System for removing electrolyte from a battery

Abstract

A system configured to remove electrolyte from a battery. The system includes a rotatable platform, a battery support configured to be rotated by the rotatable platform, a motor configured to rotate the rotatable platform, a piercing device adjacent to the battery support, the piercing device configured to pierce a battery disposed on the battery support to expel electrolyte from the battery by centrifugal force when the rotatable platform is rotated, a reservoir configured to collect the electrolyte, and a conduit in fluid communication with the piercing device and the reservoir to direct the electrolyte from the piercing device to the reservoir.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is intended to provide a general overview of the background of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently named inventors, and aspects of the description that may not conform to the prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly considered to be prior art to this disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a system for removing electrolyte from a battery. Background Technology

[0004] The electrolyte in a battery is a chemical medium that allows ions to move between the battery's electrodes during charging and discharging. For example, the electrolyte can be a liquid, gel, or solid. The electrolyte completes the internal circuitry of the battery by enabling the internal flow of ions. Battery recycling involves separating the electrolyte from the rest of the battery and processing the electrolyte for potential future use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to a system configured to remove electrolyte from a battery. The system includes: a rotatable platform; a battery support configured to rotate by the rotatable platform; a motor configured to rotate the rotatable platform; a puncture device adjacent to the battery support, the puncture device being configured to puncture a battery disposed on the battery support when the rotatable platform rotates, to expel electrolyte from the battery by centrifugal force; a reservoir configured to collect the electrolyte; and a conduit in fluid communication with the puncture device and the reservoir to guide the electrolyte from the puncture device to the reservoir.

[0006] In a further feature, the puncture device is a first puncture device, and the system also includes a second puncture device adjacent to the battery support and configured to puncture the battery disposed on the battery support; and the first puncture device and the second puncture device are configured to puncture opposite sides of the battery disposed on the battery support.

[0007] In a further feature, the rotatable platform includes a housing defining a reservoir, within which a battery support is located; and the system also includes a cover configured to cooperate with the housing to cover and seal the reservoir, the cover defining a gas inlet configured to direct gas into the reservoir.

[0008] In a further feature, the first puncture device is located outside the second puncture device, such that the second puncture device is closer to the axial center of the rotatable platform than the first puncture device; the first puncture device is configured to puncture a first end of the battery, and the second puncture device is configured to puncture a second end of the battery opposite to the first end; and when punctured by the second puncture device, gas in the reservoir flows freely into the battery through the second end of the battery.

[0009] In a further feature, the battery support is one of a plurality of battery supports spaced in a circle around the axis of rotation of the rotatable platform.

[0010] In a further feature, the puncture device is one of a plurality of puncture devices, each puncture device being adjacent to a different one of the plurality of battery supports, each of the plurality of puncture devices being configured to drain electrolyte from a battery disposed in the plurality of battery supports; and the conduit includes a plurality of conduits in fluid communication with the plurality of puncture devices to guide electrolyte from the plurality of puncture devices to a reservoir.

[0011] In a further feature, the battery support is configured to support either a cylindrical battery cell or a prismatic battery cell.

[0012] In a further feature, the puncture device includes a puncture tip; and the battery support is configured to allow centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotatable platform to move the battery into contact with the puncture tip, such that the puncture tip punctures the battery.

[0013] In a further feature, the puncture tip defines a channel in fluid communication with the catheter, the opening of which is configured to enter the battery when the puncture tip punctures the battery, and the electrolyte flows through the channel of the puncture tip and into the catheter in response to the centrifugal force generated when the rotatable platform rotates.

[0014] In a further feature, the puncture device includes a puncture tip defining a channel in fluid communication with a reservoir via a conduit; the puncture device includes an actuator configured to move the puncture tip into the battery to puncture the battery and drain electrolyte from the battery into the reservoir; and the actuator is configured to be either an electric actuator or a pneumatic actuator.

[0015] In a further feature, the battery support is configured to support the battery at an angle such that the distal end of the battery is tilted downward relative to the proximal end.

[0016] Among various features, this disclosure also provides a system configured to remove electrolyte from a battery, the system comprising: a rotatable platform configured to rotate about a rotation axis; a battery support configured to rotate by the rotatable platform; a motor configured to rotate the rotatable platform; an outer puncture device adjacent to the battery support, the outer puncture device being configured to puncture an outer end of a battery disposed on the battery support when the rotatable platform rotates, to expel electrolyte from the battery by centrifugal force; an inner puncture device opposite the outer puncture device, the battery support being configured to support the battery between the outer puncture device and the inner puncture device, the inner puncture device being configured to puncture an inner end of the battery to ventilate the battery when the rotatable platform rotates, the inner puncture device being closer to the rotation axis than the outer puncture device; a reservoir configured to collect electrolyte; and a conduit in fluid communication with the outer puncture device and the reservoir to guide electrolyte from the outer puncture device to the reservoir.

[0017] In a further feature, the rotatable platform includes a housing defining a reservoir, within which a battery support is located; the system also includes a cover configured to cooperate with the housing to cover and seal the reservoir, the cover defining a gas inlet configured to introduce inert gas into the reservoir; and when punctured by an internal puncture device, the inert gas within the reservoir flows freely into the battery through the outer end of the battery.

[0018] In a further feature, the battery support is one of a plurality of battery supports arranged in a circle around the axis of rotation of the rotatable platform; and the outer puncture device is one of a plurality of outer puncture devices and the inner puncture device is one of a plurality of inner puncture devices, each of the battery supports being arranged between one of the plurality of outer puncture devices and one of the plurality of inner puncture devices.

[0019] In a further feature, the battery support is configured to support either a cylindrical battery cell or a prismatic battery cell.

[0020] In a further feature, the external puncture device includes a puncture tip defining a channel in fluid communication with a reservoir via a conduit; the external puncture device includes an actuator configured to move the puncture tip into the battery to puncture the outer end of the battery and drain electrolyte from the battery into the reservoir; and the actuator is configured as either an electric actuator or a pneumatic actuator.

[0021] In a further feature, the battery support is configured to support the battery at an angle such that the outer end of the battery is tilted downward relative to the inner end of the battery.

[0022] This disclosure also provides a system configured to remove electrolyte from a plurality of batteries, the system comprising: a rotatable platform configured to rotate about a rotation axis; a motor configured to rotate the rotatable platform; a plurality of lateral puncture devices mounted to the rotatable platform and spaced apart about the rotation axis, each of the plurality of lateral puncture devices being configured to puncture an outer end of one of the plurality of batteries as the rotatable platform rotates to expel electrolyte from the battery by centrifugal force; a plurality of medial puncture devices mounted to the rotatable platform and spaced apart about the rotation axis, each of the plurality of medial puncture devices being opposite to a different one of the plurality of lateral puncture devices, each of the plurality of medial puncture devices being configured to puncture an inner end of one of the plurality of batteries to ventilate the plurality of batteries; a reservoir configured to collect electrolyte from each of the plurality of batteries; and a conduit system fluidly communicating with each of the lateral puncture devices and the reservoir to guide the electrolyte into the reservoir.

[0023] In a further feature, each of the lateral puncture devices includes a pointed tip configured to puncture the outer end of the plurality of batteries, the pointed tip defining a channel in fluid communication with a conduit system to guide electrolytes through the pointed tip and into the conduit system.

[0024] In a further feature, the rotatable platform includes a housing defining a reservoir, each of a plurality of external puncture devices and each of a plurality of internal puncture devices being located within the reservoir; and the system also includes a cover configured to cooperate with the housing to cover and seal the reservoir, the cover defining a gas inlet configured to introduce inert gas into the reservoir.

[0025] This disclosure proposes the following technical solutions:

[0026] 1. A system configured to remove an electrolyte from a battery, the system comprising:

[0027] Rotatable platform;

[0028] A battery support component, configured to rotate by the rotatable platform;

[0029] A motor configured to rotate the rotatable platform;

[0030] A puncture device adjacent to the battery support is configured to puncture the battery mounted on the battery support when the rotatable platform rotates, so as to expel the electrolyte from the battery by centrifugal force.

[0031] A reservoir configured to collect the electrolyte; and

[0032] A catheter, which is in fluid communication with the puncture device and the reservoir, to guide electrolytes from the puncture device to the reservoir.

[0033] 2. The system according to technical solution 1, wherein:

[0034] The puncture device is a first puncture device, and the system further includes a second puncture device, the second puncture device being adjacent to the battery support and configured to puncture the battery disposed on the battery support; and

[0035] The first puncture device and the second puncture device are configured to puncture opposite sides of the battery mounted on the battery support.

[0036] 3. The system according to technical solution 2, wherein:

[0037] The rotatable platform includes a housing defining a recess, within which the battery support is located; and

[0038] The system also includes a cover configured to cooperate with the housing to cover and seal the container, the cover defining a gas inlet configured to guide gas into the container.

[0039] 4. The system according to technical solution 3, wherein:

[0040] The first puncture device is located outside the second puncture device, such that the second puncture device is closer to the axial center of the rotatable platform than the first puncture device.

[0041] The first puncture device is configured to puncture a first end of the battery, and the second puncture device is configured to puncture a second end of the battery opposite to the first end; and

[0042] When punctured by the second puncture device, the gas in the reservoir flows freely into the battery through the second end of the battery.

[0043] 5. The system according to technical solution 1, wherein the battery support is one of a plurality of battery supports spaced in a circle around the rotation axis of the rotatable platform.

[0044] 6. The system according to technical solution 5, wherein the puncture device is one of a plurality of puncture devices, each puncture device being adjacent to a different battery support among the plurality of battery supports, each of the plurality of puncture devices being configured to drain electrolyte from a battery disposed in the plurality of battery supports; and

[0045] The catheter includes multiple catheters that are in fluid communication with the multiple puncture devices to guide electrolytes from the multiple puncture devices to a reservoir.

[0046] 7. The system according to technical solution 1, wherein the battery support is configured to support one of a cylindrical battery cell and a prismatic battery cell.

[0047] 8. The system according to technical solution 1, wherein:

[0048] The puncture device includes a puncture tip; and

[0049] The battery support is configured to allow the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotatable platform to move the battery into contact with the puncture tip, causing the puncture tip to pierce the battery.

[0050] 9. The system according to technical solution 8, wherein the puncture tip defines a channel in fluid communication with the catheter, the opening of the channel being configured to enter the battery when the puncture tip punctures the battery, and the electrolyte flowing through the channel of the puncture tip and into the catheter in response to centrifugal force generated when the rotatable platform rotates.

[0051] 10. The system according to technical solution 1, wherein:

[0052] The puncture device includes a puncture tip that defines a channel in fluid communication with the reservoir via a conduit;

[0053] The puncture device includes an actuator configured to move the puncture tip into the battery to puncture the battery and drain the electrolyte from the battery into a reservoir; and

[0054] The actuator is configured as either an electric actuator or a pneumatic actuator.

[0055] 11. The system according to technical solution 1, wherein the battery support is configured to support the battery at an angle such that the distal end of the battery is tilted downward relative to the proximal end of the battery.

[0056] 12. A system configured to remove an electrolyte from a battery, the system comprising:

[0057] A rotatable platform, configured to rotate about a rotation axis;

[0058] A battery support component, configured to rotate by the rotatable platform;

[0059] A motor configured to rotate the rotatable platform;

[0060] An external puncture device adjacent to the battery support is configured to puncture the outer end of the battery mounted on the battery support when the rotatable platform rotates, so as to expel the electrolyte from the battery by centrifugal force.

[0061] An inner puncture device, opposite to the outer puncture device, is provided with a battery support configured to support the battery between the outer puncture device and the inner puncture device. The inner puncture device is configured to puncture the inner end of the battery to vent the battery when the rotatable platform rotates. The inner puncture device is closer to the axis of rotation than the outer puncture device.

[0062] Constructed as a reservoir for collecting electrolytes; and

[0063] A catheter, which is in fluid communication with the lateral puncture device and the reservoir, is used to guide electrolytes from the lateral puncture device to the reservoir.

[0064] 13. The system according to technical solution 12, wherein:

[0065] The rotatable platform includes a housing defining a container, and the battery support is located within the container;

[0066] The system also includes a cover configured to cooperate with the housing to cover and seal the container, the cover defining a gas inlet configured to introduce inert gas into the container; and

[0067] When punctured by the inner puncture device, the inert gas in the reservoir flows freely into the battery through the outer end of the battery.

[0068] 14. The system according to technical solution 12, wherein:

[0069] The battery support is one of a plurality of battery supports arranged in a circle around the axis of rotation of the rotatable platform; and

[0070] The lateral puncture device is one of a plurality of lateral puncture devices, and the medial puncture device is one of a plurality of medial puncture devices, each of the battery supports being arranged between one of the plurality of lateral puncture devices and one of the plurality of medial puncture devices.

[0071] 15. The system according to technical solution 12, wherein the battery support is configured to support one of a cylindrical battery cell and a prismatic battery cell.

[0072] 16. The system according to technical solution 12, wherein:

[0073] The lateral puncture device includes a puncture tip that defines a channel in fluid communication with a reservoir via a catheter;

[0074] The external puncture device includes an actuator configured to move a puncture tip into the battery to puncture the outer end of the battery and drain electrolyte from the battery into a reservoir; and

[0075] The actuator is configured as either an electric actuator or a pneumatic actuator.

[0076] 17. The system according to technical solution 12, wherein the battery support is configured to support the battery at an angle such that the outer end of the battery is inclined downward relative to the inner end of the battery.

[0077] 18. A system configured to remove electrolyte from a plurality of batteries, the system comprising:

[0078] A rotatable platform, configured to rotate about a rotation axis;

[0079] A motor configured to rotate the rotatable platform;

[0080] A plurality of lateral puncture devices are mounted to the rotatable platform and spaced apart around the axis of rotation. Each of the plurality of lateral puncture devices is configured to puncture the outer end of one of the plurality of batteries when the rotatable platform rotates, so as to expel the electrolyte from the battery by centrifugal force.

[0081] A plurality of inner puncture devices are mounted to the rotatable platform and spaced apart around the axis of rotation, each of the plurality of inner puncture devices being opposite to a different one of the plurality of outer puncture devices, and each of the plurality of inner puncture devices being configured to puncture the inner end of one of the plurality of batteries to vent the plurality of batteries.

[0082] A reservoir configured to collect electrolyte from each of the plurality of batteries; and

[0083] A catheter system, which is in fluid communication with each of the external puncture devices and reservoirs, to guide electrolytes into the reservoirs.

[0084] 19. The system according to claim 18, wherein each of the lateral puncture devices includes a pointed tip configured to puncture the outer end of the plurality of batteries, the pointed tip defining a channel in fluid communication with the catheter system to guide electrolyte through the pointed tip and into the catheter system.

[0085] 20. The system according to technical solution 18, wherein:

[0086] The rotatable platform includes a housing defining a receptacle, within which each of the plurality of external puncture devices and each of the plurality of internal puncture devices resides; and

[0087] The system also includes a cover configured to cooperate with the housing to cover and seal the container, the cover defining a gas inlet configured to introduce an inert gas into the container.

[0088] Further applications of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0089] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0090] Figure 1 The figure illustrates a system for removing electrolyte from a battery according to the present disclosure;

[0091] Figure 2 It includes multiple exemplary batteries. Figure 1 A top view of the system, which is configured to drain the electrolyte from the batteries;

[0092] Figure 3A This is a side view of an exemplary first puncture device and an exemplary second puncture device according to the present disclosure, with an exemplary battery between them, the puncture device being configured to puncture the battery to drain electrolyte therefrom. Figure 3A The illustration shows that in Figure 1 The position of the first and second puncture devices before the rotatable platform of the system rotates;

[0093] Figure 3B It is similar to Figure 3A The image is a side view, but it illustrates the tips of the first and second puncture devices that have pierced the battery during the rotation of the rotatable platform.

[0094] Figure 4 This is a side view of the additional puncture device according to this disclosure;

[0095] Figure 5 This is a side view of another puncture device according to this disclosure; and

[0096] Figure 6 This is a side view of an exemplary battery support device of this disclosure.

[0097] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0098] This disclosure includes systems and methods configured to remove electrolyte from one battery or simultaneously from multiple batteries. The disclosure includes using centrifugal force to drain the electrolyte from the battery through a punctured hole while the battery is rotated at a high speed on a rotatable platform, such as at 200 revolutions per minute (RPM). The electrolyte is drained into a separate container, which facilitates the recovery and / or disposal of the electrolyte and any byproducts drained with it.

[0099] This disclosure provides a highly efficient battery recycling system that rapidly removes electrolyte from multiple batteries simultaneously while keeping most of each battery largely intact, allowing for analysis of battery performance and facilitating recycling. The system and method of this disclosure eliminates any need to cut open the entire (or at least most) battery while it is still stationary, a cumbersome and time-consuming process that results in very slow electrolyte drainage. This disclosure also eliminates any need to pulverize the battery contents during recycling, which requires an additional recycling process and makes it difficult to inspect the batteries for research purposes.

[0100] Figure 1 The illustration depicts a system 10 according to this disclosure, used for simultaneously removing electrolyte from one or more batteries. System 10 can be configured to accommodate any suitable type of battery, such as, but not limited to, cylindrical or prismatic batteries. The battery can be a lithium-ion battery or any other type of battery. The battery can be configured for any suitable application, such as any suitable automotive or non-automotive application. Regarding automotive applications, the battery can be configured to power a fully electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or any other suitable vehicle. System 10 is configured to remove electrolyte for any suitable purpose, such as battery recycling and / or checking battery performance.

[0101] System 10 typically includes a rotatable platform 20. A battery support 30 is configured to rotate from the rotatable platform 20. The battery support 30 is configured to support any suitable battery, such as battery 150. Battery 150 can be configured as a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, or any other suitable battery cell.

[0102] Any suitable number of battery supports 30 may be included to support any suitable number of batteries 150. For example, and as... Figure 2 As shown, system 10 may include a plurality of battery supports 30 spaced in a circular manner about a rotation axis A of rotatable platform 20. Therefore, system 10 is configured to rapidly rotate one or more batteries 150 about rotation axis A to simultaneously drain or remove electrolyte 152 from each of the batteries 150. The centrifugal force generated as the rotatable platform 20 rotates facilitates the removal of electrolyte 152 from the batteries 150.

[0103] The rotatable platform 20 includes a housing 32. The housing 32 defines a reservoir 34. A battery support 30 is located within the reservoir 34 to support a battery 150 within the reservoir 34. The system 10 may optionally include a cover 120. The cover 120 is configured to seal against the housing 32 on the reservoir 34 to seal the reservoir 34, thus closing it. The cover 120 may be configured to provide an hermetically tight seal or any other suitable seal that will contain the electrolyte and any other substances that may be released from the housing 32 within the housing 32.

[0104] The cover 120 includes an inlet fitting 122. The inlet fitting 122 is configured to introduce any suitable inert gas into the inlet of the container 34. An inert gas may be included to further reduce the likelihood of any undesirable reactions occurring when the electrolyte 152 is discharged from the battery 150. The housing 32 may also include one or more vents 124 for venting the container 34.

[0105] System 10 also includes a motor 40. Motor 40 can be any motor suitable for rotating the rotatable platform 20 and the battery 150 mounted thereon about a rotation axis A. Motor 40 is configured to rotate the rotatable platform 20 at a speed sufficient to generate sufficient centrifugal force to drain the electrolyte 152 from the battery 150 after it has been punctured. For example, motor 40 is configured to rotate the rotatable platform 20 at a speed of 200 RPM or higher. At 200 RPM, the force of gravity on the battery 150 would be approximately 10G for a rotatable platform 20 with a 9-inch radius.

[0106] Electrolyte 152 discharged from battery 150 flows into reservoir 50 through conduit 52. Conduit 52 is in fluid communication with both battery 150 and reservoir 50, allowing electrolyte 152 from each of the batteries 150 to be deposited in reservoir 50. Thus, system 10 is configured such that reservoir 50 provides a single collection area for electrolyte 152 from each of the plurality of batteries 150.

[0107] Exemplary battery supports in the battery support 30 will now be described. The battery supports 30 are spaced apart about a longitudinal axis A. Each of the battery supports 30 is identical or substantially similar. Therefore, the following description of one of the battery supports 30 applies to all battery supports 30.

[0108] refer to Figure 1For example, the battery support 30 includes a flange 36. The flange 36 mates with a spring 38 or any other suitable biasing member. The flange 36 is configured to slide back and forth in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation A. The spring 38 is biased to push the flange 36 in a direction away from the axis of rotation A. The flange 36 is arranged or configured to abut the inner end 156 of the battery 150 relative to the arrangement of the battery 150 on the rotatable platform 20. When the battery 150 is mounted to the battery support 30, the flange 36 is configured to apply a force to the battery 150 in a direction away from the longitudinal axis A.

[0109] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 And refer to other Figure 3A and Figure 3B System 10 also includes an outer puncture device 60 and an inner puncture device 90. Battery support 30 is configured to support battery 150 between the outer puncture device 60 and the inner puncture device 90. The outer puncture device 60 and the inner puncture device 90 are configured to puncture battery 150 to drain electrolyte 152 from battery 150, as explained in detail herein. Typically, when motor 40 rotates rotatable platform 20, centrifugal force moves battery 150 outward against outer puncture device 60, which punctures battery 150, causing electrolyte 152 to drain from battery 150 and into reservoir 50 via conduit 52.

[0110] like Figure 2 As shown, system 10 includes a plurality of lateral puncture devices 60 and a plurality of medial puncture devices 90. Each of the plurality of lateral puncture devices 60 is identical or substantially similar. Each of the plurality of medial puncture devices 90 is identical or substantially similar. Therefore, the following description of exemplary lateral puncture devices among the lateral puncture devices 60 applies to all lateral puncture devices 60. And the following description of exemplary medial puncture devices among the medial puncture devices 90 applies to all medial puncture devices 90.

[0111] During the rotation of the rotatable platform 20, centrifugal force causes the battery 150 to move outward and away from the axis of rotation A. The flange 36 also moves outward from the axis of rotation A by centrifugal force to maintain contact with and support the battery 150. The inner puncture device 90 moves together with the flange 36 and punctures the inner end 156 of the battery 150 to allow ventilation, which facilitates the discharge of the electrolyte 152 through the hole punctured therein by the outer puncture device 60.

[0112] Reference Figure 3A The battery 150 is arranged on the battery support 30 between the outer puncture device 60 and the inner puncture device 90. Figure 3AThe diagram illustrates the relative positions of the battery 150, the outer puncture device 60, and the inner puncture device 90 before the rotatable platform 20 rotates. To hold the battery 150 in place, the flange 36 abuts the inner end 156 of the battery 150, and the spring 38 pushes the flange 36 outward from the axis of rotation A to maintain contact between the flange 36 and the battery 150, as shown. Figure 1 As shown.

[0113] Special reference Figure 3A The external puncture device 60 typically includes a tip 62 configured to puncture the battery 150. The tip 62 defines a channel 64 that extends generally from the distal end of the tip 62 to a conduit 52. Thus, the channel 64 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 50 via the conduit 52.

[0114] Sleeve 66 surrounds tip 62. In Figure 3A and 3B In the example, sleeve 66 can be in the extended position ( Figure 3A ) and retraction position ( Figure 3B The outer puncture device 60 includes a spring 68 or any other suitable biasing member configured to bias the sleeve 66 between... Figure 3A In the outward position. When the rotatable platform 20 is rotated by the motor 40, centrifugal force causes the battery 150 to move outward and away from the axis of rotation A. Centrifugal force also causes the sleeve 66 to move outward and away from the axis of rotation A, which results in the compression of the spring 68, such as Figure 3B As shown.

[0115] As the rotating platform 20 rotates, the outward movement of the sleeve 66 exposes the tip 62. As the rotational speed of the rotating platform 20 increases, the resulting centrifugal force acts further on the battery 150, pushing it against the tip 62 with a force sufficient to pierce it. The tip 62 will penetrate the battery 150 far enough that the channel 64 will also enter the battery 150. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating platform 20 will force the electrolyte 152 out of the battery 150, through the channel 64 of the tip 62, into the conduit 52, and ultimately to the reservoir 50. Therefore, Figure 3A and 3B The lateral puncture device 60 typically operates based on the principles of gravity and centrifugal force, inserting the sleeve 66 from... Figure 3A The extension position moved to Figure 3B The retracted position is used to expose the tip 62, thereby allowing the tip 62 to pierce the battery 150.

[0116] The external puncture device 60 can be constructed in any other suitable manner to puncture the battery 150. For example, and as... Figure 4 As shown, the lateral puncture device 60 can be configured as a pneumatic actuator. In Figure 4In the example, when the rotatable platform 20 is rotated by the motor 40, the sleeve 66 remains stationary. The tip 62 can be positioned as follows: Figure 4 The device moves between the retracted and extended positions, with the tip 62 extending outward from the sleeve in the extended position (roughly similar to...). Figure 3B The tip 62 is constructed to puncture the battery 150. As gas is introduced through inlet 70 into the area below the tip 62, the tip 62 can move from a retracted position to an extended position. When gas flows into the outer puncture device 60 through inlet 70, the gas forces the tip 62 outward to the extended position and into contact with the battery 150 to puncture it. To return the tip 62 to its original position... Figure 4 At the retracted position, gas is extracted through outlet 72. As the gas is extracted, spring 68 returns tip 62 to its original position. Figure 4 The retracted position. The gas can be air or any other suitable gas.

[0117] Figure 5 The illustration shows an alternative configuration of the lateral puncture device 60. Figure 5 In the example, the lateral puncture device 60 is configured with an electric actuator. This includes a coil 74 that surrounds a rod 76 extending from the tip 62. The rod 76 extends to an armature 78, which is located on the side of the coil 74 opposite to the tip 62. During rotation of the rotatable platform 20, current is directed through the coil 74 to excite it. This generates a magnetic force that pulls the armature 78 toward the coil 74, thereby dislodging the tip 62 from... Figure 5 The retracted position moves to the extended position, where the tip 62 extends from the channel 64 (similar to...). Figure 3B As shown (in a diagram), when tip 62 moves to the extended position, tip 62 pierces battery 150 at outer end 154 to drain electrolyte 152 from battery 150. After electrolyte 152 has been drained into reservoir 50, motor 40 is configured to stop rotation of rotatable platform 20. Coil 74 is then de-energized, which allows spring 68 to return tip 62 to its original position. Figure 5 The retracted position.

[0118] Re-reference Figure 1 , 2 3A and 3B, the medial puncture device 90 will now be described in detail. The medial puncture device 90 includes a tip 92 and a spring 94, or any other suitable biasing member, configured to bias the tip 92 onto... Figure 3A In the retracted position. In response to the rotation of the rotatable platform 20 by the motor 40, centrifugal force will pull the tip 92 away from the axis of rotation A, and from... Figure 3A Pull the retracted position to Figure 3B The protruding position.

[0119] The internal puncture device 90 is configured such that the generated centrifugal force is sufficient to deflect the tip 92 from... Figure 3A The retraction position is moved to Figure 3B The extended position is shown. When the tip 92 moves to the extended position, the centrifugal force is sufficient to cause the tip 92 to pierce the battery 150 at the inner end 156, which is opposite the outer end 154 pierced by the outer piercing device 60. The inner piercing device 90 pierces a vent hole in the battery 150 to facilitate the discharge of electrolyte 152 through the hole pierced by the outer piercing device 60. The hole pierced by the inner piercing device 90 also allows any inert gas added to the reservoir 34 to flow into the battery 150, thereby reducing the possibility of any undesirable reactions therein. The vent 124 of the reservoir 34 also facilitates the release of gases or fumes from the reservoir 34 that may be released from the battery when the hole is pierced in the battery.

[0120] like Figure 3A and 3B As shown in the construction, the inner puncture device 90 can be configured to respond to gravity from Figure 3A The retraction position is moved to Figure 3B The protruding position. Alternatively, the medial puncture device 90 can be configured similar to... Figure 4 Pneumatic actuators with a structure similar to that of the above, or similar to Figure 5 An electronic actuator of the construction of the device, or any other suitable type of actuation device.

[0121] exist Figure 1 In the construction, the battery support 30 is configured to support the battery 150 such that the battery 150 is located in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation A. Figure 6 The illustration shows an alternative battery support according to this disclosure. Figure 6 The rotatable platform 20 includes a battery support 30'. Instead of, or in addition to, the rotatable platform 20 may include a plurality of battery supports 30' spaced apart around the axis of rotation A. The following description of one of the battery supports 30' applies to any additional number of battery supports 30' included in the rotatable platform 20.

[0122] The battery support 30' is configured to support the battery 150 at an angle, such that the outer end 154 of the battery 150 is tilted downward relative to the inner end 156. For example... Figure 6 As shown, by tilting the outer end 154 of the battery 150 downwards, the battery support 30' facilitates the discharge of electrolyte 152 from the battery 150 into the reservoir 50 via the conduit 52. The battery support 30' can be configured to be actuated in response to centrifugal force acting thereon during rotation of the rotatable platform 20 to increase its tilt angle. Increasing the tilt angle of the battery support 30' can accelerate the discharge of electrolyte 152 from the battery 150.

[0123] The components of system 10 (such as the rotatable platform 20, battery support 30, housing 32, reservoir 50, etc.) can be formed from any suitable material in any suitable manner. For example, some or all of the components of system 10 can be formed by 3D printing. Any suitable 3D printing technology can be used.

[0124] The above description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be limited thereto, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and the following claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each of the embodiments described above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and substitutions of one or more embodiments for each other remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0125] Various terms are used to describe spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including “connection,” “joint,” “link,” “adjacent,” “close to,” “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between a first element and a second element in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intervening element exists between the first element and the second element, or it can be an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements exist between the first element and the second element (whether spatially or functionally). As used herein, at least one of the phrases A, B, and C should be interpreted as meaning the logic of using the non-exclusive logic “OR” (A or B or C), and should not be interpreted as meaning “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0126] In a diagram, the direction of the arrow typically indicates the flow of information (such as data or instructions) that is of interest to the diagram. For example, when elements A and B exchange various types of information, but the information sent from element A to element B is relevant to the diagram, the arrow can point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not mean that no other information is sent from element B to element A. Furthermore, for information sent from element A to element B, element B can send a request for or confirmation of receipt of that information to element A.

Claims

1. A system configured to remove an electrolyte from a battery, the system comprising: Rotatable platform; A battery support component, configured to rotate by the rotatable platform; A motor configured to rotate the rotatable platform; A puncture device adjacent to the battery support is configured to puncture the battery mounted on the battery support when the rotatable platform rotates, so as to expel the electrolyte from the battery by centrifugal force. A reservoir configured to collect the electrolyte; and A catheter, which is in fluid communication with the puncture device and the reservoir, to guide electrolytes from the puncture device to the reservoir.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The puncture device is a first puncture device, and the system further includes a second puncture device, the second puncture device being adjacent to the battery support and configured to puncture the battery disposed on the battery support; and The first puncture device and the second puncture device are configured to puncture opposite sides of the battery mounted on the battery support.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The rotatable platform includes a housing defining a recess, within which the battery support is located; and The system also includes a cover configured to cooperate with the housing to cover and seal the container, the cover defining a gas inlet configured to guide gas into the container.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The first puncture device is located outside the second puncture device, such that the second puncture device is closer to the axial center of the rotatable platform than the first puncture device. The first puncture device is configured to puncture a first end of the battery, and the second puncture device is configured to puncture a second end of the battery opposite to the first end; and When punctured by the second puncture device, the gas in the reservoir flows freely into the battery through the second end of the battery.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The battery support is one of a plurality of battery supports spaced in a circle around the axis of rotation of the rotatable platform.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The puncture device is one of a plurality of puncture devices, each adjacent to a different battery support among the plurality of battery supports, and each of the plurality of puncture devices is configured to drain electrolyte from a battery disposed within the plurality of battery supports; and The catheter includes multiple catheters that are in fluid communication with the multiple puncture devices to guide electrolytes from the multiple puncture devices to a reservoir.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The battery support is configured to support either a cylindrical battery cell or a prismatic battery cell.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The puncture device includes a puncture tip; and The battery support is configured to allow the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotatable platform to move the battery into contact with the puncture tip, causing the puncture tip to pierce the battery.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The puncture tip defines a channel in fluid communication with the catheter, the opening of the channel being configured to enter the battery when the puncture tip punctures the battery, and the electrolyte flowing through the channel of the puncture tip and into the catheter in response to centrifugal force generated when the rotatable platform rotates.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The puncture device includes a puncture tip that defines a channel in fluid communication with the reservoir via a conduit; The puncture device includes an actuator configured to move the puncture tip into the battery to puncture the battery and drain the electrolyte from the battery into a reservoir; and The actuator is configured as either an electric actuator or a pneumatic actuator.

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