MÉTODO E DISPOSITIVO PARA RECICLAGEM DE UMA BATERIA

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for recycling a battery, having the steps of: (a) providing an at least partially discharged battery, (b) comminuting the at least partially discharged battery in a process chamber (11) in order to obtain battery parts, (c) drying the battery parts in a process chamber (11) in order to obtain dried battery parts and a separated gas, and (d) packing the dried battery parts in order to form a package. The invention is characterized in that steps (b) and (c) are carried out in the same process chamber (11). The invention additionally relates to a mobile device for recycling a battery using the method and to a package in which 1 to 30 kg of battery parts are contained and which can be obtained using the method.

Description

1 / 26 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECYCLING A BATTERY

[001] The present invention relates to a method and a mobile device for recycling a battery. The invention further relates to packaging containing 1 to 30 kg of battery parts.

[002] Methods and devices for recycling batteries, in particular used batteries, are known in the state of the art.

[003] For example, document CN 113 477 684 A discloses a mobile recycling device for lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are fed into the shredding unit D shown in FIG. 1 of the document, which is filled with oxygen-free water; thus, the lithium batteries can be shredded underwater in a non-explosive atmosphere. The shredded battery parts are then transported by a screw conveyor E out of the shredding unit D and arrive at a drying unit F, where they are dried.

[004] Document CN 114 583 305 A relates to a device for recycling lithium batteries. According to FIG. 1 of the document, the device has discharge containers, each with a sieve insert. The discharge containers are filled with an aqueous solution of sodium chloride. Lithium batteries are immersed in the discharge solution as they are placed in the sieve insert. After the lithium batteries are discharged, they are pre-dried by rotating the sieve insert and then shredded into 20x30 mm pieces in a first shredding unit. The battery parts are then transferred to a drying unit via a conveyor belt, where they are further dried. In a second shredding unit, the dried battery parts are then shredded into particles with a size of 16 mm and separated into their Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 12 / 39 2 / 26 components.

[005] Document EP 3 312 922 A1 describes a method and installation for recycling used batteries. The batteries are first discharged in a discharge unit. Then, they are fed to a shredding unit, where they are shredded under inert gas. After shredding, the resulting battery parts are conveyed to a drying unit using a first gas-tight conveyor. During the drying of the battery parts, an electrolyte is separated. The dried and inactivated battery parts are then conveyed by a second conveyor to a packaging unit, where they are packed into a transport container.

[006] There is a need to further increase the flexibility of methods and devices for recycling batteries. An objective of the present invention is to provide such a flexible method and such a flexible device.

[007] This objective is achieved, according to the invention, by means of a method for recycling a battery comprising the following steps: (a) providing a battery that is at least partially discharged, (b) grinding the at least partially discharged battery in a process chamber in order to obtain battery parts, (c) drying the battery parts in a process chamber in order to obtain dry battery parts and a separate gas, and (d) packaging the dry battery parts in a package, (e) characterized in that steps (b) and (c) are carried out in the same process chamber.

[008] By performing the grinding and drying in the same processing chamber, the method can be simplified and become very efficient, since a Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 13 / 39 3 / 26 Adjustment of process parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature) is sufficient only for this process chamber. Furthermore, drying can occur immediately after grinding. This has the advantage that an intermediate quantity of undried battery parts can be reduced, or that intermediate storage is not necessary. Intermediate storage of undried battery parts is complex from a process engineering point of view, since a harmful and flammable vapor can be released from such parts, and these parts must therefore be stored under controlled conditions. Drying is preferably started within 10 minutes after grinding is completed, more preferably within 3 minutes, and particularly preferably within 1 minute.

[009] The battery supplied in step (a) preferably has a voltage of 2.5 V per cell or less, more preferably 1 V per cell or less, most preferably 0.1 V per cell or less. To this end, the battery may be at least partially discharged before step (a). The voltage measurement may be carried out by means of a voltmeter connected in series. If at least partial discharge has not yet occurred (for example, due to a previous intended use of the battery), the operational and process reliability of the subsequent steps of the method may be improved by the discharge integrated into the method; in particular, the risk of thermal overload due to a short circuit, which could lead to a fire or spontaneous ignition of a flammable atmosphere, may be reduced.

[010] The battery supplied in step (a) can be obtained by disassembling a battery module or a battery pack. A battery module is understood to be the combination of two or more batteries. A pack of Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 14 / 39 4 / 26 batteries is understood to be the combination of two or more battery modules, including a battery system (similar to a battery pack, but which may have additional components, for example, a cooling and / or management system), which shall be considered as comprising a battery pack within the scope of this application. It is preferable that disassembly occurs after the battery has been discharged. The battery module or battery pack can then be in a voltage-free or at least low-voltage state, which may be advantageous from a safety standpoint.

[011] Before crushing, a battery housing can be opened. As a result, subsequent drying of the crushed battery parts can be carried out more efficiently, as the gas can be separated more easily.

[012] A protective atmosphere is preferably provided in the process chamber. A protective atmosphere is understood to be an atmosphere with controlled pressure, controlled temperature, and controlled composition. This allows grinding and drying to be carried out in a controlled, safe, and reproducible manner. The protective atmosphere can be produced by means of a fractional vacuum process. As a result, the protective atmosphere can be built up quickly.

[013] The protective atmosphere preferably comprises at least 85% by volume of an inert gas, more preferably at least 95% by volume, particularly preferably at least 98% by volume, based on the total volume of the protective atmosphere. The inert gas preferably comprises nitrogen, as this makes it easier to prevent an explosion or ignition of the battery parts.

[014] Preferably, a partial pressure of water from the atmosphere Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 15 / 39 5 / 26 protective pressure is 100 Pa or less, preferably 70 Pa or less, and particularly preferably 50 Pa or less. As a result, the decomposition of battery components, particularly hexafluorophosphate, can be avoided, and with it the formation of lithium hydroxide compounds or hydrogen fluoride compounds.

[015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the partial pressure of oxygen in the protective atmosphere be 100 mbar or less, more preferably 50 mbar or less, and particularly preferably 30 mbar or less. As a result, not only can corrosion of the components of the device according to the invention be reduced, but also the tendency to form molecular hydrogen, which together with oxygen could form an ignitable atmosphere, can be reduced.

[016] In step (b) of the method, the at least partially discharged battery is crushed in the process chamber to obtain battery parts. As a result, the specific free surface area of ​​the battery can be increased, which can increase the efficiency of subsequent steps of the method.

[017] Grinding can be carried out under vacuum, preferably at a pressure in the process chamber of 100 mbar or less, more preferably 50 mbar or less, particularly preferably at a pressure in the range of 10 to 50 mbar. As a result, a pressure that can be used subsequently for drying can already be set before grinding, so that drying can be carried out efficiently.

[018] Alternatively, grinding can be carried out at normal pressure in the process chamber. Normal pressure is understood to be a pressure in the range of 1 to 1.1 bar. A pressure used for drying can then be set after step (b) or even during it. In particular, this can be done Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 16 / 39 6 / 26 when the process chamber is reduced in size after step (b), as described further below.

[019] Grinding can be carried out at a temperature of 20 to 200 °C in the process chamber. Grinding is preferably carried out at 20 to 30 °C. As a result, the method can be carried out more energy-efficiently. On the other hand, if a wet battery is provided, it may be advantageous to increase the temperature during grinding so that the water contained in the battery can evaporate. Grinding is then preferably carried out at a temperature of 40 °C or higher, more preferably 60 °C or higher, even more preferably at a temperature in the range of 90 to 200 °C, particularly preferably from 90 to 150 °C.

[020] The battery parts preferably have a diameter or a maximum extension (e.g., a maximum length) of 100 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less, and particularly preferably 20 mm or less. Due to the large specific free surface area of ​​the battery parts, this can not only significantly increase drying efficiency but also improve the subsequent packaging of the battery parts. This can also simplify further processing of the battery parts, in particular metallurgical processing, in order to obtain raw materials.

[021] The size of the process chamber can be reduced after step (b). To do this, a separation device can be placed in the process chamber. Then, during subsequent drying, it is no longer necessary to heat and / or operate under vacuum the entire process chamber, and it is no longer necessary to maintain the protective atmosphere throughout the process chamber. Reducing the process chamber can be advantageous not only in terms of energy consumption, but drying can also be faster and more uniform, because Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, p. 17 / 39 7 / 26 The remaining process chamber can be brought to a certain temperature and / or pressure more quickly.

[022] In step (c) of the method, the battery parts are dried in the process chamber to obtain dry battery parts and a separated gas. The separated gas can be removed by means of a filter, preferably by means of a vapor filter.

[023] Drying in step (c) can be carried out under vacuum in the process chamber, preferably at a pressure of 100 mbar or less, more preferably 50 mbar or less, particularly preferably at a pressure in the range of 10 to 50 mbar. As a result, a vapor pressure of the gas to be separated, in particular of the electrolyte, may not be reached.

[024] If step (c) is performed under vacuum, a vacuum pump can be operated in hysteresis mode to generate the vacuum in the process chamber. As a result, the pressure in the process chamber can be rapidly reduced. This can also reduce the duty cycle of the vacuum pump. Hysteresis mode is understood as a vacuum pump operating mode in which the vacuum pump power alternates between a minimum and a maximum value. Preferably, the vacuum pump power alternates between 0 and 150 kW, more preferably between 0 and 100 kW, and particularly preferably between 0 and 60 kW.

[025] Drying in step (c) is preferably carried out at a temperature in the process chamber of 60 °C or higher, preferably at a temperature in the range of 90 to 200 °C. As a result, drying can be carried out efficiently and the risk of decomposition of components contained in the crushed battery parts can be kept low.

[026] Drying in step (c) is preferably carried out at a Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 18 / 39 8 / 26 Temperature in the process chamber in the range of 90 to 200 °C and at a pressure of 50 mbar or less. This can ensure that the vapor pressure of the gas to be separated, in particular the electrolyte, is not reached, which enables a quick and effective separation of the crushed battery parts.

[027] Preferably, the supplied battery contains an electrolyte that is at least partially contained in the separated gas. A boiling point or an upper limit of a boiling range of the electrolyte contained in the battery is preferably 180 °C or lower, more preferably 150 °C or lower, particularly preferably 130 °C or lower, at a pressure of 10 mbar. As a result, the electrolyte can be separated efficiently and as completely as possible during drying in step (c). As a result, the battery can be inactivated, preventing a subsequent electrochemical reaction and the formation of an explosive gas mixture.

[028] Preferably, after step (c), the remaining electrolyte content in the battery parts is 0.1% by weight or less, preferably 0.01% by weight or less, particularly preferably 0.002% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the battery parts.

[029] Preferably, packaging in step (d) is carried out in the same process chamber as steps (b) and (c). This allows the packaging of the dry battery parts to be carried out in a controlled environment. This can avoid, for example, condensation of water vapor on the battery parts and / or contamination of the battery parts before packaging.

[030] Packaging can be carried out under normal pressure. However, if step (d) is carried out in the same process chamber as steps (b) and (c), a predominant pressure in the process chamber during drying can also be maintained for packaging. As a result, the atmosphere in the chamber of Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 19 / 39 9 / 26 process can be kept constant.

[031] Dry battery parts can be packaged in packaging containing plastic, preferably in barrier packaging. As a result, the battery parts can be packaged in a gas-tight and / or water-tight manner. Preferably, the battery parts are packaged in such a way that the formation of an ignition-capable atmosphere is excluded for at least four weeks at a temperature of 50 °C and normal pressure.

[032] Dry battery parts can be packed in vacuum packaging. The packaging can also be sealed by welding. As a result, the battery parts can be particularly well protected against environmental influences.

[033] In step (d), the dry battery parts are preferably packed in 1 to 30 kg each, preferably in 1 to 25 kg each, more preferably in 1 to 20 kg each. This allows the packed battery parts to be easily carried and transported by one person, further improving the flexibility of the method.

[034] The method may comprise an additional step (e): separating an electrolyte from the separated gas. The electrolyte content in the total weight of the gas is preferably 50% by weight or more, more preferably 70% by weight or more, particularly preferably 90% by weight or more.

[035] The electrolyte can be separated from the gas by condensation. For this purpose, the separated gas is preferably cooled to a temperature of 30 °C or lower, preferably 15 °C or lower, and particularly preferably 5 °C or lower. The content of the separated and thus recovered electrolyte is preferably 95% by weight or more, more preferably 99% by weight or more, based on the total weight of the electrolyte. Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 20 / 39 10 / 26 contained in the supplied battery. As a result, the method can make a significant contribution to the circular economy and sustainability.

[036] After step (e), the separated gas can be purified. Acidic components of the gas, such as hydrogen fluoride and / or phosphorus pentafluoride, can be at least partially removed. These components can be used for other purposes.

[037] After step (e), nitrogen contained in the separated gas can be at least partially separated. The separated nitrogen can be used in the method for the protective atmosphere comprising an inert gas when steps (b), (c) and, optionally, (d) are carried out under such a protective atmosphere. Before recirculation to the method, the nitrogen can be purified, in particular to separate the remaining electrolyte from it.

[038] The invention is further related to a mobile device for recycling a battery with the method according to the invention, comprising a charging unit for charging the at least partially discharged battery, a shredding unit for shredding the at least partially discharged battery, a drying unit for drying the battery parts and a packaging unit for packaging the dried battery parts, characterized in that the shredding unit and the drying unit are arranged in the same process chamber.

[039] In this application, a mobile device is understood to mean a device that can be transported by a truck, in particular a semi-trailer vehicle, in accordance with Council Directive 96 / 53 / EC of 25 July 1996, and can therefore be used flexibly locally. Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 21 / 39 11 / 26

[040] The mobile device can be configured to be housed in a container. The container used, according to the invention, can be a container conforming to ISO 668:2020-01. A standardized container can be easily transported, for example, by truck, freight train or cargo ship. Preferably, the container is a 40-foot container, more preferably a 20-foot container, and particularly preferably a 10-foot container. A 40-foot container is understood to be a container approximately 12.2 m long, 2.4 m wide and 2.6 m high. A 20-foot container is understood to be a container approximately 6.1 m long, 2.4 m wide and 2.6 m high. A 10-foot container is understood to be a container approximately 3 m long, 2.4 m wide and 2.6 m high.

[041] The container can be loaded in a short time, in particular within 8 hours or less, and then transported to another place of use, where it can also be put into an operational state in a short time, in particular within 8 hours or less. Furthermore, according to the invention, no special foundation is required, such as an enclosed shed-like structure. The invention thus enables uncomplicated and flexible use of the method, as required, in order to recycle a battery, in particular a used battery, directly on site. The method can also be carried out directly in the container. The mobile device can also be accommodated in the container during the execution of the method, which can further improve flexibility, since loading and unloading can be eliminated.

[042] In the process chamber, a separation device is preferably arranged to separate the loading unit and the grinding unit from the drying unit and the packaging unit. The Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 22 / 39 The 12 / 26 separation device may have a door, in particular a sliding door or a hinged door. By providing the separation device, certain process sequences can be simplified or made more efficient. For example, the separation device can be closed after the battery parts have been fed to the drying unit. Then, during drying, it is no longer necessary to heat and / or operate under vacuum the entire process chamber, and it is no longer necessary to maintain the protective atmosphere throughout the process chamber. Process parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature) can also be set more quickly in the drying unit.

[043] The separation device may comprise a refractory material, preferably steel and / or aluminum. If spontaneous ignition or thermal overload occurs during the method, the separation device may be closed so that damage can be spatially limited.

[044] The mobile device preferably has a unit for supplying an inert gas to the process chamber. The inert gas may be supplied in a container, which may be connected to the process chamber by means of a line in order to supply the inert gas to the process chamber by means of an inlet opening or by means of a plurality of inlet openings. Preferably, two inlet openings are provided in order to supply the inert gas to the process chamber, wherein the inert gas is preferably supplied to the grinding unit by means of a first inlet opening and to the drying unit by means of a second inlet opening.

[045] A vacuum pump to create a protective atmosphere is preferably connected to the process chamber. Since the grinding unit and the drying unit are located in the same process chamber, one vacuum pump may be sufficient to generate a certain Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, p. 23 / 39 13 / 26 pressure. Depending on the power of the vacuum pump, two or more vacuum pumps can also be used.

[046] The shredding unit may comprise a rotor shredder. This is very suitable for shredding bulky substances, such as batteries.

[047] The drying unit may comprise a paddle dryer. This may be a blade dryer. This may be arranged horizontally or vertically. This allows the battery parts to be well mixed and thus uniformly dried.

[048] The drying unit may have a filter to remove the gas. The filter is preferably a vapor filter. As a result, not only can the gas be efficiently removed, but dust particles can also be separated and thus removed from the process chamber. An evaporator may be connected downstream of the filter in order to separate the electrolyte from the gas by condensation.

[049] The drying unit is preferably an autoclave. As a result, good gas tightness can be provided.

[050] The drying unit is preferably located below the crushing unit. Then, the battery parts can fall from the crushing unit into the drying unit due to gravity as soon as step (b) is completed. This means that there are no undried battery parts that would need to be temporarily stored. The size of the process chamber can also be kept small, since no transport device (e.g., conveyor) needs to be provided to transport the battery parts from the crushing unit to the drying unit. The spatial arrangement (below) refers to the intended operational state of the mobile device. Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 24 / 39 14 / 26

[051] The packaging unit is preferably arranged below the drying unit. Then, the dried battery parts can fall from the drying unit into the packaging unit due to gravity as soon as step (c) is completed. The method can thus be designed even more efficiently, since no transport device (e.g., conveyor) needs to be provided to transport the battery parts from the drying unit to the packaging unit. If the packaging unit is arranged in the same process chamber as the grinding unit and the drying unit, the size of the process chamber can be kept small by this arrangement.

[052] The mobile device may further comprise a discharge unit for at least partially discharging the battery, wherein the discharge unit is disposed in front of the charging unit. If at least partial discharge has not yet occurred (for example, due to a previous intended use of the battery), the operational and process reliability of subsequent steps of the method may be improved by the discharge unit.

[053] The mobile device may additionally comprise a disassembly unit for disassembling a battery module or a battery pack, wherein the disassembly unit is disposed in front of the charging unit. If the mobile device has a discharge unit, the disassembly unit will preferably be disposed downstream of the discharge unit. The battery module or battery pack may then be in a voltage-free or at least low-voltage state, which may be advantageous from a safety point of view.

[054] The invention also relates to packaging containing 1 to 30 kg of battery parts, obtained by the method described. Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 25 / 39 15 / 26 with the invention. Preferably, 1 to 25 kg of battery parts are packed in the package, more preferably 1 to 20 kg. The package can thus be easily carried and transported by one person.

[055] The packaged battery parts preferably have a maximum diameter or extension of 100 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less, and particularly preferably 20 mm or less. As a result, further processing, in particular metallurgical processing for the extraction of raw materials, can be simplified due to the large specific free surface area of ​​the battery parts.

[056] The battery parts preferably have an electrolyte content of 0.1% by weight or less, more preferably 0.01% by weight or less, particularly preferably 0.002% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the battery parts. As a result, safe handling can be achieved. In particular, the formation of an ignition-capable atmosphere for at least four weeks at a temperature of 50 °C and normal pressure can be excluded.

[057] The packaging can be a plastic-containing package, preferably a barrier package. As a result, the battery parts can be packaged in a gas-tight and / or water-tight manner.

[058] The packaging can be sealed by welding and / or be vacuum-packed. As a result, the battery parts can be particularly well protected against environmental influences.

[059] The invention relates, in particular, to the following embodiments: 1. A method for recycling a battery, in particular a Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, p. 26 / 39 16 / 26 used battery, comprising the steps of (a) providing a battery that is at least partially discharged, (b) grinding the at least partially discharged battery in a process chamber in order to obtain battery parts, (c) drying the battery parts in a process chamber in order to obtain dry battery parts and a separate gas, and (d) packaging the dry battery parts in a package, wherein steps (b) and (c) are carried out in the same process chamber. 2. The method according to the previous embodiment, in which the battery is a lithium-ion battery. 3. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the supplied battery has a voltage of 2.5 V per cell or less, preferably 1 V per cell or less, more preferably 0.1 V per cell or less. 4. The method in accordance with any previous modality, in which the battery is discharged before step (a). 5. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, in which the battery supplied in step (a) is obtained by disassembling a battery module or battery pack. 6. The method according to any of the previous modalities, in which a battery housing is opened before crushing. 7. The method according to any of the previous modalities, in which a protective atmosphere is provided in the process chamber. 8. The method according to embodiment 7, in which the protective atmosphere is produced by a fractional vacuum process. 9. The method according to embodiment 7 or 8, in which the protective atmosphere comprises at least 85% by volume of an inert gas, Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, page 27 / 39 17 / 26 preferably at least 95% by volume, particularly preferably at least 98% by volume, based on the total volume of the protective atmosphere. 10. The method according to embodiment 9, in which the inert gas comprises nitrogen. 11. The method according to any of the embodiments 7 to 10, in which a partial pressure of water in the protective atmosphere is 100 Pa or less, preferably 70 Pa or less, more preferably 50 Pa or less. 12. The method according to any of the embodiments 7 to 11, in which the partial pressure of oxygen in the protective atmosphere is 100 mbar or less, more preferably 50 mbar or less, most preferably 30 mbar or less. 13. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the grinding in step (b) is carried out under vacuum, preferably at a pressure in the process chamber of 100 mbar or less, more preferably 50 mbar or less, particularly preferably at a pressure in the range of 10 to 50 mbar. 14. The method according to any of the embodiments 1 to 12, in which the grinding in step (b) is carried out at normal pressure in the process chamber. 15. The method according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the grinding in step (b) is carried out at a temperature in the process chamber of 20 to 200 °C. 16. The method according to embodiment 15, in which grinding in step (b) is carried out at a temperature in the process chamber of 20 to 30 °C. 17. The method according to modality 15, in which grinding takes place in step Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, pp. 28 / 39 18 / 26 (b) is carried out at a temperature in the process chamber of 40 °C or higher, preferably 60 °C or higher, more preferably at a temperature in the range of 90 to 200 °C, particularly preferably from 90 to 150 °C. 18. The method according to any of the preceding embodiments, in which the battery parts have a maximum diameter or extension of 100 mm or less, preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or less. 19. The method according to any of the preceding modalities, in which drying is initiated within 10 minutes after the completion of grinding, preferably within 3 minutes, more preferably within 1 minute, in particular where drying occurs immediately after grinding. 20. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, in which the gas in step (c) is removed by means of a filter, preferably by means of a vapor filter. 21. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the drying in step (c) is carried out under vacuum in the process chamber, preferably at a pressure of 100 mbar or less, more preferably 50 mbar or less, particularly preferably at a pressure in the range of 10 to 50 mbar. 22. The method according to embodiment 21, wherein during drying in step (c), a vacuum pump is operated in hysteresis mode to generate vacuum in the process chamber, wherein the power of the vacuum pump preferably alternates between 0 and 150 kW, more preferably between 0 and 100 kW, most preferably between 0 and 60 kW. 23. The method according to any of the above modalities, Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, pp. 29 / 39 19 / 26 wherein drying in step (c) is carried out at a temperature in the process chamber of 60 °C or higher, preferably at a temperature in the range of 90 to 200 °C. 24. The method according to any of the above modalities, in which the process chamber is reduced after step (b). 25. The method according to any of the above embodiments, in which the supplied battery contains an electrolyte at least partially contained in the separated gas. 26. The method according to embodiment 25, in which, at a pressure of 10 mbar, a boiling point or an upper limit of a boiling range of the electrolyte is at a temperature of 180 °C or lower, more preferably 150 °C or lower, particularly preferably 130 °C or lower. 27. The method according to embodiment 25 or 26, wherein after step (c), a remaining electrolyte content in the battery parts is 0.1% by weight or less, preferably 0.01% by weight or less, more preferably 0.002% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the battery parts. 28. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, in which the packaging in step (d) is carried out in the same process chamber as steps (b) and (c). 29. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, in which the packaging in step (d) is carried out under normal pressure. 30. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the dried battery parts in step (d) are packaged in a package containing plastic, preferably in a barrier package. Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, pp. 30 / 39 20 / 26 31. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the dry battery parts are packed in a vacuum package in step (d). 32. The method according to any of the previous modalities, in which the packaging is sealed by welding. 33. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the dry battery parts in step (d) are packed in 1 to 30 kg each, preferably in 1 to 25 kg each, more preferably in 1 to 20 kg each. 34. The method according to any of the previous embodiments, additionally comprising step (e): separating an electrolyte from the separated gas. 35. The method according to embodiment 34, wherein the electrolyte content in the total weight of the gas is 50% by weight or more, more preferably 70% by weight or more, and particularly preferably 90% by weight or more. 36. The method according to embodiment 34 or 35, in which the electrolyte is separated from the gas by condensation in step (e). 37. The method according to embodiment 36, in which, in step (e), the gas is cooled to a temperature of 30 °C or lower, preferably 15 °C or lower, more preferably 5 °C or lower, to separate the electrolyte. 38. The method according to any of the embodiments 34 to 37, wherein the content of separated electrolyte is 95% by weight or more, more preferably 99% by weight or more, based on the total weight of electrolyte contained in the supplied battery. 39. The method according to any of the embodiments 34 to 38, in which the separated gas is purified after step (e). 40. The method according to modality 39, in which a nitrogen Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, pp. 31-39 21 / 26 of the gas contained in the separated gas is at least partially separated. 41. The method according to any of the previous modalities, in which the method is carried out in a container. 42. A mobile device for recycling a battery, in particular a used battery, with the method according to any of embodiments 1 to 41, comprising a charging unit for charging the battery, a shredding unit for shredding the at least partially discharged battery, a drying unit for drying the battery parts and a packaging unit for packaging the dried battery parts, wherein the shredding unit and the drying unit are arranged in the same process chamber. 43. The mobile device according to embodiment 42, in which the mobile device is configured to be housed in a container. 44. The mobile device according to embodiment 43, wherein the container is a standard ISO 668:2020-01 container. 45. The mobile device according to embodiment 43 or 44, wherein the container is a 40-foot container, preferably a 20-foot container, more preferably a 10-foot container. 46. ​​The mobile device according to any of the embodiments 42 to 45, in which a separation device is arranged in the process chamber, the separation device being configured to separate the loading unit and the grinding unit from the drying unit and the packaging unit. 47. The mobile device according to embodiment 46, wherein the separation device comprises a door, in particular a door Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, pp. 32-39 22 / 26 sliding or hinged door. 48. The mobile device according to embodiment 46 or 47, wherein the separation device comprises a refractory material, preferably steel and / or aluminum. 49. The mobile device according to any of the embodiments 42 to 48, in which a vacuum pump for creating the protective atmosphere is connected to the process chamber. 50. The mobile device according to any of the embodiments 42 to 49, in which the grinding unit comprises a rotor grinder. 51. The mobile device according to any of the embodiments 42 to 50, wherein the drying unit comprises a paddle dryer. 52. The mobile device according to any of the embodiments 42 to 51, in which the drying unit comprises a filter for removing gas, preferably a vapor filter. 53. The mobile device according to embodiment 52, in which an evaporator is connected downstream of the filter. 54. The mobile device according to any of the embodiments 42 to 53, in which the drying unit is an autoclave. 55. The mobile device according to any of the embodiments 42 to 54, wherein, in an operational state of the mobile device, the drying unit is arranged below the shredding unit and / or wherein, in an operational state of the mobile device, the packaging unit is arranged below the drying unit. 56. The mobile device according to any of embodiments 42 to 55, further comprising a discharge unit for at least partially discharging the battery, wherein the discharge unit is arranged upstream of the charging unit. Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, pp. 33 / 39 23 / 26 57. The mobile device according to any of embodiments 42 to 56, additionally comprising a disassembly unit for disassembling a battery module or battery pack. 58. The mobile device according to embodiment 57, in which the dismantling unit is arranged in front of the loading unit and in which, if the mobile device has an unloading unit, the dismantling unit will preferably be arranged downstream of the unloading unit. 59. A container comprising the mobile device according to any of the embodiments 42 to 58. 60. The container according to embodiment 59, where the container is a standard ISO 668:2020-01 container. 61. The container according to embodiment 59 or 60, wherein the container is a 40-foot container, preferably a 20-foot container, more preferably a 10-foot container. 62. A package containing 1 to 30 kg of battery parts, obtained by a method in accordance with any of the embodiments 1 to 41. 63. Packaging according to embodiment 62, in which 1 to 25 kg of battery parts are packaged in the packaging, preferably 1 to 20 kg. 64. Packaging according to embodiment 62 or 63, in which the battery parts have a maximum diameter or extension of 100 mm or less, preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or less. 65. Packaging according to any of the embodiments 62 to 64, wherein the battery parts have an electrolyte content of 0.1% by weight or less, preferably 0.01% by weight or less, more preferably 0.002% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the battery parts. 66. Packaging according to any of the modalities 62 to 65, Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, pp. 34 / 39 24 / 26 where the packaging is a plastic-containing package, preferably a barrier package. 67. Packaging according to any of the embodiments 62 to 66, in which the packaging is sealed by welding. 68. Packaging according to any of the embodiments 62 to 67, wherein the packaging is vacuum packaging.

[060] In this application, the term battery includes both a non-rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery (also referred to as an accumulator). Preferably, the battery is a lithium-ion battery, in particular a lithium-ion accumulator.

[061] In this application, a “process chamber” is understood, in particular, as a chamber that can be treated as a uniform chamber (with a uniform atmosphere) in an operating mode (from a process point of view). Preferably, this chamber (in this operating mode) can be heated with a single heater and / or evacuated with a single vacuum pump.

[062] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a description of the figures.

[063] FIG. 1 shows the schematic structure of a mobile device.

[064] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section of a detail of the mobile device in FIG. 1.

[065] The mobile device 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a loading unit 2, a grinding unit 3, a drying unit 4 and a packaging unit 5, which are arranged in the same process chamber 11 (shown in FIG. 2). In addition, a separation device 6 is arranged in the process chamber 11, with which the loading unit 2 and the grinding unit 3 can be separated from the drying unit 4 and the packaging unit. Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, pages 35 / 39 25 / 26 packaging 5. The separation device 6 comprises steel as a refractory material and has a hinged door (not shown). To perform the method, a protective atmosphere is produced in the process chamber 11 by means of a fractional vacuum method using a vacuum pump 7. The protective atmosphere comprises at least 98% by volume of nitrogen, based on the total volume of the protective atmosphere. Nitrogen is fed from the container 8 through a first inlet opening in the grinding unit 3 and through a second inlet opening in the drying unit 4. The partial pressure of water in the protective atmosphere is less than 50 Pa and the partial pressure of oxygen is less than 30 mbar. A partially discharged battery is added to the charging unit 2 and then ground in the grinding unit 3 by means of a rotor grinder at 40 mbar.During grinding, drying unit 4 is already heated, so due to the residual heat from drying unit 4, grinding also occurs at a high temperature of 40 °C or more.

[066] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the drying unit 4 is arranged below the crushing unit 3, so that the battery parts obtained can fall from the crushing unit 3 into the drying unit 4 due to gravity. Subsequently, the process chamber 11 can be reduced in size by closing the hinged door of the separation device 6, so that only the part of the process chamber 11 in which the drying unit 4 and the packaging unit 5 are arranged has to be operated under vacuum and high temperature and the protective atmosphere has to be maintained. The battery parts are dried in the drying unit 4 at 40 mbar and 150 °C, a gas comprising an electrolyte being separated and removed from the process chamber 11 by means of a vapor filter 9. After drying, the battery parts have a remaining electrolyte content of less than 0.002% by weight, based on Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, pp. 36 / 39 26 / 26 total weight of battery parts. The dry battery parts are finally packed in packaging unit 5, each weighing 25 kg, in barrier packaging. During packaging, the pressure and protective atmosphere in process chamber 11 remain unchanged, but are no longer heated.

[067] FIG. 1 further shows that the gas removed by means of the vapor filter 9 is subsequently fed to an evaporator 10 in order to separate the electrolyte from the gas. The gas is cooled to less than 30 °C. As a result, more than 99% by weight of the electrolyte contained in the supplied battery can be recovered.

[068] A detail of the mobile device 1 of FIG. 1 is shown in longitudinal section in FIG. 2. It can be noted from this that the loading unit 2, the grinding unit 3, the drying unit 4 and the packaging unit 5 are arranged in the same process chamber 11 (indicated by a dashed line). As a result, the method was designed to be very efficient, since the definition of process parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature) is sufficient only for this process chamber. A protective atmosphere with controlled pressure, controlled temperature and controlled composition can be provided throughout the process chamber 11, so that the method can be carried out reproducibly and safely. Petition 870250097454, dated 10 / 24 / 2025, pp. 37 / 39

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. A method for recycling a battery, comprising the steps of (a) providing a battery that is at least partially discharged, (b) shredding the battery that is at least partially discharged in a process chamber (11) in order to obtain battery parts, (c) drying the battery parts in a process chamber (11) in order to obtain dry battery parts and a separate gas, and (d) packaging the dry battery parts in a package, characterized in that steps (b) and (c) are carried out in the same process chamber (11) with a uniform atmosphere, wherein a protective atmosphere is provided in the process chamber (11), wherein the protective atmosphere comprises at least 85% by volume of an inert gas, based on the total volume of the protective atmosphere.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the drying in step (c) is carried out at a pressure in the process chamber (11) in the range of 10 to 50 mbar.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that during drying in step (c), a vacuum pump (7) is operated in a hysteresis mode in order to generate vacuum in the process chamber (11).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the power of the vacuum pump (7) alternates between 0 and 60 kW in hysteresis mode.

5. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the drying in step (c) is carried out at a temperature in the range of 90 to 200 °C.

6. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the supplied battery contains an electrolyte that is at least partially contained in the separated gas, and in that after step (c), a remaining electrolyte content in the battery parts is 0.002% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the battery parts.

7. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the dry battery parts in step (d) are packed in 1 to 30 kg each.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises step (e): separating an electrolyte from the separated gas.

9. Mobile device (1) for recycling a battery using the method defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a charging unit (2) for charging the at least partially discharged battery, a shredding unit (3) for shredding the at least partially discharged battery, a drying unit (4) for drying the battery parts and a packaging unit (5) for packaging the dried battery parts, characterized in that the shredding unit (3) and the drying unit (4) are arranged in the same process chamber (11) with a uniform atmosphere, wherein a protective atmosphere is provided in the process chamber (11), wherein the protective atmosphere comprises at least 85% by volume of an inert gas, based on the total volume of the protective atmosphere.

10. Mobile device (1), according to claim 9, characterized in that it is configured to be accommodated in a container.

11. Mobile device (1), according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a separation device (6) is disposed in the process chamber (11), the separation device (6) being configured to separate the loading unit (2) and the grinding unit (3) from the drying unit (4) and the packaging unit (5).

12. Mobile device (1), according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, in an operational state of the mobile device (1), the drying unit (4) is arranged below the grinding unit (3).

13. Mobile device (1), according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, in an operational state of the mobile device (1), the packaging unit (5) is arranged below the drying unit (4).

14. Packaging, characterized in that it contains 1 to 30 kg of battery parts, obtained by a method defined in any one of claims 1 to 8. Petition 870250084808, dated 19 / 09 / 2025, pp. 91 / 91

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