Solar panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery apparatus and solar panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery method

Abstract

A solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery apparatus and a solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery method are provided, which sort and recover components contained in the solar waste panels in a recyclable manner. [Solution] A solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovery apparatus comprising: a first decomposition unit 10 for crushing solar waste panels into crushed material; a second decomposition unit for re-pulverizing the crushed material and converting it into pulverized particles; a particle size sorting unit for separating the pulverized particles into first particles smaller than a standard particle size and intermediate particles larger than that; a specific gravity sorting unit connected to the particle size sorting unit for further separating the intermediate particles into second particles and third particles based on the difference in specific gravity; a first recovery means 101 for sucking pulverized particles from the second decomposition unit with air pressure and discharging them through a nozzle; a second recovery means 102 for sucking first particles from the particle size sorting unit with air pressure and discharging them through a nozzle; and a third recovery means 103 for sucking second particles from the specific gravity sorting unit with air pressure and discharging them through a nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for treating waste solar panels. More specifically, it relates to a crushing, pulverizing, sorting, and recovering device for waste solar panels that recyclably sorts and recovers the components contained in waste solar panels, and a method for crushing, pulverizing, sorting, and recovering waste solar panels.

Background Art

[0002] Solar panels (solar modules) applied to solar systems are separated from the system and discarded when their service life ends. However, since solar panels are composites of tempered glass, semiconductor materials (such as silicon), metals (such as electrodes or transmission lines made of copper), and plastics, etc., instead of simply discarding them, a process for separating reusable components is required.

[0003] As an example, a process for separating tempered glass from waste solar panels and recovering the glass component (for example, a peeling process) is known. Since the tempered glass is attached to the front surface of the solar panel in the form of a glass plate, it can be appropriately separated by cutting with a blade or the like (for example, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2351390).

[0004] However, the remaining components are built into thin layer structures such as the cell layer and backsheet layer on the opposite side of the glass plate, so there is a problem that it is extremely difficult to separate each component. For this reason, there are drawbacks that particularly useful components (such as silicon and copper) are simply discarded or not recovered, and from the perspective of resource recycling, more effective alternative means have been demanded.

[0005] This invention was carried out as part of a national research and development project managed by the Korea Energy Technology Assessment Institute, with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The name of the research project is "New Renewable Energy Core Technology Development (R&D)," and the specific project title is "Development of Module Materials and Process Technologies with Low Carbon Emissions and Easy Recycling." The project's unique number is 1415188791, and the project number is RS-2023-00303745. The project was carried out by Wongang SENT Co., Ltd., and the research period was from November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2026. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The technical objective of the present invention is to solve these problems by providing a crushing, pulverizing, and sorting / recovering apparatus for solar waste panels that sorts and recovers components contained in solar waste panels for reuse, and also by providing a crushing, pulverizing, and sorting / recovering method for solar waste panels that sorts and recovers components contained in solar waste panels for reuse.

[0007] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a first disassembly unit that crushes the solar waste panel into crushed material of a size that can be transported through a flow path; a second disassembly unit that re-pulverizes the crushed material to convert it into pulverized particles with a particle size smaller than that of the crushed material; a particle size sorting unit that separates the pulverized particles into first particles smaller than a standard particle size and intermediate particles larger than that; a particle separation unit connected to the particle size sorting unit that further separates the intermediate particles into lighter second particles and heavier third particles based on the difference in specific gravity; a first recovery means that sucks the pulverized particles from the second disassembly unit with air pressure and discharges them through a nozzle; a second recovery means that sucks the first particles from the particle size sorting unit with air pressure and discharges them through a nozzle; and a third recovery means that sucks the second particles from the specific gravity sorting unit with air pressure and discharges them through a nozzle.

[0009] The system may further include a particle collection unit that sucks the second particles from the specific gravity separation unit via a different path than the third recovery means and mixes them with the first particles, and a fourth recovery means that sucks the mixed particles of the first and second particles from the particle collection unit and discharges them through a nozzle.

[0010] The system may further include branching channels arranged between the gravity separation unit and the particle collection unit, and between the gravity separation unit and the third recovery means, which selectively change the flow path of the second particles to either the particle collection unit or the third recovery means.

[0011] The first, second, third, and fourth recovery means may each include a cone-shaped cyclone barrel whose diameter decreases downward, a nozzle formed at the lower end of the cyclone barrel, a suction tube tangentially connected to the side of the cyclone barrel, and a suction fan coupled to the upper end of the cyclone barrel to generate negative pressure.

[0012] The first, second, third, and fourth recovery means each further comprises a dust discharge pipe connected to the suction fan, and the centrifugally separated dust can be discharged to a dust collector via the dust discharge pipe.

[0013] The suction pipe and the dust discharge pipe may be double-connected tangentially to the side and upper end of the cyclone barrel.

[0014] The apparatus further comprises a first suction means positioned at the upper end of the second decomposition section and connected to the first decomposition section by a flow path to suck the crushed material to the second decomposition section, and a second suction means positioned at the upper end of the particle size sorting section and connected to the second decomposition section by a flow path to suck the crushed particles to the particle size sorting section, wherein the first suction means and the second suction means may each include a conical auxiliary cyclone barrel whose diameter decreases downward, an auxiliary suction pipe tangentially connected to the side of the auxiliary cyclone barrel, and an auxiliary suction fan connected to the upper end of the auxiliary cyclone barrel to generate negative pressure.

[0015] The particle size sorting unit may be equipped with a vibrating particle sorter including a sieve, and the specific gravity sorting unit may be equipped with a wind-powered specific gravity sorter.

[0016] The first particle may be silicon, and the third particle may be copper.

[0017] Another solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a first disassembly unit that crushes the solar waste panel into crushed material of a size that can be transported through a flow path; a second disassembly unit that re-pulverizes the crushed material to convert it into pulverized particles with a particle size smaller than the crushed material; a particle size sorting unit that separates the pulverized particles into first particles smaller than a standard particle size and intermediate particles larger than that; a particle separation unit that, in conjunction with the particle size sorting unit, further separates the intermediate particles into lighter second particles and heavier third particles based on the difference in specific gravity; a recovery means that uses air pressure to suck up one of the pulverized particles, first particles, and second particles from any one of the second disassembly unit, the particle size sorting unit, and the specific gravity sorting unit and discharges them through a nozzle; and a dust collector connected to the recovery means, wherein dust can be removed from the recovered material when one of the pulverized particles, first particles, and second particles is recovered via the recovery means.

[0018] The recovery means comprises a cone-shaped cyclone barrel whose diameter decreases downward, a nozzle formed at the lower end of the cyclone barrel, a suction pipe tangentially connected to the side of the cyclone barrel, a suction fan connected to the upper end of the cyclone barrel to generate negative pressure, and a dust discharge pipe connected to the suction fan. The dust centrifuged inside the cyclone barrel is discharged to a dust collector via the dust discharge pipe, and any one of the crushed particles, the first particles, and the second particles can be discharged via the nozzle.

[0019] The suction force of the recovery means can be adjusted by simultaneously adjusting the load of the suction fan and the load of the dust collector.

[0020] The suction pipe and the dust discharge pipe may be double-connected tangentially to the side and upper end of the cyclone barrel.

[0021] The method for crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovering waste solar panels according to the present invention may include: (a) crushing the waste solar panels into crushed material of a size that can be transported through a flow path; (b) re-pulverizing the crushed material to convert it into pulverized particles with a particle size smaller than the crushed material; (c) separating the pulverized particles in a particle size sorting unit into first particles smaller than a standard particle size and intermediate particles larger than a standard particle size; (d) further separating the intermediate particles in a specific gravity sorting unit into second particles with a lower specific gravity and third particles with a higher specific gravity based on the difference in specific gravity; and (e) separating and recovering the first particles and the third particles from the particle size sorting unit and the specific gravity sorting unit, respectively.

[0022] In step (e) above, the second particle may be recovered via a first path independent of the recovery paths for the first and third particles, or via the same second path as the recovery path for the first particle.

[0023] When recovered via the second route, the second particles can be recovered as mixed particles by passing through a particle collection unit that sucks the second particles from the specific gravity separation unit and mixes them with the first particles.

[0024] The particle size separation unit includes a vibrating particle separator including a sieve, and the specific gravity separation unit may include a pneumatic specific gravity separator.

[0025] The first particle may be silicon, and the third particle may be copper.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, when disposing of a solar waste panel, useful components (such as silicon, copper, etc.) contained in the solar waste panel can be sorted and recovered item by item. Therefore, an additional process for separating each component is unnecessary, and the components recovered immediately after disposal can be supplied to the required locations and reused. Also, if necessary, two or more components can be collected together or separately, and the collection location can also be selected. Thus, it is possible to extremely efficiently collect and reuse the required components from the solar waste panel. Furthermore, in all the recovery processes, foreign substances (dust) mixed in the recovered materials are automatically separated and discharged, so the purity of the recovered materials can also be increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, sorting and recovering device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, sorting and recovering device shown with the frame removed in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is an exploded view of the main part of the crushing, pulverizing, sorting and recovering device in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a view showing the crushing, pulverizing, sorting and recovering device in FIG. 3 from different angles. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged perspective view of the particle separation part of the crushing, pulverizing, sorting and recovering device in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a view showing the particle separation part in FIG. 5 from different angles. [Figure 7]Figure 3 is a front view of the crushing, grinding, and sorting / recovery apparatus. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the recovery means included in the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus. [Figure 9] Figure 3 is a rear view of the crushing, grinding, and sorting / recovery device. [Figure 10] Figure 3 is a plan view of the crushing, grinding, and sorting / recovery apparatus. [Figure 11] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the crushing, grinding, and sorting / recovery device, seen from the bottom. [Figure 12a] Figure 2 is an operational diagram showing the first recovery process of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus from one angle. [Figure 12b] Figure 2 is an operational diagram showing the first recovery process of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus from a different angle. [Figure 13a] Figure 2 is an operational diagram showing the second recovery process of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus from one angle. [Figure 13b] Figure 2 is an operational diagram showing the second recovery process of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus from a different angle. [Figure 14a] Figure 2 is an operational diagram showing the third recovery process of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus from one angle. [Figure 14b] Figure 2 is an operational diagram showing the third recovery process of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus from a different angle. [Figure 15] Figures 12a to 14b are process diagrams illustrating the first to third recovery processes. [Figure 16] Figures 12a to 14b are process diagrams illustrating the first to third recovery processes. [Figure 17] Figures 12a to 14b are process diagrams illustrating the first to third recovery processes. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become clearer by referring in detail to the embodiments described below, together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be carried out in a variety of different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to make the disclosure of the present invention sufficient and to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0029] The following will describe in detail the solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, sorting and recovery apparatus and the solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, sorting and recovery method according to the present invention with reference to Figures 1 to 17. Since the method of the present invention can be carried out by the apparatus of the present invention, the crushing, pulverizing, sorting and recovery apparatus will be described in detail first, and then the method will be described based on it. The method of the present invention can also be understood in accordance with the operation process of the apparatus.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting / recovery apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting / recovery apparatus shown in Figure 1 with the frame removed.

[0031] Referring to Figure 1, the solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery apparatus 1 according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery apparatus") comprises a first disassembly section 10, a second disassembly section (see 20 in Figure 2), a particle separation section (see 30 in Figure 2), and a plurality of recovery means [first to fourth recovery means (101 to 104)] arranged at different positions from each other. The recovery means are connected to the second disassembly section 20 and the particle separation section 30 by flow paths (such as recovery paths and branched flow paths described later), and can suck up and discharge the crushed material of the solar waste panel (crushed particles, first particles, second particles, third particles, etc. described later).

[0032] In particular, the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery device 1, as shown in Figure 1, can selectively suck up the crushed material of solar waste panels via the first recovery means 101, second recovery means 102, third recovery means 103, and fourth recovery means 104, which are located at different positions from each other, and collect them in the recovery box 300. Thus, different components can be recovered in each recovery box 300 and then recycled according to the desired use. The recovery boxes 300 can be easily transported using a cart 310 or the like.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2, the present invention enables the processing of complex processes within a limited space by transporting crushed solar waste panels while simultaneously sucking them through flow channels. The flow channels are connected in an extremely organic manner to integrate the complex processes. Since the crushing, pulverization, separation by particle size difference, separation by specific gravity difference, and sorting and discharge of solar waste panels are all organically linked by the flow channels, process switching by adjusting the flow channels, process integration by arranging the flow channels, and resulting space savings and increased efficiency are all possible. Therefore, the workspace, which conventionally had to be long due to conveyors and the like, can be reduced, and the equipment can be efficiently configured by utilizing both the upper and lower spaces that can be connected by flow channels.

[0034] This invention makes it possible to repeatedly separate pulverized material according to particle size, specific gravity, etc., and recover substances contained in solar waste panels by component (e.g., silicon, copper, etc.). Furthermore, by adjusting the flow path or switching the suction path, the amount and type of recovered material can be adjusted by combining or reclassifying the separated components. Therefore, recyclable components can be sorted and recovered very efficiently at the same time as the disposal of solar waste panels.

[0035] The crushing, grinding, and sorting and recovery apparatus 1 of the present invention is configured as follows. The crushing, grinding and sorting recovery device 1 includes a first disassembly unit 10 that crushes solar waste panels into crushed material of a size that can be transported through a flow path, a second disassembly unit 20 that re-grinds the crushed material to convert it into pulverized particles with a particle size smaller than the crushed material, a particle size sorting unit (see 32 in Figure 6) that separates the pulverized particles into first particles smaller than a standard particle size and intermediate particles larger than that, and a particle separation unit 30 connected to the particle size sorting unit 32, which further separates the intermediate particles into lighter second particles and heavier third particles based on the difference in specific gravity, a first recovery means 101 that sucks pulverized particles from the second disassembly unit 20 with air pressure and discharges them through a nozzle, a second recovery means 102 that sucks first particles from the particle size sorting unit 32 with air pressure and discharges them through a nozzle, and a third recovery means 103 that sucks second particles from the gravity sorting unit 33 with air pressure and discharges them through a nozzle.

[0036] In this case, the first particles to be separated may be silicon (including metallic silicon) contained in the solar waste panel, and the third particles may be copper. The second particles may be a mixture of the remaining components and may be recovered by a route independent of either the first or third particles, or may be recovered in a mixed state with the first particles, as needed. For this reason, the crushing, grinding and sorting recovery apparatus 1 of this embodiment may further include the following configurations.

[0037] In other words, the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus 1 further comprises a particle collection unit (see 105 in Figure 5) that sucks in second particles from the specific gravity separation unit 33 via a different path than the third recovery means 103 and mixes them with first particles, and a fourth recovery means 104 that sucks in the mixed particles of first and second particles from the particle collection unit 105 and discharges them through a nozzle. It may also include branching channels (see 106 in Figure 5) positioned between the specific gravity separation unit 33 and the particle collection unit 105 and between the specific gravity separation unit 33 and the third recovery means 103, which selectively switch the flow path of the second particles to either the particle collection unit 105 or the third recovery means 103. With such a configuration, it is also possible to change the type of sorted recovered material and the discharge location. The configuration and effects of the present invention will be described in more detail below based on such an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the main parts of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a view of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus shown in Figure 3 from a different angle; Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the particle separation section of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus shown in Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a view of the particle separation section of Figure 5 from a different angle.

[0039] To illustrate the three-dimensional connection structure of the devices connected by flow channels, the following explanation will be given with reference to drawings showing the same configuration from different angles and exploded views showing the main parts disassembled. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the solar waste panels are first crushed in the first disassembly section 10. The first disassembly section 10 may include an input port 11 into which the solar waste panels (not shown) are fed, a crushing module 12 connected to the input port 11, and a first transport pipe 13 extending from the crushing module 12. The first disassembly section 10 finely crushes the solar waste panels fed in from the input port 11, converting them into crushed material of a size that can be transported through the flow channels. The crushed material may be granular or of a size that can be transported through the first transport pipe 13.

[0040] The crushing module 12 may, for example, incorporate one or more crushers. The crushers are not particularly limited as long as they can apply pressure to the waste solar panels to physically destroy and shred them. The crushers may include crushing drums that rotate in interlocking manner. The crushing module 12 may be configured in the form of a housing connected to the input port 11, with the crushers built inside.

[0041] The first transport pipe 13 is a flow path connecting the first disassembly section 10 and the second disassembly section 20, and may have a diameter through which crushed material can pass. The diameter and length of the first transport pipe 13 can be appropriately adjusted so that an appropriate amount of air pressure acts on it to suck up the crushed material. The solar waste panels fed into the first disassembly section 10 may or may not have had the tempered glass removed in advance by a peeling process or the like.

[0042] The second decomposition unit 20 re-pulverizes the shredded material of the solar waste panels supplied from the first decomposition unit 10, converting it into pulverized particles with a smaller particle size than the shredded material. The second decomposition unit 20 may be equipped with a pulverizing module 22 capable of such pulverization. The pulverizing module 22 may be equipped with a pulverizer that applies pressure to the shredded material to further pulverize it, and the pulverizer is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of such operation. The pulverizer may include, for example, high-speed rotating pulverizing blades, and may be configured to enable multi-stage pulverization in order to sufficiently reduce the size of the pulverized particles.

[0043] Referring to Figure 4, the second disassembly section 20 is connected to the lower end of the crushing module 22 by a second transport pipe 23 for discharging crushed particles. The second transport pipe 23 is a flow path connecting the second disassembly section 20 and the particle separation section 30, and its size and diameter can be adjusted as appropriate. The diameter and length of the second transport pipe 23 can also be adjusted as needed so that an appropriate amount of air pressure acts to suck up the crushed particles. The second transport pipe 23 may be configured to branch off from the lower end of the second disassembly section 20 in a direction different from the first recovery path 101a connected to the first recovery means 101.

[0044] The second decomposition section 20 may be equipped with a first suction means 21 at its upper end for sucking crushed material generated in the first decomposition section 10 into the second decomposition section 20. The first suction means 21 is located at the upper end of the second decomposition section 20 and is connected to the first decomposition section 10 by a flow path (first transport pipe). The first transport pipe 13 is a flow path connecting the first decomposition section 10 and the first suction means 21, and as shown in the figure, it may extend vertically from the lower end of the first decomposition section 10 and then bend to connect to the first suction means 21.

[0045] The first suction means 21 may have a function to generate suction force by a fan and a function to separate dust by cyclone action. This allows dust to be removed in advance by the first suction means 21 before the crushed material is fed into the second disassembly section 20. Each suction means, which includes the second suction means 31 and the third suction means 41 described later, and each recovery means, which includes the first recovery means 101, the second recovery means 102, the third recovery means 103 and the fourth recovery means 104, can also have a dust removal function by cyclone action. Therefore, the present invention can repeatedly remove dust even in the middle of the process and increase the purity of the recovered material. The detailed structure of the recovery means and suction means will be described later.

[0046] The first suction means 21 may be integrally connected to the upper end of the second disassembly section 20. Since the inside of the first suction means 21 is in communication with the inside of the second disassembly section 20, it can generate negative pressure with a fan to suck up the crushed material and then supply it directly to the second disassembly section 20 at its lower end.

[0047] The pulverized particles that are fed into the second decomposition section 20 and re-pulverized are supplied to the particle separation section 30 along the second transport pipe 23 provided at the lower end of the second decomposition section 20. The particle separation section 30 separates the pulverized material of the solar waste panel into particles of different components by performing at least two different separation processes in succession. The particle separation section 30 may also be equipped with a second suction means 31 at its upper end for sucking up the pulverized particles via the second transport pipe 23, thereby allowing the pulverized particles to be similarly sucked up with air pressure before the separation process is performed.

[0048] The particle separation unit will be described in more detail with reference to the enlarged views of Figures 5 and 6. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the particle separation unit 30 is configured in a manner in which a particle size sorting unit 32 and a specific gravity sorting unit 33 are linked together in order to continuously separate the crushed particles based on differences in particle size and specific gravity. The particle size sorting unit 32 separates the crushed particles sucked up by the second suction means 31 into first particles smaller than the standard particle size and intermediate particles larger than the standard particle size. The specific gravity sorting unit 33 is connected to the particle size sorting unit 32 and separates the intermediate particles into lighter second particles and heavier third particles based on differences in specific gravity. Through this continuous separation based on differences in particle size and specific gravity, the crushed particles can be separated into first particles, second particles, and third particles, respectively.

[0049] As mentioned above, the first particle may be silicon (including metallic silicon) contained in the waste solar panel, and the third particle may be copper. The second particle may be a mixture of the remaining components, and depending on the user's choice, it may be recovered via a route independent of the first and third particles, or it may be recovered in a mixed state with the first particle. That is, after crushing and pulverizing the waste solar panel to form pulverized particles, the silicon and copper components contained in the waste solar panel can be selectively recovered in particle form by performing continuous separation again based on particle size differences and specific gravity differences.

[0050] Referring to Figure 6, the particle size sorting unit 32 can be configured as a vibrating particle sorter including a sieve (not shown). The particle size sorting unit 32 may be configured as an inclined housing or the like, with one or more sieves inside. The particle size sorting unit 32 receives crushed particles from the second decomposition unit 20 via a second suction means 31 connected to its upper end, and can separate them by particle size difference to discharge first particles and intermediate particles. Various vibrating devices (for example, a vibrator coupled to a motor) that apply vibration to promote separation may be installed in the particle size sorting unit 32.

[0051] The end of the particle size sorting section 32 may have a first outlet 321 for discharging first particles and a second outlet 322 for discharging intermediate particles. The first outlet 321 may be connected to the second recovery means 102 via the particle collection section 105, and the second outlet 322 may be directly connected to the specific gravity sorting section 33. The first outlet 321 may be configured to discharge particles smaller than the reference particle size that have passed through the sieve at a relatively low position, and the second outlet 322 may be configured to discharge larger particles that remain on the sieve at a relatively high position. By adjusting the specifications (mesh size) of the sieve placed inside, it is also possible to adjust the size of the reference particle size that distinguishes first particles from intermediate particles. The number of sieves may be one or more, and if necessary, sieves with different mesh sizes may be stacked and used.

[0052] The second suction means 31 is positioned to suck the crushed particles crushed in the second decomposition section 20 into the particle size sorting section 32. The second suction means 31 is positioned at the upper end of the particle size sorting section 32 and is connected to the second decomposition section 20 by a flow path (second transport pipe). The second transport pipe (see 23 in Figure 4) is a flow path connecting the second decomposition section 20 and the second suction means 31, extending vertically from the lower part of the second decomposition section 20 and then bending to connect to the second suction means 31.

[0053] As mentioned above, the second suction means 31 can also have both the function of generating suction force by driving a fan and the function of separating dust by cyclone action. Therefore, the crushed particles can also have dust removed in advance by the second suction means 31 before being fed into the particle size sorting unit 32.

[0054] The gravity separation unit 33 may be configured, for example, as a wind-powered gravity separator. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the gravity separation unit 33 may be directly connected to the second outlet 322 of the particle size separation unit 32 and extend downward. The gravity separation unit 33 may be configured, for example, as a hollow casing, and may further include an air injection device (not shown) that injects air in an appropriate direction to apply air pressure to intermediate particles falling inside and separate third particles from second particles based on the difference in specific gravity. The gravity separation unit 33 can thus separate relatively lighter second particles from heavier third particles using wind power, and in that respect, its structure is not particularly limited, so its form can be changed in various ways. A partition or the like may be provided inside the gravity separation unit 33 to temporarily accommodate the particles separated by wind power. An opening / closing unit 323 that can open and close the flow path may be provided between the gravity separation unit 33 and the particle size separation unit 32.

[0055] The gravity separation unit 33 may be equipped with a third outlet 331 at its lower end for discharging relatively heavier third particles (copper). A branching channel 106 may be connected to the upper end of the gravity separation unit 33 for drawing in lighter second particles and supplying them to other discharge paths (third recovery means or particle collection unit). Referring to Figure 5, the branching channel 106 is configured as a branched pipe having at least one branching point, and is located between the gravity separation unit 33 and the particle collection unit 105 and between the gravity separation unit 33 and the third recovery means 103 via this branching point, allowing the flow path of the second particles separated in the gravity separation unit 33 to be selectively switched to either the particle collection unit 105 or the third recovery means 103. The branching channel 106 may be connected to the particle collection unit 105 via a third suction means 41, or it may be directly connected to the third recovery means 103. The structure and operating mode of the particle collection unit 105 and the branch channel 106 will be described later.

[0056] As described above, the present invention first generates crushed material (product generated in the first decomposition unit) and pulverized particles (product generated in the second decomposition unit) in the first decomposition unit (see 10 in Figure 4) and the second decomposition unit (see 20 in Figure 4), respectively, and then separates them again into first to third particles (three types of separated materials generated by continuous separation of particle size differences and specific gravity differences) in the particle separation unit 30. Since the pulverized particles, first particles, second particles, and third particles are discharged at different locations, the recovered material formed by crushing solar waste panels can be sorted and recovered at different points using different recovery means applied to each particle. The configuration and effects of the recovery means will be described in more detail below.

[0057] Figure 7 is a front view of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery device shown in Figure 3; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the recovery means included in the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery device shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a rear view of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery device shown in Figure 3; Figure 10 is a top view of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery device shown in Figure 3; and Figure 11 is a perspective view of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery device shown in Figure 3, viewed from the bottom.

[0058] The recovery means will also be explained with reference to drawings showing the main parts from different directions and exploded views showing the main parts disassembled. Referring to Figures 7 and 10, the first recovery means 101 is connected to the second disassembly unit 20 via the first recovery path 101a, the second recovery means 102 is connected to the particle size sorting unit 32 via the second recovery path 102a, and the fourth recovery means 104 is connected to the particle collection unit (see 105 in Figure 6) via the fourth recovery path 104a. The second recovery path 102a is connected to the particle size sorting unit 32 via the particle collection unit 105 and is connected to the first outlet of the particle size sorting unit (see 321 in Figure 6) so that the first particles separated and discharged at the first outlet can be sucked up.

[0059] The fourth recovery channel 104a is also connected to the particle collection unit 105, but has a different function from the second recovery channel. Specifically, the fourth recovery channel 104a plays the role of mixing and discharging the second particles supplied to the particle collection unit 105 via a branched channel (see 106 in Figure 5) with the first particles supplied to the particle collection unit 105 from the first outlet. As a result, the fourth recovery channel 104a and the second recovery channel 102a can branch in the particle collection unit 105 in different directions to the fourth recovery means 104 and the second recovery means 102, respectively (see Figure 6). The third recovery means 103 can be connected to the gravity separation unit 33 via branched channels 106 connected to both sides of the particle collection unit 105 and the third recovery means 103, in order to selectively recover the second particles from the gravity separation unit 33.

[0060] Specifically, the first recovery means 101, the second recovery means 102, the third recovery means 103, and the fourth recovery means 104 are connected to the apparatus via different flow paths, as shown in Figure 10, and are configured to selectively recover the crushed solar waste panels generated sequentially at different points in the apparatus. Specifically, the first recovery means 101 is configured to suck crushed particles from the second decomposition unit 20 using air pressure and discharge them through a nozzle, the second recovery means 102 is configured to suck first particles from the particle size sorting unit 32 using air pressure and discharge them through a nozzle, and the third recovery means 103 is configured to suck second particles from the specific gravity sorting unit 33 using air pressure and discharge them through a nozzle. The fourth recovery means 104 is selectively used when separation of first and second particles is not required, and in such cases, it is configured to suck mixed particles of first and second particles from the particle collection unit 105 and discharge them through a nozzle. Since the retrieval means are formed with substantially the same structure, the structure of the retrieval means will be explained with reference to Figure 8, and then the arrangement will be explained based on that.

[0061] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the recovery means 100. The recovery means 100 in Figure 8 corresponds to the first recovery means 101 in Figure 7, but since the internal structure of the first to fourth recovery means are all substantially the same, each recovery means will be collectively referred to as recovery means 100 below. When we refer to it as recovery means 100, it encompasses the first recovery means, the second recovery means, the third recovery means, and the fourth recovery means.

[0062] Referring to Figure 8, the recovery means 100 (i.e., the first recovery means, second recovery means, third recovery means, and fourth recovery means) may have the functions of a suction device and a cyclone device integrated into one. The recovery means 100 may include a cone-shaped cyclone barrel 100a with a diameter decreasing downwards, a nozzle formed at the lower end of the cyclone barrel 100a (see 100b in Figure 7), a suction pipe 100c tangentially connected to the side of the cyclone barrel 100a, and a suction fan 100d connected to the upper end of the cyclone barrel 100a to generate negative pressure. Between the cyclone barrel 100a and the nozzle 100b of each recovery means, an opening / closing section (see 100f in Figure 7) may also be formed to open and close the flow path as needed.

[0063] The suction fan 100d may be installed at the upper end of the cyclone barrel 100a so as to communicate with the inside of the cyclone barrel 100a. For example, the suction fan 100d may be configured to draw fluid from the cyclone barrel 100a through a central passage 100g located in the center of the cyclone barrel 100a. The suction fan 100d may be a centrifugal fan in which horizontally rotating blades 100h are driven by a motor. The suction fan 100d may also have a structure that, for example, allows fluid to flow in axially through the central passage 100g and then discharges it centrifugally using the blades 100h.

[0064] When the suction fan 100d is driven, negative pressure is generated inside the cyclone barrel 100a, and as shown in the figure, the crushed material (at least one of the crushed particles, first particles, and second particles) is sucked in tangentially to the cyclone barrel 100a via the suction pipe 100c. As a result, these fall downwards (i.e., towards the nozzle) of the cyclone barrel 100a due to their own weight while rotating. At this time, due to centrifugal force, the low-density dust is separated from the crushed material and gathers in the center, so the dust can be discharged upwards via the central passage 100g. In other words, the recovery means 100 removes the dust by centrifugal force due to the cyclone effect of the cyclone barrel 100a (centrifugal effect due to the rotation of the material), and discharges only the recovered material (at least one of the crushed particles, first particles, and second particles) through the lower nozzle (see 100b in Figure 7).

[0065] For effective removal of dust, the recovery means 100 (i.e., the first recovery means, the second recovery means, the third recovery means, and the fourth recovery means) may also be connected to a dust discharge pipe 100e that sucks up and discharges dust using a dust collector (see 200 in Figure 10). The dust discharge pipe 100e may be connected to a suction fan 100d that sucks up the centrifuged dust from above. The other end of the dust discharge pipe 100e is connected to a dust collector (see 200 in Figure 10). The dust discharge pipe 100e may be positioned tangentially to the cyclone barrel 100a and may be formed in a manner advantageous for accelerating the dust-containing fluid by the blades 100h of the suction fan 100d (see Figure 10).

[0066] In other words, the recovery means 100 may include a suction pipe 100c for sucking up crushed material (at least one of crushed particles, first particles, or second particles) and a dust discharge pipe 100e for discharging dust, with the suction pipe 100c and dust discharge pipe 100e being connected tangentially to the side and upper end of the cyclone barrel 100a, respectively. Therefore, the suction of crushed material and the discharge of dust can be performed simultaneously and very efficiently. Furthermore, since the suction force of the dust collector 200 can also be additionally transmitted via the dust discharge pipe 100e, the suction force of the recovery means 100 can be further increased by simultaneously controlling the load of the suction fan 100d and the load of the dust collector 200. Such a structure may also be advantageous when sucking up relatively heavy crushed material generated from solar waste panels.

[0067] The first to fourth recovery means are all substantially equivalent to the recovery means 100 in Figure 8. However, since they sort and recover the crushed material at different locations, their arrangements differ, so the arrangement structure of each recovery means will be described in more detail below.

[0068] Referring to Figures 7 to 11, the first recovery means 101 is connected to the second disassembly section 20 via a first recovery passage 101a. The first recovery passage 101a is connected between the lower end of the second disassembly section 20 and the side of the first recovery means 101, and can supply the crushed particles crushed in the second disassembly section 20 to the first recovery means 101. The first recovery passage 101a is connected to a suction pipe (see 100c in Figure 8) formed tangentially to the first recovery means 101 (i.e., tangentially to the cyclone barrel), and induces rotation (see arrow in Figure 8) by introducing the crushed particles tangentially. A dust discharge pipe 100e, which discharges the dust centrifuged by the rotation of the crushed particles, is connected to a dust collector 200 at the upper end of the first recovery means 101 via a path independent of the first recovery passage 101a. With this structure, the first recovery means 101 can suck up crushed particles (see B in Figure 12) from the second disassembly unit 20 to remove dust, and then discharge them through a nozzle (see 100b in Figure 12).

[0069] Referring to Figures 7 to 11, the second recovery means 102 is connected to the particle size sorting unit 32 via the second recovery path 102a. The second recovery path 102a is connected between the first outlet of the particle size sorting unit 32 (see 321 in Figure 6) and the side of the second recovery means 102, supplying the first particles discharged from the first outlet 321 to the second recovery means 102. The second recovery path 102a is connected to the particle size sorting unit 32 via a particle collection unit (see 105 in Figure 6) connected to the first outlet 321, and is connected to a suction tube (see 100c in Figure 8) formed tangentially to the second recovery means 102, which can induce rotation of the first particles (see arrow in Figure 8). The dust discharge pipe 100e, which discharges the dust centrifuged by the rotation of the first particles, is connected to the dust collector 200 at the upper end of the second recovery means 102 via a path independent of the second recovery path 102a. With this structure, the second recovery means 102 can suck up the first particles (see C in Figure 13) from the particle size sorting section 32, remove the dust, and then discharge it from the nozzle (see 100b in Figure 13).

[0070] Referring to Figures 7 to 11, the third recovery means 103 is connected to the gravity separation unit (see 33 in Figure 6) via a branched channel (see 106 in Figure 10). The branched channel 106 branches off at least once from the gravity separation unit 33 and connects to both the third recovery means 103 and the particle collection unit 105, so that the second particles separated in the gravity separation unit 33 can be selectively supplied to the third recovery means 103 via the branched channel 106. The branched channel 106 is connected between the upper end of the gravity separation unit 33 and the side of the third recovery means 103 and is connected to a suction tube (see 100c in Figure 8) formed tangentially to the third recovery means 103, which can induce rotation of the second particles (see arrow in Figure 8). The dust discharge pipe 100e, which discharges the dust centrifuged by the rotation of the second particles, is connected to the dust collector 200 at the upper end of the third recovery means 103 via a path independent of the branched flow path 106. With this structure, the third recovery means 103 can remove dust by sucking the second particles (see D in Figure 13) from the specific gravity separation section 33 and then discharge it through a nozzle (see 100b in Figure 13).

[0071] The structure of the particle collection unit 105 and the branching channel 106, which are capable of selectively sorting particles, can be described in more detail as follows.

[0072] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the particle collection unit 105 is connected to the first outlet 321 of the particle size sorting unit 32, and simultaneously connected to the specific gravity sorting unit 33 via the branched channel 106. Therefore, only the first particles (discharged from the first outlet) can be supplied, or second particles can be supplied additionally (via the branched channel) and mixed with the first particles as needed. It is also connected to the first recovery channel 101a and the fourth recovery channel 104a, and the first particles or mixed particles (a mixture of first and second particles) can be selectively supplied by the first recovery means 101 or the fourth recovery means 104. For example, the particle collection unit 105 may have a structure such as a chamber or hopper with two inlet sides and two discharge sides appropriately formed.

[0073] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, one side of the particle collection unit 105 is connected to the first outlet 321 of the particle size sorting unit 32. The first outlet 321 and the particle collection unit 105 can be connected using appropriate piping. The portion of the particle collection unit 105 connected to the particle size sorting unit 32 corresponds to the first inflow side from which the first particles are supplied from the particle size sorting unit 32.

[0074] The particle collection unit 105 has a high upper end, and a third suction means 41 is formed at this upper end. The branched channel 106 is connected from the specific gravity separation unit 33 to the particle collection unit 105 via the third suction means 41. Therefore, the particle collection unit 105 can also receive a supply of second particles via the branched channel 106 as needed. The portion of the particle collection unit 105 connected to the branched channel 106 (the upper end where the third suction means is formed) corresponds to the second inflow side to which second particles are supplied from the specific gravity separation unit 33.

[0075] Referring to Figure 5, the branched channel 106 extends from the upper end of the gravity separation section 33, branches at least once, and is then connected to both the particle collection section 105 and the third recovery means 103. Therefore, the flow path of the second particles separated in the gravity separation section 33 can be selectively changed to either the particle collection section 105 or the third recovery means 103. To enable such adjustment of the flow path, two or more channel opening / closing means 107 (e.g., solenoid valve devices) can be applied around the branching point of the branched channel 106.

[0076] Referring to Figure 6, the particle collection unit 105 has a second recovery passage (see 102a in Figure 11) and a fourth recovery passage (see 104a in Figure 11) connected to each other in opposite directions at its lower end. Therefore, both sides can be selectively used to discharge either the first particles or mixed particles. That is, when recovering the first particles using the second recovery means 102, the second recovery passage 102a can be selectively used, and when recovering mixed particles of the first and second particles using the fourth recovery means 104, the fourth recovery passage 104a can be selectively used. For this reason, flow path opening / closing means 107 that can open and close each of the second recovery passage 102a and the fourth recovery passage 104a can also be installed. In other words, the portion of the particle collection unit 105 connected to the first recovery passage 101a and the portion connected to the fourth recovery passage 104a correspond to two discharge sides that selectively discharge either the first particles or mixed particles. By configuring a particle collection unit 105 that can collect and distribute particles in this manner, and a branching channel 106 that changes the flow path of the particles, the second particles can be independently collected by the third collection means 103, and mixed particles of the second particles and the first particles can be collected by the fourth collection means 104.

[0077] Referring to Figures 7 to 11, the fourth recovery means 104 is connected to the particle collection unit (see 105 in Figure 11) via the fourth recovery passage 104a. Therefore, when the first and second particles are mixed in the particle collection unit 105, these mixed particles can be sucked in via the fourth recovery passage 104a. The fourth recovery passage 104a is connected between the lower end of the particle collection unit 105 and the side of the fourth recovery means 104 and is connected to a suction pipe (see 100c in Figure 8) formed tangentially to the fourth recovery means 104, which can induce rotation of the mixed particles (see arrow in Figure 8). A dust discharge pipe 100e, which discharges the dust centrifuged by the rotation of the mixed particles, is connected to the dust collector 200 at the upper end of the fourth recovery means 104 via a path independent of the fourth recovery passage 104a. With this structure, the fourth collection means 104 can suck up mixed particles (see F in Figure 14) from the particle collection unit 105, remove dust, and then discharge them through a nozzle (see 100b in Figure 14).

[0078] In this case, the first suction means 21, the second suction means 31, and the third suction means 41 can sequentially remove dust at their respective positions, similar to the recovery means (see 100 in Figure 8). That is, each suction means can also be formed as a structure in which the functions of a suction device and a cyclone device are integrated. As an example, the suction means (i.e., the first suction means, the second suction means, and the third suction means) may include a conical auxiliary cyclone barrel with a diameter decreasing downwards (see 210a in Figure 7), an auxiliary suction tube tangentially connected to the side of the auxiliary cyclone barrel (see 210b in Figure 7), and an auxiliary suction fan connected to the upper end of the auxiliary cyclone barrel to generate negative pressure (see 210c in Figure 7). Although such a structure is illustrated for the second suction means 31, the first suction means 21 and the third suction means 41 have the same structure, and all suction means can perform equivalent functions. An opening / closing section (see 210e in Figure 7) can also be formed at the lower end of the auxiliary cyclone barrel that constitutes the suction means, to open and close the flow path as needed.

[0079] The auxiliary cyclone barrel, auxiliary suction pipe, and auxiliary suction fan constituting the suction means are substantially identical in structure to the cyclone barrel, suction pipe, and suction fan of the recovery means described above, and their effects can be understood accordingly. Therefore, each suction means can also remove and discharge dust by centrifugal force, and discharge only the suctioned pulverized material downwards. For dust discharge, each suction means may be provided with an auxiliary dust discharge pipe (see 210d, 310d, and 410d in Figure 11) connected to its respective auxiliary suction fan, and the auxiliary dust discharge pipes 210, 310d, and 410d and the dust discharge pipe 100e can be appropriately integrated and connected to the dust collector 200.

[0080] From this perspective, the present invention can also be understood as having the following configuration. The crushing, grinding and sorting recovery apparatus 1 of the present invention can also be understood as having the following configuration: a particle separation unit 30 comprising the first disassembly unit 10, the second disassembly unit 20, a particle size sorting unit 32 and a specific gravity sorting unit 33, a recovery means (see 100 in Figure 8) that uses air pressure to suck up one of the crushed particles, first particles, or second particles from any one of the second disassembly unit 20, the particle size sorting unit 32 and the specific gravity sorting unit 33 and discharges it through a nozzle, and a dust collector 200 connected to the recovery means 100, wherein when one of the crushed particles, first particles, or second particles is recovered via the recovery means 100, dust is removed from the recovered material (i.e., at least one of the crushed particles, first particles, or second particles). In other words, as described above, the recovery means 100 discharges the dust centrifuged inside the cyclone barrel (see 100a in Figure 8) to the dust collector 200 via a dust discharge pipe (see 100e in Figure 8), and discharges one of the crushed particles, first particles, or second particles via a nozzle (see 100b in Figure 7), thereby effectively removing dust at all stages of the process. Since the suction means (first suction means, second suction means, and third suction means) can also remove dust with a similar structure, the purity of the final recovered material is greatly improved.

[0081] Furthermore, the suction force of the recovery means 100 can be adjusted by simultaneously adjusting the load of each suction fan (see 100d in Figure 8) and the load of the dust collector 200, making it possible to significantly increase or decrease the suction capacity. In other words, since the dust collector 200 itself includes a structure for sucking up dust (e.g., a fan or pump), the suction force can be adjusted to be stronger (or weaker) by using the recovery means 100 and the dust collector 200 simultaneously, allowing for more effective recovery of components from waste solar panels.

[0082] The operating method of the present invention will be described in more detail below based on this structure. The present invention can sort and recover components of solar waste panels in at least three steps, which will be explained with reference to Figures 12a to 17.

[0083] Figures 12a and 12b are operational diagrams showing the first recovery process of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus in Figure 2 from different angles; Figures 13a and 13b are operational diagrams showing the second recovery process of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus in Figure 2 from different angles; Figures 14a and 14b are operational diagrams showing the third recovery process of the crushing, grinding, and sorting recovery apparatus in Figure 2 from different angles; and Figures 15 to 17 are process diagrams showing the first to third recovery processes shown in Figures 12a to 14b in chart form.

[0084] The process of the present invention can be understood in accordance with the method of the present invention, and the following description also applies to the description of the method described later. The description of the process (or operating method) will be based on the process diagrams in Figures 15 to 17, with reference to other drawings as well.

[0085] First, referring to Figure 15, it is possible to drive the first decomposition unit 10, the second decomposition unit 20, and the first recovery means 101 to recover all of the crushed particles B formed by crushing the solar waste panel P without sorting. This process is the first recovery process. In the first recovery process, the solar waste panel P is crushed into crushed material A of a size that can be transported through the flow path in the first decomposition unit 10, and then further crushed in the second decomposition unit 20 to be converted into crushed particles B with a smaller particle size than crushed material A. The crushed particles B crushed in the second decomposition unit 20 are recovered via the first recovery means 101.

[0086] Referring to Figures 12a and 12b, the process flow can be understood more clearly. Solar waste panels (not shown) are fed into the inlet 11 of the first dismantling section 10, then crushed into crushed material A, and supplied to the second dismantling section 20 via the first transport pipe 13 and the first suction means 21. The crushed material, re-pulverized in the second dismantling section 20, is converted into smaller particle size crushed particles B, which are then sucked into the first recovery means 101 via the first recovery path 101a and discharged via the nozzle 100b.

[0087] Therefore, as shown in the figure, a collection box or the like can be placed below the first collection means 101 to easily collect the crushed particles B, which are the crushed material of the solar waste panel. Other components not required for this process can be shut down to save power.

[0088] On the other hand, referring to Figure 16, the first decomposition unit 10, the second decomposition unit 20, the particle separation unit [particle size sorting unit 32, specific gravity sorting unit 33], the second recovery means 102, and the third recovery means 103 can also be driven to sort and recover the first particle C, the second particle D, and the third particle E in mutually independent paths. Such a process is the second recovery process. In this case, the first particle C may be silicon (including metallic silicon), and the third particle E may be copper. The second particle D may be a mixture of the remaining components.

[0089] In the second recovery process, the waste solar panel P is sequentially converted into crushed material A and crushed particles B in the first and second decomposition sections 10 and 20, and then separated into three phases: first particles C, second particles D, and third particles E, as it passes through the particle size sorting section 32 and the specific gravity sorting section 33. The first particles C are recovered via the second recovery means 102 (which may also pass through the particle collection section), the second particles D are recovered via the third recovery means 103, and the third particles E are discharged directly from the specific gravity sorting section 33.

[0090] Referring to Figures 13a and 13b, the flow of the process can be understood more clearly. The process by which crushed particles B are generated via the first decomposition section 10 and the second decomposition section 20 is the same as in the first recovery process, but in the second recovery process, the crushed particles B are supplied again to the particle size sorting section 32 via the second transport pipe 23 and the second suction means 31. The first particles C, which are initially separated in the particle size sorting section 32, are sucked into the second recovery means 102 via the second recovery path 102a and then discharged via the nozzle 100b.

[0091] Meanwhile, the intermediate particles remaining after the first particle C is separated in the particle size sorting section 32 flow into the specific gravity sorting section 33, where they are further separated into second particle D and third particle E due to the difference in specific gravity. The third particle E (copper) falls below the specific gravity sorting section 33 due to its own weight and is collected, while the second particle D is sucked into the third recovery means 103 via the branched flow path 106 and then discharged through the nozzle 100b.

[0092] At this time, the branch channel 106 is closed on the particle collection section 105 side by the channel opening / closing means 107, and the flow path for the second particle D is formed on the third recovery means 103 side. Therefore, the second particle D is attracted to the third recovery means 103 and recovered through a path independent of the first particle C and the third particle E.

[0093] In this second recovery process, by arranging separate recovery boxes for the second recovery means 102, the third recovery means 103, and the specific gravity separation unit 33, the first particle C, the second particle D, and the third particle E can all be recovered via independent routes. Therefore, the silicon component (first particle) and copper component (third particle) of the waste solar panels can be completely separated and recycled efficiently. In addition, other components (second particle) can be recovered via a separate route and processed separately.

[0094] On the other hand, referring to Figure 17, it is also possible to drive the first decomposition unit 10, the second decomposition unit 20, the particle separation unit [particle size sorting unit 32, specific gravity sorting unit 33] and the fourth recovery means 104 to separate and recover the third particle E (copper) and the mixed particle F of the first and second particles as two types. That is, if it is not necessary to separate the second particle individually, the flow path can be adjusted to mix the second particle with the first particle, and then it can be recovered separately from the copper (third particle) in the form of the mixed particle F. This process is the third recovery process.

[0095] Referring to Figures 14a and 14b, the third recovery step includes a step of changing the flow path of the second particle D separated in the second recovery step and mixing it with the first particle C. That is, the process of separating the particles into the first particle C, second particle D, and third particle E via the first decomposition section 10, the second decomposition section 20, and the particle separation section [particle size sorting section 32 and specific gravity sorting section 33] is the same as in the second recovery step, but in the third recovery step, the flow path of the second particle D is changed by the branched flow path 106, and after being supplied from the specific gravity sorting section 33 to the particle collection section 105, it is mixed with the first particle C. The mixed particles F, which are a mixture of the first and second particles, are sucked into the fourth recovery means 104 via the fourth recovery path 104a and then discharged via the nozzle 100b.

[0096] At this time, the particle collection unit 105 can receive the supply of first particles C from the first outlet 321 of the specific gravity separation unit 33, and when it receives the supply of second particles D via the branched channel 106, it can mix them internally. The mixed particles, as mixed particles F, have their composition changed and are sucked in via a different route than before (fourth recovery path) and recovered by the fourth recovery means 104.

[0097] At this time, the branched channel 106 is closed on the third recovery means 103 side by the channel opening / closing means 107, contrary to the second recovery process, and the flow path of the second particle D is changed to the particle collection unit 105 side. Therefore, the second particle D is supplied to the particle collection unit 105 and automatically mixed with the first particle C. Through this process, the third particle E (copper) is recovered at the lower end of the specific gravity separation unit 33, and the mixed particles F of the first and second particles can be separated and recovered by the fourth recovery means 104.

[0098] Therefore, the present invention can recover completely different components from each of the first to fourth recovery means, and the types of components to be sorted can be adjusted as needed. This makes it possible to automatically sort and recover useful components at the same time as the disposal of waste solar panels and to recycle them immediately. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to crush, pulverize, and sort and recover waste solar panels.

[0099] The following describes in detail the method for crushing, pulverizing, and sorting / recovering waste solar panels according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "crushing, pulverizing, and sorting / recovery method"). The method of the present invention can be understood in accordance with the operation process of the apparatus described above, and the recovery process will be explained based on the process diagrams in Figures 16 and 17. Matters not otherwise mentioned in the description of the method shall all be as described above.

[0100] The crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery method for waste solar panels according to the present invention can be carried out using the aforementioned crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery apparatus, and is particularly characterized in the sorting process of the first, second, and third particles. The crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery method is

[0101] The process includes the steps of: crushing the waste solar panels P into crushed material A of a size that can be transported through a flow path [(a)]; re-crushing the crushed material A to convert it into crushed particles B with a smaller particle size than the crushed material [(b)]; separating the crushed particles B into first particles C smaller than a standard particle size and larger intermediate particles in a particle size sorting unit 32 [(c)]; further separating the intermediate particles into second particles D with a lower specific gravity and third particles E with a higher specific gravity based on the specific gravity difference in a specific gravity sorting unit 33 [(d)]; and separating and recovering the first particles C and third particles E from the particle size sorting unit 32 and the specific gravity sorting unit 33, respectively [(e)]. This process corresponds to the second and third recovery steps described above.

[0102] Each stage can be carried out using the first decomposition unit, the second decomposition unit, the particle separation unit (particle size sorting unit and specific gravity sorting unit), the first to fourth recovery means, the particle collection unit, and the branched flow channel, as described above. Therefore, please refer to the above explanation for related matters.

[0103] At this time, in step (e) above, the second particle D may be selectively recovered by a first path independent of the recovery paths for the first particle C and the third particle E, or by a second path which is the same as the recovery path for the first particle C. These are the same as the second recovery step (when the second particle is recovered by an independent path) and the third recovery step (when the second particle is recovered by the same path as the first particle) described above.

[0104] In this case, the first path is a path for recovering the second particle using the third recovery means described above, and the second path may be a path for recovering the second particle mixed with the first particle using the fourth recovery means described above. Therefore, as described above, the second particle D can be recovered separately from other particles or recovered in a mixed state with the first particle C by adjusting its flow path as needed. This allows the types of components to be sorted to be adjusted as needed.

[0105] In particular, if the second particle D is recovered via the same path as the first particle C, it can pass through the particle collection unit 105 described above. That is, the second particle D can be recovered in the form of mixed particles F, which are mixed with the first particle, after being sucked from the specific gravity separation unit 33 and mixed with the first particle C in the particle collection unit 105. Since this process is similar to the third recovery process described above, please refer to the explanation above for specific details.

[0106] Therefore, the present invention separates and recovers the first particle C (silicon) and the third particle E (copper), which have different components, and, if necessary, recovers the remaining component (second particle) independently of these, or recovers it mixed with the first particle C. In other words, by adjusting the types of components to be sorted as needed, the convenience of recycling can be further improved. Thus, it is possible to crush, pulverize, and sort and recover waste solar panels in a variety of ways.

[0107] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical idea or essential features. Therefore, the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Solar panel crushing, pulverization, and sorting / recovery equipment 10 1st disassembly section 11 Inlet 12 Crushing Modules 13. First conveyor pipe 20 2nd disassembly section 21 First suction means 22 Grinding Modules 23 Second conveyor pipe 30 Particle separation section 31 Second suction means 32 Particle size sorting section 33. Specific gravity sorting section 41 Third suction means 50 frames 100 Recovery methods 100a Cyclone Barrel 100b Nozzle 100c suction tube 100d Suction Fan 100e dust discharge pipe 100f Opening / Closing Section 100g center passage 100h blades 101 First Recovery Method 101a First recovery route 102 Second Recovery Method 102a Second recovery route 103 Third Recovery Method 104 Fourth Recovery Method 104a Fourth Recovery Route 105 Particle Collection Unit 106 Branch channel 107 Flow path opening / closing means 200 Dust collector 210a Auxiliary Cyclone Barrel 210b Auxiliary suction tube 210c Auxiliary Suction Fan 210d, 310d, 410d Auxiliary dust discharge pipe 210e Opening / Closing Section 300 collection boxes 310 Cart 321 Exit 1 322 Exit 2 323 Opening / Closing Section 331 Exit 3 A. Crushed material B. Ground particles C 1st particle D 2nd particle E 3rd particle F mixed particles P Solar waste panels

Claims

1. A first decomposition unit that crushes solar waste panels into fragments of a size that can be transported through a flow path, A second decomposition unit that re-pulverizes the crushed material to convert it into pulverized particles with a smaller particle size than the crushed material, A particle size sorting unit that separates the pulverized particles into first particles smaller than a standard particle size and intermediate particles larger than that, A particle separation unit including a specific gravity separation unit connected to the particle size separation unit which further separates the intermediate particles into lighter second particles and heavier third particles based on the difference in specific gravity, A first recovery means that sucks the crushed particles from the second disassembly section with air pressure and discharges them through a nozzle, A second recovery means that sucks the first particles from the particle size sorting unit using air pressure and discharges them through a nozzle, A third recovery means that sucks the second particles from the gravity separation unit with air pressure and discharges them through a nozzle, A solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, sorting, and recovery device equipped with the necessary components.

2. A particle collection unit that sucks the second particles from the gravity separation unit through a different route than the third recovery means and mixes them with the first particles, The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovery apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth recovery means for sucking mixed particles of the first particles and the second particles from the particle collection unit and discharging them through a nozzle.

3. Displaced between the gravity separation unit and the particle collection unit and between the gravity separation unit and the third recovery means, The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovery apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a branching channel for selectively changing the flow path of the second particles to the particle collection unit or the third recovery means.

4. The first recovery means, the second recovery means, the third recovery means and the fourth recovery means are, The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing and sorting recovery apparatus according to claim 2, comprising a cone-shaped cyclone barrel whose diameter decreases downward, a nozzle formed at the lower end of the cyclone barrel, a suction pipe tangentially connected to the side of the cyclone barrel, and a suction fan connected to the upper end of the cyclone barrel to generate negative pressure.

5. The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing and sorting recovery apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first recovery means, the second recovery means, the third recovery means, and the fourth recovery means further comprise a dust discharge pipe connected to the suction fan, and the centrifugally separated dust is discharged to a dust collector via the dust discharge pipe.

6. The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovery apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the suction pipe and the dust discharge pipe are double-connected tangentially to the side and upper end of the cyclone barrel.

7. A first suction means is positioned at the upper end of the second disassembly section, connected to the first disassembly section by a flow path, and sucks the crushed material into the second disassembly section. The system further comprises a second suction means positioned at the upper end of the particle size sorting section, connected to the second decomposition section and a flow path, for drawing the crushed particles into the particle size sorting section, The first suction means and the second suction means are The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovery apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: an auxiliary cyclone barrel with a conical shape whose diameter decreases downwards; an auxiliary suction pipe tangentially connected to the side of the auxiliary cyclone barrel; and an auxiliary suction fan connected to the upper end of the auxiliary cyclone barrel to generate negative pressure.

8. The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the particle size sorting section comprises a vibrating particle sorter including a sieve, and the specific gravity sorting section comprises a wind-powered specific gravity sorter.

9. The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovery apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first particle is silicon and the third particle is copper.

10. A first decomposition unit that crushes solar waste panels into fragments of a size that can be transported through a flow path, A second decomposition unit that re-pulverizes the crushed material to convert it into pulverized particles with a smaller particle size than the crushed material, A particle size sorting unit that separates the pulverized particles into first particles smaller than a standard particle size and intermediate particles larger than that, A particle separation unit including a specific gravity separation unit that, in conjunction with the particle size separation unit, further separates the intermediate particles into lighter second particles and heavier third particles based on the difference in specific gravity, A recovery means for using air pressure to suck up one of the crushed particles, the first particles, and the second particles from any one of the second decomposition unit, the particle size sorting unit, and the specific gravity sorting unit and discharge it through a nozzle, The collection means is connected to a dust collection device, A solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting recovery apparatus, wherein dust is removed from the recovered material when recovering any one of the crushed particles, the first particles, and the second particles via the recovery means.

11. The aforementioned recovery means is The system comprises a conical cyclone barrel whose diameter decreases downwards, a nozzle formed at the lower end of the cyclone barrel, a suction pipe tangentially connected to the side of the cyclone barrel, a suction fan connected to the upper end of the cyclone barrel to generate negative pressure, and a dust discharge pipe connected to the suction fan. The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovery apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the dust centrifuged inside the cyclone barrel is discharged to a dust collector via the dust discharge pipe, and any one of the crushed particles, the first particles, and the second particles is discharged via the nozzle.

12. The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovery apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the suction force of the recovery means is adjusted by simultaneously adjusting the load of the suction fan and the load of the dust collector.

13. The solar waste panel crushing, pulverizing and sorting recovery apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the suction pipe and the dust discharge pipe are double-connected tangentially to the side and upper end of the cyclone barrel.

14. (a) A step of crushing the waste solar panels into fragments of a size that can be transported through a channel, (b) A step of re-pulverizing the crushed material to convert it into pulverized particles with a smaller particle size than the crushed material, (c) A step in which the pulverized particles are separated in the particle size sorting section into first particles smaller than the standard particle size and intermediate particles larger than the standard particle size, (d) In the specific gravity separation section, the intermediate particles are further separated into second particles with a lower specific gravity and third particles with a higher specific gravity based on the difference in specific gravity, (e) A step of separating and recovering the first particles and the third particles from the particle size sorting unit and the specific gravity sorting unit, A method for crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovering waste solar panels.

15. In step (e) above, The method for crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovering solar waste panels according to claim 14, wherein the second particles are recovered in a first path independent of the recovery paths for the first particles and the third particles, or in the same second path as the recovery path for the first particles.

16. The method for crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovering solar waste panels according to claim 15, wherein when recovered via the second route, the second particles are collected by passing them through a particle collection unit that sucks the second particles from the specific gravity separation unit and mixes them with the first particles, and are recovered in the state of mixed particles mixed with the first particles.

17. The method for crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovering solar waste panels according to claim 14, wherein the particle size sorting unit comprises a vibrating particle sorter including a sieve, and the specific gravity sorting unit comprises a wind-powered specific gravity sorter.

18. The method for crushing, pulverizing, and sorting and recovering solar waste panels according to claim 17, wherein the first particle is silicon and the third particle is copper.

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