Method for decomposing electrode body and apparatus for decomposing electrode body

Abstract

The present application relates to a method of disassembling an electrode body and a device for disassembling an electrode body, and more reliably separates a separator from a negative electrode or a separator from a positive electrode. The method of disassembling an electrode body (1) includes: a preparation step (S10) of preparing an electrode body in which a first separator (2) in a band shape, a negative electrode (3), a second separator (4), and a positive electrode (5) are sequentially stacked and wound; a first separation step (S20) of separating the electrode body into a stacked sheet (3S) of the first separator and the negative electrode and a stacked sheet (5S) of the second separator and the positive electrode by pulling the first separator and the second separator, respectively; and a second separation step (S30) of winding the stacked sheet (3S) of the first separator and the negative electrode on a first roller (51) to bend a transport path (R1) of the first separator, and inserting a separation member (52) in a plate shape into a portion (R1a) where the transport path (R1) is bent to separate the first separator and the negative electrode to a first face (52D) side and a second face (52U) side of the separation member (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for disassembling an electrode. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-004299 discloses a method for recycling lithium-ion secondary batteries. According to this publication, the lithium-ion secondary battery includes a winding body constructed by layering and winding a positive electrode made of aluminum foil coated with active material and a negative electrode made of copper foil coated with active material, separated by a separator made of plastic foil. In the lithium-ion secondary battery disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-004299, the winding body and non-aqueous electrolyte are contained in a stainless steel container and sealed. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-004299 also discloses a method in which a lithium-ion secondary battery, after pretreatment such as discharging and cleaning, is fed into a crusher for crushing, and the various materials of the crushed lithium-ion secondary battery are screened and recycled using wind screening and a two-stage sieve.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-165136 discloses a winding assembly dismantling device configured for sorting and recycling the positive and negative electrodes of a wound electrode assembly for a cylindrical lithium secondary battery. According to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-165136, the efficient use of resources is related to the reuse of electrode materials from discarded lithium secondary batteries as battery materials, and therefore requires refining the electrode materials to a high purity. According to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-165136, in order to refine the electrode materials to a high purity, it is first necessary to simplify the sorting process for the positive and negative electrodes, which use rare resources.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-165136 discloses a winding assembly disassembly device, which includes: an unwinding roller supporting a winding electrode assembly for rotation; a clamping roller for unwinding the positive electrode, negative electrode, and diaphragm from the winding electrode assembly supported by the unwinding roller; and winding rollers for winding the positive electrode, negative electrode, and diaphragm respectively. According to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-165136, when the winding electrode assembly is installed in the winding assembly disassembly device, an operator manually pulls out the stack of positive electrode, negative electrode, and diaphragm from the winding electrode assembly and clamps the stack using the clamping roller. Then, the operator separates the negative electrode, diaphragm A, positive electrode, and diaphragm B from the position of the clamping roller and installs them onto their respective winding rollers.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-004299

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-165136

[0009] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-165136 does not describe in detail the process of separating the negative electrode, separator A, positive electrode, and separator B. However, for example, during the disassembly of the electrode body of a used energy storage device, the positive electrode and separator or the negative electrode and separator may sometimes adhere, making it not always easy to separate the positive electrode or negative electrode from the separator. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] Here, a method for disassembling an electrode body formed by sequentially stacking a strip-shaped first diaphragm, a strip-shaped negative electrode, a strip-shaped second diaphragm, and a strip-shaped positive electrode and winding them along a predetermined winding direction is proposed, which can more reliably separate the diaphragm from the negative electrode or the diaphragm from the positive electrode. Furthermore, a device for disassembling the electrode body that can more reliably separate the diaphragm from the negative electrode or the diaphragm from the positive electrode is proposed.

[0012] Methods for solving problems

[0013] The proposed method for disassembling the electrode body includes a preparation step, a first separation step, and a second separation step. In the preparation step, an electrode body is prepared by sequentially stacking and winding a strip-shaped first diaphragm, a strip-shaped negative electrode, a strip-shaped second diaphragm, and a strip-shaped positive electrode along a predetermined winding direction. In the first separation step, at the end of the winding of the electrode body, the electrode body is separated into the first diaphragm and the negative electrode, and the second diaphragm and the positive electrode. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are pulled respectively, thereby unwinding the electrode body and separating it into a laminate of the first diaphragm and the negative electrode, and a laminate of the second diaphragm and the positive electrode. In the second separation process, the stacked sheet of the first diaphragm and the negative electrode or the stacked sheet of the second diaphragm and the positive electrode is wound around the first roller to bend the conveying path of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm, and a plate-shaped separation member is inserted into the bent part of the conveying path to separate the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm and the negative electrode or the positive electrode to the first side and the second side of the separation member.

[0014] According to the above-described method for disassembling the electrode, by inserting a plate-shaped separation member into the portion that bends the transport path of the first or second diaphragm, the first diaphragm can be separated from the negative electrode or the second diaphragm from the positive electrode more reliably.

[0015] The electrode body disassembly apparatus proposed herein is an apparatus for disassembling an electrode body formed by sequentially stacking and winding a strip-shaped first diaphragm, a strip-shaped negative electrode, a strip-shaped second diaphragm, and a strip-shaped positive electrode along a predetermined winding direction. The electrode body disassembly apparatus comprises: a first holding member holding one of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm; a second holding member holding the other of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm; a first moving device moving the first holding member along a predetermined first conveying path; a second moving device moving the second holding member along a predetermined second conveying path; a first roller disposed on the first conveying path and bending the first conveying path; and a separating member disposed at the bent portion of the first conveying path. The negative electrode is adhered to the first diaphragm, and the positive electrode is adhered to the second diaphragm. The separating member is configured as a plate having a first surface and a second surface, separating the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm and the negative electrode or the positive electrode to the first surface side and the second surface side.

[0016] The electrode disintegration device described above can achieve the same effect as the electrode disintegration method described above. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional three-dimensional view of the electrode body.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the electrode body decomposition device.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the electrode housing.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the first separation device.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first separation device with the scraper inserted into the bend of the conveying path.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a front view of the first separation device with the scraper inserted into the bend of the conveying path.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the second separation device.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the second separation device after the stripping roller has descended.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the disassembly process of the electrode.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the first conveying section and the first separation device during the conveying of the first diaphragm sheet.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a side view of the second conveying section and the second separation device during the conveying of the second diaphragm sheet.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 1 Electrode body

[0030] 2 First diaphragm

[0031] 3. Negative electrode plate

[0032] 3S negative electrode laminate (first separator and negative electrode laminate)

[0033] 3a Negative electrode current collector foil

[0034] 3b Negative electrode active material layer

[0035] 4. Second diaphragm

[0036] 5 Positive electrode plates

[0037] 5S Positive Electrode Laminate (Second Separator and Positive Electrode Laminate)

[0038] 5a Positive electrode current collector foil

[0039] 5b Positive electrode active material layer

[0040] 10 Electrode Body Decomposition Device

[0041] 20 Electrode housing section

[0042] 21. Hold the clamp

[0043] 21a Holding section

[0044] 21b First mounting section

[0045] 21c Second mounting section

[0046] 22 Rotary Box

[0047] 23. Clamp lowering device

[0048] 23a Positioning component

[0049] Cylinder 23b

[0050] 30 First Control Department

[0051] 31 First clamping component (first gripping member)

[0052] 31F Front Side Clamping Component

[0053] 31Rr Rear Side Clamping Part

[0054] 32 First moving device

[0055] 32a Support section

[0056] 32a1 Rotating device

[0057] 32a2 Rotary Motor

[0058] 32b Vertical guide

[0059] 32c Left and right directional guide

[0060] 32d vertical movement motor

[0061] 32e Left and right movement motor

[0062] 40 First Conveying Section

[0063] 41 Clamping rollers

[0064] 41L drive roller

[0065] 41R Driven Roller

[0066] 42 Conveyor Motor

[0067] 43 Clamping cylinder

[0068] 50 First Separation Device

[0069] 51 Bending Roller (First Roller)

[0070] 52 Scraper (Separation Component)

[0071] 52D Lower surface (first surface)

[0072] 52U Top surface (second side)

[0073] 52L base end

[0074] 52R front end

[0075] 53. Scraper insertion device (drive device)

[0076] 53a Guide rod

[0077] 53b Insertion cylinder

[0078] 60. Diaphragm Recycling Section

[0079] 70 Negative Electrode Recycling Section

[0080] 71 Guide Board

[0081] 72 Negative electrode recycling bin

[0082] 80 Positive and negative electrode separation device

[0083] 81 Center scraper

[0084] 82 Scraper Lowering Device

[0085] 82a cylinder

[0086] 100 Control device

[0087] 130 Second Control Division

[0088] 131 Second clamping member (second gripping component)

[0089] 131F Front Side Clamping Component

[0090] 131Rr Rear Side Clamping Part

[0091] 132 Second mobile device

[0092] 132a Support section

[0093] 132a1 Rotating device

[0094] 132a2 Rotary Motor

[0095] 132b Vertical guide

[0096] 132c Left and right directional guide

[0097] 132d vertical movement motor

[0098] 132e Left and right movement motor

[0099] 140 Second Conveyor Section

[0100] 141 Clamping Roller

[0101] 141L drive roller

[0102] 141R Driven Roller

[0103] 142 Conveyor Motor

[0104] 143 Clamping Cylinder

[0105] 145 Bending Roller

[0106] 150 Second Separation Unit

[0107] 151 Upstream Roller

[0108] 152 Downstream Roller

[0109] 153 Peeling Roller (Second Roller)

[0110] 154 Roller Lowering Device

[0111] 154a cylinder

[0112] 160 Diaphragm Recycling Section

[0113] 170 Positive Electrode Recycling Section

[0114] R1 First diaphragm conveying path

[0115] R1a Bend Section

[0116] R2 Second Diaphragm Delivery Path

[0117] R2a Bending Section

[0118] S10 Electrode Preparation Steps (Preparation Process)

[0119] S20 Positive and Negative Electrode Separation Step (First Separation Process)

[0120] S21 Terminal Processing Steps

[0121] S22 Electrode Installation Steps

[0122] S23 Holding Steps

[0123] S24 Center scraper descent procedure

[0124] S25 Pulling Steps

[0125] S26 Center scraper rising procedure

[0126] S27 Fixture Lowering Step

[0127] S30 Negative electrode separation step (second separation process)

[0128] S31 Winding Steps

[0129] S32 Clamping Stop Procedure

[0130] S33 Scraper Insertion Steps

[0131] S34 Clamping component repositioning step

[0132] S40 Diaphragm Clamping Procedure

[0133] S50 diaphragm delivery steps

[0134] S130 Positive electrode separation step (third separation process)

[0135] S131 Clamping component movement steps

[0136] S132 Clamping Part Return Step

[0137] S133 Roller Lowering Step

[0138] S134 Clamping Part Removal Step

[0139] S140 Diaphragm Clamping Procedure

[0140] S150 Diaphragm Delivery Steps. Detailed Implementation

[0141] The following describes one embodiment of the electrode body disassembly apparatus. It should be noted that the embodiment described herein is not intended to limit the invention in any particular way. Furthermore, the figures are schematic diagrams and do not necessarily reflect the actual embodiments accurately. Hereinafter, components and parts that perform the same function will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted or simplified where appropriate.

[0142] In this specification, "energy storage device" refers to all devices capable of extracting electrical energy, including primary and secondary batteries, as well as chemical batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries, and physical batteries such as double-layer capacitors.

[0143] [Structure of the electrode]

[0144] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the electrode body 1 according to one embodiment. The electrode body 1 is constructed from the electrode body disassembly apparatus 10 of this embodiment (see reference 10). Figure 2 The object to be decomposed. Electrode 1 is an electrode body removed from an energy storage device, which includes a battery casing housing electrode 1, electrode terminals, electrolyte, etc. The type of electrode body 1 is not particularly limited, for example, it is an electrode body of a lithium-ion secondary battery. Various methods for removing electrode body 1 from the energy storage device have been proposed, and are not particularly limited.

[0145] like Figure 1 As shown, electrode body 1 is formed by sequentially stacking and winding a strip-shaped first diaphragm 2, a strip-shaped negative electrode 3, a strip-shaped second diaphragm 4, and a strip-shaped positive electrode 5 along a predetermined winding direction. Electrode body 1 is a so-called wound electrode body. Here, electrode body 1 is wound in a direction where, starting from the outermost periphery, the first diaphragm 2, the negative electrode 3, the second diaphragm 4, and the positive electrode 5 are sequentially arranged. The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are configured such that their length in the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction of winding) is longer than that of the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5. The winding end portion of electrode body 1 is formed by the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4.

[0146] The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are, for example, porous resin sheets with the required heat resistance and allowing electrolyte passage. The materials of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are not particularly limited. The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are sandwiched between the positive electrode 5 and the negative electrode 3, thus insulating the positive electrode 5 from the negative electrode 3. The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 can also be adhesive diaphragms coated on both sides. In this case, the first diaphragm 2, the negative electrode 3, the second diaphragm 4, and the positive electrode 5 are bonded together.

[0147] The negative electrode 3 includes a negative electrode current collector foil 3a and a negative electrode active material layer 3b formed on the negative electrode current collector foil 3a. The negative electrode 3 is a component in which a negative electrode active material layer 3b containing the negative electrode active material is formed on the surface of the negative electrode current collector foil 3a. Here, the negative electrode current collector foil 3a is composed of copper foil of a predetermined width and thickness. The negative electrode active material is, for example, a material like natural graphite that can absorb lithium ions during charging and release the lithium ions absorbed during charging during discharging. Various alternatives to natural graphite are generally proposed for the negative electrode active material, and it is not particularly limited. In the case where the energy storage device is not a lithium-ion secondary battery, the negative electrode 3 may include various negative electrode current collector foils 3a and negative electrode active material layers 3b corresponding to the type of energy storage device.

[0148] The positive electrode 5 includes a positive electrode current collector foil 5a and a positive electrode active material layer 5b formed on the positive electrode current collector foil 5a. The positive electrode 5 is a component in which a positive electrode active material layer 5b containing the positive electrode active material is formed on the surface of the positive electrode current collector foil 5a. Here, the positive electrode current collector foil 5a is composed of aluminum foil of a predetermined width and thickness. The positive electrode active material is, for example, a material like a lithium transition metal composite material that can release lithium ions during charging and absorb lithium ions during discharging. Various options for the positive electrode active material have been proposed, besides lithium transition metal composite materials, and are not particularly limited. In the case where the energy storage device is not a lithium-ion secondary battery, the positive electrode 5 may include various positive electrode current collector foils 5a and positive electrode active material layers 5b corresponding to the type of energy storage device.

[0149] [Overview of the electrode body decomposition device]

[0150] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the electrode body decomposition device 10. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, [the following will be described as follows]. Figure 2 The left and right directions are called the left and right directions. Figure 2 The direction of depth is called the front-to-back direction. In the attached drawings, front, back, left, right, top, and bottom are represented by the reference numerals F, Rr, L, R, U, and D, respectively. For example... Figure 2As shown, the electrode body decomposition device 10 includes an electrode body receiving section 20, a first holding section 30, a first conveying section 40, a first separation device 50, a first diaphragm recovery section 60, a negative electrode sheet recovery section 70, a second holding section 130, a second conveying section 140, a second separation device 150, a second diaphragm recovery section 160, a positive electrode sheet recovery section 170, a positive and negative electrode separation device 80, and a control device 100.

[0151] An electrode body 1, before disassembly, is provided in the electrode body receiving section 20. The electrode body disassembly device 10 is configured to unwind the wound electrode body 1 by pulling the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4. During the unwinding process, the electrode body 1 is approximately wound around the axis W (see reference 20) inside the electrode body receiving section 20. Figure 1 Rotate.

[0152] The first gripping portion 30 grips the winding end portion of the first diaphragm 2 that extends outside the electrode body receiving portion 20. The negative electrode 3 is adhered to the first diaphragm 2. Since the length of the negative electrode 3 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the first diaphragm 2, the laminate of the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3 (hereinafter also referred to as the negative electrode laminate 3S, see reference) Figure 3 The winding end portion of the electrode body 1 is composed only of the first diaphragm sheet 2. The first gripping portion 30 grips and moves the end portion of the first diaphragm sheet 2 during the initial stage of unwinding the electrode body 1, thus mounting the first diaphragm sheet 2 onto the first conveying portion 40. In this embodiment, the first gripping portion 30 is positioned to the left of the electrode body receiving portion 20.

[0153] The first conveying unit 40 uses a pair of clamping rollers 41 to hold the first diaphragm 2 and conveys the first diaphragm 2 by rotating the pair of clamping rollers 41. The first conveying unit 40 is located further to the left of the first holding unit 30. The first separating device 50 separates the first diaphragm 2 from the negative electrode 3 at a position upstream of the first conveying unit 40 (on the electrode body receiving part 20 side) in the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2. Therefore, the first conveying unit 40 conveys only the first diaphragm 2 using the pair of clamping rollers 41. The first diaphragm 2 is conveyed by the first conveying unit 40 to the first diaphragm recovery unit 60. The negative electrode 3, after being separated from the first diaphragm 2, moves forward along with the first diaphragm 2 and is recovered to the negative electrode recovery unit 70 located downstream of the first separating device 50.

[0154] The second gripping portion 130 grips the winding end portion of the second diaphragm sheet 4 that extends outside the electrode body receiving portion 20. The positive electrode sheet 5 is adhered to the second diaphragm sheet 4. Since the length of the positive electrode sheet 5 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the second diaphragm sheet 4, the laminate of the second diaphragm sheet 4 and the positive electrode sheet 5 (hereinafter also referred to as the positive electrode laminate 5S, see reference) Figure 3The winding end portion of the electrode body 1 is composed only of the second diaphragm 4. The second gripping portion 130 grips and moves the end portion of the second diaphragm 4 during the initial unwinding stage of the electrode body 1, mounting the second diaphragm 4 onto the second conveying portion 140. In this embodiment, the second gripping portion 130 is located to the right of the electrode body receiving portion 20.

[0155] The second conveying section 140 uses a pair of clamping rollers 141 to hold the second diaphragm 4 and conveys the second diaphragm 4 by rotating the pair of clamping rollers 141. The second conveying section 140 is located further to the right of the second holding section 130. The second separating device 150 separates the second diaphragm 4 from the positive electrode 5 at a position upstream of the second conveying section 140 (on the electrode housing 20 side) in the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4. Therefore, the second conveying section 140 conveys only the second diaphragm 4 using the pair of clamping rollers 141. The second diaphragm 4 is conveyed by the second conveying section 140 to the second diaphragm recovery section 160. The positive electrode 5, after being separated from the second diaphragm 4, falls into the positive electrode recovery section 170, which is located below the second separating device 150.

[0156] The positive and negative electrode separation device 80 assists in separating the negative electrode stack 3S and the positive electrode stack 5S when the first gripping part 30 pulls the negative electrode stack 3S and the second gripping part 130 pulls the positive electrode stack 5S. The positive and negative electrode separation device 80 assists in separating the electrode body 1 into the negative electrode stack 3S and the positive electrode stack 5S by inserting a central scraper 81 between the negative electrode stack 3S and the positive electrode stack 5S. The positive and negative electrode separation device 80 is disposed above the electrode body receiving part 20.

[0157] [Electrode housing section]

[0158] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the electrode housing 20. (See diagram below.) Figure 3 As shown, the electrode housing 20 includes a retaining clamp 21 and a rotating box 22 (see also...). Figure 4 ) and clamp lowering device 23 (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0159] The clamp 21 holds the electrode body 1 in the stage before the negative electrode stack 3S is pulled by the first gripping part 30 and the positive electrode stack 5S is pulled by the second gripping part 130. Figure 3 As shown, the retaining clamp 21 includes: a retaining portion 21a that retains the electrode body 1; a first mounting portion 21b that mounts the terminal portion of a first diaphragm sheet 2 (negative electrode laminate 3S) extending from the electrode body 1; and a second mounting portion 21c that mounts the terminal portion of a second diaphragm sheet 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S) extending from the electrode body 1. The retaining portion 21a is wound around a winding shaft W (see reference). Figure 1The electrode body 1 is held in a generally front-to-back direction. The holding portion 21a holds the electrode body 1 with a pair of wide surfaces facing left (towards the first holding portion 30) and right (towards the second holding portion 130). The holding portion 21a is configured as a flat, box-shaped structure with a length in the left-to-right direction shorter than its length in the front-to-back direction. The upper surface of the holding portion 21a is open. The first mounting portion 21b extends to the left from the upper left edge of the holding portion 21a. The negative electrode laminate 3S is mounted in the first mounting portion 21b with the negative electrode 3 positioned above the first separator 2. The second mounting portion 21c extends to the right from the upper right edge of the holding portion 21a. The positive electrode laminate 5S is mounted in the second mounting portion 21c with the second separator 4 positioned above the positive electrode 5.

[0160] The rotating box 22 is a box-shaped component that houses the electrode body 1 after it extends from the holding clamp 21. The upper surface of the rotating box 22 is open. The holding clamp 21 is positioned at a predetermined location within the rotating box 22. The positioning member 23a, which determines the position of the holding clamp 21, will be explained when describing the clamp lowering device 23. The positions of the terminal portions of the first diaphragm sheet 2 (negative electrode laminate 3S) and the second diaphragm sheet 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S) are determined by the position of the holding clamp 21. The electrode body 1, after extending from the holding clamp 21, is unwound along with the first diaphragm sheet 2, the negative electrode sheet 3, the second diaphragm sheet 4, and the positive electrode sheet 5, and rotates approximately around the axis W inside the rotating box 22. The length of the rotating box 22 in the left-right direction is longer than the rotation diameter of the electrode body 1 to allow the electrode body 1 to move in the left-right direction.

[0161] After the negative electrode laminate 3S is held by the first holding part 30 and the positive electrode laminate 5S is held by the second holding part 130, the clamp lowering device 23 lowers the holding clamp 21 to a position lower than the rotating box 22 (see reference). Figure 4 ,exist Figure 4 In the process of lowering the retaining clamp 21, the electrode body 1 can rotate within the rotating box 22. The clamp lowering device 23 includes: a positioning member 23a that supports the retaining clamp 21 and determines the setting position of the retaining clamp 21; and a cylinder 23b that supports the positioning member 23a and extends and retracts in the vertical direction (see reference). Figure 2 However, the structure of the clamp lowering device 23 is not particularly limited.

[0162] [Positive and negative electrode separation device]

[0163] like Figure 3As shown, the positive and negative electrode separation device 80 includes a central scraper 81 and a scraper lowering device 82. The central scraper 81 is a plate-shaped member extending in both the front-to-back and vertical directions. The scraper lowering device 82 is configured to lower the central scraper 81 so that its lower end is inserted into the holding clamp 21, and to raise the central scraper 81 so that its lower end is disengaged from the holding clamp 21. Figure 2 As shown, the scraper lowering device 82 here includes a cylinder 82a that extends and retracts in the vertical direction. Figure 3 The diagram shows the state of the central scraper 81 after it has descended. Figure 3 As shown, when the central scraper 81 is lowered using the scraper lowering device 82, the central scraper 81 is inserted between the negative electrode laminate 3S and the positive electrode laminate 5S before the electrode body 1 is unwound.

[0164] [First Control Department]

[0165] like Figure 3 As shown, the first gripping part 30 includes a pair of first clamping members 31 and a first moving device 32. The pair of first clamping members 31 grip the first diaphragm sheet 2 (negative electrode laminate 3S). The pair of first clamping members 31 includes a front-side clamping member 31F and a rear-side clamping member 31Rr disposed at a position rearward of the front-side clamping member 31F. The front-side clamping member 31F grips the front side of the terminal portion of the first diaphragm sheet 2. The rear-side clamping member 31Rr grips the rear side of the terminal portion of the first diaphragm sheet 2.

[0166] The first moving device 32 causes a pair of first clamping members 31 to move along a predetermined conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 (see reference). Figure 2 The phrase "moving along the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2" is not limited to moving along a path consistent with the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2, but broadly refers to moving in a manner that passes through a specified side (here, between the pair of clamping rollers 41, above the bending roller 51) of the components arranged on the conveying path R1 (e.g., the pair of clamping rollers 41 of the first conveying unit 40, the bending roller 51 of the first separating device 50 described later). Here, the path by which the first moving device 32 moves the pair of first clamping members 31 is along the path in the conveying path R1 up to at least passing between the pair of clamping rollers 41. Details of the path by which the first moving device 32 moves the pair of first clamping members 31 will be described later. The first gripping unit 30 grips the first diaphragm 2 with the pair of first clamping members 31, and moves the pair of first clamping members 31 with the first moving device 32, thereby pulling the first diaphragm 2.

[0167] like Figure 3As shown, the first moving device 32 includes: a support portion 32a that supports a pair of first clamping members 31; a vertical guide member 32b that supports the support portion 32a so that it can move in the vertical direction; and a horizontal guide member 32c that supports the vertical guide member 32b so that it can move in the horizontal direction (see reference). Figure 2 ); The vertical movement motor 32d causes the support 32a to move along the vertical guide 32b (see reference). Figure 2 ); and a left-right moving motor 32e, which causes the up-down guide 32b to move along the left-right guide 32c (see reference ); Figure 2 ).

[0168] like Figure 3 As shown, the support portion 32a extends in the front-rear direction. The support portion 32a includes a rotating device 32a1 that rotates a pair of first clamping members 31 in the vertical direction. The rotating device 32a1 includes a rotating motor 32a2, which has a rotation axis that rotates about an axis A1, which is offset from the base ends (here, the left ends) of each pair of first clamping members 31 when viewed in the front-rear direction. The axis A1 of the rotation axis of the rotating motor 32a2 extends in the front-rear direction. The pair of first clamping members 31 rotate about the axis A1. The orientation of the pair of first clamping members 31 can be changed using the rotating device 32a1.

[0169] like Figure 2 As shown, the vertical guide 32b extends in the vertical direction. When the vertical movement motor 32d is driven, the support portion 32a and the pair of first clamping members 31 supported thereon are positioned in the vertical direction along the vertical guide 32b. The horizontal guide 32c extends in the horizontal direction. When the horizontal movement motor 32e is driven, the vertical guide 32b, the support portion 32a, and the pair of first clamping members 31 are positioned in the horizontal direction along the horizontal guide 32c. By combining the driving of the vertical movement motor 32d and the driving of the horizontal movement motor 32e, the pair of first clamping members 31 can be moved along a predetermined path when viewed in the front-back direction.

[0170] [First Conveying Section]

[0171] like Figure 2As shown, the first conveying unit 40 includes a pair of clamping rollers 41 that clamp and rotate the first diaphragm 2. The pair of clamping rollers 41 includes a driving roller 41L and a driven roller 41R positioned to the right of the driving roller 41L and facing it. The driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R are each configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction. The first conveying unit 40 includes a conveying motor 42 that rotates the driving roller 41L and a clamping cylinder 43 that moves the driven roller 41R in the left-right direction to approach or move away from the driving roller 41L (see reference). Figure 4 The clamping cylinder 43 is a cylinder that extends and retracts in the left-right direction. However, the actuator that moves the driven roller 41R in the left-right direction is not limited to a cylinder; for example, it could also be a motor.

[0172] The first conveying unit 40 drives the clamping cylinder 43 when the first diaphragm 2 is located between the driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R, thereby clamping the first diaphragm 2 using the driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R (see reference). Figure 10 When the conveyor motor 42 is driven, the drive roller 41L rotates downwards on the side opposite to the driven roller 41R, conveying the first diaphragm 2 downwards together with the driven roller 41R. The first diaphragm 2 moves along a predetermined conveying path R1 by being conveyed by the first conveying unit 40. A first diaphragm recovery unit 60 is provided below the drive roller 41L and the driven roller 41R.

[0173] [First separation device]

[0174] The first separation device 50 separates the first diaphragm 2 from the negative electrode 3 at a position upstream of the first conveying section 40 in the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the first separation device 50. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the first separation device 50 includes a bending roller 51, a scraper 52, and a scraper insertion device 53.

[0175] A bending roller 51 is disposed on the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2, causing the conveying path R1 to bend. The bending roller 51 extends in the front-to-back direction. The bending roller 51 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the bending roller 51 is disposed to the left and above the rotating box 22 of the electrode housing 20. The first diaphragm 2 is wound around the bending roller 51 from above by the first holding part 30. Between the electrode housing 20 and the bending roller 51, the first diaphragm 2 is conveyed obliquely upward to the left.

[0176] A bending roller 51 is positioned above a pair of clamping rollers 41 in the first conveying section 40. The bending roller 51 bends the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 toward the pair of clamping rollers 41 (here, below). However, the direction in which the bending roller 51 bends the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 is not particularly limited. For example, the direction in which the bending roller 51 bends the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 could be upwards. The angle θ1 at which the bending roller 51 bends the conveying path R1 (refer to...) Figure 6 θ1 represents an interior angle (the smaller θ1 is, the more acute the bend). It is not specifically limited to, for example, less than 120 degrees. It should be noted that the reference numeral R1a in the attached diagram indicates the bent portion (bent section) of the conveying path R1.

[0177] The scraper 52 is a separating member that separates the first diaphragm sheet 2 from the negative electrode sheet 3. The scraper 52 is configured as a plate extending in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and has an upper surface 52U and a lower surface 52D. The scraper 52 separates the first diaphragm sheet 2 from the negative electrode sheet 3 on the upper surface 52U side and the lower surface 52D side. The front end 52R of the scraper 52, in the main view, is formed into a cone shape whose vertical height decreases towards the upstream side of the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm sheet 2 (see also [reference]). Figure 6 In this embodiment, the upper surface 52U of the scraper 52 is curved to form a tapered front end 52R. Here, the lower surface 52D of the scraper 52 is flat. The width of the scraper 52 in the front-to-back direction is longer than the width of the negative electrode 3.

[0178] The scraper insertion device 53 inserts the scraper 52 into the bend R1a of the conveying path R1 or causes the scraper 52 to retract from the bend R1a. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first separation device 50 with the scraper 52 inserted into the bend R1a of the conveying path R1. (See image below.) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the scraper 52 is positioned at its right end at the bent portion R1a of the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2. The scraper insertion device 53 inserts the scraper 52 into the conveying path R1 after the front end of the first diaphragm 2 has passed the bent portion R1a and before the front end of the negative electrode 3 reaches the bent portion R1a. By inserting the scraper 52 into the conveying path R1 at this time, the first diaphragm 2 can be wound onto the bending roller 51, and, through the subsequent movement of the first diaphragm 2, the front end 52R of the scraper 52 enters between the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3. When the negative electrode 3 is peeled off from the first diaphragm 2 using the scraper 52, the negative electrode 3 located above the first diaphragm 2 rests on the upper surface 52U of the scraper 52. The first diaphragm 2 located below the negative electrode 3 is conveyed on the lower surface 52D side of the scraper 52.

[0179] like Figure 5As shown, the scraper insertion device 53 includes a pair of guide rods 53a and an insertion cylinder 53b. By driving the insertion cylinder 53b, the scraper 52 approaches or moves away from the bending roller 51 along the guide rods 53a. In this embodiment, the scraper insertion device 53 supports the scraper 52 obliquely such that the front end 52R of the scraper 52 is located above the base end 52L. The scraper 52 is tilted upward to the right. The scraper insertion device 53 moves the scraper 52 obliquely upward to the right, bringing it closer to the bending roller 51. When the scraper insertion device 53 is driven toward the side where the scraper 52 is approaching, the scraper 52 abuts against the surface of the first diaphragm 2 wound on the bending roller 51 (abutting against the bending roller 51 via the first diaphragm 2).

[0180] Figure 6 This is a front view of the first separation device 50 with the scraper 52 inserted into the bend R1a of the conveying path R1. (See attached image.) Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the scraper 52 abuts at or near the circumferential midpoint of the portion of the first diaphragm 2 wound on the bending roller 51. More specifically, the front end 52R of the scraper 52 or its vicinity abuts against the first diaphragm 2 (via the first diaphragm 2 and the bending roller 51). However, as long as the negative electrode 3 can be peeled off from the first diaphragm 2, the orientation of the scraper 52, the portion of the scraper 52 that abuts against the bending roller 51, and the portion of the bending roller 51 for the scraper 52 to abut against are not limited.

[0181] like Figure 5 As shown, the negative electrode sheet recovery unit 70 includes a guide plate 71, which is positioned below the scraper 52 and extends to the left compared to the scraper 52. The negative electrode sheet 3, separated by the first separation device 50 and resting on the upper surface 52U of the scraper 52, is conveyed onto the guide plate 71 by the first conveying unit 40 along with the first diaphragm sheet 2. The guide plate 71 descends and tilts to the left. Figure 2 As shown, a negative electrode recycling box 72 is provided below the left end of the guide plate 71. The negative electrode 3, after passing through the guide plate 71, is collected in the negative electrode recycling box 72.

[0182] [Second Control Section]

[0183] The second holding portion 130 holding the second diaphragm 4 is configured in the same way as the first holding portion 30 holding the first diaphragm 2. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the second gripping part 130 includes a pair of second clamping members 131 and a second moving device 132. The pair of second clamping members 131 grip the second diaphragm sheet 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S). The pair of second clamping members 131 includes a front side clamping member 131F and a rear side clamping member 131Rr disposed at a position rearward of the front side clamping member 131F.

[0184] The second moving device 132 causes a pair of second clamping members 131 to move along a predetermined conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 (see reference). Figure 2 The second moving device 132 includes: a support portion 132a, which has a rotating device 132a1 for rotating a pair of second clamping members 131; a vertical guide member 132b that supports the support portion 132a so that it can move in the vertical direction; and a horizontal guide member 132c that supports the vertical guide member 132b so that it can move in the horizontal direction (see reference). Figure 2 ); The vertical movement motor 132d causes the support 132a to move along the vertical guide 132b (see reference). Figure 2 ); and a left-right moving motor 132e, which moves the up-down guide 132b along the left-right guide 132c (see reference 132c). Figure 2 The rotating device 132a1 includes a rotating motor 132a2, which has a rotating shaft that rotates about an axis A2, which is offset from the base ends (in this case, the right ends) of the pair of second clamping members 131 when viewed in the front-back direction. The rotating device 132a1 can be used to change the posture of the pair of second clamping members 131. The second gripping part 130 grips the second diaphragm 4 using the pair of second clamping members 131, and moves the pair of second clamping members 131 using the second moving device 132, thereby pulling the second diaphragm 4.

[0185] [Second Conveyor Section]

[0186] The second conveying section 140 for conveying the second diaphragm 4 is configured similarly to the first conveying section 40 for conveying the first diaphragm 2. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the second conveying unit 140 includes a pair of clamping rollers 141 that clamp and rotate the second diaphragm 4. The pair of clamping rollers 141 includes a drive roller 141L and a driven roller 141R positioned to the right of the drive roller 141L and facing it. The second conveying unit 140 includes a conveying motor 142 (see reference 141L) that rotates the drive roller 141L. Figure 11 The driven roller 141R moves in the left-right direction to approach or move away from the driving roller 141L. A bending roller 145 is provided above the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R. The bending roller 145 bends the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm sheet 4, which is generally horizontal up to this point, in a generally vertical direction, so that it faces the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R.

[0187] The second conveying unit 140 drives the clamping cylinder 143 while the second diaphragm 4 is positioned between the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R, thereby clamping the second diaphragm 4 using the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R (see reference). Figure 11 When the conveyor motor 142 is driven, the drive roller 141L rotates downwards on the side opposite to the driven roller 141R, conveying the second diaphragm 4 downwards together with the driven roller 141R. A second diaphragm recovery section 160 is provided below the drive roller 141L and the driven roller 141R.

[0188] [Second Separation Device]

[0189] The second separation device 150 separates the second diaphragm 4 from the positive electrode 5 at a position upstream of the second conveying section 140 in the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the second separation device 150. It should be noted that... Figure 7 This diagram shows the state in which the second diaphragm sheet 4 is wound midway through the second separation device 150. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, the second separation device 150 includes an upstream roller 151, a downstream roller 152, and a stripping roller 153 (see also...). Figure 11 ,exist Figure 11 In order to make it easier to observe the stripping roller 153, the diagram shows the state with the bearing of the stripping roller 153 removed and the roller lowering device 154.

[0190] An upstream roller 151 is disposed on the transport path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 and wound with the second diaphragm 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S). The upstream roller 151 extends in the front-to-back direction. The upstream roller 151 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the upstream roller 151 is disposed to the right and above the rotating box 22 of the electrode housing 20. The second diaphragm 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S) is wound onto the upstream roller 151 from above by the second holding part 130. Between the electrode housing 20 and the upstream roller 151, the second diaphragm 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S) is transported obliquely upward to the right.

[0191] The downstream roller 152 is positioned downstream of the upstream roller 151 in the transport path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 and has the second diaphragm 4 wound around it. Here, the downstream roller 152 is positioned to the right and above the upstream roller 151. The downstream roller 152 extends in the front-rear direction. The downstream roller 152 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction. The second diaphragm 4 is wound onto the downstream roller 152 from below via the second holding portion 130. The downstream roller 152 is positioned at approximately the same height as the bending roller 145 of the second transport portion 140. The second diaphragm 4 is transported approximately horizontally between the downstream roller 152 and the bending roller 145.

[0192] A stripping roller 153 is positioned in the left-right direction between the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152. The stripping roller 153 is disposed on the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 and is a roller that bends the conveying path R2 to separate the second diaphragm 4 from the positive electrode sheet 5. The stripping roller 153 extends in the front-back direction. The stripping roller 153 rotates about a rotation axis extending in the front-back direction.

[0193] The roller lowering device 154 is configured to lower the peeling roller 153, moving it to a position below the line L1 connecting the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152. Here, the roller lowering device 154 moves the peeling roller 153 downwards, causing it to collide with the second diaphragm 4. Alternatively, the roller lowering device 154 is also configured to raise the peeling roller 153, moving it to a position above the line L1 connecting the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152. Figure 2 As shown, the roller lowering device 154 includes a cylinder 154a that extends and retracts in the vertical direction. However, the structure of the roller lowering device 154 is not limited to this. For example, the roller lowering device 154 may also include a motor for raising and lowering the stripping roller 153.

[0194] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the second separation device 150 after the stripping roller 153 has descended. Figure 8 As shown, when the positive electrode laminate 5S is wound on the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152, the roller lowering device 154 is driven to lower the stripping roller 153 to a position below line L1, and the stripping roller 153 bends the conveying path R2 into a V-shape. By bending the conveying path R2 into a V-shape, the positive electrode 5 is separated from the second diaphragm sheet 4 (see also...). Figure 11 A positive electrode recovery section 170 for recovering the positive electrode 5 is provided below the stripping roller 153. The angle θ2 by which the conveying path R2 is bent using the stripping roller 153 (refer to...) Figure 11 θ2 represents the interior angle (the smaller θ2 is, the more acute the bend). It is not specifically limited, for example, to less than 60 degrees. The attached figure shows the portion (bent portion) in the conveying path R2 that is bent by the stripping roller 153.

[0195] It should be noted that the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152 can also be arranged in a direction other than left and right, such as up and down. The direction of movement of the stripping roller 153 is not particularly limited as long as it intersects the line connecting the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152.

[0196] [Control device]

[0197] Control device 100 (reference) Figure 2The control device 100 is connected to the cylinder 23b of the clamping lowering device 23, the pair of first clamping members 31 of the first gripping part 30, the rotary motor 32a2, the vertical movement motor 32d and the horizontal movement motor 32e, the conveying motor 42 and the clamping cylinder 43 of the first conveying part 40, the insertion cylinder 53b of the scraper insertion device 53, the pair of second clamping members 131 of the second gripping part 130, the rotary motor 132a2, the vertical movement motor 132d and the horizontal movement motor 132e, the conveying motor 142 and the clamping cylinder 143 of the second conveying part 140, the cylinder 154a of the roller lowering device 154, and the cylinder 82a of the scraper lowering device 82, and controls their operation. The control device 100 controls each part to perform the operations described later in the disassembly process of the electrode body 1.

[0198] The structure of the control device 100 is not particularly limited. For example, the control device 100 may include a microcomputer. The microcomputer may include, for example, an interface (I / F) for receiving data from external devices, a central processing unit (CPU) for executing program instructions, a ROM (read-only memory) storing the program executed by the CPU, RAM (random access memory) used as a working area for program execution, and a memory storing the aforementioned program and various data. The control device 100 may also include, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0199] [Disassembly process of the electrode]

[0200] Hereinafter, an example of the process of decomposing electrode 1 using the electrode body decomposition apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0201] [Separation of negative and positive electrodes]

[0202] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the disassembly process of electrode 1. For example... Figure 9 As shown, in the electrode preparation step S10, electrode body 1 is prepared. In the positive and negative electrode separation step S20, at the end of the winding of electrode body 1, electrode body 1 is separated into a first diaphragm sheet 2 and a negative electrode sheet 3, and a second diaphragm sheet 4 and a positive electrode sheet 5. Furthermore, in the positive and negative electrode separation step S20, by pulling the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 respectively, electrode body 1 is unwound, and electrode body 1 is separated into a negative electrode laminate 3S, which is a laminate of the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the negative electrode sheet 3, and a positive electrode laminate 5S, which is a laminate of the second diaphragm sheet 4 and the positive electrode sheet 5. Figure 9As shown, the positive and negative electrode separation step S20 includes the terminal part processing step S21, the electrode body installation step S22, the holding step S23, the center scraper lowering step S24, the pulling step S25, the center scraper raising step S26, and the clamp lowering step S27.

[0203] In the terminal processing step S21, at the end of the winding of the electrode body 1, the electrode body 1 is separated into a first diaphragm sheet 2 and a negative electrode sheet 3, and a second diaphragm sheet 4 and a positive electrode sheet 5. The terminal processing step S21 varies depending on the terminal processing of the electrode body 1. For example, the tape attached to the terminal is peeled off, the terminal portion of the first diaphragm sheet 2 is bent to the left, and the terminal portion of the second diaphragm sheet 4 is bent to the right.

[0204] In electrode mounting step S22, the electrode 1, which has undergone terminal processing step S21, is mounted onto the holding fixture 21. In electrode mounting step S22, the terminal portion of the first diaphragm 2 is placed on the first mounting portion 21b of the holding fixture 21 (see reference). Figure 3 Additionally, in the electrode mounting step S22, the end portion of the second diaphragm 4 is placed on the second mounting portion 21c of the holding clamp 21 (see reference). Figure 3 The terminal processing step S21 and the electrode installation step S22 can also be performed manually. However, the terminal processing step S21 and the electrode installation step S22 can also be performed automatically or semi-automatically. The terminal processing step S21 can also be performed while the electrode 1 is housed in the holding clamp 21.

[0205] In the holding step S23, the terminal portion of the first diaphragm 2 is held by a pair of first clamping members 31, and the terminal portion of the second diaphragm 4 is held by a pair of second clamping members 131 (see reference). Figure 3 In the central scraper descent step S24, the central scraper 81 descends and is inserted between the negative electrode laminate 3S and the positive electrode laminate 5S (see reference). Figure 3 In the pulling step S25, the first diaphragm 2, held by a pair of first clamping members 31, is pulled diagonally upward to the left by the first moving device 32, and the second diaphragm 4, held by a pair of second clamping members 131, is pulled diagonally upward to the right by the second moving device 132 (see reference). Figure 4 In the central scraper raising step S26, the central scraper 81 rises and retracts from the holding clamp 21. In the clamp lowering step S27, the holding clamp 21 lowers. As a result, the electrode body 1 can rotate freely.

[0206] [Recycling of the first diaphragm and negative electrode]

[0207] In the negative electrode separation step S30, the negative electrode laminate 3S is wound onto the bending roller 51 to bend the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2, and a plate-shaped scraper 52 is inserted into the bent portion R1a of the conveying path R1. The first diaphragm 2 is separated from the negative electrode 3 on the first surface (here, the lower surface 52D) and the second surface (here, the upper surface 52U) of the scraper 52. More specifically, as Figure 9 As shown, the negative electrode separation step S30 includes a winding step S31, a clamping member stopping step S32, a scraper insertion step S33, and a clamping member re-moving step S34.

[0208] In the winding step S31, a pair of first clamping members 31 are moved to the top and left of the bending roller 51, and then from there to the bottom and left of the bending roller 51, thereby winding the first diaphragm 2 onto the bending roller 51 (see reference). Figure 4 In the clamping member stopping step S32, the movement of the pair of first clamping members 31 is stopped. At the moment of clamping member stopping step S32, only the first diaphragm 2 of the negative electrode laminate 3S is wound on the bending roller 51. At this time, the negative electrode 3 is located upstream of the conveying path R1 compared to the bending roller 51. By stopping the pair of first clamping members 31 below and to the left of the bending roller 51 near the bending roller 51 (stopping them immediately after the first diaphragm 2 is wound on the bending roller 51), the negative electrode 3 can be positioned upstream of the bending roller 51 on the conveying path R1, regardless of the distance between the end portion of the first diaphragm 2 in the electrode body 1 to be decomposed and the end portion of the negative electrode 3.

[0209] In the scraper insertion step S33, the scraper 52 is moved to the right and inserted into the bend R1a of the conveying path R1. In the negative electrode separation step S30, the scraper 52 is inserted into the conveying path R1 from outside the conveying path R1 after the front end of the first diaphragm 2 has passed through the bend R1a of the conveying path R1 and before the front end of the negative electrode 3 reaches the bend R1a of the conveying path R1. Here, the scraper 52 is inserted into the conveying path R1 from outside the conveying path R1 during the period when the movement of the pair of first clamping members 31 stops.

[0210] In the clamping member re-movement step S34, the pair of first clamping members 31 are moved downwards. As a result, the negative electrode laminate 3S is unwound again, and the negative electrode 3 is slightly wound around the bending roller 51. While the negative electrode 3 is wound around the bending roller 51, due to the rigidity of the negative electrode 3, the terminal portion (the front end in the moving direction) of the negative electrode 3 lifts off the first diaphragm 2. However, the negative electrode 3, which includes a negative electrode current collector foil 3a made of copper foil, is less rigid and more easily bent than the positive electrode current collector foil 5a made of aluminum foil. Furthermore, the adhesion between the negative electrode 3 and the first diaphragm 2 is stronger than the adhesion between the positive electrode 5 and the second diaphragm 4. Therefore, separation of the negative electrode 3 from the first diaphragm 2 is not necessarily further performed. Therefore, in the scraper insertion step S33, the scraper 52 is inserted into the bent portion R1a of the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2.

[0211] In step S34, the negative electrode 3 is moved to the location of the front end 52R of the scraper 52 via the clamping member. This inserts the front end 52R of the scraper 52 between the first diaphragm 2 and the dislodged negative electrode 3 (see reference). Figure 6 As the first diaphragm 2 is conveyed downstream of the conveying path R1, the negative electrode 3 is sequentially peeled off from the first diaphragm 2 by the scraper 52. The same applies after the device for conveying the first diaphragm 2 is changed to the first conveying unit 40.

[0212] In the first diaphragm clamping step S40, in step S41, a pair of first clamping members 31 are moved to a position lower than the pair of clamping rollers 41 of the first conveying section 40. At this time, the pair of first clamping members 31 pass between the pair of clamping rollers 41. As a result, the first diaphragm 2 is guided between the pair of clamping rollers 41. In step S42, the driven roller 41R is moved to the left, and the first diaphragm 2 is clamped by the driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R. In step S43, the pair of first clamping members 31 are opened, and the clamping of the first diaphragm 2 is released.

[0213] In the first diaphragm conveying step S50, the drive roller 41L is rotated and the first diaphragm sheet 2 is conveyed. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the first conveying section 40 and the first separating device 50 during the conveying of the first diaphragm sheet 2. Figure 10 As shown, by using the first conveying section 40 to convey the first diaphragm 2, the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3 are unwound from the electrode body 1, and the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3 are separated and recycled.

[0214] It should be noted that, although in Figure 9 Not shown, but during the movement of the pair of first clamping members 31, the orientation of the pair of first clamping members 31 is changed in a timely manner by the rotating device 32a1. Specifically, in the gripping step S23, the pair of first clamping members 31 are in an orientation with their front ends facing to the right (see reference). Figure 3 Then, the pair of first clamping members 31 rotate 90 degrees clockwise in the main view, so that their front ends face downwards. In the winding step S31, the pair of first clamping members 31 rotate 180 degrees counterclockwise in the main view, so that their front ends face upwards (see reference). Figure 4 Thus, the first diaphragm 2 can be smoothly pulled and conveyed to the first conveying section 40. However, the posture of the pair of first clamping members 31 is not limited to the above posture. As long as no particular problems arise, the pair of first clamping members 31 can be supported on the support section 32a in a swingable manner or fixed to the support section 32a in a non-swingable manner.

[0215] [Recycling of the second diaphragm and positive electrode]

[0216] In this embodiment, the second diaphragm 4 and the positive electrode 5 are separated and recovered in parallel with the separation and recovery of the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3.

[0217] In the positive electrode separation step S130, the positive electrode laminate 5S is wound onto the peeling roller 153, causing the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 to bend, thus separating the second diaphragm 4 from the positive electrode 5. More specifically, as follows... Figure 9 As shown, the positive electrode separation step S130 includes a clamping member moving step S131, a clamping member returning step S132, a roller descending step S133, and a clamping member re-moving step S134.

[0218] In the clamping member moving step S131, a pair of second clamping members 131 are moved to the right of the downstream roller 152 (downstream of the conveying path R2), and the second diaphragm 4 is guided to a position above the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152 and below the peeling roller 153 (see reference). Figure 7 In the clamping member return step S132, a pair of second clamping members 131 are moved to the left (upstream side of the conveying path R2) by a predetermined distance (see reference). Figure 8 As a result, the positive electrode laminate 5S relaxes and rests on the upstream roller 151 and downstream roller 152 without tension.

[0219] In the roll lowering step S133, the stripping roll 153 is lowered to a position below the upstream roll 151 and the downstream roll 152. As a result, the positive electrode laminate 5S is wound onto the stripping roll 153. Figure 8 As shown, the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 is bent into a V-shape by the peeling roller 153.

[0220] The positive electrode 5 includes a positive current collector foil 5a made of aluminum foil and has a certain degree of rigidity. Furthermore, the positive electrode 5 does not adhere as strongly to the second separator 4. Therefore, the positive electrode 5 separates from the second separator 4 due to the bending of the transport path R2.

[0221] In the clamping member re-movement step S134, the pair of second clamping members 131 are moved to the right again. Along with this movement of the pair of second clamping members 131, the positive electrode 5 is sequentially peeled off at the bend in the transport path R2, R2a. The same process continues after the device for transporting the second diaphragm sheet 4 is changed to the second transport section 140.

[0222] In the second diaphragm clamping step S140, in step S141, a pair of second clamping members 131 are moved above the bending roller 145 to the right and below the bending roller 145. As a result, the second diaphragm sheet 4 is wound around the bending roller 145. In step S142, the pair of second clamping members 131 are moved to a position lower than the pair of clamping rollers 141 of the second conveying section 140. At this time, the pair of second clamping members 131 pass between the pair of clamping rollers 141. As a result, the second diaphragm sheet 4 is guided between the pair of clamping rollers 141. In step S143, the driven roller 141R is moved to the left, clamping the second diaphragm sheet 4 using the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R. In step S144, the pair of second clamping members 131 are opened, and the clamping of the second diaphragm sheet 4 is released.

[0223] In the second diaphragm conveying step S150, the drive roller 141L is rotated and the second diaphragm sheet 4 is conveyed. Figure 11 This is a front view of the second conveying section 140 and the second separating device 150 during the conveying of the second diaphragm sheet 4. Figure 11 As shown, by using the second conveying section 140 to convey the second diaphragm 4, the second diaphragm 4 and the positive electrode 5 are unwound from the electrode body 1, and the second diaphragm 4 and the positive electrode 5 are separated and recycled.

[0224] Although Figure 9 Not shown, but similarly to the movement of the pair of first clamping members 31, during the movement of the pair of second clamping members 131, the orientation of the pair of second clamping members 131 is changed in a timely manner by the rotating device 132a1. Specifically, in the gripping step S23, the pair of second clamping members 131 assume an orientation with their front ends facing left (see reference...). Figure 3 Then, the pair of second clamping members 131 rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise in the main view, so that the front end faces downward (see reference). Figure 7 In step S141 (winding of the second diaphragm sheet 4-direction bending roller 145), a pair of second clamping members 131 rotate 180 degrees clockwise in the main view, so that the front end faces upward.

[0225] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0226] The effects of the electrode body decomposition apparatus 10 and the electrode body 1 decomposition method of this embodiment will be explained below.

[0227] The electrode separation device 10 of this embodiment includes: a pair of first clamping members 31 that hold a first diaphragm 2; a pair of second clamping members 131 that hold a second diaphragm 4; a first moving device 32 that moves the pair of first clamping members 31 along a predetermined transport path R1; a second moving device 132 that moves the pair of second clamping members 131 along a predetermined transport path R2; a bending roller 51 that is disposed on the transport path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 and bends the transport path R1; and a scraper 52 that is plate-shaped having a first surface (here, the lower surface 52D) and a second surface (here, the upper surface 52U) and is disposed on the bending portion R1a of the transport path R1 to separate the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3 to the lower surface 52D side and the upper surface 52U side. It should be noted that the electrode body 1 is a wound electrode body formed by sequentially stacking a strip-shaped first diaphragm sheet 2, a strip-shaped negative electrode sheet 3, a strip-shaped second diaphragm sheet 4, and a strip-shaped positive electrode sheet 5, and winding them along a specified winding direction. In addition, the negative electrode sheet 3 is adhered to the first diaphragm sheet 2, and the positive electrode sheet 5 is adhered to the second diaphragm sheet 4.

[0228] According to the electrode body separation apparatus 10, the first diaphragm sheet 2 is wound around a bending roller 51 provided on the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm sheet 2 and bent. This peels the terminal portion of the negative electrode sheet 3 from the first diaphragm sheet 2. Furthermore, by bringing a scraper 52 disposed on the bent portion R1a of the conveying path R1 into the boundary between the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the negative electrode sheet 3, the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the negative electrode sheet 3 are separated to the lower surface 52D side and the upper surface 52U side of the scraper 52. Therefore, according to the electrode body separation apparatus 10, at least the electrode body 1 can be separated and recycled into the first diaphragm sheet 2, the negative electrode sheet 3, and a laminate of the second diaphragm sheet 4 and the positive electrode sheet 5 (positive electrode laminate 5S).

[0229] In this embodiment, the negative electrode 3 includes a negative electrode current collector foil 3a made of copper foil and a negative electrode active material layer 3b formed on the negative electrode current collector foil 3a. A pair of first clamping members 31 hold the first separator sheet 2. The negative electrode stack 3S is separated using a scraper 52. According to this negative electrode 3, the negative electrode current collector foil 3a is made of copper foil and is easily bent. Therefore, the negative electrode 3 is difficult to separate from the first separator sheet 2 simply by winding the first separator sheet 2 onto the bending roller 51 and bending it. Therefore, the scraper 52 of the electrode body separation device 10 of this embodiment is particularly effective when the negative electrode 3 has this structure. It should be noted that, for example, when the electrode body is a wound electrode body other than the electrode body of a lithium-ion secondary battery and the positive electrode current collector foil is easily bent, the scraper can also be used to separate the positive electrode sheet from the separator. Alternatively, when both the negative and positive current collector foils are easily bent, the scraper can also be used to separate the negative electrode sheet from the separator and the positive electrode sheet from the separator.

[0230] In this embodiment, the positive electrode 5 includes a positive current collector foil 5a made of aluminum foil and a positive active material layer 5b formed on the positive current collector foil 5a. A pair of second clamping members 131 hold the second separator 4. The electrode body separation apparatus 10 includes a peeling roller 153, which is disposed on the transport path R2 of the second separator 4 and bends the transport path R2 to separate the second separator 4 from the positive electrode 5. According to this positive electrode 5, the positive current collector foil 5a is made of aluminum foil and is difficult to bend. Therefore, as long as the second separator 4 is wound on the peeling roller 153 and bent, the positive electrode 5 will be separated from the second separator 4. In the electrode body separation apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the separation of the positive electrode 5 is based on the peeling roller 153, and the scraper is omitted.

[0231] The electrode disassembly apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a scraper insertion device 53, which inserts a scraper 52 into the bend portion R1a of the transport path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 or retracts the scraper 52 from the bend portion R1a. The control device 100 controls the scraper insertion device 53 to insert the scraper 52 into the transport path R1 after the front end of the first diaphragm 2 has passed through the bend portion R1a of the transport path R1 and before the front end of the negative electrode 3 reaches the bend portion R1a.

[0232] If the scraper 52 is positioned in the conveying path R1 before the front end of the first diaphragm 2 passes through the bent portion R1a of the conveying path R1, the gap between the scraper 52 and the bending roller 51 will be narrow, making it difficult for the first diaphragm 2 to pass through the gap. According to the electrode disassembly apparatus 10 of this embodiment, since the scraper 52 is inserted into the conveying path R1 after the front end of the first diaphragm 2 passes through the bent portion R1a of the conveying path R1, it is easier for the first diaphragm 2 to pass through the gap between the scraper 52 and the bending roller 51.

[0233] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0234] The above describes one embodiment of the electrode body disintegration apparatus and disintegration method proposed herein. However, the above embodiment is merely an example, and it can be implemented in other ways.

[0235] For example, the shape of the scraper 52 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the side of the scraper 52 that abuts against the bending roller 51 may be curved, and the back side of the scraper 52 may be flat. The scraper 52 may also be configured to have a generally triangular cross-section. As long as it does not hinder the separation of the negative electrode sheet 3, the front end of the scraper 52 may not be conical, for example, it may be formed into a flat shape or an arc shape.

[0236] The scraper 52 can also be configured and fixed to the bent portion R1a of the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2. In this case, a gap can be formed between the bending roller 51 and the scraper 52 to allow the first diaphragm 2 to pass through. The distance between the bending roller 51 and the scraper 52 is only the distance at which the end of the warped negative electrode 3 overlaps with the scraper 52.

[0237] In the above embodiment, the transport path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 and the transport path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 separate to the left and right from the electrode housing portion 20, but the transport paths R1 of the first diaphragm 2 and R2 of the second diaphragm 4 are not particularly limited. The transport paths R1 of the first diaphragm 2 and R2 of the second diaphragm 4 separate in opposite directions immediately after branching, but for example, they can be bent downstream of the branch, so that the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5 are recovered on the same side.

[0238] The structure of the first moving device 32 and the second moving device 132 is not particularly limited. For example, the first moving device 32 and the second moving device 132 can also move the first gripper 31 and the second gripper 131 along a guide rail laid on a predetermined track. For example, the first moving device 32 and the second moving device 132 can also be a multi-axis robot.

[0239] The bending roller 51, upstream roller 151, downstream roller 152, and peeling roller 153 may also remain stationary. The peeling roller 153 may also remain stationary and not collide with the second diaphragm 4, and its position may be fixed.

[0240] Furthermore, except where specifically mentioned, the above embodiments do not limit the present invention. Additionally, the technology disclosed herein is capable of various modifications. For each component and each process mentioned herein, appropriate omissions or combinations are possible without causing particular problems. This specification includes the disclosures described in the following items.

[0241] Project 1:

[0242] A method for disassembling an electrode body, wherein the method for disassembling the electrode body includes:

[0243] The preparation process involves preparing an electrode body by sequentially stacking and winding a strip-shaped first diaphragm, a strip-shaped negative electrode, a strip-shaped second diaphragm, and a strip-shaped positive electrode along a specified winding direction.

[0244] In the first separation step, at the end of the winding of the electrode body, the electrode body is separated into the first diaphragm and the negative electrode, and the second diaphragm and the positive electrode. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are pulled respectively, thereby unwinding the electrode body and separating it into a laminate of the first diaphragm and the negative electrode, and a laminate of the second diaphragm and the positive electrode.

[0245] In the second separation process, the first diaphragm and the negative electrode laminate or the second diaphragm and the positive electrode laminate are wound around a first roller to bend the conveying path of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm, and a plate-shaped separation member is inserted into the bent portion of the conveying path to separate the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm and the negative electrode or the positive electrode to the first side and the second side of the separation member.

[0246] Project 2:

[0247] According to the electrode body decomposition method described in Project 1, wherein...

[0248] The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector foil made of copper foil and a negative electrode active material layer formed on the negative electrode current collector foil.

[0249] The second separation process is performed on the laminated sheets of the first diaphragm and the negative electrode.

[0250] Project 3:

[0251] According to the electrode body decomposition method described in Project 2, wherein...

[0252] The positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector foil made of aluminum foil and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the positive electrode current collector foil.

[0253] The method for disassembling the electrode body further includes a third separation step, in which the stacked sheets of the second diaphragm and the positive electrode are wound around a second roller to bend the conveying path of the second diaphragm and separate the second diaphragm from the positive electrode.

[0254] Project 4:

[0255] According to the electrode body disassembly method described in any of Projects 1-3, wherein...

[0256] In the second separation process, the separation member is inserted from outside the conveying path into the conveying path after the front end of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm has passed through the bend in the conveying path and before the front end of the negative electrode or the positive electrode has reached the bend in the conveying path.

[0257] Project 5:

[0258] An electrode body disassembly device is disclosed, which disassembles an electrode body formed by sequentially stacking and winding a strip-shaped first diaphragm, a strip-shaped negative electrode, a strip-shaped second diaphragm, and a strip-shaped positive electrode along a predetermined winding direction.

[0259] The negative electrode adheres to the first membrane, and the positive electrode adheres to the second membrane.

[0260] The electrode body disintegration device includes:

[0261] A first holding member holds one of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm;

[0262] A second holding member holds the first diaphragm and the other of the second diaphragm;

[0263] A first moving device, which causes the first holding member to move along a predetermined first conveying path;

[0264] The second moving device causes the second holding member to move along a predetermined second conveying path;

[0265] A first roller, wherein the first roller is disposed on the first conveying path and bends the first conveying path; and

[0266] A separating member, which is configured as a plate having a first side and a second side, and is disposed at the bend in the first conveying path, separates the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm and the negative electrode or the positive electrode to the first side and the second side.

[0267] Project 6:

[0268] According to the electrode body disassembly device described in Project 5, wherein...

[0269] The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector foil made of copper foil and a negative electrode active material layer formed on the negative electrode current collector foil.

[0270] The first holding member holds the first diaphragm.

[0271] Project 7:

[0272] According to the electrode body disassembly device described in Project 6, wherein...

[0273] The positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector foil made of aluminum foil and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the positive electrode current collector foil.

[0274] The second holding member holds the second diaphragm.

[0275] The electrode body decomposition device further includes a second roller, which is disposed in the second conveying path and bends the second conveying path to separate the second diaphragm from the positive electrode.

[0276] Project 8:

[0277] According to the electrode disassembly device described in any of Projects 5-7, wherein...

[0278] The electrode body decomposition device also includes:

[0279] A driving device that inserts the separating member into a bend in the first conveying path or retracts the separating member from the bend; and

[0280] A control device that controls the drive device to insert the separating member into the first conveying path after the front end of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm has passed the bend and before the front end of the negative electrode or the positive electrode has reached the bend.

Claims

1. A method for disassembling an electrode, wherein, The method for disassembling the electrode body includes: The preparation process involves preparing an electrode body by sequentially stacking and winding a strip-shaped first diaphragm, a strip-shaped negative electrode, a strip-shaped second diaphragm, and a strip-shaped positive electrode along a specified winding direction. In the first separation step, at the end of the winding of the electrode body, the electrode body is separated into the first diaphragm and the negative electrode, and the second diaphragm and the positive electrode. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are pulled respectively, thereby unwinding the electrode body and separating it into a laminate of the first diaphragm and the negative electrode, and a laminate of the second diaphragm and the positive electrode. In the second separation process, the first diaphragm and the negative electrode laminate or the second diaphragm and the positive electrode laminate are wound around a first roller to bend the conveying path of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm, and a plate-shaped separation member is inserted into the bent portion of the conveying path to separate the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm and the negative electrode or the positive electrode to the first side and the second side of the separation member.

2. The method for disassembling the electrode body according to claim 1, wherein, The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector foil made of copper foil and a negative electrode active material layer formed on the negative electrode current collector foil. The second separation process is performed on the laminated sheets of the first diaphragm and the negative electrode.

3. The method for disassembling the electrode body according to claim 2, wherein, The positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector foil made of aluminum foil and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the positive electrode current collector foil. The method for disassembling the electrode body further includes a third separation step, in which the stacked sheets of the second diaphragm and the positive electrode are wound around a second roller to bend the conveying path of the second diaphragm and separate the second diaphragm from the positive electrode.

4. The method for disassembling the electrode body according to claim 1, wherein, In the second separation process, the separation member is inserted from outside the conveying path into the conveying path after the front end of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm has passed through the bend in the conveying path and before the front end of the negative electrode or the positive electrode has reached the bend in the conveying path.

5. An electrode body disassembly apparatus, wherein the electrode body disassembly apparatus disassembles an electrode body formed by sequentially stacking and winding a strip-shaped first diaphragm, a strip-shaped negative electrode, a strip-shaped second diaphragm, and a strip-shaped positive electrode along a predetermined winding direction, wherein, The negative electrode adheres to the first membrane, and the positive electrode adheres to the second membrane. The electrode body disintegration device includes: A first holding member holds one of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm; A second holding member holds the first diaphragm and the other of the second diaphragm; A first moving device, which causes the first holding member to move along a predetermined first conveying path; The second moving device causes the second holding member to move along a predetermined second conveying path; A first roller is disposed on the first conveying path and causes the first conveying path to bend. as well as A separating member, which is configured as a plate having a first side and a second side, and is disposed at the bend in the first conveying path, separates the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm and the negative electrode or the positive electrode to the first side and the second side.

6. The electrode body disassembly apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector foil made of copper foil and a negative electrode active material layer formed on the negative electrode current collector foil. The first holding member holds the first diaphragm.

7. The electrode body disassembly apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector foil made of aluminum foil and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the positive electrode current collector foil. The second holding member holds the second diaphragm. The electrode body decomposition device further includes a second roller, which is disposed in the second conveying path and bends the second conveying path to separate the second diaphragm from the positive electrode.

8. The electrode body disassembly apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The electrode body decomposition device also includes: A drive device that inserts the separating member into a bend in the first conveying path or causes the separating member to retract from the bend. as well as A control device that controls the drive device to insert the separating member into the first conveying path after the front end of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm has passed the bending portion and before the front end of the negative electrode or the positive electrode has reached the bending portion.

Images