Battery recirculation system, control method and control program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery recirculation system, a control method and a control program product. A battery recycling system according to the present disclosure includes: a discharge device configured to discharge a secondary battery to be recycled; a primary crushing device configured to crush a case of the secondary battery that has been discharged to expose an electrode material of the secondary battery; an electrolyte solution recovery device configured to heat the secondary battery whose electrode material has been exposed in a reduced pressure environment to recover an electrolyte solution contained in the electrode material; a secondary crushing device configured to further crush the secondary battery whose electrolyte solution has been recovered; a sorting device configured to sort crushed objects of the secondary battery crushed by the secondary crushing device; and an adjusting device configured to adjust an atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device to an N2 atmosphere.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery recycling system, a control method, and a control program. Background Technology

[0002] When secondary batteries (such as nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries) are recycled, it is necessary to accurately sort the fragments generated by crushing the secondary batteries while reducing CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a crushing and sorting apparatus for improving the collection capacity of active materials included in the electrode materials of secondary batteries.

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-73986 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 has the following problem: Although the secondary battery is broken after discharge, the separator in the secondary battery melts due to the short circuit caused by the broken secondary battery due to the presence of the remaining electrolyte solution in the secondary battery, and the melted separator adheres to the electrode material, which prevents the broken parts of the secondary battery from being accurately sorted.

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above background technology, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery recycling system, a control method and a control program that can accurately classify broken parts of a secondary battery and effectively recycle them, while reducing CO2 emissions through non-catalytic pyrolysis.

[0006] The battery recycling system according to this disclosure further includes: a discharge device configured to discharge the secondary battery to be recycled; a primary crushing device configured to crush the casing of the discharged secondary battery to expose the electrode material of the secondary battery; an electrolyte solution recovery device configured to heat the secondary battery with its exposed electrode material under reduced pressure to recover the electrolyte solution contained in the electrode material; a secondary crushing device configured to further crush the secondary battery with its recovered electrolyte solution; a sorting device configured to sort the broken pieces of the secondary battery crushed by the secondary crushing device; and an adjustment device configured to adjust the atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device to an N2 atmosphere. The battery recycling system according to this disclosure adjusts the atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device to an N2 atmosphere and reduces the oxygen concentration, thereby more reliably preventing overheating due to short circuits in the broken secondary batteries. Therefore, the battery recycling system according to this disclosure can prevent the separator in the broken secondary battery from melting and prevent the melted separator from adhering to the electrode material, and further prevent the oxidation of the powdery fragments of the secondary battery, thereby accurately classifying the fragments of the secondary battery. In other words, the battery recycling system according to this disclosure can accurately classify the fragments of the secondary battery and effectively recycle the fragments, while reducing CO2 emissions caused by non-catalytic pyrolysis.

[0007] The adjusting device can adjust the amount of N2 supplied so that the oxygen concentration in each of the primary crushing device, electrolyte solution recovery device, secondary crushing device, and sorting device becomes equal to or less than 2%.

[0008] The adjusting device can adjust the amount of N2 supplied so that the oxygen concentration in each of the primary crushing unit and the electrolyte solution recovery unit becomes equal to or less than 2%, and the oxygen concentration in each of the secondary crushing unit and the sorting unit becomes equal to or less than 6%.

[0009] Once the oxygen concentration in each of the primary crushing device, electrolyte solution recovery device, secondary crushing device, and sorting device has been adjusted to the required oxygen concentration by the adjustment device, each of the primary crushing device, electrolyte solution recovery device, secondary crushing device, and sorting device can begin operation.

[0010] Secondary batteries are either lithium-ion batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries.

[0011] In the control method of the battery recycling system according to this disclosure, the battery recycling system: discharges the secondary battery to be recycled using a discharge device; breaks the casing of the discharged secondary battery using a primary crushing device to expose the electrode material of the secondary battery; heats the secondary battery with exposed electrode material using an electrolyte solution recovery device under reduced pressure to recover the electrolyte solution contained in the electrode material; further crushes the secondary battery with recovered electrolyte solution using a secondary crushing device; and classifies the broken pieces of the secondary battery crushed by the secondary crushing device using a sorting device, wherein the atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device, electrolyte solution recovery device, secondary crushing device, and sorting device is adjusted to an N2 atmosphere. In the control method of the battery recycling system according to this disclosure, the atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device, electrolyte solution recovery device, secondary crushing device, and sorting device is adjusted to an N2 atmosphere, and the oxygen concentration is reduced, thereby more reliably preventing overheating due to short circuits in the broken secondary batteries. Therefore, by utilizing the control method of the battery recycling system according to this disclosure, melting of the separator in the broken secondary battery and adhesion of the melted separator to the electrode material can be prevented, and oxidation of the powdery fragments of the secondary battery can be further prevented, thereby enabling accurate classification of the fragments from the secondary battery. In other words, by utilizing the control method of the battery recycling system according to this disclosure, fragments from the secondary battery can be accurately classified and effectively recycled, while reducing CO2 emissions caused by non-catalytic pyrolysis.

[0012] The control program according to this disclosure is a control program for causing a computer to perform the following processes: discharging a secondary battery to be recycled using a discharge device; crushing the casing of a discharged secondary battery using a primary crushing device to expose the electrode material of the secondary battery; heating the secondary battery with exposed electrode material using an electrolyte solution recovery device under reduced pressure to recover the electrolyte solution contained in the electrode material; further crushing the secondary battery with recovered electrolyte solution using a secondary crushing device; and sorting the fragments of the secondary battery crushed by the secondary crushing device using a sorting device, and causing the computer to further perform a process of adjusting the atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device to an N2 atmosphere. By adjusting the atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device to an N2 atmosphere and reducing the oxygen concentration using the control program according to this disclosure, overheating due to short circuits in the crushed secondary battery can be more reliably prevented. Therefore, by using the control program according to this disclosure, melting of the separator in the broken secondary battery can be prevented and adhesion of the melted separator to the electrode material can be prevented, and oxidation of the powdery fragments of the secondary battery can be further prevented, thereby enabling accurate classification of the fragments from the secondary battery. In other words, by using the control program according to this disclosure, the fragments from the secondary battery can be accurately classified and effectively recycled, while reducing CO2 emissions from non-catalytic pyrolysis.

[0013] According to this disclosure, a battery recycling system, a control method, and a control program can be provided, which can accurately classify and effectively recycle fragments of a secondary battery while reducing CO2 emissions from non-catalytic pyrolysis.

[0014] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a battery recycling system according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of a battery recycling system according to the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of an adjustment device disposed in a battery recycling system according to the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a primary crushing device installed in a battery recycling system according to the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an electrolyte solution recovery device installed in a battery recycling system according to the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a secondary crushing device installed in a battery recycling system according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 A diagram showing a specific example of a screen installed in a secondary crushing apparatus according to this disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a sorting device disposed in a battery recycling system according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the following, specific embodiments of the application of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, for clarity of description, the following description and drawings have been appropriately omitted.

[0024] <First Example Implementation Plan>

[0025] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a battery recycling system 1 according to a first example embodiment. The battery recycling system 1 is a system for breaking up secondary batteries (TG) to be recycled and classifying the broken parts, etc., for each type of material. The classified broken parts, etc., are recycled for various applications. The battery recycling system 1 adjusts the atmosphere in each device to a nitrogen (N2) atmosphere and reduces the oxygen concentration, thereby more reliably preventing heating due to short circuits in the broken secondary batteries. Therefore, the battery recycling system 1 can prevent the separators in the broken secondary batteries from melting and prevent melted separators from adhering to the electrode materials, and further prevent oxidation of the powdery broken parts of the secondary batteries, thereby accurately classifying the broken parts of the secondary batteries. In other words, the battery recycling system 1 can accurately classify the broken parts of the secondary batteries and efficiently recycle them, while reducing CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions due to non-catalytic pyrolysis. A detailed explanation will be given below.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, the battery recycling system 1 includes a discharge device 11, a primary crushing device 12, an electrolyte solution recovery device 13, a secondary crushing device 14, a sorting device 15, and an adjustment device 16. Note that the processes in each of the discharge device 11, primary crushing device 12, electrolyte solution recovery device 13, secondary crushing device 14, sorting device 15, and adjustment device 16 are executed in response to commands given by a control device (not shown). Note that a portion of the processes in the discharge device 11, primary crushing device 12, electrolyte solution recovery device 13, secondary crushing device 14, sorting device 15, and adjustment device 16 can be performed by user operation. For example, the processes of discharging the secondary battery through the discharge device 11 and introducing the discharged secondary battery into the primary crushing device 12 can be performed by user operation.

[0027] The discharge device 11 is a device for discharging the secondary battery TG to be recycled. The discharge device 11 connects, for example, the secondary battery TG to a predetermined resistive element, thereby discharging the secondary battery TG. The discharge device 11 may be a tray placed until the secondary battery TG is completely discharged.

[0028] The rechargeable battery (TG) to be recycled is, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The TG includes electrode materials and a housing containing the electrode materials. The electrode materials include a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a separator disposed between the negative and positive electrodes, and an electrolyte solution.

[0029] In lithium-ion batteries, the casing is formed of, for example, Al (aluminum). Cu (copper) is used as the current collector for the negative electrode, and graphite (C) is used as the active material for the negative electrode. Al is used as the current collector for the positive electrode, and a metal compound containing Li (lithium) is used as the active material for the positive electrode. Organic solvents (such as ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate) and electrolytes (such as lithium salts) are used for the electrolyte solution. Resins (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) are used for the separator. Furthermore, materials such as Fe (iron) are used, for example, for bolts to secure the electrode materials housed within the casing.

[0030] In nickel-metal hydride batteries, the casing is formed of resin or the like. A hydrogen-absorbing alloy is used for the negative electrode, and nickel hydroxide is used for the positive electrode. Potassium hydroxide solution is used for the electrolyte solution. Resins (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) are used for the separator. Additionally, materials such as Fe are used for the external terminals.

[0031] The primary crushing device 12 crushes the casing of the discharged secondary battery TG to expose the electrode material of the secondary battery TG. Therefore, the electrolyte solution contained in the electrode material can be recovered in the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 provided in a subsequent stage. Furthermore, the primary crushing device 12 cuts the sheet-like separator, which is one of the components of the electrode material, into smaller pieces. Therefore, entanglement of the separator in the device provided in the subsequent stage can be reduced (which could occur if the separator is not cut into smaller pieces), thereby suppressing the degradation of processing performance in the device provided in the subsequent stage.

[0032] The electrolyte solution recovery device 13 heats the fragmented material (also called fragmented material TG) of the secondary battery TG, which has been broken by the primary crushing device 12, under reduced pressure, thereby distilling the electrolyte solution contained in the fragmented material TG and recovering the distilled electrolyte solution. Therefore, the battery recycling system 1 can prevent heating due to short circuits in the broken secondary battery TG, thereby preventing the separators in the broken secondary battery TG from melting and preventing melted separators from adhering to the electrode material. Thus, the battery recycling system 1 can prevent deterioration in the accuracy of classifying the fragmented material generated by breaking the secondary battery TG.

[0033] After the electrolyte solution is recovered, the secondary crushing device 14 further crushes the fragments of the secondary battery TG (also called fragmented TG). The primary crushing device 12, installed in the previous stage, crushes the secondary battery TG to such an extent that the electrode materials are exposed and the sheet-like separators are cut into small pieces. On the other hand, after the electrolyte solution is recovered more finely, the secondary crushing device 14 crushes the fragments of the secondary battery TG. Therefore, the battery recycling system 1 can finely classify the fragments of the secondary battery TG for each type of material.

[0034] The sorting device 15 performs fine sorting of the crushed objects (also called crushed objects TG) of the secondary battery TG crushed by the secondary crushing device 14 for each type of material. For example, the sorting device 15 uses multiple sieves with different openings to perform fine sorting of the crushed objects TG for each type of material.

[0035] The adjusting device 16 adjusts the atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device 12, the electrolyte solution recovery device 13, the secondary crushing device 14, and the sorting device 15 to an N2 atmosphere, thereby setting the oxygen concentration in each device to be equal to or less than an acceptable value. Specifically, the adjusting device 16 may set the oxygen concentration in each of the primary crushing device 12 and the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 to be equal to or less than 2%, and the oxygen concentration in each of the secondary crushing device 14 and the sorting device 15 to be equal to or less than 6%. Alternatively, the adjusting device 16 may uniformly set the oxygen concentration in each of devices 12-15 to be equal to or less than 2%.

[0036] Utilizing the above structure, even when the electrolyte solution remains in the broken secondary battery TG in each of devices 12-15, the battery recirculation system 1 can more reliably prevent heating due to short circuits in the broken secondary battery TG. Therefore, the battery recirculation system 1 can prevent the separator in the broken secondary battery TG from melting and prevent the melted separator from adhering to the electrode material, and further prevent oxidation of the powdery fragments of the secondary battery TG, thereby allowing for accurate classification of the fragments. In other words, the battery recirculation system 1 can accurately classify the fragments of the secondary battery TG and effectively recycle the fragments, while reducing CO2 emissions due to non-catalytic pyrolysis.

[0037] Preferably, the battery recirculation system 1 does not begin operation of devices 12-15 until the oxygen concentration in each of the devices 12-15 becomes equal to or less than an acceptable value. If the oxygen concentration in any of the devices 12-15 has exceeded the acceptable value after operation of the devices 12-15 has begun, the battery recirculation system 1 may stop operation of the device or all devices 12-15 whose oxygen concentration has exceeded the acceptable value. Furthermore, the battery recirculation system 1 may include an output device that outputs information indicating that the oxygen concentration in any of the devices 12-15 has exceeded the acceptable value. The output device may, for example, output voice indicating that the oxygen concentration in any of the devices 12-15 has exceeded the acceptable value from a speaker, or display the information on a monitor. The battery recycling system 1 may further include an analysis device that analyzes, for example, images captured by a camera, the degree of adhesion between the separator and the electrode material due to separator melting, and an adjustment device 16 may be configured to adjust the acceptable value of the oxygen concentration set in each of the devices 12-15 based on the analysis results from the analysis device. For example, when the degree of adhesion between the separator and the electrode material is high, the adjustment device 16 may set the acceptable value of the oxygen concentration in each of the devices 12-15 to be low.

[0038] (Process flow of battery recycling system 1)

[0039] Next, refer to Figure 2 The process flow of battery recycling system 1 will be described. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the battery recycling system 1.

[0040] First, the battery recirculation system 1 discharges the secondary battery TG to be recirculated using the discharge device 11 (step S101).

[0041] Subsequently, the battery recirculation system 1 uses a primary crushing device 12 to crush the discharged secondary battery TG (step S102). Specifically, the battery recirculation system 1 crushes the casing of the discharged secondary battery TG to expose the electrode material of the secondary battery TG, and cuts the sheet-like separator, which is one of the components of the electrode material, into small pieces.

[0042] Subsequently, the battery recirculation system 1 heats the broken object (broken object TG) of the secondary battery TG broken by the primary crushing device 12 under reduced pressure using the electrolyte solution recovery device 13, thereby distilling the electrolyte solution contained in the broken object TG and recovering the distilled electrolyte solution (step S103).

[0043] After a more refined recovery of the electrolyte solution, the battery recirculation system 1 uses a secondary crushing device 14 to crush the secondary battery TG into fragments (fragmented TG) (step S104).

[0044] Then, the battery recycling system 1 uses the sorting device 15 to sort the broken objects (broken objects TG) of the secondary battery TG that were broken by the secondary crushing device 14 for each type of material (step S105).

[0045] Here, the battery recirculation system 1 adjusts the atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device 12 that performs primary crushing, the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 that recovers electrolyte solution, the secondary crushing device 14 that performs secondary crushing, and the sorting device 15 that performs sorting processing to an N2 atmosphere, thereby setting the oxygen concentration in each of the devices 12-15 to be equal to or less than an acceptable value (step S201).

[0046] Utilizing the above structure, even when the electrolyte solution remains in the broken secondary battery TG in each of devices 12-15, the battery recycling system 1 can more reliably prevent heating due to short circuits in the broken secondary battery TG. Therefore, the battery recycling system 1 can prevent the separator in the broken secondary battery TG from melting and prevent the melted separator from adhering to the electrode material, and further prevent the oxidation of the powdery fragments of the secondary battery TG, thereby allowing for accurate classification of the fragments. In other words, the battery recycling system 1 can accurately classify the fragments of the secondary battery TG and effectively recycle the fragments, while reducing CO2 emissions due to non-catalytic pyrolysis.

[0047] In the following text, see references Figures 3-8 Specific examples of each of the devices in apparatuses 12-15 will be described.

[0048] (Specific examples of the adjusting device 16 and its peripheral devices)

[0049] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing a specific example of the adjustment device 16. Figure 3 The following are shown: devices 11-15 in the battery recirculation system 1, excluding the adjustment device 16.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the adjustment device 16 includes a measuring unit 161, an output controller 162, and an output unit 163. Furthermore, hoses H1-H4 are respectively attached to the primary crushing device 12, the electrolyte solution recovery device 13, the secondary crushing device 14, and the sorting device 15, allowing gas from the respective devices to pass through hoses H1-H4. Additionally, oxygen concentration sensors S1-S4 are attached to the corresponding gas outlets of hoses H1-H4. Each of the oxygen concentration sensors S1-S4 is, for example, a zirconia-type oxygen concentration sensor, and generates a current or electromotive force whose value corresponds to the oxygen concentration. Note that each of the oxygen concentration sensors S1-S4 is not limited to a zirconia-type oxygen concentration sensor, but can be, for example, other types of oxygen concentration sensors, such as magnetic, electrode, or laser spectroscopy oxygen concentration sensors.

[0051] Measurement unit 161 calculates the oxygen concentration in each of the devices 12-15 based on the detection results from oxygen concentration sensors S1-S4. Output unit 163 supplies N2 (nitrogen) stored in the N2 storage unit to the interior of each of the devices 12-15. Simultaneously with the supply of N2 to the interior of each of the devices 12-15 via output unit 163, the air inside each of the devices 12-15 is discharged to the outside of the devices 12-15 via a scrubber. Output controller 162 controls the amount of N2 supplied to the interior of each of the devices 12-15 by output unit 163 based on the oxygen concentration in each of the devices 12-15. For example, output controller 162 controls the amount of N2 supplied to the interior of each of the devices 12-15 such that the oxygen concentration in each of the primary crushing device 12 and the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 is maintained at or less than 2%, and the oxygen concentration in each of the secondary crushing device 14 and the sorting device 15 is maintained at or less than 6%. Alternatively, the output controller 162 controls the amount of N2 supplied to each of the devices 12-15, such that the oxygen concentration inside each of the devices 12-15 is uniformly maintained at or less than 2%. Therefore, even when the electrolyte solution is retained in the broken secondary battery TG in each device, the battery recirculation system 1 can more reliably prevent overheating due to short circuits in the broken secondary battery TG.

[0052] (A specific example of the primary crushing device 12)

[0053] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a specific example of a primary crushing device 12. (See diagram for example.) Figure 4 As shown, the primary crushing device 12 includes a main body 121, a crushing chamber 122, a crushing section 123, an inlet 124, a top cover 125, and an outlet 126. Furthermore, a crushing valve V11 for controlling the passage of crushed material and a vacuum gate valve V12 for controlling the passage of gas are provided on the route from the outlet 126 of the primary crushing device 12 to the inlet (not shown) of the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 provided in the subsequent stage.

[0054] The crushing chamber 122 is disposed within the main body 121. The inlet 124 is disposed above the main body 121 and communicates with the crushing chamber 122 within the main body 121. The outlet 126 is disposed below the main body 121 and communicates with the crushing chamber 122 within the main body 121.

[0055] For example, firstly, with each of the crushing valve V11 and vacuum gate valve V12 closed, the top cover 125 of the inlet 124 attached to the primary crushing device 12 is opened. Then, the discharged secondary battery TG is loaded into the crushing chamber 122 via the inlet 124. Furthermore, at this time, the oxygen concentration in the crushing chamber 122 is adjusted by the adjusting device 16 to be equal to or below an acceptable value (e.g., 2%). Then, the top cover 125 is closed. Then, the crushing section 123 is driven by a motor (not shown), thereby initiating the crushing of the secondary battery TG loaded into the crushing chamber 122 by the crushing section 123.

[0056] A crushing section 123 is disposed within a crushing chamber 122. The crushing section 123 includes a pair of rotating shafts 123a, a pair of rotors 123b, and a plurality of hooks 123c disposed in the outer peripheral portion of each of the pair of rotors 123b. The pair of rotating shafts 123a rotates in response to a driving force from a motor (not shown). Therefore, the pair of rotors 123b, attached to the corresponding pair of rotating shafts 123a and arranged opposite each other, also rotate. Figure 4 In the example shown, when viewed from the positive y-axis, the left rotor 123b rotates clockwise, and the right rotor 123b rotates counterclockwise. The secondary battery TG, loaded into the crushing chamber 122, is guided between the pair of rotors 123b by a plurality of hooks 123c disposed on the outer periphery of each of the rotors 123b, and is crushed by being flattened by the pair of rotors 123b. Note that the plurality of hooks 123c can be formed in the shape of blades, such that the casing and separators of each secondary battery TG are cut into small pieces.

[0057] The crushed part of the secondary battery TG (crushed object TG) crushed by the crushing section 123 falls into the outlet 126 located below the crushing chamber 122. After the secondary battery TG is crushed by the crushing section 123 and each of the crushing valve V11 and the vacuum gate valve V12 is opened, the crushed part of the secondary battery TG crushed by the crushing section 123 is discharged from the outlet 126.

[0058] (A specific example of electrolyte recovery device 13)

[0059] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the electrolyte solution recovery device 13. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5As shown, the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 includes a main body 131, a conveying chamber 132, a screw feeder 133, an inlet 134, an outlet 135, a pressure reducing device 136, a heating device 137, and a recovery device 138. Furthermore, as described above, a crushing valve V11 for controlling the passage of crushed material and a vacuum gate valve V12 for controlling the passage of gas are arranged on the route from the outlet (not shown) of the primary crushing device 12 in the previous stage to the inlet 134 of the electrolyte solution recovery device 13. Furthermore, a crushing valve V21 for controlling the passage of crushed material and a vacuum gate valve V22 for controlling the passage of gas are arranged on the route from the outlet 135 of the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 to the inlet (not shown) of the secondary crushing device 14 in the subsequent stage.

[0060] A conveying chamber 132 is disposed within the tube of a cylindrical body 131. An inlet 134 is disposed in the front end of the cylindrical body 131 and communicates with the conveying chamber 132 within the body 131. An outlet 135 is disposed in the rear end of the cylindrical body 131 and communicates with the conveying chamber 132 within the body 131. A screw feeder 133 is disposed within the conveying chamber 132. The screw feeder 133 is driven by a motor (not shown) and conveys the crushed material TG loaded into the conveying chamber 132 from its front end to its rear end while simultaneously agitating it by rotation. Therefore, the crushed material TG is uniformly positioned from the front end to the rear end of the conveying chamber 132.

[0061] For example, firstly, with each of the crushing valve V21 and vacuum gate valve V22 located on the outlet 135 side closed, each of the crushing valve V11 and vacuum gate valve V12 located on the inlet 134 side is opened. Then, the crushed material (crushed material TG) of the secondary battery TG crushed by the primary crushing device 12 is loaded into the transfer chamber 132 via the inlet 134. The crushed material TG loaded into the transfer chamber 132 is conveyed from the front end to the rear end of the transfer chamber 132 by the rotation of the screw feeder 133, and is uniformly positioned from the front end to the rear end of the transfer chamber 132. At this time, the oxygen concentration in the transfer chamber 132 is adjusted to be equal to or lower than an acceptable value (e.g., 2%) by the adjusting device 16. Then, each of the crushing valve V11 and vacuum gate valve V12 is closed. Then, the electrolyte solution contained in the crushed material TG in the transfer chamber 132 is recovered.

[0062] The depressurization device 136 depressurizes the transfer chamber 132. The heating device 137 applies heat to the broken object TG in the transfer chamber 132 under reduced pressure. As a result, the electrolyte solution contained in the broken object TG in the transfer chamber 132 evaporates. The recovery device 138 cools and liquefies the electrolyte solution evaporated in the transfer chamber 132, thereby recovering the electrolyte solution. That is, the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 distills the electrolyte solution contained in the broken object TG in the transfer chamber 132 and recovers the distilled electrolyte solution.

[0063] For example, when the secondary battery TG is a lithium-ion battery, the electrolyte recovery device 13 recovers DMC, EMC, DEC, PC, and EC as the electrolyte. DMC stands for dimethyl carbonate. EMC stands for ethyl methyl carbonate. DEC stands for diethyl carbonate. PC stands for propylene carbonate. EC stands for ethylene carbonate. Furthermore, when the secondary battery TG is a nickel-metal hydride battery, the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 recovers water as the electrolyte solution.

[0064] Here, the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 can recover different types of electrolyte solutions by heating the crushed object TG at different pressures and temperatures. For example, when the secondary battery TG is a lithium-ion battery, the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 heats the crushed object TG at a lower pressure than when recovering DMC, EMC, and DEC, thereby recovering PC and EC.

[0065] After the electrolyte solution is recovered and each of the crushing valve V21 and vacuum gate valve V22 is opened, the crushed material TG in the transfer chamber 132 is conveyed to the rear end of the transfer chamber 132 by the rotation of the screw feeder 133 and then discharged from the outlet 135.

[0066] (A specific example of the secondary crushing device 14)

[0067] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the secondary crushing device 14. (See diagram for example.) Figure 6 As shown, the secondary crushing device 14 includes a main body 141, a crushing chamber 142, a crushing section 143, fixed blades 144, a screen 145, an inlet 146, an outlet 147, and a controller 148. Furthermore, as described above, a crushing valve V21 for controlling the passage of crushed material and a vacuum gate valve V22 for controlling the passage of gas are further provided on the route from the outlet (not shown) of the electrolyte solution recovery device 13 provided in the previous stage to the inlet 146 of the secondary crushing device 14. Additionally, a crushing valve V31 for controlling the passage of crushed material and a vacuum gate valve V32 for controlling the passage of gas are provided on the route from the outlet 147 of the secondary crushing device 14 to the inlet (not shown) of the sorting device 15.

[0068] Crushing chamber 142 is disposed within main body 141. Inlet 146 is disposed above main body 141 and communicates with crushing chamber 142 within main body 141. Outlet 147 is disposed below main body 141 and communicates with crushing chamber 142 within main body 141.

[0069] For example, firstly, with each of the breaker valve V31 and vacuum gate valve V32 located on the outlet 147 side closed, each of the breaker valve V21 and vacuum gate valve V22 located on the inlet 146 side is opened. Thereafter, the crushed material TG, after the electrolyte solution has been recovered, is loaded into the crushing chamber 142 via inlet 146. Furthermore, at this time, the oxygen concentration in the crushing chamber 142 is adjusted by the adjusting device 16 to be equal to or below an acceptable value (e.g., 6%). Then, each of the breaker valve V21 and vacuum gate valve V22 is closed. Then, the crushing section 143 is driven by a motor (not shown), thereby initiating the crushing of the crushed material TG loaded into the crushing chamber 142 by the crushing section 143.

[0070] A crushing section 143 and a fixed blade 144 are disposed in a crushing chamber 142. The crushing section 143 is formed by a rotating shaft 143a, a rotor 143b, a shaft 143c, and hammers 143d. The rotating shaft 143a rotates in response to a driving force from a motor (not shown). Therefore, the rotor 143b attached to the rotating shaft 143a also rotates. A plurality of hammers (impacting bodies) 143d are rotatably connected to the outer peripheral portion of the rotor 143b via the shaft 143c. Note that a plurality of rotors 143b may be disposed in the axial direction (y-axis direction) of the rotating shaft 143a. In this case, a plurality of hammers 143d are rotatably connected to the outer peripheral portion of each rotor 143b via the shaft 143c. The hammers 143d rotate in the crushing chamber 142 by receiving centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the rotating shaft 143a, and crush the crushed object TG in the crushing chamber 142. The crushed object TG is cut into small pieces between the fixed blade 144 and the rotating hammers 143d.

[0071] Each hammer 143d has an edge portion with an angle R (also called an angle R). The angle R is set at least at the tip of the hammer 143d, and preferably at the entire outer periphery of the hammer 143d that can impact the crushed object TG when the hammer 143d rotates. For example, the size of the angle R is determined based on the desired size of the crushed object TG, the desired release rate of the active material of the crushed object TG, etc.

[0072] Screen 145 is disposed at the bottom of crushing chamber 142 and forms part of the wall surface of crushing chamber 142. Screen 145 allows crushed material TG, whose size is equal to or smaller than the opening size of crushing chamber 142, to pass through. Screen 145 can be as follows: Figure 7The mesh shape shown may also be made of stamped metal. The opening of the screen 145 is set to be equal to or less than 5 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 1 mm. When the screen 145 has a mesh shape, the minimum width of the opening 145a is defined as the size of the opening. When the screen 145 is a stamped metal comprising a plurality of circular opening portions, the opening is defined as the diameter of the opening portion.

[0073] The crushed material TG, crushed by the crushing section 143 with a size equal to or smaller than the opening, passes through the screen 145 and falls into the outlet 147 located below the crushing chamber 142. After each of the crushing valve V31 and the vacuum gate valve V32 is opened, the crushed material TG is discharged from the outlet 147.

[0074] The controller 148 periodically opens the screen 145, causing crushed material TG that cannot pass through the screen 145 and remains in the crushing chamber 142 to fall into the outlet 147. Therefore, light crushed material TG and the like, which cannot pass through the partition of the screen 145, are discharged from the crushing chamber 142, reducing the load on the secondary crushing unit 14 for crushing processing.

[0075] Note that the controller 148 can separately discharge crushed material TG that has passed through the screen 145 and crushed material TG that cannot pass through the screen 145 and remains in the crushing chamber 142 from the outlet 147 at different time intervals. In addition, the controller 148 can reload crushed material obtained by removing the baffle from the crushed material TG that cannot pass through the screen 145 and remains in the crushing chamber 142 through an air classifier or the like into the crushing chamber 142.

[0076] (A specific example of the sorting device 15)

[0077] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the sorting device 15. (See diagram for example.) Figure 8 As shown, the sorting device 15 includes a main body 151, a sorting chamber 152, a vibration generator 153, an inlet 154, a box 155, recycling boxes B1-B4, sieves F1-F3, and routes R1-R4. Furthermore, a crushing valve V31 for controlling the passage of crushed materials and a vacuum gate valve V32 for controlling the passage of gas are installed on the route from the outlet (not shown) of the secondary crushing device 14 in the previous stage to the inlet 154 of the sorting device 15, as described above.

[0078] The sorting room 152 is located in the main body 151. The entrance 154 is located above the main body 151 and communicates with the sorting room 152 in the main body 151.

[0079] For example, first, each of the crushing valve V31 and vacuum gate valve V32 located on the inlet 154 side is opened. Then, the broken parts of the secondary battery TG (broken parts TG) crushed by the secondary crushing device 14 are loaded into the sorting chamber 152 via inlet 154. Furthermore, at this time, the oxygen concentration in the sorting chamber 152 is adjusted to be equal to or below an acceptable value (e.g., 6%) by the adjusting device 16. Then, each of the crushing valve V31 and vacuum gate valve V32 is closed. The broken parts TG in the sorting chamber 152 are then sorted.

[0080] Sieves F1-F3 are arranged in sorting chamber 152. Sieve F1, with the largest opening, is arranged in the top stage, sieve F2, with the second largest opening, is arranged in the middle stage, and sieve F3, with the smallest opening, is arranged in the bottom stage. The number of sieves is not limited to three, and a desired number of sieves can be provided. Vibration generator 153 causes sieves F1-F3 to vibrate.

[0081] The crushed material TG loaded into sorting chamber 152 is first sorted into crushed material that has passed through sieve F1 and crushed material that has not passed through sieve F1. Crushed material TG that has not passed through sieve F1 is discharged into recycling bin B1 via route R1. Crushed material TG that has passed through sieve F1 is sorted into crushed material that has passed through sieve F2 and crushed material that has not passed through sieve F2. Crushed material TG that has not passed through sieve F2 is discharged into recycling bin B2 via route R2. Crushed material TG that has passed through sieve F2 is sorted into crushed material that has passed through sieve F3 and crushed material that has not passed through sieve F3. Crushed material TG that has not passed through sieve F3 is discharged into recycling bin B3 via route R3. Furthermore, crushed material TG that has passed through sieve F3 is discharged into recycling bin B4 via route R4.

[0082] Recycling bin B1 collects broken objects such as separators and aluminum shells. Recycling bin B2 collects broken objects such as Al foil and Cu foil. Recycling bin B3 collects black substances containing a relatively large amount of impurities. Recycling bin B4 collects black substances with a small amount of impurities. Black substances refer to powdery broken objects, such as active materials contained in secondary batteries. In the case of lithium-ion batteries, the black substances contain Ni, Co, Mn, Li, C, etc. In the case of nickel-metal hydride batteries, the black substances contain Ni, Co, La, Zn, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, the sorting device 15 is housed in the box 155. By supplying N2 to the box 155 through the adjusting device 16, not only is the oxygen concentration in the sorting chamber 152 reduced, but the oxygen concentration in the area near the main body 151 is also reduced, thereby suppressing the oxidation of black substances and the like sorted by the sorting device 15.

[0084] Although the example described is of the sorting device 15 using multiple sieves with different openings to sort the crushed object TG, this is merely an example. For instance, the sorting device 15 may use some or all of the following to sort the crushed object TG: an air classifier, a magnetic separator, an optical classifier, a dry density classifier, and the aforementioned sieve classifiers.

[0085] For example, a wind classifier blows air onto a broken object (TG), thus classifying the TG into broken objects made of lightweight materials that are blown by the wind and broken objects made of other materials. A magnetic separator classifies TGs into broken objects (such as iron attracted by a magnet) and other broken objects. An optical classifier determines the material of a TG based on the color specified from an image captured by a camera, and classifies the TG by blowing air, for example, with a wind power corresponding to the determination result, onto the TG. A dry density classifier vibrates a tray containing TGs, thus classifying the TGs placed in the tray into broken objects made of lightweight materials and broken objects made of heavyweight materials.

[0086] As described above, the battery recycling system 1 according to this disclosure adjusts the atmosphere in each of the devices 12-15 to an N2 atmosphere and reduces the oxygen concentration, thereby more reliably preventing overheating due to short circuits in broken secondary batteries. Therefore, the battery recycling system 1 according to this disclosure can prevent the separators in broken secondary batteries from melting and prevent melted separators from adhering to the electrode material, and further prevents oxidation of the powdery fragments of the secondary battery, thereby allowing for accurate classification of the broken fragments. In other words, the battery recycling system 1 according to this disclosure can accurately classify the broken fragments of the secondary battery and effectively recycle the broken fragments, while reducing CO2 emissions caused by non-catalytic pyrolysis.

[0087] Although this disclosure describes, as an example, a battery recycling system 1 breaks down a secondary battery TG and sorts the broken parts of the secondary battery TG for recycling, this is merely an example. For instance, all-solid-state batteries and the like can be broken down, and their broken parts can be sorted for recycling.

[0088] The battery recycling system 1 may also include an analysis device and a management device, the analysis device analyzing the content of black matter, and the management device adjusting the operating conditions of each of the devices 12-15 (e.g., the crushing time, crushing force, etc. of each of the primary crushing device and the secondary crushing device) so that the analysis results in the analysis device are the desired analysis results.

[0089] Furthermore, this disclosure can implement some or all of the processing of the battery recycling system 1 by having the central processing unit (CPU) execute a computer program.

[0090] The program described above includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the implementation scheme. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drives (SSDs) or other types of memory technologies, CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs or other types of optical disc storage, and magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tapes, disk drives, or other types of magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted on a transient computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example, and not limitation, a transient computer-readable medium or communication medium may include electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagation signals.

[0091] While this disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various changes to the configuration and details of this application can be made that would be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of this disclosure. Each embodiment can be combined with another embodiment as needed.

[0092] As will be apparent from the present disclosure as described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure can be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery recycling system, comprising: A discharge device configured to discharge a secondary battery to be recycled; A primary crushing device configured to crush the casing of a discharged secondary battery to expose the electrode material of the secondary battery; An electrolyte solution recovery device is configured to heat the secondary battery, in which its electrode material has been exposed, under reduced pressure to recover the electrolyte solution contained in the electrode material. A secondary crushing device, configured to further crush the secondary battery whose electrolyte solution has been recovered; A sorting device configured to sort the broken parts of the secondary battery that have been crushed by the secondary crushing device; as well as An adjustment device is configured to adjust the atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device to an N2 atmosphere.

2. The battery recycling system according to claim 1, wherein, The adjusting device adjusts the amount of N2 supplied so that the oxygen concentration in each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device becomes equal to or less than 2%.

3. The battery recycling system according to claim 1, wherein, The adjusting device adjusts the amount of N2 supplied so that the oxygen concentration in each of the primary crushing device and the electrolyte solution recovery device becomes equal to or less than 2%, and the oxygen concentration in each of the secondary crushing device and the sorting device becomes equal to or less than 6%.

4. The battery recycling system according to claim 1, wherein, When the oxygen concentration of each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device has been adjusted to the required oxygen concentration by the adjusting device, each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device begins operation.

5. The battery recycling system according to claim 1, wherein, The secondary battery is a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery.

6. A control method for a battery recycling system, wherein... The battery recirculation system: Use a discharge device to discharge the secondary battery to be recycled; The casing of a discharged secondary battery is broken using a primary crushing device to expose the electrode material of the secondary battery. The secondary battery, in which the electrode material has been exposed, is heated under reduced pressure using an electrolyte solution recovery device to recover the electrolyte solution contained in the electrode material. The secondary battery, whose electrolyte solution has been recovered, is further crushed using a secondary crushing device; as well as The shattered parts of the secondary battery, crushed by the secondary crushing device, are classified using a sorting device, and The atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device is adjusted to an N2 atmosphere.

7. A control program product for causing a computer to perform the following processes: Used for discharging secondary batteries to be recycled using a discharge device. A process for breaking the casing of a discharged secondary battery using a primary crushing device to expose the electrode material of the secondary battery; A process for heating the secondary battery, whose electrode materials have been exposed, under reduced pressure using an electrolyte solution recovery device to recover the electrolyte solution contained in the electrode materials; Processing for further crushing of the secondary battery whose electrolyte solution has been recovered using a secondary crushing device; as well as A process for classifying the broken objects of the secondary battery, which have been crushed by the secondary crushing device, using a sorting device, and The computer further performs a process to adjust the atmosphere in each of the primary crushing device, the electrolyte solution recovery device, the secondary crushing device, and the sorting device to an N2 atmosphere.

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