Battery pre-charging liquid supplementing device and formation equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of battery pre-charging liquid supplementing device and formation equipment, including electrolyte buffer cup, electrolyte injection mechanism, electrolyte liquid supplementing mechanism, electrolyte condensing mechanism and automatic weighing mechanism;Electrolyte condensing mechanism includes the condensing block installed in electrolyte buffer cup, and the circulating water cooling part for electrolyte buffer cup cooling;Electrolyte liquid supplementing mechanism is communicated with the injection port of electrolyte buffer cup;Electrolyte injection mechanism is communicated to electrolyte buffer cup.This application increases the liquid supplementing equipment of electrolyte buffer cup with condensing mechanism on pre-charging equipment, improves electrolyte loss problem in pre-charging process, to prevent the problem that the change of solute in electrolyte leads to battery capacity reduction or charging speed slows down, solve the problem that electrolyte is transported to primary injection for liquid supplementing after consumption in pre-charging process, on the one hand, electrolyte cost can be saved, on the other hand, reduce the influence of human factors and external factors on battery process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery pre-charging technology, specifically to a battery pre-charging electrolyte replenishment device and formation equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the increasing demand for and expansion of applications of lithium-ion batteries, there is a need to improve the fast charging and cycle performance of lithium batteries. Therefore, the requirements for high conductivity and low viscosity of electrolytes are becoming increasingly stringent, in order to adapt to the development of high-power and high-rate batteries. Hence, carboxylic acid ester electrolytes are chosen for 4C fast-charging batteries, while ordinary electrolytes are not suitable for high-rate batteries due to their high viscosity and high impedance.

[0003] In the production process of lithium-ion power batteries, the general sequence is primary electrolyte injection, immersion, pre-charging, and secondary electrolyte injection. During the pre-charging process, electrolyte loss occurs in the battery due to constraints, high-temperature volatilization, and reaction consumption. Therefore, the battery is weighed after pre-charging to calculate the amount of electrolyte lost during pre-charging. If the amount of electrolyte loss exceeds the standard upper limit, electrolyte will be replenished. The electrolyte lost during pre-charging is the electrolyte from the primary electrolyte injection. However, most batteries now use different types of electrolytes for primary and secondary electrolyte filling. The primary electrolyte mainly contains SEI film-forming additives, while the secondary electrolyte contains additives to improve cycle performance. These two additives may interfere with each other. Therefore, the electrolyte lost during pre-charging should be replenished with primary electrolyte. However, since the electrolyte filling equipment only supports single electrolyte filling, it is impossible to use one piece of equipment to simultaneously meet the requirements of compound electrolyte filling. Given the common problem of electrolyte loss during pre-charging, if a significant amount of electrolyte is lost during primary filling, the battery needs to be transferred to the primary electrolyte filling process for replenishment. After replenishment, secondary electrolyte filling is then performed, increasing equipment costs, factory space, and transportation costs.

[0004] Because most lithium battery manufacturers currently use open-type pre-charging and vacuum degassing methods, low-viscosity electrolytes have a higher probability of liquid loss during lithium battery manufacturing. For example, carbonate electrolytes lose 2-4g of liquid during pre-charging (less than 1% of the total electrolyte volume, meeting the standard upper limit and requiring no replenishment). However, fast-charging electrolytes lose approximately 7-20g of liquid during pre-charging, exceeding 1% of the total electrolyte volume. 80% of batteries require replenishment after pre-charging before proceeding to the next production step, resulting in electrolyte waste, increased costs, and increased risks from uncontrollable factors during transport, leading to abnormal battery quality, low yield, or customer complaints. During pre-charging, the increase in temperature accelerates the diffusion rate of solutes in the electrolyte, causing changes in solute concentration. These changes may reduce battery capacity or slow down charging, affecting battery performance. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: how to solve the problem of electrolyte loss during the pre-charging process of lithium batteries.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A battery precharge and replenishment device includes an electrolyte buffer cup, an electrolyte injection mechanism, an electrolyte replenishment mechanism, an electrolyte condensation mechanism, and an automatic weighing mechanism for monitoring the amount of electrolyte loss during battery precharge. The electrolyte condensation mechanism includes a condensation block installed inside the electrolyte buffer cup, and a circulating water cooling component for cooling the electrolyte buffer cup; the electrolyte replenishment mechanism is connected to the injection port of the electrolyte buffer cup; one end of the electrolyte injection mechanism can be connected to the battery, and the other end is connected to the electrolyte buffer cup.

[0007] This application adds a electrolyte buffer cup with a condensation mechanism to the pre-charging equipment to improve the electrolyte loss problem in the pre-charging process. Specifically, the electrolyte is cooled during the pre-charging process by the electrolyte condensation mechanism, thereby improving battery performance and preventing changes in the solute in the electrolyte from causing a reduction in battery capacity or a slowdown in charging speed. At the same time, it solves the problem of transferring the electrolyte consumed in the pre-charging process to the primary electrolyte injection for replenishment. On the one hand, it can save electrolyte costs, and on the other hand, it can reduce the impact of human factors and external factors on the battery manufacturing process, ensuring product quality while achieving the goal of cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

[0008] As a further aspect of this invention: the automatic weighing mechanism includes a weight sensor disposed at the bottom of the battery.

[0009] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the automatic weighing mechanism also includes a gas flow meter, which is connected between the electrolyte buffer cup and the electrolyte injection mechanism via a vacuum tube.

[0010] As a further embodiment of this utility model, control valves are provided at the outlets of both the vacuum tube 7 and the electrolyte buffer cup.

[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the circulating water cooling component includes a condenser tank, a circulating water storage tank, and a circulating condenser pump. The condenser tank is sealed on the outside of the electrolyte buffer cup. The inlet of the condenser tank is connected to the outlet of the circulating water storage tank through a vacuum tube two. The inlet of the circulating water storage tank is connected to one end of the circulating condenser pump through a vacuum tube three. The other end of the circulating condenser pump is connected to the outlet of the condenser tank through a vacuum tube four.

[0012] As a further embodiment of this utility model, control valves are provided on vacuum tubes two, three, and four.

[0013] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the electrolyte injection mechanism includes a backup pump and an electrolyte storage tank. The outlet of the electrolyte storage tank is connected to the inlet of the backup pump through a vacuum tube six, and the outlet of the backup pump is connected to the injection port of the electrolyte buffer cup through a vacuum tube five.

[0014] As a further embodiment of this utility model, both vacuum tube five and vacuum tube six are equipped with control valves.

[0015] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the electrolyte replenishment mechanism includes a sliding guide rail and a vacuum tube installed on the sliding guide rail. One end of the vacuum tube is connected to the outlet of the electrolyte buffer cup, and the other end can extend into the battery filling port.

[0016] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the sliding guide rail is also provided with a positive electrode probe and a negative electrode probe that correspond to the positive and negative terminals of the battery.

[0017] This utility model also discloses a formation device, including the aforementioned battery pre-charge and replenishment device.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This application adds a electrolyte buffer cup with a condensation mechanism to the pre-charging equipment to improve the electrolyte loss problem in the pre-charging process. Specifically, the electrolyte is cooled during the pre-charging process by the electrolyte condensation mechanism to prevent changes in the solute in the electrolyte from causing a reduction in battery capacity or a slowdown in charging speed.

[0019] This design improves battery performance and solves the problem of transferring electrolyte to the primary filling stage for replenishment after it is consumed in the pre-charging process. On the one hand, it can save electrolyte costs, and on the other hand, it can reduce the impact of human and external factors on the battery manufacturing process. In addition, it can reduce equipment and transportation costs, and reduce the probability of abnormal electrochemical cycle performance and rate performance caused by excessive moisture during battery transportation. While ensuring product quality, it can also achieve the goal of cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

[0020] This application designs a weight sensor and a gas flow meter for automated measurement of liquid loss. It can pre-fill the liquid loss based on the automated measurement and perform liquid replenishment operations, which can greatly reduce equipment costs, transportation costs and save factory space. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structural connection of the battery pre-charge and electrolyte replenishment device according to an embodiment of this utility model; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Condenser; 2. Circulating water tank; 3. Circulating condenser pump; 4. Backup liquid pump; 5. Electrolyte storage tank; 6. Gas flow meter; 7. Sliding guide rail; 8. Positive electrode probe; 9. Vacuum tube one; 10. Negative electrode probe; 11. Electrolyte buffer cup; 12. Condenser block; 13. Battery; 131. Positive electrode post; 132. Battery filling port; 133. Negative electrode post; 14. Weight sensor; 15. Vacuum tube two; 16. Vacuum tube three; 17. Vacuum tube four; 18. Vacuum tube five; 19. Vacuum tube six; 20. Vacuum tube seven; 151. Control valve 2; 161. Control valve 3; 171. Control valve 4; 181. Control valve 5; 191. Control valve 6; 201. Control valve 7; 202. Control valve 8. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0023] Example 1 Reference Figure 1 A battery pre-charge and replenishment device includes a condenser tank 1, a circulating water tank 2, a circulating condenser pump 3, a backup liquid pump 4, an electrolyte storage tank 5, a gas flow meter 6, a sliding guide rail 7, a positive electrode probe 8, a vacuum tube 1 9, a negative electrode probe 10, an electrolyte buffer cup 11, a condenser block 12, a battery 13, a weight sensor 14, a vacuum tube 2 15, a vacuum tube 3 16, a vacuum tube 4 17, a vacuum tube 5 18, a vacuum tube 6 19, and a vacuum tube 7 20.

[0024] The inlet of the condenser tank 1 is connected to the outlet of the circulating water tank 2 via a vacuum tube 2 15, and a control valve 2 151 for controlling the flow rate is installed on the vacuum tube 2 15. The inlet of the circulating water tank 2 is connected to the circulating condenser pump 3 via a vacuum tube 3 16, and a control valve 3 161 for controlling the flow rate is installed on the vacuum tube 3 16. The outlet of the circulating condenser pump 3 is connected to the outlet of the condenser tank 1 via a vacuum tube 4 17, and a control valve 4 171 for controlling the flow rate is installed on the vacuum tube 4 17. When it is necessary to inject water into the condenser tank 1 to cool the electrolyte buffer cup 11, the liquid in the circulating water tank 2 can flow into the condenser tank 1 through the vacuum tube 2 15 to cool the electrolyte buffer cup 11, and then return to the circulating water tank 2 for recycling via the vacuum tube 4 17, the circulating condenser pump 3, and the vacuum tube 3 16.

[0025] Reference Figure 1The electrolyte buffer cup 11 is sealed inside the condenser tank 1. The inlet of the electrolyte buffer cup 11 is connected to one end of the backup pump 4 via a vacuum tube 18, which is equipped with a control valve 181 to control the flow rate. The other end of the backup pump 4 is connected to the electrolyte storage tank 5 via a vacuum tube 19, which is equipped with a control valve 191 to control the flow rate. When it is necessary to replenish the electrolyte buffer cup 11, the backup pump 4 can be used to introduce the electrolyte in the electrolyte storage tank 5 into the electrolyte buffer cup 11 through the vacuum tube 19 and the vacuum tube 18.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 The electrolyte buffer cup 11 is equipped with a stainless steel condenser block 12. The stainless steel condenser block 12 in the buffer cup can quickly cool the electrolyte, thereby reducing the electrolyte concentration change caused by high temperature evaporation of electrolyte solvent during the pre-charging process and reducing electrolyte loss during the pre-charging process.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 The outlet of the electrolyte buffer cup 11 is connected to the outlet pipe, which is connected to the vacuum tube 9. It can be connected to the battery filling port 132 of the battery 13 through the vacuum tube 9 to replenish the battery. The outlet pipe is also equipped with an outlet pipe 201 for controlling the flow rate. A vacuum tube 20 is connected to the outlet pipe. The vacuum tube 20 is then connected to the gas flow meter 6. A control valve 202 is also provided on the vacuum tube 20.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 It also includes a sliding guide rail 7, the bottom of which is connected to a positive electrode probe 8, a vacuum tube 9, and a negative electrode probe 10. The vacuum tube 9 is connected to the outlet pipe of the electrolyte buffer cup 11. The positive electrode probe 8 and the negative electrode probe 10 can be inserted into the positive electrode post 131 and the negative electrode post 133 on the battery 13. The vacuum tube 9 is connected to the battery filling port 132 on the battery 13. A weight sensor 14 for weighing is also provided at the bottom of the battery 13.

[0029] The main purpose of this application is to temporarily store the free electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries during the pre-charging process, and to reduce the temperature of the temporarily stored electrolyte to reduce heat loss and pre-charging electrolyte loss.

[0030] This application mainly uses two condensation methods combined with an electrolyte replenishment device. One method uses circulating cooling water to cool the electrolyte buffer cup 11 in the condenser tank 1; the other method uses a stainless steel condenser block 12 in the buffer cup to rapidly cool the electrolyte. This achieves the purpose of reducing electrolyte concentration changes caused by high-temperature evaporation of electrolyte solvent during pre-charging and reducing electrolyte loss during pre-charging. In addition, this application adds a replenishment device (i.e., electrolyte storage tank 5) to realize automated metering of pre-charging liquid loss and replenishment of electrolyte during one injection.

[0031] The specific operating principle of this application is as follows: In use, firstly, an external motor controls the sliding guide rail 7 to press down, so that the positive electrode probe 8, negative electrode probe 10 and vacuum tube 9 are aligned with the positive electrode post 131, negative electrode post 133 and battery filling port 132 respectively. After the battery is pressed into contact without any problems, control valve 2 151, control valve 3 161 and control valve 4 171 are closed, and control valve 7 201 on the sliding guide rail 7 is opened. The battery formation host computer sends the pre-charge process to start charging and discharging. After the pre-charging begins, an external vacuum pump draws a vacuum to extract the free electrolyte from the battery into the electrolyte buffer cup 11. Then, control valves 151, 161, 171, and 202 are opened to draw cooling water from the circulating water tank 2 into the condenser tank 1 through vacuum tube 15. After the circulating water enters the upper part of the condenser tank 1, it is introduced into the circulating condenser pump 3 through vacuum tube 17 and returns to the circulating water tank 2 through vacuum tube 16. The entire process is repeated until the pre-charging process is completed. It should also be noted that the electrolyte buffer cup 11 is a sealed structure in the condenser tank 1 and is not connected to the condenser tank 1. It can only be connected to the liquid injection port through control valve 201 and vacuum tube 9. Simultaneously, the stainless steel condenser block 12 in the electrolyte buffer cup 11 can cool the electrolyte from 40-50℃ to 25-30℃. The pre-charge process is then initiated, and the weight sensor 14 and gas flow meter 6 below the battery 13 begin real-time recording (the recording interval can be specifically set). This real-time data is transmitted to an external data processing computer for recording, and the data calculation system generates a real-time liquid loss curve, which is displayed on the external computer screen in real time. In the final step of the pre-charge process, the control valve 151 must be closed first, followed by the control valve 171. After all the liquid has flowed back into the circulating water tank 2, the control valve 161 and the circulating condenser pump 3 must be closed. At the same time, the vacuum pump must be turned off, allowing the electrolyte in the electrolyte buffer cup 11 to flow back into the battery. Then the process jumps to the end of the pre-charge step. The control valve 191 and the control valve 181 are opened. The electrolyte tank 5 prepares electrolyte according to the amount of liquid lost at the end of the pre-charge. After the preparation is completed, the electrolyte is injected into the battery 13 through the vacuum tube 9. After the injection is completed, the control valve 191 and the control valve 181 are closed. The sliding guide rail 7 can be driven to rise so that the positive and negative electrode probes are disconnected from the positive and negative electrode posts of the battery, and the vacuum tube 9 is disconnected from the injection port. The data processing system summarizes and records the results on the local computer.

[0032] Example 2 This embodiment discloses a formation device, which includes the battery pre-charge and replenishment device in Embodiment 1.

[0033] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery pre-charge and electrolyte replenishment device, characterized in that, It includes an electrolyte buffer cup, an electrolyte injection mechanism, an electrolyte replenishment mechanism, an electrolyte condensation mechanism, and an automatic weighing mechanism for monitoring the amount of electrolyte loss during battery pre-charge; The electrolyte condensation mechanism includes a condensation block installed inside the electrolyte buffer cup, and a circulating water cooling component for cooling the electrolyte buffer cup; the electrolyte replenishment mechanism is connected to the injection port of the electrolyte buffer cup; one end of the electrolyte injection mechanism can be connected to the battery, and the other end is connected to the electrolyte buffer cup.

2. The battery pre-charge and electrolyte replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic weighing mechanism includes a weight sensor located at the bottom of the battery.

3. The battery pre-charge and electrolyte replenishment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The automatic weighing mechanism also includes a gas flow meter, which is connected between the electrolyte buffer cup and the electrolyte injection mechanism via a vacuum tube.

4. A battery pre-charge and electrolyte replenishment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Control valves are provided at the outlets of both the vacuum tube 7 and the electrolyte buffer cup.

5. A battery pre-charge and electrolyte replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circulating water cooling component includes a condenser tank, a circulating water storage tank, and a circulating condenser pump. The condenser tank is sealed on the outside of the electrolyte buffer cup. The inlet of the condenser tank is connected to the outlet of the circulating water storage tank through a vacuum tube two. The inlet of the circulating water storage tank is connected to one end of the circulating condenser pump through a vacuum tube three. The other end of the circulating condenser pump is connected to the outlet of the condenser tank through a vacuum tube four.

6. A battery pre-charge and electrolyte replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte injection mechanism includes a backup pump and an electrolyte storage tank. The outlet of the electrolyte storage tank is connected to the inlet of the backup pump through a vacuum tube six, and the outlet of the backup pump is connected to the injection port of the electrolyte buffer cup through a vacuum tube five.

7. A battery pre-charge and electrolyte replenishment device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Both vacuum tube five and vacuum tube six are equipped with control valves.

8. A battery pre-charge and electrolyte replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte replenishment mechanism includes a sliding guide rail and a vacuum tube mounted on the sliding guide rail. One end of the vacuum tube is connected to the outlet of the electrolyte buffer cup, and the other end can extend into the battery filling port.

9. A battery pre-charge and electrolyte replenishment device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The sliding guide rail is also equipped with a positive electrode probe and a negative electrode probe that correspond to the positive and negative terminals of the battery.

10. A chemical formation apparatus, characterized in that: Includes the battery pre-charge and replenishment device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images