Battery handling apparatus and method

Abstract

A battery processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a clamp having an internal space in which a battery is placed; a stamping unit configured to move in a direction toward the clamp and to form reaction holes in the battery; and a drive unit configured to move the clamp and the stamping unit, wherein the clamp is configured to restrict movement of the battery immersed in a discharge material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-referencing related applications This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0123200, filed on September 10, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for processing batteries, and more specifically, to an apparatus and method for disposing of batteries in a way that improves safety. Background Technology

[0003] In modern society, with the daily use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, digital cameras, and energy storage systems (ESS), technological development in related fields is also booming. Furthermore, rechargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) in an effort to address air pollution and other problems caused by existing fossil fuel-powered gasoline vehicles. Therefore, the demand for secondary battery research and development is growing.

[0004] Currently available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages such as flexible charging and discharging, low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] This type of lithium secondary battery mainly uses lithium-based oxide and carbon materials as the positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are coated with positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and a separator is disposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate; and a casing, i.e., the battery casing, which seals and contains the electrode assembly together with the electrolyte.

[0006] Generally speaking, based on the shape of the casing, lithium secondary batteries can be divided into can-type secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries. In can-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is integrated into a metal can, while in pouch-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is integrated into a pouch-shaped component made of aluminum laminate.

[0007] On the other hand, when dismantling and analyzing such secondary batteries or discarding secondary batteries that have reached the end of their service life, metals such as lithium inside the secondary battery can react with external moisture, leading to explosions or fires. Furthermore, harmful substances such as organic solvents in the electrolyte or transition metals contained in the positive electrode may leak out, causing serious environmental pollution. Therefore, when dismantling and analyzing secondary batteries or discarding secondary batteries that have reached the end of their service life, it is necessary to perform treatments such as reacting the secondary battery with substances like salt water to discharge it.

[0008] In traditional techniques, the disposal of secondary batteries involves workers directly cutting them up with tools such as cutters or punch presses before placing them into a brine storage tank. The problems with this method are: flames or gases generated during the reaction between the battery and the brine can expose workers to hazards; and the batteries may float to the surface of the brine, potentially causing a fire or gas leak. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for disposing of batteries in a way that improves safety.

[0010] However, the technical objectives to be addressed by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the above-described objectives, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical concept contained in this disclosure.

[0011] Technical solution In an illustrative aspect of this disclosure, a battery processing apparatus is provided, comprising: a clamp including an internal space into which a battery is placed; a stamping unit configured to move in a direction toward the clamp and to form reaction holes in the battery; and a drive unit configured to move the clamp and the stamping unit; wherein the clamp is configured to restrict movement of the battery immersed in a discharge material.

[0012] In one embodiment, the clamp may include: a lower plate on which the battery is placed; and an upper plate that restricts the upward movement of the battery.

[0013] In one embodiment, the clamp may further include a protective member disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate and covering the side of the interior space.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the protective element may be configured to be openable and closable.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the fixture may be formed with an overflow orifice.

[0016] In this implementation, the drive unit allows the fixture and the stamping unit to move in the vertical direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, the drive unit may include: a first shaft formed in a hollow cylindrical shape; a second shaft formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and configured to enter and exit the interior of the first shaft; and a third shaft connected to the stamping unit and configured to enter and exit the interior of the second shaft.

[0018] In an embodiment, the battery processing apparatus may further include a columnar member formed to extend along the movement direction of the clamp and the stamping unit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the columnar member can be connected to the fixture and the stamping unit and guide the movement of the fixture and the stamping unit.

[0020] In one embodiment, the battery handling device may further include a first stop, which is attached to the upper part of the columnar member to restrict downward movement of the clamp.

[0021] In one embodiment, the battery processing apparatus may further include a second stop formed on at least a portion of the columnar member to restrict upward movement of the stamping unit.

[0022] In one embodiment, the stamping unit may include: a base plate; and a stamping needle-like member, the stamping needle-like member being engaged with the base plate such that one end of the stamping needle-like member faces the fixture.

[0023] In one embodiment, the upper plate may have an upper through hole so that the stamping needle-like part can pass through.

[0024] In one embodiment, multiple stamped needle-like parts and upper through holes are formed. The multiple stamped needle-like parts can be evenly distributed throughout the entire area of ​​the base plate, and the multiple upper through holes can be formed in the upper plate to correspond to the positions of the multiple stamped needle-like parts.

[0025] In one embodiment, the base plate may be arranged parallel to the upper plate, and the stamping needle-like member may be attached to the base plate in a direction perpendicular to the base plate.

[0026] In an embodiment, the stamping unit may further include: an elastic connecting member disposed between the base plate and the upper plate and surrounding the stamping needle-like member.

[0027] In this implementation, the battery may be a charged battery or a decomposition electrode, and the discharge substance may be salt water.

[0028] In another illustrative aspect of this disclosure, a battery processing method is provided, comprising: an insertion step of placing a battery into a fixture; an immersion step of moving the fixture and immersing the battery in a discharge material; and a reaction step of forming a reaction hole in the battery and reacting the battery with the discharge material while the battery's movement is restricted.

[0029] In one embodiment, the reaction step may be a step in which the battery reacts with the discharge material while the upward movement of the battery is restricted so that the battery is not exposed to the outside of the discharge material.

[0030] In one embodiment, the immersion step may be a step of moving the clamp downward along a columnar member formed to extend in the vertical direction and immersing the battery in the discharge material.

[0031] Beneficial effects According to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, the clamp restricts the movement of the battery so that the battery is not exposed to the outside of the discharge material during the reaction between the battery and the discharge material, thereby protecting the operator from the flames and gases generated during the reaction between the battery and the discharge material, and preventing fire or gas spread.

[0032] Furthermore, the clamp into which the battery is inserted can be moved vertically along the columnar member using a drive unit, thus facilitating the disposal of the battery.

[0033] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other effects not mentioned above through the description of the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a front view of a battery processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the lower plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the upper plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the first stop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a front view of a stamping unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 7This is a plan view of the base plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figures 8 to 11 This is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of a battery processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a battery processing method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement these embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0044] For clarity in describing this disclosure, descriptions of parts unrelated to this disclosure will be omitted, and throughout the description, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0045] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element in the accompanying drawings are shown arbitrarily for ease of description, and this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the elements shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the thicknesses of various layers, regions, etc., are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for ease of description.

[0046] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is mentioned as "located above another element" or "above another element," the element such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate may be located directly above the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is mentioned as "located directly above another element," it means that there are no other intermediate elements. Additionally, "located above a reference portion" or "above a reference portion" means that the portion is located above or below the reference portion, and does not specifically mean that the portion is located "above" or "above" in the opposite direction to gravity.

[0047] Furthermore, throughout the description, when a part is referred to as “including” or “containing” a specific component, unless otherwise stated, this means that the part may also include other components, without excluding other components.

[0048] Furthermore, throughout the description, when “plane” is mentioned, it means viewing the target portion from above, while when “section” is mentioned, it means viewing the target portion from the side of a vertically cut section.

[0049] Before describing the battery processing apparatus 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery 110 referred to herein may be a charged battery or a decomposition electrode that needs to be disposed of. The battery 110 may be a pouch-type secondary battery, or a structure with a pouch-like element surrounding the decomposition electrode. However, the battery 110 is not limited to these and may refer to any battery that needs to be disposed of.

[0050] Below, we will refer to Figures 1 to 7 A battery processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0051] The battery handling device 100 may include a load support unit 120, a clamp 130, a drive unit, a stamping unit 150, a columnar member 160, and stop members 171 and 172.

[0052] The clamp 130 may include a lower plate 220, an upper plate 230, a protective member 240, and an internal space 210 in which the battery 110 is placed.

[0053] The drive unit may include a power supply unit (not shown) and a power transmission unit 140.

[0054] The power transmission unit 140 may include a first shaft 141, a second shaft 142, a third shaft 143, and a connecting unit 144.

[0055] The stamping unit 150 may include a base plate 610, a stamping needle 620, and an elastic connecting member 630.

[0056] The stops 171 and 172 may include a first stop 171 and a second stop 172.

[0057] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the load support unit 120 is configured to support the load of the battery processing device 100. When the battery processing device 100 is disposed inside a booth (not shown), the load support unit 120 is connected to the booth and supports the load of the battery processing device 100. The load support unit 120 may be connected to the power transmission unit 140 and the columnar member 160. The load support unit 120 may support the loads of the power transmission unit 140 and the columnar member 160. The load support unit 120 may support the loads of the clamp 130, the stamping unit 150, the stops 171, 172, and the battery 110.

[0058] The clamp 130 includes an internal space 210 in which the battery 110 is placed. The clamp 130 is connected to a columnar member 160. The clamp 130 can move together with the columnar member 160. The power transmission unit 140 pushes and moves the stamping unit 150 via a power supply unit. Thus, the columnar member 160 connected to the stamping unit 150 and the clamp 130 connected to the columnar member 160 can move.

[0059] The movement of clamp 130 can be guided by columnar member 160. Clamp 130 can move along the extending direction of columnar member 160. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, in the columnar member 160 along the vertical direction ( Figure 1 When the clamp 130 extends along the columnar member 160 in the vertical direction (in the Y-axis direction), the clamp 130 can move along the columnar member 160 in the vertical direction.

[0060] As the clamp 130, in which the battery 110 is placed, moves, the battery 110 can be immersed in the discharge material stored in the storage tank 180. Here, the discharge material can be saline solution. The clamp 130 is smoothly immersed in the discharge material to allow a reaction to occur between the battery 110 and the discharge material, and to ensure that the clamp 130 smoothly detaches from the discharge material after the reaction between the battery 110 and the discharge material is complete, as... Figure 2 As shown, at least a portion of the clamp 130 may be formed with an overflow hole 241 through which the discharge material can flow. In this case, the discharge material can flow through the lower through hole 310 in the lower plate 220 and the upper through hole 410 in the upper plate 230. However, the implementation is not limited to this; in addition to the lower through hole 310 and the upper through hole 410, additional holes for allowing the discharge material to flow may be formed on the lower plate 220 and the upper plate 230.

[0061] The clamp 130 is configured to restrict the movement of the battery 110 immersed in the discharge material. The clamp 130 may include a lower plate 220 on which the battery 110 is placed, and an upper plate 230 that restricts the upward movement of the battery 110 immersed in the discharge material. The upper plate 230 restricts the upward movement of the battery 110 so that, while immersed in the discharge material, the battery 110 does not float upward and is not exposed to the outside of the discharge material. This prevents fires or gas spread caused by flames generated during the reaction between the battery 110 and the discharge material.

[0062] The clamp 130 may also include a protective element 240. The protective element 240 may be disposed on the upper plate 230 and the lower plate 220 to cover the sides of the interior space 210. By further providing the protective element 240 to cover the sides of the interior space 210, the battery 110 immersed in the discharge material can be prevented from laterally detaching and floating upwards to the outside of the discharge material. Therefore, since the clamp 130 also includes the protective element 240, the battery 110 can be more effectively prevented from being exposed to the outside of the discharge material.

[0063] At least a portion of the protective element 240 can be configured to be openable and closable. For example, when the upper plate 230 and the lower plate 220 have rectangular shapes, one of the protective elements 240 covering all four sides between the upper plate 230 and the lower plate 220 can be configured to be openable and closable. The protective element 240 can be connected to the lower plate 220 and / or the upper plate 230 using hinges or the like, thereby enabling it to be opened and closed. This allows the operator to easily insert the battery 110 into the clamp 130. A flow-through hole 241 can be formed in the protective element 240.

[0064] Reference Figure 3 The lower plate 220 may have lower through holes 310 to allow the stamping needles 620 of the stamping unit 150 to pass through. The lower through holes 310 may be formed to correspond to the number and position of the stamping needles 620. For example, when multiple stamping needles 620 are evenly distributed on the base plate 610, the same number of lower through holes 310 as the number of stamping needles 620 may be formed in the lower plate 220 to correspond to the position of the stamping needles 620.

[0065] However, the number of lower through holes 310 does not necessarily have to be the same as the number of stamping needles 620, nor does it necessarily have to be formed at a position corresponding to the position of the stamping needles 620. Furthermore, the lower through holes 310 can be constructed in different ways as needed to achieve the objectives of this disclosure. For example, when the number of lower through holes 310 is less than the number of stamping needles 620, or when the lower through holes 310 are not formed at a position corresponding to the position of the stamping needles 620, such as... Figure 9 As shown, some of the multiple stamped needle-shaped parts 620 can pass through the battery 110 and then through the lower through hole 310, while the remaining stamped needle-shaped parts are in contact with the lower plate 220.

[0066] Reference Figure 4An upper through-hole 410 can be formed in the upper plate 230 to allow the stamping needle 620 of the stamping unit 150 to pass through. The upper through-hole 410 can be formed to correspond to the number and position of the stamping needle 620. For example, when multiple stamping needles 620 are evenly distributed on the base plate 610, the same number of upper through-holes 410 as the number of stamping needles 620 can be formed in the upper plate 230 to correspond to the position of the stamping needles 620.

[0067] The drive unit can move the stamping unit 150 and the fixture 130. The drive unit may include a power supply unit and a power transmission unit 140. The drive unit moves the fixture 130 so that the battery 110 placed in the internal space 210 of the fixture 130 is immersed in the discharge material. The drive unit can move the fixture 130 in the vertical direction.

[0068] The power supply unit can be connected to the power transmission unit 140 to transmit power to the power transmission unit 140. The power supply unit can be a motor or a hydraulic device, but is not limited thereto. When the battery handling device 100 is located inside the compartment, the power supply unit can be located outside the compartment and provide power to the power transmission unit 140.

[0069] The power transmission unit 140 uses power provided by the power supply unit to move the stamping unit 150. When the stamping unit 150 moves, the columnar member 160 connected to the stamping unit 150 and the clamp 130 connected to the columnar member 160 can move.

[0070] The power transmission unit 140 may include a first shaft 141, a second shaft 142, a third shaft 143, and a connecting member 144.

[0071] The first shaft 141 can be fixed to the upper part of the load support unit 120. The first shaft 141 can be formed into a hollow cylindrical shape. The second shaft 142 and the third shaft 143 can enter and exit the interior of the first shaft 141. The first shaft 141 can enclose and support the second shaft 142 and the third shaft 143.

[0072] The second shaft 142 can be configured to enter and exit the interior of the first shaft 141. The second shaft 142 can be configured to exit from the interior of the first shaft 141 to the outside, and can also be received from the outside into the interior of the first shaft 141. During the exit of the second shaft 142 from the interior of the first shaft 141, the stamping unit 150, the columnar member 160, and the clamp 130 can move downwards. During the receipt of the second shaft 142 from the outside into the interior of the first shaft 141, the stamping unit 150, the columnar member 160, and the clamp 130 can move upwards. The second shaft 142 can be formed into a hollow cylindrical shape. The third shaft 143 can enter and exit the interior of the second shaft 142.

[0073] The third shaft 143 can be configured to enter and exit the interior of the second shaft 142. The third shaft 143 can be configured to exit from the interior of the second shaft 142 to the outside, and can also be received from the outside into the interior of the second shaft 142. The third shaft 143 can be connected to the stamping unit 150. The third shaft 143 can be connected to the stamping unit 150 using a connecting member 144. During the process of the third shaft 143 exiting from the interior of the second shaft 142 to the outside, the stamping unit 150, the columnar member 160, and the clamp 130 can move downwards. During the process of the third shaft 143 being received from the outside into the second shaft 142, the stamping unit 150, the columnar member 160, and the clamp 130 can move upwards.

[0074] Connecting member 144 connects power transmission unit 140 to stamping unit 150. Connecting member 144 connects third shaft 143 to base plate 610. Connecting member 144 can be coupled to each of third shaft 143 and base plate 610. Connecting member 144 can be coupled to one end of third shaft 143 by bolts and nuts. Connecting member 144 can be coupled to base plate 610 by means of shaft fastening hole 730 located in base plate 610. In order to enable power transmission unit 140 to move stamping unit 150 stably, connecting member 144 can have a cross-sectional area larger than that of power transmission unit 140. Here, cross-sectional area refers to the area along the cross-sectional area of ​​power transmission unit 140. Figure 1 The area of ​​the cross section intercepted by the X-axis. The connecting member 144 has a larger cross-sectional area than the power transmission unit 140, thereby enabling the power transmission unit 140 to push and pull the stamping unit 150 more stably.

[0075] The columnar member 160 is formed to extend along the movement direction of the stamping unit 150 and the fixture 130. For example, the columnar member 160 may have a vertical direction ( Figure 1 The stamping unit 150 and the fixture 130 can be configured to move in the vertical direction.

[0076] The columnar member 160 can be connected to the load support unit 120, the stamping unit 150, and the fixture 130. For example, the fixture 130 can be connected to the lower part of the columnar member 160, the stamping unit 150 can be connected to the upper part of the fixture 130, and the load support unit 120 can be connected to the upper part of the stamping unit 150. When the drive unit pushes or pulls the stamping unit 150, the stamping unit 150, the columnar member 160, and the fixture 130 can move.

[0077] The columnar members 160 can be configured to guide the movement of the stamping unit 150 and the fixture 130, while simultaneously supporting them. For example, the lower plate 220 and upper plate 230 of the fixture 130, and the base plate 610 of the stamping unit 150, can be formed in the shape of square plates. The four columnar members 160 can be joined to the respective plates 220, 230, and 610 near their vertices and configured to support and guide the movement of the respective plates 220, 230, and 610. For this purpose, a lower joining hole 320 can be formed near the vertices of the lower plate 220, an upper joining hole 420 can be formed near the vertices of the upper plate 230, and a columnar member joining hole 720 can be formed near the vertices of the base plate 610. However, the structure of the lower plate 220, upper plate 230, base plate 610 and columnar member 160 is not limited thereto, and they may have other shapes that fall within the range required to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

[0078] The first stop 171 can be attached to the upper part of the columnar member 160. The first stop 171 can be attached to the columnar member 160 above the load support unit 120 to restrict the downward movement of the clamp 130. Specifically, the power transmission unit 140 pushes the stamping unit 150, allowing the stamping unit 150, columnar member 160, and clamp 130 to move downwards. If the first stop 171 is engaged by the load support unit 120 during the downward movement of the stamping unit 150, columnar member 160, and clamp 130, the downward movement of the columnar member 160 and the lower plate 220 can be restricted.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5The first stop 171 can be formed as a plate. The first stop 171 can have a square plate shape with its edges recessed towards the center. In this case, a cap-engaging hole 520 can be formed near each vertex of the first stop. With each cap-engaging hole 520 located at the upper end of each columnar member 160, the upper cap 161 is inserted into the cap-engaging hole 520, thereby engaging the first stop 171 with the columnar member 160. A central hole 510 can be formed in the first stop 171. The first stop 171 and the columnar member 160 can be combined such that the first shaft 141 of the power transmission unit 140 passes through the central hole 510. Furthermore, the first stop 171 has a shape with its edges recessed towards the center, thereby enabling additional use of space corresponding to the degree of recess.

[0080] At least a portion of the columnar member 160 may be provided with a second stop 172. The second stop 172 may restrict the upward movement of the stamping unit 150. Specifically, with the stamping unit 150 engaged with the columnar member 160, the second stop 172 may be configured to contact the upper portion of the base plate 610 of the stamping unit 150. After the clamp 130 and the stamping unit 150 descend and the reaction between the battery 110 and the discharge material is completed, the second stop 172 restricts the upward movement of the stamping unit 150, causing the stamping unit 150 to return to its initial position without rising above it. To restrict the upward movement of the stamping unit 150, the second stop 172 may be cylindrical in shape and have a diameter larger than the diameter of the columnar member engagement hole 720.

[0081] The upper end cap 161 and the lower end cap 162 can be attached to the upper and lower ends of the columnar member 160, respectively. As described above, the upper end cap 161 connects the first stop 171 to the columnar member 160 and prevents the first stop 171 from separating from the columnar member 160. The lower end cap 162 has the same or similar structure as the upper end cap 161, and connects the lower plate 220 of the clamp 130 to the columnar member 160 and prevents the lower plate 220 from separating from the columnar member 160.

[0082] The stamping unit 150 moves via the drive unit. The stamping unit 150 can move vertically via the drive unit. The stamping unit 150 is connected to the drive unit. The stamping unit 150 is connected to the power transmission unit 140. The stamping unit 150 can be connected to the third shaft 143. The stamping unit 150 can be connected to the third shaft 143 via the connecting member 144. The stamping unit 150 moves along the columnar member 160 via the drive unit. The stamping unit 150 moves toward the clamp 130 to form a reaction hole 1000 on the battery 110 inserted into the clamp 130 (see...). Figure 10The stamping unit 150 may be located above the fixture 130. The stamping unit 150 may be moved downward to form a reaction hole 1000 in the battery 110 inserted into the fixture 130.

[0083] The stamping unit 150 may include a base plate 610, a stamping needle 620, and an elastic connecting member 630.

[0084] The base plate 610 may include a pin-shaped fastening hole 710, a column-shaped connecting hole 720, and a shaft fastening hole 730.

[0085] The base plate 610 can be moved by the drive unit. The base plate 610 can move vertically. The base plate 610 is connected to the drive unit. The base plate 610 is connected to the power transmission unit 140. The base plate 610 can be connected to the third shaft 143. The base plate 610 can be connected to the third shaft 143 via the connecting member 144. The base plate 610 can be connected to the columnar member 160. For example, when the base plate 610 is formed in a square shape, columnar member connecting holes 720 are formed near the four vertices of the base plate 610, and the base plate 610 and the columnar member 160 can be connected through these columnar member connecting holes 720. The base plate 610 can move together with the columnar member 160 via the drive unit. When the first stop 171 is engaged by the load support unit 120 and the movement of the lower plate 220 and the columnar member 160 is restricted, the base plate 610 can be further moved along the length of the columnar member 160 by the drive unit. The upward movement of the base plate 610 can be limited by the second stop 172 formed on the columnar member 160. The base plate 610 can be located above the upper plate 230 of the clamp 130. The base plate 610 can be arranged parallel to the upper plate 230 and the lower plate 220 of the clamp 130.

[0086] The stamped needle-like member 620 is configured to form a reaction hole 1000 on the battery 110. The stamped needle-like member 620 can be attached to the base plate 610 with one end facing the clamp 130. The stamped needle-like member 620 can be attached to the base plate 610 through a needle-like member fastening hole 710. When the base plate 610 is arranged parallel to the upper plate 230 and lower plate 220 of the clamp 130, the stamped needle-like member 620 can be attached to the base plate 610 in a direction perpendicular to the base plate 610. To form the reaction hole 1000 on the battery 110, one end of the stamped needle-like member 620 can be pointed. However, the shape of the stamped needle-like member 620 is not limited to this, and it can also be a structure with one end having a flat or blunt shape and forming the reaction hole 1000 in the battery 110 by strong pressure. The stamped needle-like member 620 can be arranged parallel to the columnar member 160. To form a reaction hole 1000 on the battery 110 placed on the lower plate 220 of the fixture 130, the stamped needle-like member 620 can be configured to pass through an upper through-hole 410 in the upper plate 230 of the fixture 130. Multiple stamped needle-like members 620 can be formed, and these multiple stamped needle-like members 620 can be evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the base plate 610. Thus, the reaction hole 1000 can be formed on the battery 110 regardless of its position within the fixture 130.

[0087] The elastic connecting member 630 is configured to surround at least a portion of the stamping needle-like member 620. The elastic connecting member 630 is disposed between the base plate 610 and the upper plate 230. The elastic connecting member 630 can be configured to contact both the base plate 610 and the upper plate 230. The elastic connecting member 630 can be connected to both the base plate 610 and the upper plate 230. The elastic connecting member 630 can be made of an elastic material. For example, the elastic connecting member 630 can be a spring. In this case, the diameter of the elastic connecting member 630 can be larger than the diameter of the stamping needle-like member 620 and the diameter of the upper through hole 410. This prevents the elastic connecting member 630 from falling downwards through the upper through hole 410, and maintains the elastic connecting member 630 surrounding the stamping needle-like member 620.

[0088] Storage tank 180 stores the discharge material that reacts with battery 110. Storage tank 180 may be disposed below battery processing device 100. Storage tank 180 may be disposed below clamp 130. When battery processing device 100 is disposed inside a compartment, storage tank 180 may be disposed inside the compartment together with battery processing device 100.

[0089] Reference Figures 8 to 11The operating principle of the battery processing apparatus 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is described. Furthermore, to specifically explain the operating principle of the battery processing apparatus 100, the storage tank 180 is... Figures 8 to 11 The middle part is omitted.

[0090] Reference Figure 8 The battery 110 is placed into the internal space 210 of the clamp 130.

[0091] Reference Figure 9 The second shaft 142 and the third shaft 143 of the power transmission unit 140 disengage from the inside of the first shaft 141 to the outside, and the third shaft 143 disengages from the inside of the second shaft 142 to the outside, thereby pushing and moving the stamping unit 150 downward. The columnar member 160 connected to the stamping unit 150 and the clamp 130 connected to the columnar member 160 also move downward. The first stop 171 is locked by the load support unit 120, thereby preventing the columnar member 160 and the lower plate 220 from moving downward.

[0092] Reference Figure 10 The power transmission unit 140 further presses down on the stamping unit 150, causing the stamping unit 150 and the upper plate 230 to descend further. The upper plate 230 contacts the lower plate 220 and / or the battery 110, thereby preventing the upper plate 230 from descending. When the power transmission unit 140 further presses down on the stamping unit 150 and compresses the elastic connecting member 630, the stamping needle 620 passes through the upper through hole 410 in the upper plate 230 to form a reaction hole 1000 on the battery 110 located inside the clamp 130. In this case, among the plurality of stamping needles 620, the stamping needle 620 with the lower through hole 310 formed at the corresponding position in the lower plate 220 can pass through the entire upper plate 230, battery 110, and lower plate 220. Among the plurality of stamped needle-shaped parts 620, the stamped needle-shaped parts 620 that do not have a lower through hole 310 formed at the corresponding position of the lower plate 220 can only pass through the upper plate 230 and the battery 110 to form a reaction hole, and one end can contact the lower plate 220.

[0093] The battery 110 and the discharge material react through the formed reaction hole 1000. In this case, the upper plate 230 of the clamp 130 and the guard 240 restrict the movement of the battery 110 so that the battery 110 does not float upwards to the outside of the discharge material.

[0094] Reference Figure 11The battery processing device 100 operates in the opposite direction to the aforementioned descent mechanism, causing the stamping unit 150, the clamp 130, and the columnar member 160 to rise to their initial positions. In this case, the elastic connecting member 630, provided between the base plate 610 of the stamping unit 150 and the upper plate 230 of the clamp 130, uses its elasticity to assist the rising of the stamping unit 150, thereby ensuring the initial gap between the stamping unit 150 and the clamp 130. Furthermore, the rising of the stamping unit 150 is restricted by the second stop 172 formed on the columnar member 160, so that the stamping unit 150 can remain in its initial position.

[0095] Therefore, in the battery handling apparatus 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, fire and gas diffusion can be prevented. The battery 110 can be easily disposed of by moving the clamp 120 containing the battery 110 up and down along the columnar member 131. Furthermore, the space where the battery 110 reacts with the discharge material is separated from the operator, thereby protecting the operator from the flames and gases generated during the reaction between the battery 110 and the discharge material.

[0096] Reference Figure 12 The flowchart in the present disclosure describes the battery processing method. Some content repeated in the foregoing description related to the battery processing apparatus 100 will be omitted, but all content in the foregoing description of the battery processing apparatus 100 can also be applied to the battery processing method.

[0097] The operator places the battery 110 into the internal space 210 of the fixture 130 (S1210). The operator places the battery 110 on the lower plate 220 of the fixture 130. As described above, the plurality of stamping needles 620 of the stamping unit 150 are evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the base plate 610, and the upper through-hole 410 through which the stamping needles 620 pass can be formed in the upper plate 230 to correspond to the position of the stamping needles 620. Therefore, regardless of the position of the operator placing the battery 110 on the lower plate 220, the operator can use the stamping device 150 to form the reaction hole 1000 on the battery 110.

[0098] The drive unit is used to move the clamp 130 so that the battery 110 is immersed in the discharge material (S1220). The drive unit pushes and moves the stamping unit 150, and the columnar member 160 connected to the stamping unit 150 and the clamp 130 connected to the columnar member 160 move together, thereby immersing the clamp 130 and the battery 110 in the storage tank 180. In this case, the upper plate 230 and the guard 240 of the clamp 130 prevent the battery 110 from floating upwards to the outside of the discharge material.

[0099] The stamping unit 150 is used to form a reaction hole 1000 on the battery 110 (S1230). With the clamp 130 fixed by the first stop 171, the stamping unit 150 descends further toward the clamp 130. The stamping needle 620 of the stamping unit 150 passes through the upper through hole 410 in the upper plate 230 to form the reaction hole 1000 in the battery 110.

[0100] The battery 110 is reacted with the discharge material while its movement is restricted (S1240). The battery 110 and the discharge material react through the reaction hole 1000 formed in the battery 110. In this case, the upper plate 230 of the clamp 130 and the guard 240 prevent the battery 110 from floating upwards to the outside of the discharge material, thereby preventing workers from being exposed to hazards such as flames or gases, and preventing fires or gas spread.

[0101] Although the flowcharts of this disclosure describe each step as being performed sequentially, this is merely an illustrative description of the technical concept of some embodiments of this disclosure. In other words, those skilled in the art to which some embodiments of this disclosure pertain should understand that various modifications and variations can be made by changing the steps described in the flowcharts or by performing one or more of the steps in parallel without departing from the basic characteristics of some embodiments of this disclosure; therefore, the flowcharts are not limited to a time sequence.

[0102] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make many other variations and modifications to the embodiments using the basic principles of the invention as defined in the appended claims, and these variations and modifications also fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0103] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures] 100: Battery processing device 110: Battery 120: Load support unit 130: Fixture 140: Power transmission unit 141-143: First to Third Axles 144: Connecting components 150: Stamping Unit 160: Columnar member 161: Top cover 162: Lower end cap 171: First stop 172: Second stop 180: Storage tank 210: Interior Space 220: Lower plate 230: Upper plate 240: Protective components 241: Flow hole 310: Lower through hole 320: Lower connecting hole 410: Upper through hole 420: Upper connecting hole 510: Central Hole 520: Cover joint hole 610: Base plate 620: Stamped needle-shaped parts 630: Elastic connection component 710: Needle-shaped fastening hole 720: Columnar component mating hole 730: Shaft fastening hole 1000: Reaction well.

Claims

1. A battery processing apparatus for reacting a battery with a discharge substance, characterized by, The battery processing device includes: A clamp, including an internal space, into which the battery is placed. The stamping unit is configured to move in a direction toward the fixture and form reaction holes in the battery. A drive unit that moves the fixture and the stamping unit; The clamp is configured to restrict the movement of the battery immersed in the discharge material.

2. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp includes: The lower plate, on which the battery is placed, and The upper plate restricts the upward movement of the battery.

3. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamp also includes: A protective element is disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate, and covers the sides of the interior space.

4. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the protective element is configured to be openable and closable.

5. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the clamp forms an overflow orifice.

6. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit causes the fixture and the stamping unit to move in the vertical direction.

7. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving unit includes: The first axis is formed into a hollow cylindrical shape. The second shaft is formed into a hollow cylindrical shape and is configured to enter and exit the interior of the first shaft. The third shaft is connected to the stamping unit and is configured to enter and exit the interior of the second shaft.

8. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery processing device further includes: A columnar member extends along the direction of movement of the fixture and the stamping unit.

9. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The columnar member is connected to the fixture and the stamping unit, and guides the movement of the fixture and the stamping unit.

10. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery processing device further includes: The first stop, engaged with the upper part of the columnar member, restricts the downward movement of the clamp.

11. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The battery processing device further includes: A second stop is formed in at least a portion of the columnar member to restrict the upward movement of the stamping unit.

12. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stamping unit includes: Base plate, and A stamped needle-shaped part, wherein one end of the stamped needle-shaped part is engaged with the base plate such that it faces the clamp.

13. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The upper plate has an upper through hole that allows the stamping needle-like part to pass through.

14. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The stamped needle-like part and the upper through hole are formed in multiple ways. Multiple of the aforementioned stamped needle-like parts are evenly distributed throughout the entire area of ​​the base plate. The plurality of upper through holes are formed on the upper plate to correspond to the positions of the plurality of stamped needle-like parts.

15. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The base plate is arranged parallel to the upper plate. The stamped needle-like member is coupled to the base plate in a direction perpendicular to the base plate.

16. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The stamping unit further includes: An elastic connecting member is disposed between the base plate and the upper plate, and surrounds the stamped needle-like member.

17. The battery processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery is either a charged battery or a decomposed electrode. The discharge substance is salt water.

18. A battery treatment method for reacting a battery with a discharge substance, characterized by, The battery processing method includes: The step of placing the battery into the fixture. The immersion step involves moving the clamp and immersing the battery in the discharge material. The reaction step involves forming a reaction hole in the battery and causing the battery to react with the discharge material while the battery's movement is restricted.

19. The battery processing method according to claim 18, characterized in that, In the reaction step, the battery reacts with the discharge material while the upward movement of the battery is restricted so that the battery is not exposed to the outside of the discharge material.

20. The battery processing method according to claim 18, characterized in that, In the immersion step, the clamp is moved downward along a columnar member that extends in the vertical direction, immersing the battery in the discharge material.

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