A waste lithium battery module shredding device and recycling system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of waste lithium battery module shredding device and recovery system, belong to battery recycling technical field.The waste lithium battery module shredding device, comprising: feed conveyor, feed transition bin, shredding host, first discharge transition bin and cooling transition conveyor;The feed conveyor is connected with the feed transition bin, and shredding host is arranged below the feed transition bin;The first discharge transition bin is arranged below the shredding host, and waste lithium battery module after shredding enters into the first discharge transition bin;The cooling transition conveyor is connected with the first discharge transition bin, for cooling and outward transportation after waste lithium battery module after shredding.This utility model further proposes a kind of recovery system, including waste lithium battery module shredding device, conveyor, pyrolysis furnace, cooling furnace, crushing and sorting device and tail gas treatment device.The device proposed in the utility model realizes the continuous, safe and efficient shredding of lithium battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery recycling technology, and in particular to a waste lithium battery module shredding device and recycling system. Background Technology

[0002] A lithium-ion battery module is an integrated unit composed of multiple individual battery cells, typically used for storing and providing electrical energy. The composition of a battery module can be designed according to different application requirements, but it generally includes battery cells, a battery management system, and a battery casing. The battery cell is the basic component of the battery module, usually consisting of positive and negative electrodes, an electrolyte, and a separator; therefore, lithium-ion battery modules come in various specifications. For example, cylindrical battery modules: Cylindrical battery modules connect multiple cylindrical battery cells (such as 18650, 21700, 26650, etc.) together in series and parallel.

[0003] External dimensions: L660mm~1800mm×W180mm~300mm×H70mm~110mm; Weight: 25kg~90kg.

[0004] Square battery modules: Square battery modules connect multiple square cells together in series and parallel. These cells are usually packaged in soft or hard shells.

[0005] External dimensions: L180mm~630mm×W85mm~305mm×H75mm~110mm; Weight: 13kg~59kg.

[0006] Currently, the dismantling of most used power battery modules is done entirely manually. Because individual battery cells contain electrolytes and other components, leakage after the cell is damaged causes environmental pollution. Furthermore, batteries that have not undergone proper discharge treatment pose a risk of combustion and explosion, making this dismantling method quite dangerous. In addition, manual dismantling is noisy, time-consuming, inefficient, and costly, and can also cause health risks to workers.

[0007] While automated dismantling systems for spent lithium-ion battery modules can improve efficiency and reduce labor intensity, these systems are typically designed for dismantling fixed objects in structured environments. They cannot handle the dismantling of various types of spent lithium-ion battery modules in complex, dynamic scenarios, thus limiting their application in real-world industrial settings.

[0008] Therefore, a direct shredding device compatible with various sizes of large-sized lithium battery modules has become a research direction in the industry. However, since waste lithium battery modules are all charged, direct shredding, if not handled properly, can cause explosions and fires, releasing harmful gases during combustion and threatening human health, posing a certain technical challenge. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a safe, efficient, and compatible waste lithium battery module shredding device and a recycling system equipped with such a device to achieve the safe and efficient recycling of various sizes of large-sized waste lithium battery modules.

[0009] Regarding the development of shredding devices for waste lithium battery modules, researchers in the same industry have conducted some research, which is summarized below:

[0010] 1. Patent CN202222314704.9 discloses a lithium battery module shredding device, comprising: a feeding device, a sealed box, a shredding device, and a gas supply device; the feeding device has a first roller conveyor belt; the sealed box is provided with a feeding port, a discharging port, and a first opening and closing door; the sealed box has a second roller conveyor belt; the first roller conveyor belt, the feeding port, the second roller conveyor belt, the discharging port, and the shredding device are arranged sequentially, and the shredding device and the sealed box are provided with a first air inlet. The gas supply device can send low-temperature nitrogen gas into the connecting pipe and the sealed box to provide a nitrogen-filled low-temperature environment for the battery module, thereby reducing the temperature of the battery module and preventing the battery module from contacting oxygen; thus, when the battery module is shredded, it is in a nitrogen-filled low-temperature environment, which can reduce the temperature of the battery module during shredding, prevent fire, avoid fire or explosion, ensure safe use, and ensure that the battery module shredding device can continuously shred the battery module.

[0011] Although the equipment uses nitrogen to control oxygen content during the shredding process, the crushed material is not cooled or sealed properly. The volatilized electrolyte and other harmful substances can easily cause harm to the human body and the environment. When the temperature and electrolyte reach certain conditions, there is even a risk of spontaneous combustion. In addition, the shredding device is a single-stage shredding device, which is difficult to process battery modules of various specifications and difficult to control the size of the crushed material.

[0012] 2. Patent CN202411066222.3 discloses an equipment and method for safely crushing and recycling live power battery modules. The equipment includes a base plate with a pair of support legs fixed to its upper surface. A crushing box is fixed to the upper end of the support legs, a feeding box is fixed to the upper end of the crushing box, and a collection box is fixed to the lower end of the crushing box. A first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft are rotatably mounted on the crushing box. Both the first and second rotating shafts are fixed with blade rollers that mesh with each other. The blade rollers tear apart the battery modules entering the crushing box, deforming and breaking some of the metal materials within the battery modules, facilitating a second crushing operation. This makes it easier for the first and second cutting blades to cut the battery during the second crushing, reducing blade wear and extending the equipment's lifespan.

[0013] Although the equipment can shred battery modules, it uses electrolyte immersion for discharge, which results in a long discharge cycle and high cost of electrolyte treatment after discharge, thus limiting its practical value.

[0014] In summary, existing waste lithium battery module shredding equipment does not yet meet the technical requirements of adapting to various specifications, the entire process, safety, efficiency, and continuous shredding of lithium battery modules. Utility Model Content

[0015] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to develop a safe, efficient, and compatible waste lithium battery module shredding device and a recycling system with the device, so as to achieve safe, efficient, and continuous recycling of large-sized waste lithium battery modules of various specifications.

[0016] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a waste lithium battery module shredding device and recycling system to solve the technical problem of how to continuously, safely and efficiently shred lithium battery modules in the prior art.

[0017] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention provides a waste lithium battery module shredding device, comprising: a feeding conveyor, a feeding transition chamber, a shredding host, a first discharge transition chamber, and a cooling transition conveyor; the feeding end of the feeding transition chamber, the space between the feeding transition chamber and the shredding host, and the space between the shredding host and the first discharge transition chamber are all equipped with sealing valves;

[0018] The feeding conveyor is connected to the feeding transition bin. The feeding conveyor is used to transport the waste lithium battery modules into the feeding transition bin. The shredder is located below the feeding transition bin. The shredder is used to shred the waste lithium battery modules.

[0019] The first discharge transition chamber is located below the shredder, and the shredded waste lithium battery modules enter the first discharge transition chamber; the cooling transition conveyor is connected to the first discharge transition chamber and is used to cool the shredded waste lithium battery modules and transport them outward.

[0020] The feeding transition chamber, shredder, first discharge transition chamber, and cooling transition conveyor are all sealed structures filled with nitrogen. Each sealed structure is equipped with an oxygen content detection element to monitor the oxygen content in real time and ensure that the oxygen content is ≤2%.

[0021] In any embodiment, the outlet of the cooling transition conveyor is higher than the inlet, and the outlet of the cooling transition conveyor is a downwardly curved outlet.

[0022] In any embodiment, the device platform is also included, on which the feeding conveyor, the feeding transition bin, the shredder, the first discharge transition bin, and the cooling transition conveyor are all mounted.

[0023] In any embodiment, the feeding transition chamber, shredder, first discharge transition chamber, discharge transition chamber, and cooling transition conveyor are all sealed structures, and are filled with nitrogen. Each sealed structure is equipped with an oxygen content detection element to monitor the oxygen content in real time and ensure that the oxygen content is ≤2%.

[0024] In any embodiment, the shredder host consists of a four-shaft shredder.

[0025] In any embodiment, it further includes a weighing elevator and a loading bucket, the loading bucket being installed on the weighing elevator for lifting the waste lithium battery modules onto the feeding conveyor via the weighing elevator and the loading bucket.

[0026] In any embodiment, a second discharge transition chamber is also included, which is located at the lower end of the outlet of the cooling transition conveyor.

[0027] In any embodiment, a receiving hopper is also included, which is located at the lower end of the second discharge transition chamber.

[0028] In any embodiment, an emergency device is also included, which includes a nitrogen replenishment mechanism, a fire extinguishing mechanism, a feeding shutdown interlock mechanism, and a control unit. Temperature detection elements and flame detection elements are installed on the shredder, the transition chamber, and the cooling transition conveyor. The temperature detection elements and the flame detection elements are electrically connected to the nitrogen replenishment mechanism, the fire extinguishing mechanism, and the feeding shutdown interlock mechanism, respectively, through the control unit. When the temperature detection element detects over-temperature, the oxygen content detection element detects excessive oxygen content, or the flame detection element detects fire, the emergency device is automatically activated.

[0029] In addition, this utility model also proposes a recycling system, including the above-mentioned waste lithium battery module shredding device, conveyor, pyrolysis furnace, cooling furnace, crushing and sorting device and exhaust gas treatment device; the waste lithium battery module shredding device is connected to the pyrolysis furnace through the conveyor, the pyrolysis furnace is connected to the cooling furnace and the exhaust gas treatment device respectively, and the cooling furnace is connected to the crushing and sorting device.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model include: The waste lithium battery module shredding device proposed in this utility model feeds waste lithium battery modules into the feeding transition chamber via a feeding conveyor, closes the sealing valve, and then the waste lithium battery modules enter the shredding host for shredding. The shredded material enters the first discharge transition chamber, which is fully sealed and protected by nitrogen, and then enters the cooling transition conveyor, which is also fully sealed and protected by nitrogen, to be transported to the outside. This allows for continuous shredding of waste lithium battery modules. The feeding transition chamber, the shredding host, the first discharge transition chamber, and the cooling transition conveyor are all sealed structures, and all are filled with nitrogen. Each sealed structure is equipped with an oxygen content detection element to monitor the oxygen content in real time, ensuring that the oxygen content is ≤2%, thus ensuring the safety of the shredding operation. This achieves continuous, safe, and efficient shredding of lithium battery modules. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the waste lithium battery module shredding device according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the recycling system of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Weighing elevator; 2. Loading bucket; 3. Feed conveyor; 4. Sealing valve; 5. Feed transition bin; 6. Shredder main unit; 7. First discharge transition bin; 8. Cooling transition conveyor; 9. Second discharge transition bin; 10. Device platform; 11. Receiving hopper; A. Waste lithium battery module shredding device; B. Pyrolysis furnace; C. Cooling furnace; D. Crushing and sorting device; E. Tail gas treatment device. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] Combination Figure 1 This embodiment provides a waste lithium battery module shredding device A, including: a feeding conveyor 3, a feeding transition chamber 5, a shredding host 6, a first discharge transition chamber 7, and a cooling transition conveyor 8; the feeding end of the feeding transition chamber 5 is provided with a sealing valve 4, and sealing valves are provided between the feeding transition chamber 5 and the shredding host 6, between the shredding host 6 and the first discharge transition chamber 7, and between the first discharge transition chamber and the cooling transition conveyor 8 (not shown in the figure but easy to understand);

[0037] The feeding conveyor 3 is connected to the feeding transition bin 5. The feeding conveyor 3 is used to transport the waste lithium battery modules into the feeding transition bin 5. The shredder 6 is located below the feeding transition bin 5. The shredder 6 is used to shred the waste lithium battery modules.

[0038] The first discharge transition chamber 7 is located below the shredder 6, and the shredded waste lithium battery modules enter the first discharge transition chamber 7; the cooling transition conveyor 8 is connected to the first discharge transition chamber 7 and is used to cool the shredded waste lithium battery modules and transport them outward.

[0039] The feeding transition chamber 5, the shredder host 6, the first discharge transition chamber 7, the second discharge transition chamber 9, and the cooling transition conveyor 8 are all sealed structures, and are filled with nitrogen. Each sealed structure is equipped with an oxygen content detection element to monitor the oxygen content in real time and ensure that the oxygen content is ≤2%.

[0040] Based on the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the outlet of the cooling transition conveyor 8 is higher than the inlet, and the outlet of the cooling transition conveyor 8 is a downward-curved outlet. The low-to-high layout can more efficiently ensure sealing performance and reduce oxygen infiltration caused by seal failure. The downward-curved outlet design allows the material to naturally accumulate at the end of the conveying process to form a "material seal," which to a certain extent prevents outside air (including oxygen) from entering the sealed chamber inside the equipment, helps maintain an oxygen-deficient (nitrogen protection) environment inside, and reduces the risk of excessive oxygen content.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment also includes a device platform 10, on which the feeding conveyor 3, feeding transition chamber 5, shredder 6, first discharge transition chamber 7, and cooling transition conveyor 8 are all installed. This ensures stable installation of each component.

[0042] Based on the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the feeding transition chamber 5, the shredder host 6, the first discharge transition chamber 7, and the second discharge transition chamber 9 are all sealed structures, and are filled with nitrogen. Each sealed structure is equipped with an oxygen content detection element to monitor the oxygen content in real time and ensure that the oxygen content is ≤2%.

[0043] Based on the above embodiments, the shredder host 6 in this embodiment is composed of a four-axis shredder. The shredder host 6 is composed of a large four-axis shredder, which can shred large-sized waste lithium battery modules of various specifications.

[0044] Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further includes a weighing elevator 1 and a loading hopper 2. The loading hopper 2 is installed on the weighing elevator 1 and is used to lift the waste lithium battery modules onto the feeding conveyor 3 via the weighing elevator 1 and the loading hopper 2.

[0045] Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment also includes a second discharge transition chamber 9, which is located at the lower end of the outlet of the cooling transition conveyor 8.

[0046] Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment also includes a receiving hopper 11, which is located at the lower end of the outlet of the second discharge transition chamber 9. The cooling transition conveyor 8 feeds the cooled shredded battery blocks into the second discharge transition chamber 9. When the amount of material reaches a certain level, the discharge valve of the second discharge transition chamber 9 is opened and the material falls into the receiving hopper 11, which is sealed and connected to the second discharge transition chamber 9.

[0047] Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment also includes an emergency device (not shown in the figure, but easily understood). The emergency device includes a nitrogen replenishment mechanism, a fire-fighting water extinguishing mechanism, a feeding shutdown interlock mechanism, and a control unit. Temperature detection elements (not shown in the figure, but easily understood) and flame detection elements (not shown in the figure, but easily understood) are all installed on the shredder 6, the first discharge transition chamber 7, the second discharge transition chamber 9, and the cooling transition conveyor 8. The temperature monitoring elements and the flame detection elements are electrically connected to the nitrogen replenishment mechanism, the fire-fighting water extinguishing mechanism, and the feeding shutdown interlock mechanism, respectively, through the control unit. When the temperature detection element detects over-temperature, the oxygen content detection element detects excessive oxygen content, or the flame detection element detects fire, the emergency device automatically activates, performing emergency fire suppression through nitrogen replenishment, fire extinguishing, and shutdown operations. It should be noted that the relevant structure of the emergency device is derived from existing technology.

[0048] Based on the above embodiments, the size of the battery block after being shredded by the shredder host 6 in this embodiment is 20mm-40mm.

[0049] This embodiment also proposes a method for processing waste lithium battery modules, including the following steps:

[0050] Waste lithium battery modules are conveyed to the feeding transition chamber 5 via the feeding conveyor 3; then they enter the shredding host 6 located below the feeding transition chamber 5 for shredding and processing to obtain shredded battery blocks. The battery blocks then enter the first discharge transition chamber 7, and are cooled by the cooling transition conveyor 8 and conveyed to the second discharge transition chamber 9. Finally, they fall into the receiving hopper 11, which is sealed and connected to the second discharge transition chamber 9, through the discharge valve of the second discharge transition chamber 9.

[0051] The process of processing waste lithium battery modules using the device in this embodiment is as follows:

[0052] Waste lithium battery modules are lifted to the feeding conveyor 3 via the weighing elevator 1 and the loading bucket 2. They are then fed into the feeding transition chamber 5 via the feeding conveyor 3. The sealing valve 4 is closed, and after the oxygen content in the transition chamber is ensured to meet the standard (≤2%) through replacement, the feeding valve of the feeding transition chamber 5 is opened to allow the modules to enter the shredding host 6 for shredding.

[0053] The shredder 6 is protected by nitrogen to ensure that the oxygen content meets the standard (≤2%), and monitors the temperature change during shredding in real time and detects whether the crushing process will ignite. The shredded material enters the first discharge transition chamber 7, which is fully sealed and protected by nitrogen, and then enters the cooling transition conveyor 8, which is also fully sealed and protected by nitrogen, and is sent to the second discharge transition chamber 9. When the amount of material reaches a certain level, the discharge valve of the second discharge transition chamber 9 is opened and the material falls into the receiving hopper 11, which is sealed and connected to the second discharge transition chamber 9.

[0054] The above-mentioned device processes the shredding of waste lithium battery modules entirely in a closed, oxygen-deficient environment, and monitors the oxygen content in each area and the risk of fire during the shredding process in real time. In the event of overheating, excessive oxygen levels, or fire, the emergency device is automatically activated. The emergency device consists of a high-flow-rate rapid nitrogen replenishment mechanism, a fire-fighting water system, and a feeding shutdown interlock mechanism to ensure production safety.

[0055] Combination Figure 2 Furthermore, this embodiment also proposes a recycling system, including the aforementioned waste lithium battery module shredding device A, conveyor, pyrolysis furnace B, cooling furnace C, crushing and sorting device D, and exhaust gas treatment device E; the waste lithium battery module shredding device A is connected to the pyrolysis furnace B via the conveyor (not shown in the figure but easily understood), the pyrolysis furnace B is connected to the cooling furnace C and the exhaust gas treatment device E respectively, and the cooling furnace C is connected to the crushing and sorting device D.

[0056] This embodiment also proposes a method for recycling waste lithium battery modules, including the following steps:

[0057] Battery fragments flow from the second discharge transition chamber 9 of the waste lithium battery module shredding device A into a sealed nitrogen-filled belt conveyor and are transported to the pyrolysis furnace B for electrolyte drying and organic matter pyrolysis to obtain pyrolysis gas and pyrolysis material; the pyrolysis gas enters the tail gas treatment device E for treatment; the pyrolysis material enters the cooling furnace C for cooling; the cooled material is then transported to the crushing and sorting device D.

[0058] Battery fragments flow from the second discharge transition chamber 9 of the waste lithium battery module shredding device A into a sealed nitrogen-filled belt conveyor, which transports them to the pyrolysis furnace B for electrolyte drying and organic matter pyrolysis. The pyrolysis gas enters the tail gas treatment device E for dust collection and harmless treatment, and is discharged in compliance with standards after purification. The pyrolysis material enters the cooling furnace C for cooling. The cooled material is then transported to the crushing and sorting device D, where the outer shell, copper powder, aluminum powder, and black powder are separated. The produced outer shell, copper powder, and aluminum powder can be sold directly, while the black powder flows into the downstream wet process workshop for lithium extraction and the extraction of other valuable elements and compounds (such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese from ternary lithium batteries and iron phosphate from lithium iron phosphate batteries), thus completing the entire process of recycling and utilizing waste lithium battery modules.

[0059] Since the pyrolysis furnace B, cooling furnace C, crushing and sorting device D, and tail gas treatment device E are known technologies, they will not be discussed in detail here.

[0060] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A waste lithium battery module shredding device, characterized in that, include: Feed conveyor, feed transition bin, shredder main unit, first discharge transition bin and cooling transition conveyor; Sealing valves are provided at the feed end of the feed transition bin, between the feed transition bin and the shredder, between the shredder and the first discharge transition bin, and between the first discharge transition bin and the cooling transition conveyor. The feeding conveyor is connected to the feeding transition bin. The feeding conveyor is used to transport the waste lithium battery modules into the feeding transition bin. The shredder is located below the feeding transition bin and is used to shred the waste lithium battery modules. The first discharge transition chamber is located below the shredder, and the shredded waste lithium battery modules enter the first discharge transition chamber; the cooling transition conveyor is connected to the first discharge transition chamber and is used to cool the shredded waste lithium battery modules and transport them outward. The feeding transition chamber, shredder, first discharge transition chamber, and cooling transition conveyor are all sealed structures filled with nitrogen. Each sealed structure is equipped with an oxygen content detection element to monitor the oxygen content in real time and ensure that the oxygen content is ≤2%.

2. The waste lithium battery module shredding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the cooling transition conveyor is higher than the inlet, and the outlet of the cooling transition conveyor is a downward-curved outlet.

3. The waste lithium battery module shredding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a device platform, on which the feeding conveyor, the feeding transition bin, the shredder, the first discharge transition bin, and the cooling transition conveyor are all installed.

4. The waste lithium battery module shredding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding transition chamber, the shredder, the first discharge transition chamber, and the cooling transition conveyor are all sealed structures and filled with nitrogen. Each sealed structure is equipped with an oxygen content detection element to monitor the oxygen content in real time and ensure that the oxygen content is ≤2%.

5. The waste lithium battery module shredding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shredding host consists of a four-shaft shredder.

6. The waste lithium battery module shredding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a weighing elevator and a loading bucket, the loading bucket being installed on the weighing elevator for lifting waste lithium battery modules onto the feeding conveyor via the weighing elevator and the loading bucket.

7. The waste lithium battery module shredding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second discharge transition chamber, which is located at the lower end of the outlet of the cooling transition conveyor.

8. The waste lithium battery module shredding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a receiving hopper, which is located at the lower end of the second discharge transition chamber.

9. The waste lithium battery module shredding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an emergency device, which comprises a nitrogen replenishment mechanism, a fire extinguishing mechanism, a feeding shutdown interlock mechanism, and a control unit. Temperature detection elements and flame detection elements are installed on the shredder, the transition chamber, and the cooling transition conveyor. The temperature detection elements and the flame detection elements are electrically connected to the nitrogen replenishment mechanism, the fire extinguishing mechanism, and the feeding shutdown interlock mechanism, respectively, through the control unit. When the temperature detection element detects over-temperature, the oxygen content detection element detects excessive oxygen content, or the flame detection element detects fire, the emergency device is automatically activated.

10. A recycling system, characterized in that, The device includes a waste lithium battery module shredding device, a conveyor, a pyrolysis furnace, a cooling furnace, a crushing and sorting device, and a tail gas treatment device as described in any one of claims 1-9; the waste lithium battery module shredding device is connected to the pyrolysis furnace via the conveyor, the pyrolysis furnace is connected to the cooling furnace and the tail gas treatment device respectively, and the cooling furnace is connected to the crushing and sorting device.

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