Battery disassembling device and disassembling method

Abstract

The application relates to a battery disassembling device and a disassembling method. The battery disassembling device comprises a main body with a chamber for providing an inert environment for battery disassembling, and an executing mechanism arranged in the chamber and used for disassembling the battery. The executing mechanism comprises a fixing assembly comprising at least one fixing piece for fixing the position of the battery, a cutting assembly comprising at least one cutting piece for cutting the shell of the battery fixed to the fixing piece, so that the battery exposes the battery core in the shell, the battery core comprises an electrode and a diaphragm, a supporting assembly comprising at least one supporting piece for supporting the battery core separated from the shell, and a separating assembly comprising at least one clamping piece for separating the electrode and the diaphragm in the battery core and one telescopic piece capable of telescoping in the extension direction. The application can fix the battery, cut the shell to expose the battery core, and separate the diaphragm and the electrode in the battery core, so that the battery is disassembled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery recycling technology, and in particular to battery dismantling equipment and methods. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of lithium-ion battery technology, electric vehicle technology using lithium-ion batteries has emerged. The production of lithium battery vehicles requires a large amount of precious resources such as lithium, copper, aluminum and nickel. At the same time, a large number of lithium batteries in use need to be disposed of, including car batteries, power tool batteries, mobile phone batteries, etc. If waste batteries can be recycled and reused, resources will be greatly saved.

[0003] To recycle lithium batteries, the manufactured lithium batteries need to be disassembled. The traditional disassembly method is manual disassembly. However, manual disassembly carries the risk of contact with battery waste liquid, and batteries that are not fully discharged may explode or catch fire during disassembly, posing numerous safety issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a battery disassembly device and method that can avoid human contact, addressing the safety risks associated with manual battery disassembly.

[0005] The present invention provides a battery disassembly apparatus, comprising: a main body having a chamber for providing an inert environment for battery disassembly; and an execution mechanism disposed within the chamber for disassembling the battery; wherein the execution mechanism comprises: a fixing assembly including at least one fixing member for fixing the position of the battery; a cutting assembly including at least one cutting member for cutting the battery casing fixed to the fixing member, thereby exposing the battery cell located within the casing, the battery cell including electrodes and a separator; a supporting assembly including at least one supporting member for supporting the battery cell separated from the casing; and a separation assembly including at least one clamping member and a retractable member, the clamping member for separating the electrodes and separator in the battery cell, the retractable member being extendable in a extending direction, and the clamping member being connected to the retractable end of the retractable member.

[0006] The aforementioned battery disassembly device, through the cooperation of a fixing component, a cutting component, a supporting component, and a separating component, can fix the battery and cut the outer casing, and separate the separator and electrodes inside the battery cell, thereby achieving battery disassembly. By placing the battery disassembly actuator inside the main body, even if a fire or combustion occurs, it will not pose a danger to the outside world, thus solving the safety problem.

[0007] In one embodiment, the main body is provided with an air inlet, and the battery disassembly device further includes a gas transmission mechanism and a heating mechanism. The gas transmission mechanism is used to introduce gas into the chamber through the air inlet, so that the chamber can provide an inert environment for battery disassembly. The heating mechanism is used to heat the battery, so that the electrolyte of the battery changes from a first material form to a second material form. Introducing gas into the chamber can ensure that the chamber is in a specific atmosphere. For example, when an inert gas is introduced, it can prevent reaction combustion and fire. After the heating mechanism heats the battery, it can accelerate the change of the electrolyte from the first material form to the second material form, thereby accelerating the separation of the electrodes from the separator.

[0008] In one embodiment, the fixing assembly includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, and a driving member. The first and second fixing members are disposed opposite to each other, and the driving member is used to drive the first and second fixing members closer to or further apart. By providing two fixing members, clamping or loosening can be achieved by adjusting the distance between the two fixing members, and the driving member can accommodate batteries of different sizes and specifications.

[0009] In one embodiment, the drive component is also used to drive the first and / or second fixing members to rotate, enabling the battery to rotate. After the cutting assembly cuts the casing on one side of the battery, rotating the battery allows the other side of the battery casing to be cut.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cutting assembly includes a first movable member, a first cutting member, a second movable member, a second cutting member, and a moving shaft. The first and second cutting members are used to cut the outer casing, and the first and second movable members are respectively used to drive the first and second cutting members to move along the outer casing. The moving shaft is disposed between the first and second movable members, and the first and / or second movable members are movably connected to the moving shaft, allowing adjustment of the distance between the first and second movable members. The first cutting member is driven to move by the first movable member, and the second cutting member is driven to move by the second movable member, enabling cutting while moving linearly along the battery casing, thereby achieving cutting of the side of the battery casing. By providing a moving shaft between the first and second movable members, the distance between the first and second movable members can be adjusted to accommodate different battery widths.

[0011] In one embodiment, the battery disassembly device further includes a collection mechanism, which includes a suction component. The first and / or second cutting members have at least one opening. The air inlet of the suction component communicates with the opening, such that the first air pressure at the opening is greater than the second air pressure formed inside the suction component. When the cutting component cuts the battery casing, casing debris may be generated. By providing an opening on the first cutting member that communicates with the suction component, the suction component can remove the debris, reducing impurities.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first cutting element and / or the second cutting element has a first opening on the side facing the battery and a second opening on the side facing away from the battery, with the first and second openings staggered. Having openings on both sides of the cutting element allows for simultaneous absorption of impurities from both sides, and the staggered positions of the openings prevent contralateral gas flow, thus improving the adsorption effect on impurities from both sides.

[0013] In one embodiment, one retractable end of the telescopic member is connected to a first end of a clamping member capable of holding the separator, and a second end of the clamping member faces the battery cell, such that when the telescopic member extends, it can push the battery cell onto the support member. After the cutting assembly cuts the battery casing to expose the battery cell, the extension of the telescopic member can push the battery cell to move and allow the battery cell to be supported by the support member.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a disassembly method using the battery disassembly apparatus of any of the above embodiments, the method comprising: fixing the battery by at least one fixing member in the fixing assembly; cutting the battery casing by at least one cutting member in the cutting assembly to expose the battery cell located inside the casing, wherein the battery cell includes electrodes and a separator; moving the battery cell by a telescopic member in the separation assembly to separate the battery cell from the casing; supporting the battery cell separated from the casing by at least one support member in the support assembly; and separating the electrodes and separator in the battery cell by at least one clamping member in the separation assembly.

[0015] The disassembly method of the battery disassembly device in the above embodiments involves first fixing the battery with a fixing component, then cutting open the battery casing with a cutting component, pushing the battery cell inside the casing to a support component using a separation component, and then clamping the separator of the battery cell with the separation component. The battery cell naturally unfolds to achieve dewinding. After the electrolyte evaporates, the electrodes detach and can be collected. The method provided by the embodiments of the present invention is simple in process, utilizing the characteristic that the battery cell is wound in one direction and the weight of the electrodes is greater than the weight of the separator to achieve dewinding of the battery cell.

[0016] In one embodiment, the disassembly method of the battery disassembly device further includes: introducing gas into the chamber through a gas transmission mechanism to create an inert environment within the chamber; and heating the battery through a heating mechanism to transform the battery's electrolyte from a first physical state to a second physical state. Introducing gas into the chamber ensures that the chamber is in a specific atmosphere; for example, introducing inert gas can prevent reaction combustion and fire. Heating the battery through the heating mechanism accelerates the transformation of the electrolyte from the first physical state to the second physical state, thereby accelerating the separation of the electrodes from the separator. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main body of the battery disassembly device in one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 A perspective view of the battery disassembly apparatus in one embodiment with the main body removed;

[0019] Figure 3 A side view of the battery disassembly apparatus in one embodiment with the main body removed;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed component of the actuator in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting component of the actuator in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first cutting component in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the opening position of the first cutting element in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support assembly of the actuator in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a separate component of the actuator in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping component in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a disassembly method using the battery disassembly apparatus described above in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0033] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of this invention, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0035] See Figures 1-3 , Figures 1-3 A schematic diagram of a battery disassembly apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The battery disassembly apparatus includes a main body 10 and an execution mechanism 20 for performing battery disassembly operations. The main body 10 has a chamber inside, which provides an inert environment for battery disassembly. Schematably, during battery disassembly, by controlling the water and oxygen content inside the chamber to be lower than the water and oxygen content outside the chamber, fire is avoided during the battery disassembly operation. The execution mechanism 20 is disposed inside the chamber. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the main body 10 of a battery disassembly device in one embodiment is shown. The main body 10 can be square, circular or other arbitrary shapes, as long as it has a cavity capable of accommodating the actuator 20. Figure 2 A perspective view of a battery disassembly apparatus for removing the main body 10 is shown in one embodiment. The actuator 20 includes a fixing component 100 for fixing the battery position, a cutting component 200 for cutting the battery, a supporting component 300 for supporting the battery, and a separating component 400 for separating the battery. Figure 3 A side view of the battery disassembly apparatus without the main body 10 is shown in one embodiment. During battery disassembly, a disassembly program can be preset in the actuator 20, so that when the battery 40 is placed in a designated position, the program can be executed directly to complete the battery disassembly.

[0036] The fixing assembly 100 includes at least one fixing member, such as a first fixing member 110 or a second fixing member 120, which will be detailed below, and serves to fix the battery during battery disassembly. In one feasible implementation, the fixing assembly 100 includes a platform supporting the battery, supported by a hollow tube, one side of which faces the battery and the other side is connected to a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump creates a negative pressure in the tube, thereby attracting the battery. When the platform is equipped with a rotation drive component, the battery can be rotated about a first axis as the rotation center by driving the platform to rotate. The first axis can be the center line of the battery or an axis off-center. Specifically, the first axis can be a straight line perpendicular to the contact surface between the battery and the platform. In this case, the battery can be fixed and rotated simultaneously. In another feasible implementation, the fixing assembly 100 may include a pair of fixing members disposed inside the main body 10. The battery is fixed by adjusting the distance between these two fixing members. In this case, the battery can be rotated by providing a drive rotation mechanism for the fixing members.

[0037] The cutting assembly 200 includes at least one cutting element, such as the first cutting element 220, which will be detailed below, for cutting the battery to expose the separator and electrodes. The cutting method includes, but is not limited to, using a cutter or other tool capable of cutting. The cutter can be round, square, strip-shaped, or other shapes, as long as it can complete the cut. The battery is generally encased in a casing, such as aluminum in an aluminum-pack battery, where the casing is made of aluminum metal and the battery is housed within it. The battery includes electrodes, a separator, and an electrolyte. The electrodes include a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and the separator is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes. In some batteries, there are multiple layers of positive electrodes, multiple layers of negative electrodes, and at least one separator. The electrolyte is filled within the casing. In one feasible implementation, the cutting assembly 200 forms an opening after cutting the casing, thereby exposing the electrodes and separator.

[0038] The support assembly 300 includes at least one support member, such as support member 320 as detailed below, for supporting a battery cell detached from the battery casing. The support member may include a support surface, which may be square, circular, or other shapes. In one possible implementation, the support member defines a first extending direction and has an extending length in that direction, wherein the extending length is greater than or equal to the length of the battery cell in the first extending direction. The first extending direction may be the direction of a side line of the support surface, and the extending length may be the length of the support surface in the first extending direction. This arrangement enables the support assembly 300 to support the battery cell, for example, if the support surface is square, the first extending direction is the direction of a side line of the square, and the extending length is the length of the battery cell.

[0039] The separation assembly 400 includes at least one clamping member, such as clamping member 420 as detailed below, for separating the electrodes and separator in the battery cell. It also includes a retractable member capable of extending and retracting along a first extension direction, such as retractable member 430 as detailed below. One retractable end of the retractable member is connected to the clamping member. When the retractable member extends or retracts, it causes displacement of the clamping member. After the battery cell is exposed by removing the battery casing from the cutting assembly 200, the retractable member extends or retracts in the first extension direction, causing displacement of the clamping member, thereby pushing or pulling the battery cell relative to the casing, thus separating the battery cell from the casing. Simultaneously, the clamping member also clamps the separator. When only the separator is clamped by the clamping member, since the weight of the electrodes is greater than the weight of the separator, the battery cell will naturally unwind and fall in the opposite direction of winding under the action of gravity, achieving anti-winding of the battery cell. In the initial stage of reverse winding of the battery cell, the electrolyte may still be in a liquid state, causing the electrodes to adhere to the separator. After the electrolyte evaporates, the electrodes dry out and fall off naturally.

[0040] Please continue reading. Figure 1 In some embodiments, the main body 10 includes an openable and closable component 11, such as an openable door or an openable window. When the openable component 11 is open, the battery can pass through it, including inserting the battery before disassembly or removing it after disassembly. The insertion and removal actions can be performed by an operator or by other auxiliary mechanical devices. When the openable component 11 is closed, the chamber of the main body 10 forms a sealed space. This sealed space is not absolutely sealed; gas can be continuously injected into or continuously evacuated from the chamber, allowing the gas inside to flow unidirectionally to a waste collection device to prevent waste generated during battery disassembly from polluting the external environment. At this time, the disassembly operation of the battery can be completed by the actuator 20. Optionally, a portion of the main body 10 uses a transparent material, such as an acrylic sheet or a glass plate, to facilitate observation of the interior by an operator from the outside of the main body 10.

[0041] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the battery disassembly device can also be equipped with a control center (not shown in the figure). The control center can be a PLC controller or other device with control functions. The control center is electrically connected to the fixing component 100, cutting component 200, support component 300, and separation component 400, and controls the execution of the fixing component 100, cutting component 200, support component 300, and separation component 400. In this case, a display unit 12 and a control unit 13 can be provided on the main body 10. Both the display unit 12 and the control unit 13 are electrically connected to the control center. The control unit 13 is used to control the fixing component 100, cutting component 200, support component 300, and separation component 400 through the control center, and the display unit 12 is used to display the execution status of each component. This arrangement allows the operator to control the actuator 20 located inside the cavity of the main body 10 from outside the main body 10, thus completing the battery disassembly operation.

[0042] In some embodiments, the main body 10 is provided with an air inlet 14 and an air outlet (not shown in the figure), allowing gas to enter through the air inlet 14 and exit through the air outlet. The battery disassembly device also includes a gas transmission mechanism (not shown in the figure), used to input gas into the chamber of the main body 10 through the air inlet 14, so that the gas environment inside the chamber is different from the gas environment outside the chamber; wherein, the gas input into the chamber by the gas transmission mechanism can be an inert gas, nitrogen, or other flame-retardant gas. Since the battery may still have a certain voltage during disassembly, it may release heat and burn or even explode when it encounters moisture in the air. By continuously inputting nitrogen or inert gas into the chamber through the gas transmission mechanism, an inert environment is maintained inside the chamber, preventing accidents such as fire or deflagration of the battery during disassembly, and improving safety.

[0043] The gas transmission mechanism can also be equipped with a heating mechanism 15 (see [link]). Figure 2 , Figure 2After the main body 10 is concealed, the heating mechanism 15 is suspended in the air. In practice, the heating mechanism 15 can be installed inside the cavity of the main body 10 (for example, it can be suspended on the side wall, top, or placed directly at the bottom of the cavity). The heating mechanism 15 is used to heat the battery, causing the electrolyte of the battery to change from a first material state to a second material state, for example, by causing the liquid electrolyte to evaporate into a gaseous state. During the battery disassembly process, after the battery casing is cut open, the electrolyte inside the casing will evaporate. On the one hand, the electrolyte may contain substances harmful to the human body; on the other hand, the electrolyte can be recycled and reused. The heating mechanism 15 can heat the battery, causing the electrolyte to evaporate faster. When the gas transmission mechanism continuously inputs gas into the air inlet 14, the evaporated electrolyte can be discharged from the air outlet along with the gas. The electrolyte can be recovered by setting an electrolyte recovery device at the air outlet, for example, by setting a condenser tube. When the electrolyte vaporizes and is discharged from the air outlet by the heating mechanism 15, it enters the condenser tube for cooling and liquefaction, thereby realizing the recovery and reuse of the electrolyte.

[0044] Please also refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the fixing assembly 100 of the actuator 20 in one embodiment is shown. A first frame 16 and a second frame 17 are disposed opposite to each other within the cavity of the main body 10. Specifically, the first frame 16 may be disposed at the top of the cavity, and the second frame 17 may be disposed at the bottom of the cavity. The fixing assembly 100 includes a first fixing member 110, a second fixing member 120, and a driving member 130. The first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 120 are disposed opposite to each other. The first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 120 may be telescopic structures. The driving member 130 is used to drive the first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 120 to move closer or further apart. The driving component 130 can be a drive motor, which can drive only the first fixing member 110 to produce displacement, or drive only the second fixing member 120 to produce displacement. The driving component 130 can also drive the first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 120 to move towards each other or away from each other. When the first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 120 move towards each other, the distance between them shortens, and the battery 40 can be clamped and fixed when it is placed. The driving component 130 is also used to drive the first fixing member 110 and / or the second fixing member 120 to rotate, so that after the battery 40 is clamped and fixed, the rotation of the first fixing member 110 and / or the second fixing member 120 is controlled to drive the rotation of the battery 40.

[0045] In one feasible implementation, the first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 120 are both lead screws with a clamp at one end, the two clamps are opposite to each other, and the driving component 130 includes two through-type lead screw motors that control the first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 120 respectively, so that the first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 120 can rotate simultaneously when driving the first fixing member 110 and the second fixing member 120 to move.

[0046] Please also see Figure 5 , Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cutting assembly 200 of the actuator in one embodiment is shown. The cutting assembly 200 includes a first moving member 210 and a first cutting member 220. The first cutting member 220 is used to cut the battery casing, and the first moving member 210 is used to move the first cutting member 220 to a designated position. The first cutting member 220 can be made of a non-metallic material, such as ceramic. The first cutting member 220 can be circular, annular, square, or other shapes capable of cutting. It can have serrations around its perimeter and can be driven by a drive mechanism to cut the battery, for example, by driving the first cutting member 220 to rotate and cut. The cutting assembly 200 defines a second extension direction, and the first moving member 210 is used to drive the first cutting member 220 to move in the second extension direction. The second extension direction can be a direction that is approximately parallel to the battery casing, so that after the first cutting member 220 is activated, the first moving member 210 can drive the first cutting member 220 to move along the battery casing. In one feasible cutting method, the battery position is adjusted by the fixing component 100 so that the first cutting piece 220 contacts the battery casing. The drive mechanism of the first cutting piece 220 is activated to rotate and cut the battery. Then, the first moving component 210 moves the first cutting piece 220 along the battery casing until the casing is cut. After cutting one side of the battery casing, the fixing component 100 can be used to rotate the battery to cut the other side of the battery casing.

[0047] The first moving member 210 includes a first connecting member 211, a driving member 212, and a first threaded rod 213. The first threaded rod 213 has an external thread. The first end of the first connecting member 211 is connected to the first cutting member 220, and the second end is threadedly engaged with the first threaded rod 213. The driving member 212 is used to drive the rotation of the first threaded rod 213, thereby causing the first connecting member 211 to move, which in turn causes the first cutting member 220 to move in the extension direction of the first threaded rod 213. Specifically, the first threaded rod 213 can be used as a lead screw, and the first connecting member 211 has balls, which engage with the lead screw to achieve a ball screw engagement.

[0048] Please also see Figure 2 and Figure 6 , Figure 6A schematic diagram of the structure of the first cutting member of the actuator in one embodiment is shown. The battery disassembly device also includes a collection mechanism 30, which has a suction assembly 31. The first cutting member 220 has at least one opening 221. The air inlet of the suction assembly communicates with the opening 221, such that the first air pressure at the opening is greater than the second air pressure formed inside the suction assembly. The collection mechanism 30 can be configured outside or inside the main body 10, and optionally, it can be configured on the first frame 16. In one feasible implementation, the first moving member 210 has a hollow pipe 214, one end of which communicates with the opening 221, and the other end is connected to the suction assembly via a pipe. When the suction assembly is working, a negative pressure is formed, causing the gas near the opening 221 to be drawn into the collection mechanism 30. When the first cutting member 220 cuts the battery casing, debris may be generated. At this time, under the action of the suction assembly, the debris generated by cutting can be drawn into the collection mechanism 30, reducing impurities.

[0049] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 An enlarged view of the first cutting member 220 in one embodiment is shown, illustrating the location of the openings. The first cutting member 220 has openings 221 on both the side facing the battery and the side facing away from the battery, and the openings on both sides are staggered. Schematably, the first opening 221a represents the opening on the side of the first cutting member 220 facing the battery, and the second opening 221b represents the opening on the side of the first cutting member facing away from the battery. The projections of the first opening 221a and the second opening 221b do not overlap. This arrangement allows for the simultaneous extraction of debris and impurities from both sides of the first cutting member 220. Conversely, if the first opening 221a and the second opening 221b had overlapping through portions, debris would be unable to enter the hollow conduit 214, reducing efficiency.

[0050] The cutting assembly 200 may also include a second moving member 230 and a second cutting member 240 disposed on the other side of the battery. The second moving member 230 and the second cutting member 240 have a structure that is substantially the same as that of the first moving member 210 and the first cutting member 220 and are disposed opposite to each other, so that both sides of the battery can be cut at the same time, reducing the number of times the fixing assembly 100 rotates the battery.

[0051] Please continue reading Figure 5The cutting assembly 200 may further include a moving shaft 250 disposed on one side of the first moving member 210 and the second moving member 230. The first moving member 210 and / or the second moving member 230 are movably connected to the moving shaft 250. A driving mechanism (not shown in the figure) is provided to enable the first moving member 210 and / or the second moving member 230 to move on the moving shaft 250, thereby allowing adjustment of the distance between the first moving member 210 and the second moving member 230 to adapt to different battery sizes. In one feasible implementation, the moving shaft 250 is a lead screw, and the first moving member 210 and the second moving member 230 are threadedly connected to the lead screw. The threads on the lead screw that connect to the first moving member 210 and the second moving member 230 are opposite. Rotating the lead screw by the driving mechanism enables the first moving member 210 and the second moving member 230 to move towards each other or in opposite directions.

[0052] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the support assembly of the actuator in one embodiment. The support assembly 300 includes a third moving member 310 and a support member 320. The support member 320 has a support surface. The third moving member 310 includes a support drive end 311, a second threaded rod 312, and a second connecting member 313. One end of the second connecting member 313 is connected to the support member 320, and the other end is threadedly connected to the second threaded rod 312. The support drive end 311 is used to drive the second threaded rod 312 to rotate, causing the second connecting member 313 to move, thereby driving the support member 320 to move. Specifically, the direction of movement can be consistent with the direction in which the fixing assembly 100 moves the battery, so that the support member 320 can be positioned in front of the battery. After the battery cell is pushed out by the separating assembly 400, the battery cell can reach the support surface of the support member 320 and be supported thereon. Specifically, a first base 330 can also be provided at the bottom of the third moving member 310, and a first support plate can be provided on one side for fixing. In one embodiment, the support member 320 includes a first clamp 321 and a second clamp 322 disposed opposite to each other. The first clamp 321 and the second clamp 322 are driven to move toward each other by a driving mechanism (not shown in the figure) to achieve clamping, so that the support member 320 can assist the fixing assembly 100 in fixing the battery, and the length of the first clamp 321 is at least sufficient to support the battery cell, so that the battery cell can be further clamped after it reaches the support member 320.

[0053] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the separation assembly of the actuator in one embodiment. In some embodiments, the separation assembly 400 includes a clamping member 420 and a retractable member 430 capable of extending and retracting along a first extension direction. The clamping member 420 is connected to the retractable side of the retractable member 430, which is supported by a fourth moving member 410. The fourth moving member 410 includes a third threaded rod 412 and a decoupling drive end 411 for driving the third threaded rod 412 to rotate. The fixed end of the retractable member 430 is threadedly connected to the third threaded rod 412, and the retractable end of the retractable member 430 is connected to the clamping member 420. The retractable member 430 can be driven by a drive mechanism. When the decoupling drive end 411 drives the third threaded rod 412 to rotate, it can drive the retractable member 430 to move along the axial direction of the third threaded rod 412. When the telescopic member 430 moves to the designated position, so that the clamping member 420 faces the battery cell, the telescopic member 430 extends and drives the clamping member 420 to push the battery cell out of the casing.

[0054] The separation assembly 400 may also be provided with a second support plate 413 and a second base 414. The second support plate 413 is used to support the anti-winding drive end 411 and the third thread 412. The second support plate 413 is disposed on the second base 414. The second support plate 413 and the second base 414 are used to support the separation assembly 400.

[0055] Please also see Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping member in one embodiment. In some embodiments, the clamping member 420 includes a first clamping part 421 and a second clamping part 422 disposed opposite to each other. The first clamping part 421 and the second clamping part 422 are movably connected. The movable connection can be a rotational connection, a sliding connection, etc. In a feasible implementation, the first clamping part 421 and the second clamping part 422 are rotatably connected about the axis of the telescopic member 430, so that the first clamping part 421 and the second clamping part 422 can move closer to each other or further away from each other. On the one hand, when the first clamping part 421 and the second clamping part 422 move closer to each other, the distance between them decreases, thereby clamping the cell separator. On the other hand, by adjusting the distance between the first clamping part 421 and the second clamping part 422, the overall height can be changed, and cells of different specifications can be pushed out. When the battery cell is wound with a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, the separator is located between the positive and negative electrodes. When one end of the separator is clamped, the electrodes, being heavier, will naturally unwind and hang down under gravity, achieving dewinding. After the electrolyte evaporates, the positive and negative electrodes separate from the separator and fall, thus enabling electrode collection. When the first clamping part 421 and the second clamping part 422 move away from each other, the clamping of the separator is released, allowing the separator to be removed.

[0056] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 A disassembly method using the above-described battery disassembly apparatus is shown in one embodiment. The method includes:

[0057] S1102, the battery is secured by at least one of the fasteners in the fixing assembly 100.

[0058] S1104, the battery casing is cut open by at least one cutting element in the cutting assembly 200, so that the battery cell located inside the casing is exposed, wherein the cell includes electrodes and a separator.

[0059] S1106, the battery cell is moved by the retractable part in the separation component 400, so that the battery cell is separated from the casing.

[0060] S1108, the cell separated from the housing is supported by at least one support member in the support assembly 300.

[0061] S1110, the electrodes and separator in the cell are separated by at least one clamping member in the separation assembly 400.

[0062] The disassembly method of the above-mentioned battery disassembly device, through the cooperation of multiple components, can remove the battery casing and then reverse-wind the battery cell to disassemble the battery. The electrodes obtained from the disassembly can be recycled, realizing the secondary utilization of important metal resources.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method further includes: introducing gas into the chamber via a gas transmission mechanism, such that the gas environment inside the chamber differs from the gas environment outside the chamber; and heating the battery via a heating mechanism, causing the electrolyte of the battery to change from a first physical form to a second physical form. In this embodiment, introducing gas into the chamber via the gas transmission mechanism provides an inert environment for battery disassembly; that is, after the battery in the chamber is disassembled, the exposed cells can be placed in this inert environment, thereby preventing cell combustion due to oxidation. Heating the battery via the heating mechanism accelerates the evaporation of the electrolyte in the battery, allowing it to be discharged from the chamber with the flow of the introduced gas. The electrolyte discharged from the chamber can be disposed of as hazardous waste or recovered through condensation.

[0064] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0065] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery disassembly device, characterized by, The battery disassembling device comprises: a main body having a chamber for providing an inert environment for battery disassembly; and an execution mechanism configured in the chamber and used for disassembling the battery; wherein the execution mechanism comprises: a fixing assembly comprising a first fixing member, a second fixing member and a driving component, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are oppositely arranged, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are telescopic structures, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are used for fixing the position of the battery; the driving component is used for driving the first fixing member and the second fixing member to move closer to or away from each other, and the driving component is also used for driving the first fixing member and the second fixing member to rotate; a cutting assembly comprising a first cutting member, a second cutting member, a first moving member, a second moving member, a moving shaft and a driving mechanism, the first cutting member and the second cutting member are oppositely arranged, the first cutting member and the second cutting member are used for cutting the shells on both sides of the battery, so that the battery exposes the battery cell located in the shell, the battery cell comprises an electrode and a separator; the first moving member is used to drive the first cutting member to move to a specified position in a second extension direction, the second moving member is used to drive the first cutting member to move to a specified position in the second extension direction, the first moving member and / or the second moving member are movably connected with the moving shaft, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the first moving member and the second moving member to move on the moving shaft; a supporting assembly, the supporting assembly at least comprises a third moving member and a supporting member, the supporting member is used for supporting the battery cell separated from the shell, the supporting member defines a first extension direction and has an extension length in the first extension direction, the supporting member comprises oppositely arranged first and second clamps, the first and second clamps are used for clamping the battery cell on the supporting member, the third moving member is used to drive the supporting member to move, and the moving direction is consistent with the direction in which the fixing assembly drives the battery to move; and a separating assembly, the separating assembly at least comprises a clamping member and a telescopic member, the clamping member is connected with one end of the telescopic member in a telescopic manner, the clamping member is used for clamping the separator, the second end of the clamping member faces the battery cell, and the telescopic member can be telescoped along the first extension direction, and the telescopic member is supported by a fourth moving member; the clamping member comprises oppositely arranged first and second clamping portions, and the first and second clamping portions are rotatably connected with the axis of the telescopic member as the rotation axis; the battery disassembling device further comprises a heating mechanism, the heating mechanism is used for heating the battery, so that the electrolyte of the battery changes from a first substance form to a second substance form; the battery disassembling device further comprises a collecting mechanism, the collecting mechanism is provided with an air extraction assembly, at least one opening is arranged on the first cutting member and / or the second cutting member, the air inlet of the air extraction assembly is in communication with the opening, so that the first air pressure at the opening is greater than the second air pressure formed in the air extraction assembly. The first cutting member and / or the second cutting member is provided with a first opening hole on the side facing the battery and a second opening hole on the side away from the battery, and the positions of the first opening hole and the second opening hole are staggered.

2. The battery disassembly device of claim 1, wherein, The main body is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, and the battery disassembling device further comprises a gas transmission mechanism; the gas transmission mechanism is used for inputting gas into the chamber through the air inlet, so that the chamber can provide an inert environment for battery disassembly; the air outlet is used for discharging electrolyte volatilized when the battery is heated.

3. The battery disassembly device of claim 1, wherein, The fourth moving member comprises a third threaded rod and an anti-winding driving end for driving the third threaded rod to rotate, and one end of the telescopic member is fixedly connected with the third threaded rod in a threaded manner.

4. The battery disassembly device of claim 1, wherein, The length of the supporting member in the first extension direction is greater than or equal to the length of the battery cell in the first extension direction.

5. The battery disassembly device of claim 1, wherein, The main body comprises an openable and closable member, which is an openable and closable door or an openable and closable window.

6. A disassembling method using the battery disassembling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, The method comprises: fixing the battery through at least one fixing member in the fixing assembly; cutting the shell of the battery through at least one cutting member in the cutting assembly, so that the battery exposes the battery cell located in the shell, wherein the battery cell comprises an electrode and a diaphragm; moving the battery cell through the telescopic member in the separating assembly, so that the battery cell is separated from the shell; supporting the battery cell separated from the shell through at least one supporting member in the supporting assembly; separating the electrode and the diaphragm in the battery cell through at least one clamping member in the separating assembly.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further comprises: inputting gas into the chamber through the gas transmission mechanism, so that the chamber is in an inert environment; heating the battery through the heating mechanism, so that the electrolyte of the battery changes from a first substance form to a second substance form.

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