper and improving the uniformity of the material in the tank by more than 20%. Example 6

[0029] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-4 Mounting seats are pre-installed at the four corners of the bottom of the device body 1. The casters 9 are polyurethane wheels with brakes, 100mm in diameter, and connected to the mounting seats by four M8 bolts with a pre-tightening torque of 25 N·m. During installation, tighten the bolts in a diagonal sequence to ensure that the casters 9 are in close contact with the bottom surface of the device body 1. When stationary, depress the brake pedal to lock the casters 9; when movement is required, release the brake and push the device body 1 to move it flexibly, with a turning angle of up to 360°. This structure solves the problem of difficult handling of traditional fixed equipment, allowing the device to be repositioned according to the production line layout, improving mobility by 50%. Example 7

[0030] Please refer to the following: Figure 1-4 The outer surface of the device body 1 is welded with a mounting plate for the controller 3. The controller 3 is connected to the mounting plate via clips for easy disassembly and maintenance. The internal circuit board of the controller 3 is connected to the drive motor 2 (control circuit), heating element 5 (power circuit), and temperature sensor (signal circuit) via wires. The wires are laid in cable trays, and waterproof connectors are provided at the interfaces. During installation, the mounting plate is fixed first, then the cables of each component are connected, and finally the controller 3 is assembled. During operation, the operator sets the stirring speed (50-500 r / min) and heating temperature via the touchscreen of the controller 3. The controller 3 receives a 4-20mA signal from the temperature sensor and adjusts the output power of the heating element 5 using a PID algorithm; simultaneously, it outputs a PWM signal to control the frequency converter of the drive motor 2, achieving stepless speed adjustment. When the temperature is abnormal or the motor is overloaded, the controller 3 automatically triggers an alarm and stops the machine. Through the electrical linkage of each component, intelligent control of the stirring process is achieved, ensuring safe and stable operation of the equipment and reducing human error.

[0031] It should be noted that the control circuit of controller 3 can be implemented by those skilled in the art through simple programming, and is common knowledge in the field. It is only used and not modified, so the control method and circuit connection will not be described in detail.

[0032] The working principle of the sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0033] The working process of this sodium-ion battery slurry mixing device revolves around the omnidirectional mixing mechanism of the spherical mixing tank 4. First, the slurry to be mixed is added into the tank through the inspection cover 6 at the top of the spherical mixing tank 4. After closing the inspection cover 6, the drive motor 2 on the outside of the device body 1 is started. The output end of the drive motor 2 passes through the surface of the device body 1 and the spherical mixing tank 4, driving the fixed ball 10 inside to rotate at high speed. The stirring rod 11 installed around the side of the fixed ball 10 rotates synchronously with the fixed ball 10, mixing the slurry in the spherical tank.

[0034] Because the mixing tank adopts a spherical design and the stirring rods 11 are radially distributed around the fixed sphere 10, the slurry forms a circulating motion without dead angles inside the tank during the mixing process, avoiding the problem of slurry accumulation in the corners of the inner wall of traditional square or cylindrical tanks. Among them, the stirring rods 11 with arc-shaped scrapers 12 make close contact with the inner wall of the spherical tank when rotating, which can scrape off the slurry adhering to the inner wall, further ensuring that all materials can participate in the mixing.

[0035] If it is necessary to adjust the stirring intensity or replace the stirring components, the stirring rod 11 can be removed from the threaded hole 13 of the fixed ball 10 by rotating the threaded connection structure between the stirring rod 11 and the fixed ball 10. After replacing the stirring rod 11 with one of different lengths and shapes, it can be tightened again. There is no need to disassemble a large number of connecting structures, making the operation convenient.

[0036] In addition, the heating element 5 on the outside of the spherical mixing tank 4 can heat the slurry inside the tank according to the characteristics of the slurry, under the regulation of the controller 3. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature inside the tank in real time and feeds it back to the controller 3 to ensure that the mixing process is carried out at a suitable temperature. After mixing is completed, the valve 8 on the discharge pipe 7 at the bottom of the spherical mixing tank 4 is opened, and the uniformly mixed slurry is discharged through the discharge pipe 7, completing the entire mixing process. The casters 9 at the bottom of the device body 1 facilitate the movement and position adjustment of the equipment, improving operational flexibility.

[0037] It should be noted that all components used in this application are standard parts that can be purchased from the market. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets and welding that are mature in the prior art. The mechanical parts and electrical equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art. The circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the prior art. The electrical equipment is connected to an external safe power source. These will not be described in detail here.

[0038] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device comprising a device body (1), characterized in that, A spherical stirring tank (4) is mounted on the device body (1) by a fixing rod. A drive motor (2) is mounted on the outer surface of the device body (1). A fixed ball (10) is fixed to the output end of the drive motor (2) through the surface of the device body (1) and the surface of the spherical stirring tank (4). A stirring rod (11) is mounted around the periphery of the fixed ball (10).

2. The sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device of claim 1, wherein, The fixed ball (10) has a threaded hole (13) on its circumferential side, and a threaded connector (14) is installed at one end of the stirring rod (11). The stirring rod (11) is spirally connected to the threaded hole (13) through the threaded connector (14).

3. The sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device of claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the spherical mixing tank (4) is equipped with a heating element (5), and the heating element (5) is fitted with a corresponding temperature sensor.

4. The sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device of claim 1, wherein, The top of the spherical mixing tank (4) is fitted with an inspection cover (6), and a discharge pipe (7) is installed through the bottom of the spherical mixing tank (4). A valve (8) is installed on the surface of the discharge pipe (7).

5. The sodium-ion battery slurry agitating device of claim 1, wherein, One of the stirring rods (11) is equipped with an arc-shaped scraper (12) at one end, and the arc-shaped scraper (12) contacts the inner wall of the spherical mixing tank (4).

6. The sodium-ion battery slurry agitating device of claim 1, wherein, The device body (1) is equipped with a universal wheel (9) at the bottom, and multiple universal wheels (9) are installed, and the multiple universal wheels (9) are installed at equal distances at the four corners of the bottom of the device body (1).

7. The sodium-ion battery slurry stirring device of claim 1, wherein, A controller (3) is mounted on the outer surface of the device body (1).

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