Battery recycling system and battery recycling method

Abstract

Provided are a battery recycling system and a battery recycling method. The battery recycling system comprises: a first crushing apparatus (10), at least part of the first crushing apparatus (10) being used for crushing electrode sheets; a second crushing apparatus (20), a pyrolysis apparatus (30) and a sorting apparatus (40), the second crushing apparatus (20) being used for crushing battery cells, the pyrolysis apparatus (30) being communicated with a discharge port of the second crushing apparatus (20), the sorting apparatus (40) being communicated with the pyrolysis apparatus (30) and being used for sorting materials obtained by performing pyrolysis by means of the pyrolysis apparatus (30), the sorting apparatus (40) being provided with a first sorting outlet and a second sorting outlet which are spaced apart, and the first sorting outlet being located at the bottom of the second sorting outlet; and a powder removal apparatus, the powder removal apparatus being selectively communicated with the second sorting outlet and / or the first crushing apparatus (10), and the powder removal apparatus being used for performing powder removal processing.

Description

Battery recycling system and battery recycling method

[0001] This application claims priority to the patent application filed on May 23, 2025, with China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), application number 202510675750.7, entitled "Battery Recycling System and Battery Recycling Method"; and to the patent application filed on May 27, 2024, with CNIPA, application number 202410665748.7, entitled "Battery Recycling System and Battery Recycling Method". Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery recycling system technology, and more specifically, to a battery recycling system and battery recycling method. Background Technology

[0003] In existing technologies, the recycling of used batteries often requires separating them into electrodes and individual cells containing the electrolyte, and then processing each separately. Typically, electrodes can be recycled with simple processing, while individual cells require multiple processing steps for recycling. Therefore, current processes often require separate processing of individual cells and electrodes.

[0004] However, processing individual cells and electrodes separately using existing processes often requires a large amount of equipment and space, resulting in high recycling costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide a battery recycling system and a battery recycling method to solve the technical problem of high recycling costs in existing battery recycling systems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of this application, a battery recycling system is provided, comprising:

[0007] A first crushing device, at least a portion of which is used to crush the electrode sheet;

[0008] The device comprises a second crushing unit, a pyrolysis unit, and a sorting unit. The second crushing unit is at least partially used to crush individual cells. The inlet of the pyrolysis unit is connected to the outlet of the second crushing unit, and the pyrolysis unit is used to pyrolyze the material obtained by crushing the material by the second crushing unit. The inlet of the sorting unit is connected to the outlet of the pyrolysis unit, and the sorting unit is used to sort the material obtained by pyrolysis of the pyrolysis unit. The sorting unit has a first sorting outlet and a second sorting outlet arranged at intervals, with the first sorting outlet located at the bottom of the second sorting outlet.

[0009] The powder removal device has its inlet selectively connected to the outlet of the second sorting device and / or the outlet of the first crushing device, and is used for powder removal processing.

[0010] Furthermore, the powder removal device includes a primary powder removal component and a secondary powder removal component connected in sequence. The primary powder removal component includes a separation mechanism and a powder remover connected in sequence. The secondary powder removal component includes a pulverizer and a second separation component connected in sequence. The discharge port of the pulverizer and the feed port of the second separation component are connected in sequence.

[0011] Furthermore, the separation mechanism includes a first separation device and a second separation device. The discharge port of the screen material of the first separation device is connected to the feed inlet of the powder remover, the powder removal port of the powder remover is connected to the feed inlet of the second separation device, and the discharge port of the screen material of the second separation device is connected to the feed inlet of the pulverizer and granulator. The first separation device is a vibrating screen or a screening machine.

[0012] The battery recycling system also includes a collection silo, and the undersize discharge outlet of the first separation device, the black powder outlet of the de-powdering machine, and the undersize discharge outlet of the second separation device are all connected to the collection silo.

[0013] Furthermore, the battery recycling system also includes a first separation component. The undersize discharge port of the first separation device, the black powder outlet of the de-powdering machine, and the undersize discharge port of the second separation device are all connected to the separation inlet of the first separation component. The black powder outlet of the first separation component is connected to the collection bin.

[0014] The secondary de-powdering component also includes an air classifier. The inlet of the air classifier is connected to the outlet of the pulverizer and granulator. The black powder outlet of the air classifier is connected to the separation inlet of the second separation component. The black powder outlet of the second separation component is connected to the collection bin.

[0015] At least one of the first separation component and the second separation component includes a separator and a dust collector connected in sequence.

[0016] Furthermore, the battery recycling system also includes a pneumatic conveyor, wherein the black powder outlets of the first and second separation components are both connected to the inlet of the pneumatic conveyor, and the outlet of the pneumatic conveyor is connected to a collection hopper; and / or,

[0017] The first separation component also includes a spray tower, the inlet of which is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation component.

[0018] Furthermore, the second separation component includes a second separator, and the battery recycling system also includes a third separation device and a collection bin;

[0019] The secondary powder removal component also includes an air classifier. The inlet of the air classifier is connected to the outlet of the pulverizer / granulator. The black powder outlet of the air classifier is connected to the inlet of the second separator. The black powder outlet of the second separator is connected to the collection hopper. The inlet of the third separation device is connected to the separation outlet of the air classifier. The undersize outlet of the third separation device is used to discharge black powder. The third separation device is a vibrating screen or a screening machine; or...

[0020] The feed inlet of the second separator is connected to the discharge outlet of the pulverizer and pellet mill. The black powder outlet of the second separator is connected to the collection silo. The heavy material outlet of the second separator is connected to the feed inlet of the third separator. The light material outlet of the third separator is connected to the feed inlet of the pulverizer and pellet mill. The black powder from the third separator is conveyed to the collection silo by negative pressure.

[0021] Furthermore, the secondary dust removal component also includes:

[0022] The gravity separator has a feed inlet connected to the heavy material discharge outlet of the third separation device. The gravity separator has a first gravity separation port and a second gravity separation port to separate metals with different specific gravities.

[0023] Furthermore, the first crushing device includes a first crusher and a first magnetic separator. The feed inlet of the first magnetic separator is connected to the discharge outlet of the first crusher. The first crusher is used to crush the electrode plates, and the first magnetic separator is used to perform magnetic separation on the material obtained by crushing the first crusher. The first magnetic separator has a first magnetic separation outlet and a second magnetic separation outlet. The first magnetic separation outlet forms the discharge outlet of the first crushing device. The first magnetic separation outlet is used to discharge non-ferromagnetic materials, and the second magnetic separation outlet is used to discharge ferromagnetic materials.

[0024] The first crusher is a single-stage four-shaft crusher, or a double-stage twin-shaft crusher, or a twin-shaft crusher with a single-shaft shredder, or a single-shaft shredder; and / or,

[0025] The second crushing device includes a second crusher, which is a single-shaft sealed shredder, or a double-shaft sealed crusher and a single-shaft sealed shredder, or a four-shaft sealed crusher.

[0026] Furthermore, the sorting device includes:

[0027] The wind-powered separator has its inlet connected to the outlet of the pyrolysis unit, and its light material outlet is connected to the inlet of the de-powdering unit.

[0028] Furthermore, the battery recycling system also includes a dust removal structure, the dust removal inlet of which is connected to the air outlet of the pyrolysis unit, and the material outlet of the dust removal structure is connected to the material inlet of the pyrolysis unit; and / or,

[0029] The sorting device also includes a second magnetic separator, the feed inlet of which is connected to the heavy material outlet of the air-powered separator.

[0030] Furthermore, the sorting device includes a primary sorter and a secondary sorter. The inlet of the primary sorter is connected to the outlet of the pyrolysis unit; the secondary sorter is located downstream of the primary sorter, and the light material outlet of the secondary sorter is connected to the inlet of the degreasing unit; the sorting device also includes:

[0031] The fourth separation device is located between the primary separator and the secondary separator. The feed inlet of the fourth separation device is connected to the light material outlet of the primary separator and the feed inlet of the de-powdering device. The heavy material outlet of the fourth separation device is connected to the feed inlet of the secondary separator.

[0032] The fourth separation device is a crushing or dispersing device.

[0033] Furthermore, the battery recycling system also includes:

[0034] The heating device, the light material inlet of the primary separator and the light material inlet of the secondary separator are both connected to the feed inlet of the heating device, and the solid phase outlet of the heating device is connected to the feed inlet of the powder removal device.

[0035] Furthermore, the battery recycling system also includes a control module, which is configured to:

[0036] Determine whether segmented heating of the individual cells is required based on the type of individual cell;

[0037] When it is necessary to heat individual cells in sections, start the pyrolysis device and the heating device;

[0038] If segmented heating of individual cells is not required, start the pyrolysis device and turn off the heating device.

[0039] According to another aspect of this application, a battery recycling method is provided, applicable to the battery recycling system provided above, the battery recycling method comprising:

[0040] The electrode sheets are crushed to obtain the first crushed material;

[0041] The individual cells are crushed to obtain a second crushed material, and the second crushed material is pyrolyzed to obtain a pyrolyzed material; the pyrolyzed material is sorted to obtain a first sorted material and a second sorted material, wherein the weight of a single particle of the first sorted material is greater than the weight of a single particle of the second sorted material.

[0042] The powder removal device is used to remove powder from the first crushed material and / or the second sorted material.

[0043] By applying the technical solution of this application, the battery recycling system can be used for the recycling of individual cells, the recycling of electrodes, or both simultaneously. This integrates the recycling processes of individual cells and electrodes into a single system, significantly reducing the number of devices required for processing them and consequently reducing the space needed for the recycling process, thus effectively lowering the cost of battery recycling. Therefore, the technical solution of this application solves the technical problem of high recycling costs in existing battery recycling systems. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0045] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the battery recycling system provided according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0046] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the battery recycling system provided according to Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0047] The above-mentioned figures include the following reference numerals: 10, First crushing device; 11, First crusher; 12, First magnetic separator; 13, First conveyor; 20, Second crushing device; 21, Second crusher; 22, Third conveyor; 30, Pyrolysis device; 40, Separation device; 41, Air separator; 42, Second magnetic separator; 43, Fifth conveyor; 44, Primary separator; 45, Secondary separator; 46, Fourth separation equipment; 51, Primary powder removal assembly; 511, First separation equipment; 512, Second separation equipment; 513, Powder remover; 514, Second conveyor; 52, Secondary powder removal assembly; 521, Crusher / granulator; 522, Air classifier; 5231, Second separator; 5232, Second dust collector; 524, Third separation equipment; 525, Gravity separator; 61. Collection bin; 621. First separator; 622. First dust collector; 623. Spray tower; 63. Pneumatic conveyor; 71. Dust removal structure; 72. Tail gas treatment equipment; 73. Fourth conveyor; 80. Cooling device; 90. Heating device; 100. Third dust collector; 110. Sixth conveyor. Detailed Implementation

[0048] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, Embodiment 1 of this application provides a battery recycling system, which includes a first crushing device 10, a second crushing device 20, a pyrolysis device 30, a sorting device 40, and a de-powdering device. At least a portion of the first crushing device 10 is used to crush electrode sheets, and at least a portion of the second crushing device 20 is used to crush individual battery cells. The inlet of the pyrolysis device 30 is connected to the outlet of the second crushing device 20, and the pyrolysis device 30 is used to pyrolyze the material obtained by the crushing of the second crushing device 20. The inlet of the sorting device 40 is connected to the outlet of the pyrolysis device 30, and the sorting device 40 is used to sort the material obtained by the pyrolysis of the pyrolysis device 30. The sorting device 40 has a first sorting outlet and a second sorting outlet spaced apart, with the first sorting outlet located at the bottom of the second sorting outlet. The inlet of the de-powdering device is optionally connected to the second sorting outlet and / or the outlet of the first crushing device 10, and the de-powdering device is used to perform de-powdering treatment.

[0050] Using the battery recycling system provided in this embodiment, when the inlet of the de-powdering device is connected to the second sorting outlet, the de-powdering device can be used to de-powder a portion of the products obtained after pyrolysis and sorting of individual batteries; when the inlet of the de-powdering device is connected to the outlet of the first crushing device 10, the de-powdering device can be used to de-powder the products obtained after crushing the electrode sheets; when the inlet of the de-powdering device is connected to both the second sorting outlet and the outlet of the first crushing device 10, the de-powdering device can be used to de-powder a portion of the products obtained after pyrolysis and sorting of individual batteries, and also to de-powder a portion of the products obtained after pyrolysis and sorting of individual batteries. Therefore, the recycling processes of individual batteries and electrode sheets can be integrated into one battery recycling system, thereby reducing the number of devices required for processing individual batteries and electrode sheets, thus reducing the space required for battery recycling and effectively reducing the cost of battery recycling.

[0051] Specifically, a single battery cell includes a battery cell and an electrolyte.

[0052] Specifically, the sorting device can be a gravity sorting device 40. Because the first sorting outlet and the second sorting outlet are located at different positions, the density and particle size of the materials at the first and second sorting outlets are also different. Specifically, the first sorting outlet can discharge materials with relatively high density and particle size, while the second sorting outlet can discharge materials with relatively low density and particle size. When the inlet of the de-powdering device is connected to the second sorting outlet, the de-powdering device can de-powder the materials with relatively low density and particle size sorted by the sorting device 40.

[0053] Specifically, the first crushing device 10 includes a first conveyor 13 and a first crusher 11, and the second conveying device includes a third conveyor 22 and a second crusher 21. The electrode sheets can be conveyed to the first crusher 11 via the first conveyor 13, and the individual cells can be conveyed to the second crusher 21 via the third conveyor 22. Specifically, the second crusher 21 can be an oxygen-free crusher.

[0054] Specifically, when the battery recycling system processes individual cells and electrode sheets simultaneously, it can directly use the second crushing device 20 to process both.

[0055] In this embodiment, the de-dusting device includes a primary de-dusting component 51 and a secondary de-dusting component 52 connected in sequence. The primary de-dusting component 51 includes a separation mechanism and a de-dusting machine 513 connected in sequence. The secondary de-dusting component 52 includes a pulverizer / granulator 521 and an air classifier 522 connected in sequence. The discharge port of the pulverizer / granulator 521 is connected to the inlet of the air classifier 522. Thus, when material is fed into the primary de-dusting component 51, the separation mechanism of the primary de-dusting component 51 can vibrate and screen the material, while the de-dusting machine 513 cooperates with the separation mechanism to achieve the initial de-dusting process of the material through simple vibration and de-dusting treatment. After the primary de-dusting component 51 performs primary de-dusting on the material, the material is fed into the secondary de-dusting component 52. The pulverizer / granulator 521 of the secondary de-dusting component 52 can crush the material to facilitate subsequent processing, while the air classifier 522 can sort the crushed material to separate the dust, thereby achieving effective de-dusting of the material. Therefore, by using the primary de-powdering component 51 and the secondary de-powdering component 52 to perform two-stage processing on the material entering the de-powdering device, the de-powdering effect of the device is greatly improved. Specifically, the separation mechanism can be a vibrating screen structure or a screening machine.

[0056] Specifically, the primary desiccant assembly 51 also includes a second conveyor 514, which can transport the material exiting the second sorting port to the separation mechanism.

[0057] In this embodiment, the separation mechanism includes a first separation device 511 and a second separation device 512. The oversize discharge port of the first separation device 511 is connected to the feed inlet of the de-powdering machine 513, the de-powdering port of the de-powdering machine 513 is connected to the feed inlet of the second separation device 512, and the oversize discharge port of the second separation device 512 is connected to the feed inlet of the pulverizer 521. The battery recycling system also includes a collection hopper 61, and the undersize discharge port of the first separation device 511, the black powder outlet of the de-powdering machine 513, and the undersize discharge port of the second separation device 512 are all connected to the collection hopper 61. In this way, after the material is separated into oversize and undersize materials by vibration screening in the first separation device 511, the oversize material is fed into the de-dusting machine 513 for further de-dusting. The material obtained after processing by the de-dusting machine 513 is fed into the second separation device 512 for secondary vibration screening. Thus, through two vibration screenings and one de-dusting process, the de-dusting effect of the primary de-dusting component 51 is ensured. Furthermore, by connecting the undersize discharge outlet of the first separation device 511, the black powder outlet of the de-dusting machine 513, and the undersize discharge outlet of the second separation device 512 to the collection hopper 61, the dust obtained after de-dusting by the primary de-dusting component 51 can be collected, thereby enabling the dust obtained by the primary de-dusting component 51 to be reused.

[0058] Specifically, both the first separation device 511 and the second separation device 512 are vibrating screen structures. The first separation device 511 can be a linear screen, and the second separation device 512 can be a rotary vibrating screen.

[0059] In this embodiment, the battery recycling system further includes a first separation component. The undersize discharge port of the first separation device 511, the black powder outlet of the de-dusting machine 513, and the undersize discharge port of the second separation device 512 are all connected to the separation inlet of the first separation component. The black powder outlet of the first separation component is connected to the collection hopper 61. The secondary de-dusting component 52 further includes a second separation component. The black powder outlet of the air classifier 522 is connected to the separation inlet of the second separation component. The black powder outlet of the second separation component is connected to the collection hopper 61. At least one of the first and second separation components includes a separator and a dust collector connected in sequence. In this way, the undersize material obtained from the first separation device 511, the black powder obtained from the de-dustrifier 513, and the undersize material obtained from the second separation device 512 can be treated by the first separation component to obtain black powder with higher purity. Then, the black powder obtained after dust removal is passed into the collection silo 61. The black powder separated by the air classifier 522 in the secondary de-dustrifier 52 is treated by the second separation component to remove dust before being passed into the collection silo 61, thereby improving the purity of the black powder obtained from the collection silo 61.

[0060] Specifically, the first separation component includes a first separator 621 and a first dust collector 622, and the second separation component includes a second separator 5231 and a second dust collector 5232.

[0061] In this embodiment, the battery recycling system also includes a pneumatic conveyor 63. The black powder outlets of the first and second separation components are both connected to the inlet of the pneumatic conveyor 63, and the outlet of the pneumatic conveyor 63 is connected to the collection hopper 61. Thus, when conveying the black powder obtained from the first and second separation components, the pneumatic conveyor 63 provides power, enabling the black powder to be promptly transported to the collection hopper 61. Furthermore, this method prevents the black powder from escaping during transport, ensuring efficient black powder conveying.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first separation component further includes a spray tower 623, the inlet of which is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation component. Thus, when the first separation component discharges gas, the spray tower 623 can absorb dust in the discharged gas, thereby preventing the discharged gas from polluting the environment.

[0063] In this embodiment, the secondary de-dusting component 52 includes a third separation device 524 and a gravity separator 525. The feed inlet of the third separation device 524 is connected to the sorting port of the air classifier 522, and the undersize outlet of the third separation device 524 is used to discharge black powder. The feed inlet of the gravity separator 525 is connected to the heavy material outlet of the third separation device 524. The gravity separator 525 has a first gravity sorting port and a second gravity sorting port to separate metals of different specific gravities. In this way, the material can be further de-dusted by the third separation device 524, and the obtained oversize material is fed into the gravity separator 525, which separates metals of different specific gravities, thereby realizing the classified collection of recovered metal materials. Specifically, the third separation device 524 can be a vibrating screen or a screening machine. Preferably, the third separation device 524 in this embodiment is a single-layer vibrating screen, and the heavy material outlet is also the oversize outlet.

[0064] Specifically, the metals of different specific gravities obtained by the gravity separator 525 include copper and aluminum.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first crushing device 10 includes a first crusher 11 and a first magnetic separator 12. The feed inlet of the first magnetic separator 12 is connected to the discharge outlet of the first crusher 11. The first crusher 11 is used to crush the electrode sheets, and the first magnetic separator 12 is used to magnetically separate the material obtained by crushing the electrode sheets by the first crusher 11. The first magnetic separator 12 has a first magnetic separation outlet and a second magnetic separation outlet. The first magnetic separation outlet forms the discharge outlet of the first crushing device 10, which is used to discharge non-ferromagnetic materials, and the second magnetic separation outlet is used to discharge ferromagnetic materials. In this way, by using the first magnetic separator 12 to magnetically separate the material obtained by crushing the electrode sheets by the first crushing device 10, the ferromagnetic materials in the material obtained by crushing the electrode sheets can be separated, thereby realizing the recovery of ferromagnetic materials.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first crusher 11 is a single-stage four-shaft crusher, or a two-stage two-shaft crusher, or a two-shaft crusher with a single-shaft shredder, or a single-shaft shredder. Specifically, the type of the first crusher can be determined according to the specific crushing requirements.

[0067] In this embodiment, the second crushing device 20 includes a second crusher 21, which is a single-shaft sealed shredder, or a combination of a double-shaft sealed shredder and a single-shaft sealed shredder, or a four-shaft sealed shredder. Thus, when the single-shaft sealed shredder, or the combination of a double-shaft sealed shredder and a single-shaft sealed shredder, or the four-shaft sealed shredder crushes the individual battery cells, it can prevent the battery cells from coming into contact with air, thereby preventing the individual battery cells from reacting with oxygen during the crushing process, and thus avoiding the possibility of fire or even explosion, thereby ensuring the safety of the individual battery cell crushing process.

[0068] Specifically, during the crushing process of a single battery cell, inert gas can be introduced into the second crusher 21 to further ensure the safety of the battery recycling system during use.

[0069] In this embodiment, the battery recycling system further includes a pyrolysis device 30 and an air separator 41. The inlet of the pyrolysis device 30 is connected to the outlet of the first crushing device 10, and the pyrolysis device 30 is used to pyrolyze the material crushed by the first crushing device 10. The inlet of the air separator 41 is connected to the outlet of the pyrolysis device 30, and the light material outlet of the air separator 41 is connected to the inlet of the de-powdering device, so that the outlet of the first crushing device 10 is connected to the inlet of the de-powdering device through the pyrolysis device 30 and the air separator 41. In this way, the material crushed by the first crushing device 10 can be pyrolyzed by the pyrolysis device 30, facilitating the collection of recyclable materials from the crushed individual battery cells. Furthermore, when the light material outlet of the air separator 41 is connected to the inlet of the de-powdering device, the de-powdering device can de-powder the relatively small-weight particles obtained by the air separator, facilitating the collection of the black powder separated by the air separator 41.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment, the pyrolysis device 30 can be a pyrolysis furnace. Specifically, this pyrolysis furnace is mainly used for medium-temperature pyrolysis, with the medium-temperature pyrolysis temperature set between 350°C and 500°C.

[0071] Specifically, the battery recycling system also includes a fourth conveyor 73, which transports the material crushed by the second crushing device 20 to the pyrolysis device 30.

[0072] Specifically, the battery recycling system also includes a cooling device 80 and a fifth conveyor 43. The cooling device 80 is connected to the discharge port of the pyrolysis device 30, so as to cool the material obtained by pyrolysis. After the material is cooled to a certain temperature, the cooled material is conveyed to the wind separator 41 by the fifth conveyor 43.

[0073] In this embodiment, the battery recycling system further includes a dust removal structure 71. The dust removal inlet of the dust removal structure 71 is connected to the air outlet of the pyrolysis device 30, and the discharge outlet of the dust removal structure 71 is connected to the feed inlet of the pyrolysis device 30. In this way, the dust removal structure 71 can remove dust from the exhaust gas of the pyrolysis device 30, and the dust obtained from the dust removal can be reintroduced into the pyrolysis device 30, thereby enabling the reuse of the dust in the exhaust gas of the pyrolysis device 30 and improving the recycling efficiency of individual batteries.

[0074] Specifically, the discharge port of the dust removal structure 71 is connected to the fourth conveyor 73, and the dust obtained from the dust removal is transported back to the pyrolysis device 30 through the fourth conveyor 73.

[0075] Specifically, the battery recycling system also includes an exhaust gas treatment device 72, which is connected to the outlet of the dust removal structure 71 to treat the exhaust gas of the pyrolysis device 30 and prevent the exhaust gas of the pyrolysis device 30 from polluting the environment.

[0076] In this embodiment, the battery recycling system also includes a second magnetic separator 42, the inlet of which is connected to the heavy material outlet of the wind separator 41. This allows the second magnetic separator 42 to magnetically separate materials with relatively large density and particle size obtained from the wind separator 41, yielding ferromagnetic materials and heavy materials. This achieves the classified recycling of materials from individual battery cells, facilitating the reuse of the recycled products.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first conveyor 13, the second conveyor 514, and the remaining conveyors can all be belt conveyors, scraper conveyors, or bucket elevators.

[0078] In this embodiment, when processing graded flakes separately, there is no need to set up a gravity separator 525. The oversize material obtained from the third separation device 524 can be directly transported and stored using a conveying device.

[0079] As shown in Figure 2, Embodiment 2 of this application provides a battery recycling system. The difference between the battery recycling system in this embodiment and the battery recycling system in Embodiment 1 lies in the different structures of the secondary de-powdering component 52 and the different structures of the sorting device in the processing of individual batteries. In addition, the battery recycling system in this embodiment adds a heating device compared to the battery recycling system in Embodiment 1.

[0080] Specifically, the secondary de-powdering component 52 in this embodiment includes a pulverizer / granulator 521, a second separator 5231, a second dust collector 5232, a third separation device 524, and a gravity separator 525. Specifically, the inlet of the second separator 5231 is connected to the outlet of the pulverizer / granulator 521; the black powder outlet of the second separator 5231 is connected to the collection hopper 61; the heavy material outlet of the second separator 5231 is connected to the inlet of the third separation device 524; the light material outlet of the third separation device 524 is connected to the inlet of the pulverizer / granulator 521; and the black powder from the third separation device 524 is conveyed to the collection hopper 61 under negative pressure. This structural arrangement facilitates the re-granulation of the light material outlet separated by the third separation device 524, thereby ensuring better granulation and separation of the metal powder and guaranteeing the separation effect for different substances.

[0081] Specifically, the feed inlet of the gravity separator 525 is connected to the heavy material discharge outlet of the third separation device 524.

[0082] Specifically, the second separator 5231 is a cyclone separator. In this embodiment, the first separation device 511, the second separation device 512, and the third separation device 524 can all be vibrating screens or screening machines, preferably screening machines.

[0083] Specifically, the crushed material is conveyed under negative pressure to the second separator 5231 and the second dust collector 5232 for collection, and discharged from the bottom of the second separator 5231 for processing by the third separation device 524.

[0084] Specifically, the second dust collector 5232 can be a bag filter dust collector. The third separation device 524 in this embodiment includes a two-layer screen structure. The material on the upper screen (discharged through the light material outlet) enters the pulverizer 521 for reprocessing, and the material on the lower screen (discharged through the heavy material outlet) enters the gravity separator 525 for the separation of copper and aluminum particles. The black powder undersize material from the lower screen is conveyed to the collection hopper 61 by negative pressure for collection.

[0085] In this embodiment, the pyrolysis device 30 can be a heating furnace, and the heating temperature of the pyrolysis device can be adjusted according to different types of batteries. For example, when processing ternary lithium batteries, the heating temperature at this stage is controlled between 150°C and 200°C. When processing lithium iron phosphate batteries, the processing temperature can be adjusted to between 350°C and 500°C.

[0086] Specifically, the sorting device 40 in this embodiment includes a primary sorter 44 and a secondary sorter 45. The inlet of the primary sorter 44 is connected to the outlet of the pyrolysis device 30. The secondary sorter 45 is located downstream of the primary sorter 44, and its light material outlet is connected to the inlet of the de-powdering device. The sorting device also includes a fourth separation device 46, which is located between the primary sorter 44 and the secondary sorter 45. The inlet of the fourth separation device 46 is connected to the inlet of the de-powdering device, and the heavy material outlet of the fourth separation device 46 is connected to the inlet of the secondary sorter 45. The fourth separation device 46 is a crushing or dispersing device. Through the crushing or dispersing process of the fourth separation device 46, the situation where the material is coated and therefore not completely separated can be avoided, thus improving the subsequent separation effect.

[0087] Specifically, the sorting device 40 in this embodiment further includes a fifth conveyor 43 and a second magnetic separator 42. The material is conveyed to the primary separator via the fifth conveyor 43; lighter materials are conveyed to the heating device 90 or to the second conveyor 514 of the primary de-powdering assembly 51. Heavier materials enter the fourth separation device 46 for further processing of the coated electrode material, avoiding incomplete separation due to coating and improving subsequent separation efficiency. The processed material enters the secondary separator 45, where the sorted lighter materials and the primary air-separated lighter materials are processed together. The sorted heavier materials enter the second magnetic separator 42 to separate the magnetic materials for recycling.

[0088] Specifically, the battery recycling system also includes a heating device 90. The light material inlets of the primary separator 44 and the secondary separator 45 are both connected to the feed inlet of the heating device 90, and the solid phase outlet of the heating device 90 is connected to the feed inlet of the de-powdering device. Thus, when using materials that require staged heating, the heating device needs to be started or configured.

[0089] Specifically, when processing ternary lithium batteries, they must first be treated in a pyrolysis device 30 at a temperature below 200°C to evaporate most of the electrolyte. Then, they are heated in a heating device 90 to above 350°C to remove the separator and high-temperature electrolyte. This ensures that when the positive electrode material releases oxygen at temperatures above 200°C, it will not react with low-flash-point flammable materials, guaranteeing the safe operation of the equipment. This process can also be understood as requiring the heating device 90 to be activated when processing ternary lithium batteries.

[0090] The battery recycling system also includes a sixth conveyor 110 and a third dust collector 100. A brief description of the corresponding process flow: The initial material enters the heating device 90 via the sixth conveyor 110 for processing. The pyrolysis-evaporized gas is processed by the third dust collector 100 and then enters the dust collection structure 71 for further dust removal. The gas phase is then transported to the tail gas treatment area, while the solid phase heated by the heating device 90 enters the rear cooling device 80 for cooling. When the process of the heating device 90 corresponds to medium-temperature pyrolysis, the corresponding temperature is set between 350℃ and 500℃.

[0091] Specifically, the heating device 90 can be a heating furnace.

[0092] In this embodiment, the battery recycling system also includes a control module, which is configured to: determine whether segmented heating of the individual battery is required based on its type; if segmented heating is required, activate the pyrolysis device 30 and the heating device 90; if segmented heating is not required, activate the pyrolysis device 30 and deactivate the heating device 90. This facilitates determining whether to activate the heating device 90 based on the specific type of individual battery, ensuring smooth process operation and thorough separation.

[0093] Specifically, the cooling device 80 can be configured according to the upstream heating process. When the heating device 90 uses low-temperature heating (below 200°C), no cooling device is needed after the heating device 90. Specifically, the cooling device 80 can cool the material after medium-temperature pyrolysis to below 60°C through indirect heat exchange.

[0094] Embodiment 3 of this application provides a battery recycling method applicable to the battery recycling systems provided in Embodiments 1 and 2 above. The battery recycling method includes: crushing electrode sheets to obtain a first crushed material; crushing individual cells to obtain a second crushed material; pyrolyzing the second crushed material to obtain a pyrolytic material; sorting the pyrolytic material to obtain a first sorted material and a second sorted material, wherein the weight of a single particle of the first sorted material is greater than the weight of a single particle of the second sorted material; and using a de-powdering device to de-powder the first crushed material and / or the second sorted material.

[0095] This battery recycling method integrates the recycling processes of individual cells and electrodes into a single system, reducing the number of devices required for processing cells and electrodes, minimizing the space needed for recycling, and effectively lowering costs. Furthermore, when processing materials from the pyrolysis of individual cells, they can be sorted according to density, allowing for appropriate processing methods for different materials and thus improving the efficiency of individual cell recycling.

[0096] Specifically, the first sorting material mainly includes heavy objects such as metals, and the second sorting material includes black powder.

[0097] Specifically, the following illustrates a specific usage flow of the battery recycling system provided in the embodiments of this application:

[0098] Electrode crushing: The electrode material is conveyed to the first crusher 11 by the first conveyor 13 for crushing, and then enters the first magnetic separator 12 to screen out the magnetic materials and collect them. Specifically, the first magnetic separator 12 can be a magnetic separation conveyor.

[0099] Primary de-dust removal: The crushed electrode sheets are conveyed to the first separation device 511 by the first magnetic separator 12, while the crushed individual cells are conveyed to the first separation device 511 by the second conveyor 514. The oversize material obtained from the first separation device 511 enters the de-dust remover 513 for preliminary de-dust removal, while the undersize material is conveyed to the collection silo 61 by the pneumatic conveyor 63. After processing by the de-dust remover 513, the oversize material enters the secondary de-dust removal process, while the undersize material is conveyed to the black powder silo by the pneumatic conveyor 63.

[0100] Secondary de-dusting: The material after primary de-dusting enters the secondary de-dusting pulverizer 521 for further pulverization. The pulverized mixture is then conveyed under negative pressure to the air classifier 522, where black powder and metal particles are separated. The separated black powder is then conveyed under negative pressure to the first cyclone collector (equivalent to the first separator 621) and the first bag filter (equivalent to the first dust collector 622) for collection. The separated metal particles still contain some black powder and are processed by the third separation device 524. The material oversize enters the gravity separation for separating copper and aluminum particles, while the material undersize (black powder) is conveyed under negative pressure to the black powder silo for collection.

[0101] Black powder collection: A negative pressure suction method is used to keep the conveying equipment, screening equipment, crushing equipment, etc., in a negative pressure environment to prevent dust from escaping during the process. At the same time, a combination of cyclone dust collector, bag dust collector, and wet dust collector is used to ensure that the dust content in the exhaust gas meets the standards. At each black powder outlet (the undersize material from the first separation equipment 511 and the second separation equipment 512, and the outlet of the dust collection equipment), pneumatic conveying is used to collect the material into the black powder collection silo 61.

[0102] Sealed Crushing: Because the individual battery cells contain electrolyte and may even retain charge, for safety reasons, the cells must be fed into an anaerobic crusher (equivalent to a second crusher 21) via a third conveyor 22 for isolated crushing. During crushing, an inert protective gas is introduced to prevent cell combustion or other emergencies. The dust-laden gas generated during crushing is collected and treated in a black powder collection system. The crushed material is then fed into a medium-temperature pyrolysis unit 30 for pyrolysis.

[0103] Medium-temperature pyrolysis: The broken individual cells are fed into the medium-temperature pyrolysis unit 30 via the fourth conveyor 73. The gases volatilized during pyrolysis are treated by the dust removal structure 71. The gas phase is then transported to the tail gas treatment equipment 72 for further treatment, while the solid phase is returned to the fourth conveyor 73. The medium-temperature pyrolysis temperature is set between 350℃ and 400℃.

[0104] Cooling: The material after medium-temperature pyrolysis is cooled to below 70°C through indirect heat exchange.

[0105] Comprehensive sorting: The cooled material is conveyed to the air separator 41 via the fifth conveyor 43. The light material separated by the air separator 41 is conveyed to the second conveyor 514, while the heavy material is processed by the second magnetic separator 42 to separate the magnetic materials and recycle them separately.

[0106] Exhaust gas treatment: The organic waste gas generated during the medium-temperature pyrolysis process enters the exhaust gas treatment equipment 72 after dust removal, and is discharged in compliance with standards after removing volatile organic compounds, dust or harmful gases.

[0107] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of this application achieve the following technical effects: the battery recycling system can process individual cells or electrodes separately, or process individual cells and electrodes simultaneously, which broadens the processing range of the battery recycling system, reduces the overall investment in equipment, reduces the occupation of space, and effectively reduces the cost of battery recycling.

[0108] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0109] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0110] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0111] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0112] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0113] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery recycling system, characterized in that, include: A first crushing device (10), at least a portion of which is used to crush the electrode sheet; The device comprises a second crushing device (20), a pyrolysis device (30), and a sorting device (40). At least a portion of the second crushing device (20) is used to crush individual cells. The feed inlet of the pyrolysis device (30) is connected to the discharge outlet of the second crushing device (20). The pyrolysis device (30) is used to pyrolyze the material obtained by crushing the material by the second crushing device (20). The feed inlet of the sorting device (40) is connected to the discharge outlet of the pyrolysis device (30). The sorting device (40) is used to sort the material obtained by pyrolysis of the pyrolysis device (30). The sorting device (40) has a first sorting outlet and a second sorting outlet spaced apart. The first sorting outlet is located at the bottom of the second sorting outlet. A powder removal device, wherein the inlet of the powder removal device may be selectively connected to the outlet of the second sorting outlet and / or the outlet of the first crushing device (10), and the powder removal device is used for powder removal processing.

2. The battery recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder removal device includes a primary powder removal component (51) and a secondary powder removal component (52) connected in sequence. The primary powder removal component (51) includes a separation mechanism and a powder remover (513) connected in sequence. The secondary powder removal component (52) includes a pulverizer (521) and a second separation component connected in sequence. The discharge port of the pulverizer (521) is connected to the inlet of the second separation component.

3. The battery recycling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The separation mechanism includes a first separation device (511) and a second separation device (512). The discharge port of the screen material of the first separation device (511) is connected to the feed port of the powder remover (513), the powder removal port of the powder remover (513) is connected to the feed port of the second separation device (512), and the discharge port of the screen material of the second separation device (512) is connected to the feed port of the pulverizer (521). The first separation device (511) is a vibrating screen or a screening machine. The battery recycling system further includes a collection hopper (61), and the undersize outlet of the first separation device (511), the black powder outlet of the de-powdering machine (513), and the undersize outlet of the second separation device (512) are all connected to the collection hopper (61).

4. The battery recycling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery recycling system further includes a first separation component. The undersize outlet of the first separation device (511), the black powder outlet of the de-powdering machine (513) and the undersize outlet of the second separation device (512) are all connected to the separation inlet of the first separation component. The black powder outlet of the first separation component is connected to the collection bin (61). The secondary de-powdering component (52) further includes an air classifier (522), the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the pulverizer (521), the black powder outlet of which is connected to the separation inlet of the second separation component, and the black powder outlet of the second separation component is connected to the collection bin (61). At least one of the first separation component and the second separation component includes a separator and a dust collector connected in sequence.

5. The battery recycling system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The battery recycling system further includes a pneumatic conveyor (63), wherein the black powder outlets of the first separation component and the second separation component are both connected to the inlet of the pneumatic conveyor (63), and the outlet of the pneumatic conveyor (63) is connected to the collection hopper (61); and / or, The first separation component also includes a spray tower (623), the inlet of which is connected to the gas outlet of the first separation component.

6. The battery recycling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second separation component includes a second separator (5231), and the battery recycling system further includes a third separation device (524) and a collection bin (61); The secondary de-powdering component (52) further includes an air classifier (522), the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the pulverizer (521), the black powder outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the second separator (5231), the black powder outlet of which is connected to the collection hopper (61), the inlet of the third separation device (524) is connected to the separation port of the air classifier (522), and the undersize outlet of the third separation device (524) is used to discharge black powder; the third separation device (524) is a vibrating screen or a screening machine; or, The feed inlet of the second separator (5231) is connected to the discharge outlet of the pulverizer (521), the black powder outlet of the second separator (5231) is connected to the collection silo (61), the heavy material outlet of the second separator (5231) is connected to the feed inlet of the third separator (524), the light material outlet of the third separator (524) is connected to the feed inlet of the pulverizer (521), and the black powder of the third separator (524) is conveyed to the collection silo (61) by negative pressure.

7. The battery recycling system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The secondary de-powdering component (52) also includes: A specific gravity separator (525) is provided, wherein the feed inlet of the specific gravity separator (525) is connected to the heavy material discharge outlet of the third separation device (524), and the specific gravity separator (525) has a first specific gravity separation port and a second specific gravity separation port for separating metals of different specific gravities.

8. The battery recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first crushing device (10) includes a first crusher (11) and a first magnetic separator (12). The feed inlet of the first magnetic separator (12) is connected to the discharge outlet of the first crusher (11). The first crusher (11) is used to crush the electrode sheets. The first magnetic separator (12) is used to perform magnetic separation on the material obtained by crushing by the first crusher (11). The first magnetic separator (12) has a first magnetic separation outlet and a second magnetic separation outlet. The first magnetic separation outlet forms the discharge outlet of the first crushing device (10). The first magnetic separation outlet is used to discharge non-ferromagnetic materials, and the second magnetic separation outlet is used to discharge ferromagnetic materials. Wherein, the first crusher (11) is a single-stage four-shaft crusher, or a double-stage twin-shaft crusher, or a twin-shaft crusher with a single-shaft shredder, or a single-shaft shredder; and / or, The second crushing device (20) includes a second crusher (21), which is a single-shaft sealed shredder, or a double-shaft sealed crusher and a single-shaft sealed shredder, or a four-shaft sealed crusher.

9. The battery recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting device (40) includes: The wind separator (41) has its inlet connected to the outlet of the pyrolysis device (30), and the light material outlet of the wind separator (41) is connected to the inlet of the powder removal device.

10. The battery recycling system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery recycling system further includes a dust removal structure (71), the dust removal inlet of which is connected to the air outlet of the pyrolysis device (30), and the material outlet of the dust removal structure (71) is connected to the material inlet of the pyrolysis device (30); and / or, The sorting device (40) further includes a second magnetic separator (42), the feed inlet of which is connected to the heavy material outlet of the wind-powered separator (41).

11. The battery recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting device (40) includes a primary sorter (44) and a secondary sorter (45). The inlet of the primary sorter (44) is connected to the outlet of the pyrolysis device (30). The secondary sorter (45) is located downstream of the primary sorter (44), and the light material outlet of the secondary sorter (45) is connected to the inlet of the de-powdering device. The sorting device further includes: The fourth separation device (46) is located between the primary separator (44) and the secondary separator (45). The feed inlet of the fourth separation device (46) is connected to the light material outlet of the primary separator (44) and the feed inlet of the powder removal device. The heavy material outlet of the fourth separation device (46) is connected to the feed inlet of the secondary separator (45). The fourth separation device (46) is a crushing device or a dispersing device.

12. The battery recycling system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The battery recycling system also includes: The heating device (90) has light material inlets of the primary separator (44) and the secondary separator (45) connected to the feed inlet of the heating device (90), and the solid phase outlet of the heating device (90) connected to the feed inlet of the de-powdering device.

13. The battery recycling system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The battery recycling system also includes a control module, which is configured to: Determine whether segmented heating of the individual battery is required based on the type of the individual battery; When it is necessary to heat the individual cells in segments, start the pyrolysis device (30) and the heating device (90); If segmented heating of the individual cells is not required, start the pyrolysis device (30) and turn off the heating device (90).

14. A battery recycling method, characterized in that, The battery recycling system applicable to any one of claims 1 to 13, the battery recycling method comprising: The electrode sheets are crushed to obtain the first crushed material; The individual battery cells are crushed to obtain a second crushed material, and the second crushed material is pyrolyzed to obtain a pyrolyzed material; the pyrolyzed material is sorted to obtain a first sorted material and a second sorted material, wherein the weight of a single particle of the first sorted material is greater than the weight of a single particle of the second sorted material. The first crushed material and / or the second sorted material are de-powdered using a de-powdering device.

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