A de-lamination apparatus for decommissioned battery packs

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of for the equipment of demolding for decommissioned battery pack, comprising: device ontology, the inner chamber of device ontology is provided with demolding groove, and the inside of demolding groove forms closed demolding chamber;Temperature control module is set in demolding chamber;Circulating filtration module includes circulating pump, filter communicated with circulating pump, and circulating pump is communicated with demolding chamber;Cooling module includes condensing coil assembly, and the condensing coil assembly is located in demolding chamber;Exhaust purification module includes the exhaust fan being opened in the top of device ontology and being communicated with the inner chamber of device ontology, and the air inlet end of the exhaust pipe of exhaust fan is communicated with the inner chamber of device ontology, and air purifier is arranged in the exhaust pipe.The utility model provides the equipment of demolding, by setting temperature control module, and integrating solvent condensation recovery and circulating filtration function, to ensure the safety, environmental protection and automation of demolding process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery recycling technology, specifically to a degumming device for retired battery packs. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the scale of retired power battery packs has exploded. The industry typically uses a discharge capacity of 80% of the initial capacity as the standard for scrapping and retirement. It is worth noting that even after the entire battery pack reaches the scrapping standard, some individual cells may still exist that are outwardly intact and have a capacity exceeding 80% of the initial capacity. These individual cells have potential for reuse; after testing, screening, reconfiguration, and performance optimization, they can be directly applied to energy storage power stations, low-speed electric vehicles, emergency power supplies, and other energy storage and power supply scenarios with lower energy density requirements, demonstrating good economic value and environmental benefits. As for individual cells with a capacity below 80% of the initial capacity or completely damaged, although they cannot be reused, they still need to undergo preliminary dismantling and recycling. Pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical extraction techniques can be used to recover valuable metal materials, achieving resource recycling and reuse.

[0003] However, whether it's screening individual cells before reuse or recycling waste batteries, the challenge of disassembling and debonding battery packs must be addressed first. Individual cells are fixed to the battery pack casing using various adhesives such as polyurethane, epoxy resin, acrylic resin, and silicone. These adhesives are not only diverse in composition and highly cross-linked, but also have a large actual adhesive layer thickness and high bonding strength, making the debonding process a key technical bottleneck in the processing of retired battery packs. Currently, there are many limitations in the battery pack disassembly process. Traditional pre-processing of retired battery packs often uses violent disassembly to break the adhesive bonds, but this method has significant drawbacks: First, the cell damage rate is high; violent impacts can easily cause deformation and cracking of the cell casing or even damage to the internal electrodes, rendering previously reusable individual cells unusable. Second, safety is poor; if cells still carrying a certain amount of charge are squeezed or punctured during disassembly, it can easily lead to electrolyte leakage, thermal runaway, and other situations, increasing the risk of fire and explosion. Third, efficiency is low; it relies on manual disassembly, resulting in high labor intensity and low work efficiency for workers.

[0004] To address the drawbacks of forceful disassembly, existing technologies are increasingly employing gentler adhesive-removing immersion treatments. This involves using non-conductive, non-flammable organic solvents (such as N-methylpyrrolidone) to swell the adhesive, making it easier to peel off or even fall off automatically, thus reducing physical damage to the battery cell. However, this method also has limitations: the adhesive diffuses extremely slowly at the adhesive layer-cell casing interface, making it difficult for the adhesive to penetrate deep into the adhesive layer within the battery pack during static immersion. This results in immersion times as long as 48 hours, with persistently low efficiency.

[0005] For example, patent CN119056855B discloses a battery pack degumming device and method. This technology, through the setup of a degumming tank assembly, a storage tank, and a liquid delivery structure, achieves batch degumming of battery packs, significantly improving efficiency compared to traditional manual disassembly. Simultaneously, the patent, through the sealed connection between the degumming tank cover and the degumming tank, prevents harmful gases from directly leaking into the working environment to a certain extent. However, this existing technology still primarily relies on solvent immersion and static permeation, which may still result in a relatively long overall processing cycle; although a liquid circulation system and filtration components are designed, the degumming agent is lost during circulation, and there is no degumming agent recovery environment.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a debonding device that is non-destructive, efficient, and safe, so as to significantly improve debonding efficiency and ensure the integrity of battery cells. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the problems in related technologies, this utility model proposes a degumming device for retired battery packs. This device achieves efficient and non-destructive degumming of retired battery packs by setting a temperature control module and using a degumming agent. It also integrates solvent condensation recovery and circulation filtration functions to ensure the safety, environmental protection, and automation of the degumming process. Ultimately, it meets the requirements for cascade utilization and safe recycling conditions, improves resource utilization, and reduces harm to the environment and human health.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0009] This utility model provides a debonding device for retired battery packs, the debonding device comprising:

[0010] The device body has a degumming tank in its inner cavity, and the interior of the degumming tank forms a sealed degumming chamber for containing the degumming agent and the retired battery pack.

[0011] A temperature control module is installed in the degumming chamber. The temperature control module is used to adjust the temperature of the degumming chamber so that the temperature of the degumming chamber reaches the preset degumming temperature.

[0012] A circulating filtration module, comprising a circulating pump and a filter connected to the circulating pump, wherein the circulating pump is connected to a degumming chamber;

[0013] A cooling module, the cooling module including a condenser coil assembly, the condenser coil assembly being disposed in a degumming chamber;

[0014] An exhaust purification module includes an exhaust fan located on the top of the device body and connected to the internal cavity of the device body. The air inlet of the exhaust fan's exhaust pipe is connected to the degumming chamber, and an air purifier is installed inside the exhaust pipe.

[0015] An electronic control module is electrically connected to the temperature control module, cooling module, circulating filtration module, and exhaust purification module, respectively.

[0016] Preferably, the circulating filtration module also integrates an inlet pump and an outlet pump controlled by a pneumatic valve to achieve automatic liquid addition and emptying.

[0017] Preferably, the degumming device further includes an automated transfer module electrically connected to the electronic control module, the automated transfer module including a robotic arm and a carrier for carrying the battery pack.

[0018] Preferably, the automated transmission module further includes a guide rail for driving the carrier into and out of the device body. The rail is disposed on one side of the degumming tank. The first end of the guide rail is disposed outside the device body, and the second end of the guide rail is disposed inside the device body. There are multiple parallel and evenly arranged rollers between the first end and the second end, and the carrier is driven on the rollers.

[0019] Preferably, the degumming device further includes an ultrasonic module electrically connected to the electrical control module. The ultrasonic module is in contact with the degumming tank and is used to induce cavitation in the degumming agent.

[0020] Preferably, the cooling module further includes a distributor, a compressor unit, and a collection tank. The collection tank is a groove provided on the inner wall of the degumming chamber. The distributor is located outside the degumming tank. The inlet end of the distributor is connected to the collection tank, and the outlet end of the distributor is connected to the degumming chamber. The condenser coil assembly includes a first condenser coil coiled above the degumming chamber and a second condenser coil coiled below the degumming chamber. Both the first and second condenser coils are connected to the compressor unit.

[0021] Preferably, the degumming tank includes a separable sealing cap and a body, with the sealing cap located on top of the body, and the sealing cap and the body being tightly fitted together; after connection, a corrosion-resistant sealing ring is provided between the sealing cap and the body in the connection area.

[0022] Preferably, a pressure relief valve is installed on the sealing cover. The pressure relief valve has an input end and an output end. The input end is connected to the degumming chamber, and the output end is connected to the exhaust fan.

[0023] Preferably, the temperature control module includes a heating element and a temperature sensor, the heating element being fixed to the lower side of the degumming chamber, and the temperature sensor being disposed in the degumming chamber.

[0024] Preferably, the inner wall of the degelling chamber is also provided with a pressure sensor, a high liquid level sensor, and a low liquid level sensor.

[0025] The beneficial effects are as follows:

[0026] This utility model provides a degumming device for retired battery packs. The device achieves efficient and non-destructive degumming of retired battery packs by setting a temperature control module and using a degumming agent. It also integrates solvent condensation recovery and circulation filtration functions to ensure the safety, environmental protection and automation of the degumming process. Ultimately, it meets the requirements for cascade utilization and safe recycling conditions, improves resource utilization and reduces harm to the environment and human health. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of the degumming equipment;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the left-side structure of the degumming device;

[0029] Figure 3 A top view schematic diagram of the degumming equipment;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the degumming chamber of the degumming device.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1. Device body;

[0033] 2. Degumming tank; 21. Sealing cap; 22. Body; 23. Pressure relief valve; 24. Condensation zone; 25. Liquid zone;

[0034] 31. Ultrasonic transducer; 32. Ultrasonic transducer;

[0035] 41. Heating element;

[0036] 51. Circulating pump; 52. Filter;

[0037] 61. Condensing coil assembly; 611. First condensing coil; 612. Second condensing coil; 62. Distributor; 63. Compressor unit;

[0038] 71. Exhaust fan;

[0039] 80. Drive assembly; 81. Robotic arm; 82. Carrier; 83. Guide rail; 831. First end; 832. Second end; 833. Roller;

[0040] 9. Retired battery packs. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0042] Example

[0043] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a debonding device for retired battery packs, comprising:

[0044] The device body 1 comprises an ultrasonic module, a temperature control module, a circulating filtration module, a cooling module, an exhaust purification module, and an electrical control module. The device body 1 has a degumming tank 2 inside its cavity. The degumming tank 2 forms a sealed degumming chamber for containing degumming agent and retired battery packs.

[0045] Specifically, the main body 1 of the device adopts a fully enclosed structure, with a sturdy frame made of welded stainless steel square tubing and covered with a stainless steel panel; the bottom is equipped with universal casters and support feet to facilitate the movement and leveling of the equipment.

[0046] The ultrasonic module is connected to the debonding tank 2 to induce cavitation in the debonding agent within the debonding chamber, which helps to break down the agglomerated structure of the structural adhesive and thus accelerates the dissolution of the structural adhesive by the debonding agent.

[0047] Specifically, the ultrasonic module includes an ultrasonic transducer plate 31 installed at the bottom of the degumming tank 2. The ultrasonic transducer plate 31 is made of stainless steel with a corrosion-resistant surface treatment (such as chrome plating). Multiple ultrasonic transducers 32 are evenly distributed on it; in this embodiment, 30 60W ultrasonic transducers are used, with a total rated power of 1800W. The operating frequency can be 80kHz or 100kHz; in this embodiment, the operating frequency is 80kHz. The ultrasonic transducer plate 31 is driven by an external ultrasonic generator (not shown in the figure), which is electrically connected to the electronic control module for easy control.

[0048] The temperature control module is located in the degumming chamber. The temperature control module is used to regulate the temperature inside the degumming tank 2 so that the temperature inside the degumming tank 2 reaches the preset degumming temperature.

[0049] Specifically, the temperature control module includes a temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) and a heating element 41 made of cast aluminum. The heating element 41 is installed on the lower side of the degumming chamber and is controlled by a high-precision digital display temperature controller (such as a PID controller). The temperature sensor (PT100) is located in the degumming chamber and can be directly immersed in the degumming agent, thus working with the cooling module described below to ensure a temperature control accuracy within ±3℃.

[0050] The circulating filtration module includes a circulating pump 51 and a filter 52 connected to the circulating pump 51. The circulating pump 51 is connected to the inner cavity of the degumming tank 2, thereby circulating and filtering the degumming agent to remove the detached residual glue residue and maintain the activity of the degumming agent.

[0051] Specifically, the circulation pump 51 is a solvent-resistant centrifugal pump, and the filter 52 is a cylindrical filter with a filtration accuracy of 20μm (equipped with a 20μm filter cotton core). The inlet of the circulation pump 51 is connected to the drain port at the bottom of the degumming chamber, and its outlet is connected to the inlet port in the middle of the degumming chamber via the filter 52, forming a circulating filtration loop for the degumming agent. The specific circulating filtration process is as follows: the circulation pump 51 draws liquid from the drain port at the bottom of the degumming tank 2, purifies it through the filter 52, and then returns it from the inlet port in the middle of the degumming tank 2, forming continuous filtration. In addition, the circulating filtration module also integrates an inlet pump and a drain pump (not shown in the figure) controlled by pneumatic valves, enabling automatic liquid addition and emptying.

[0052] The cooling module includes a condenser coil assembly 61, which is located inside the degumming tank 2.

[0053] Specifically, the cooling module also includes a distributor 62, a compressor unit 63, and a collection tank (not shown in the figure). The collection tank is located in a groove on the inner wall of the degumming chamber. The distributor 62 is located outside the degumming tank 2, with its inlet connected to the collection tank and its outlet connected to the degumming chamber. The condenser coil assembly 61 includes a first condenser coil 611 coiled above the degumming chamber and a second condenser coil 612 coiled below the degumming chamber. Both the first and second condenser coils 611 and 612 are connected to the compressor unit 63, thereby controlling the surface temperature (i.e., the condensation zone) of the first condenser coil to be maintained at -10°C. The volatile degumming agent vapor condenses into droplets upon contact with the first condenser coil 611, dripping into the collection tank (not shown in the figure), then flowing through the distributor 62 to separate from water, with the pure solvent flowing back into the degumming chamber. The second condenser coil 612 is immersed in the degumming agent, so that short-term cooling and temperature control can be performed when the degumming agent overheats.

[0054] It should be noted that the inner cavity of the degumming tank 2 (i.e., the degumming chamber) is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The upper inner cavity is the condensation zone 24, and the lower inner cavity is the liquid zone 25. The first condensing coil 611 is located in the condensation zone 24, and the second condensing coil 612 is located in the liquid zone 25. During degumming, most of the degumming agent vapor encounters the first condensing coil 611 and liquefies on its wall, forming droplets that adhere to the wall and flow downwards along the wall or tank wall. The inner wall of the degumming tank 2 folds inwards in the middle to form a groove (i.e., a collection tank), where the droplets collect. However, it is possible that some degumming agent vapor liquefies directly in the closed space upon cooling and drips into the degumming tank.

[0055] The exhaust purification module includes an exhaust fan 71 located at the top of the device body 1 and communicating with the inner cavity of the device body 1. The exhaust fan 71 is connected to an exhaust duct, the air inlet of which communicates with the inner cavity of the device body 1. An air purifier is installed inside the exhaust duct. Specifically, the exhaust fan 71 has a maximum airflow of 500 m³ / h. 3 / h. The air purifier uses a four-stage filtration design: the first stage is a G4 pre-filter for filtering larger particles; the second stage is an F7 medium-efficiency filter for filtering fine particles; the third stage is an activated carbon adsorption layer filled with high-strength honeycomb activated carbon to adsorb organic solvent molecules; and the fourth stage is a manganese dioxide filter for further removal of odors and toxic gases.

[0056] Furthermore, it also includes an automated transmission module electrically connected to the electronic control module. The automated transmission module includes a drive component 80, a robotic arm 81 connected to the drive component 80, a carrier 82 for carrying the battery pack 9, and a guide rail 83 for driving the carrier 82 in and out of the device body 1. The guide rail 83 is located on one side of the degumming tank 2, and the first end 831 of the guide rail 83 is located outside the device body 1, and the second end 832 of the guide rail 83 is located inside the device body 1. There are multiple parallel and evenly arranged rollers 833 between the first end 831 and the second end 832. The carrier 82 is located on the rollers 833, so that when the rollers 833 are driven to rotate, the carrier 82 can be driven to enter the device body 1 from the entrance / exit (not shown in the figure).

[0057] Specifically, the drive assembly 80 includes a servo motor, a reducer, a frequency converter, a lifting mechanism, and a translation mechanism. The lifting mechanism and translation mechanism are driven by the servo motor in conjunction with the precision reducer, and the start, stop, and speed are controlled by the frequency converter, ensuring smooth operation and accurate positioning. The robotic arm 81 is a single-arm robotic arm controlled by a program. The rated load capacity of the robotic arm 81 is 150kg, which facilitates the automatic transfer of the carrier 82 carrying the retired battery pack into or out of the degumming chamber of the degumming tank 2.

[0058] It should be noted that the carrier 82 in this embodiment is a perforated stainless steel basket with a handle, used to load the battery pack. Battery packs are generally heavy, around 100 kg, and the end effector of the robotic arm 81 has a hook-like structure. Therefore, the battery pack 9 needs to be pre-loaded into the carrier 82 with the handle to ensure that the hook-shaped robotic arm 81 can stably and reliably grasp and transport heavy workpieces. Furthermore, after the degumming process, the individual battery cell components will separate and become scattered. Therefore, before degumming, the entire battery pack needs to be placed in a unified carrier 82 to ensure that all battery cell components can be removed as a whole after degumming, preventing partial scattering.

[0059] Furthermore, the degumming tank 2 includes a separable sealing cover 21 and a body 22. The sealing cover 21 is located on top of the body 22, and the sealing cover 21 and the body 22 are tightly connected. After connection, the sealing cover 21 and the body 22 have a solvent-resistant sealing ring (such as polytetrafluoroethylene material) in the connection area, thereby forming a sealed environment, i.e., a degumming chamber, inside the degumming tank 2.

[0060] Furthermore, a pressure relief valve 23 is installed on the sealing cover 21. The pressure relief valve 23 has an input end and an output end. The input end 23 is connected to the degumming chamber, and the output end of the pressure relief valve 23 is connected to the exhaust fan 71. Thus, the pressure relief valve 23 and the exhaust fan 71 work together to balance the air pressure in the degumming chamber and purify the exhaust gas.

[0061] Specifically, the inner wall of the degumming tank 2 is also equipped with a pressure sensor, a high liquid level sensor, and a low liquid level sensor, so as to facilitate real-time detection of the pressure and liquid level in the degumming chamber and realize automatic operation and safety monitoring of the degumming process.

[0062] The electrical control module includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a human-machine interface (HMI) communicating with the PLC. The PLC is electrically connected to the ultrasonic module, temperature control module, cooling module, circulating filtration module, exhaust purification module, and automated transmission module. Specifically, the electrical control module is housed in a control cabinet. The module uses a high-performance PLC (in this embodiment, a Mitsubishi FX series) as the core controller and is equipped with an HMI. In this embodiment, the HMI is a color touchscreen (Weintek series). The PLC collects signals from various sensors (pressure, level, temperature) in real time and automatically controls the ultrasonic generator, heating element, pumps, valves, and robotic arms according to a preset program. The entire machine has comprehensive fault diagnosis, safety interlock, and audible and visual alarm functions.

[0063] This embodiment also provides a method for debonding a retired battery pack, including the following steps:

[0064] S100: Transport retired battery packs with wedge-shaped blocks between battery cells to a sealed degumming chamber;

[0065] S200: Inject the degumming agent into the degumming chamber so that the retired battery pack is immersed in the degumming agent;

[0066] S300: Under the action of heating and ultrasound, the desiccant promotes the swelling and decomposition of the adhesive in the battery pack, realizing the separation of the battery cell from other structural components; during the desiccant process, the volatilized desiccant vapor is condensed and recovered, and the recovered liquid is returned to the desiccant chamber; at the same time, the desiccant in the chamber is filtered and purified, and then returned to the desiccant chamber for reuse.

[0067] S400: After debonding is complete, drain the debonding agent from the chamber and remove the separated components.

[0068] This embodiment provides a debonding method for retired battery packs. By using the microjets generated by ultrasonic cavitation effect in conjunction with a thermal field, the debonding agent molecules are greatly accelerated to penetrate and diffuse into the adhesive layer of the battery pack, rapidly reducing the adhesive strength. At the same time, under the continuous stress field of the inserted wedge block, the swollen and softened adhesive layer continuously generates and expands microcracks, which greatly shortens the debonding and separation time from tens of hours of traditional static soaking to less than 16 hours, significantly reducing the debonding and separation time.

[0069] Furthermore, the applicant discovered that circulating and filtering the adhesive during the degumming process to separate the residual adhesive can prevent the adhesive from continuously acting on the detached and residual adhesive residue, thus maintaining the activity of the adhesive to a certain extent and increasing the number of times the adhesive can be used.

[0070] It should be noted that the degumming agent described in this embodiment includes fresh degumming agent, circulating filtered degumming agent, or reused degumming agent. When liquid needs to be added after material loading or during the degumming process, a separately installed liquid inlet pump (not shown in the figure) draws liquid from the external liquid storage container and injects it into the liquid inlet in the middle of the degumming chamber. Degumming agent that needs to be circulating filtered or reused degumming agent enters and exits through the liquid path of the circulating filtration module mentioned above. When material needs to be removed or other situations requiring liquid drainage occur after degumming is completed, a separately installed drain pump (not shown in the figure) draws liquid from the drain port at the bottom of the degumming chamber and drains it into the external liquid storage container.

[0071] Further, in step S100, the wedge block is inserted into the adhesive layer between the batteries from above or to the side of the battery pack to be de-adhesiveed, with one wedge block inserted every 1 to 3 batteries, and the insertion depth is 5 to 30 mm.

[0072] In this embodiment, for a cylindrical retired battery pack 9 that has undergone pretreatment such as full-pack discharge and component removal and is still bonded with polyurethane adhesive, the operator uses a hydraulic press to slowly drive wedge-shaped ceramic blocks (not shown in the figure) into the adhesive layer between the batteries from above. One wedge is driven in every 1-3 batteries, with a driving depth of 10mm. In this embodiment, the wedge is 100mm long, 50mm wide, with a thickness of 10mm and a thickness of 2mm, and one wedge is driven in every other battery. In some embodiments, the wedge can also be selected in sizes such as 50×50×10-2mm or 150×100×12-3mm. The wedges inserted into the polyurethane adhesive layer can provide a continuous stress field without deep destructive effects, with concentrated peel stress as the main force, thereby accelerating the debonding and separation time.

[0073] Specifically, in step S300, the heating temperature is 40–80°C, the ultrasonic frequency is 20–120 kHz, and the ultrasonic power is 1200–1800 W. In this embodiment, the heating temperature is 65°C, the ultrasonic frequency is 80 kHz, and the ultrasonic power is 1200 W.

[0074] Furthermore, step S300 also includes: real-time monitoring of air pressure and liquid level in the degumming environment; automatic pressure relief when air pressure exceeds a preset safety threshold; and automatic liquid replenishment when liquid level is below a preset minimum limit.

[0075] In this embodiment, by monitoring the air pressure in real time and automatically performing a pressure relief operation when it exceeds a preset safety threshold, safety accidents such as equipment damage, leakage, or even explosion caused by excessive pressure can be effectively prevented, significantly improving the operational safety of the entire degumming process. Automatic liquid replenishment when the liquid level falls below a preset minimum limit ensures that the liquid medium remains within the effective working range during the degumming process, avoiding problems such as reaction interruption, temperature runaway, or material dry burning due to insufficient liquid volume, thereby guaranteeing the continuity and stability of the process.

[0076] Furthermore, in step S300, during condensation recovery, the temperature of the condensation zone 24 is controlled between -20°C and 10°C, so that the volatile degumming agent vapor is condensed and liquefied. After removing any water that may have been mixed in, the pure solvent is returned to the degumming chamber for recycling.

[0077] The specific working process is as follows: The operator uses a hydraulic press to slowly drive wedge-shaped ceramic blocks into the adhesive layer between the batteries from above the retired battery pack 9. One wedge is driven into every other battery, with a driving depth of 10mm. The wedge is then vertically placed into a stainless steel perforated carrier 82, which is positioned at the first end 831 (feed input end) of the guide rail 83. After feeding is initiated, the guide rail 83 transfers the carrier 82 into the device body 1. The robotic arm 81 automatically picks up the carrier 82 and smoothly transports it into the degumming tank 2 through translation and lifting. Subsequently, the sealing cover 21 automatically closes and presses the polytetrafluoroethylene sealing ring, forming a sealed degumming chamber. Commercial degumming agent (such as Fuzaki Tongsheng degumming agent) is then automatically injected into the degumming tank 2 until the set liquid level is reached, such as 3cm above the battery pack. The temperature control module is then activated to stabilize the degumming agent temperature at 65℃. Simultaneously, the ultrasonic module is activated, operating continuously at 80kHz frequency and 1200W power. While heating and applying ultrasound, the cooling module operates simultaneously. By maintaining the temperature of the first condensing coil 611 at -10℃ (i.e., the condensation zone), the volatile degumming agent vapor is condensed and liquefied. After removing any possible moisture through the separator 62, the pure degumming agent flows back to the degumming chamber of the degumming tank 2. By dynamically controlling the temperature of the second condensing coil 612, the heating temperature of the degumming agent is precisely controlled within ±3℃. The circulation filtration module operates simultaneously to circulate and filter the degumming agent. The exhaust purification module operates simultaneously, working with the pressure relief valve 23 to balance the air pressure in the degumming chamber and purify the exhaust gas. After the battery pack 9 has been processed for a preset time or after the separation of the battery cells is observed by the naked eye, heating and ultrasound are stopped, and the degumming agent in the tank is discharged. After the discharge is opened, the sealing cover 21 opens automatically, and the robot arm 81 takes the carrier 82 out of the degumming tank 2 and transports it to the second end 832 (discharge input end) of the guide rail 83. The guide rail 83 transfers the carrier 82 to the outside of the device body 1, and the operator takes out the degummed components from the carrier 82.

[0078] The debonding equipment and method provided in this embodiment can achieve synergistic debonding through ultrasonic cavitation effect, thermal field and stress field. During the debonding process, the debonding agent causes the polyurethane adhesive layer to swell and soften under the action of the thermal field, and its toughness decreases. At the same time, the wedge block applies continuous peeling stress to the softened adhesive layer, forcing it to generate and expand microcracks. These microcracks provide a channel for the debonding agent to directly penetrate into the interior, and allow the ultrasonic cavitation effect to play a role inside the adhesive layer, thereby realizing the rapid disintegration of the adhesive layer from the inside out.

[0079] Test case

[0080] The debonding equipment and method provided in this embodiment were used to perform debonding tests on cylindrical battery packs bonded with polyurethane adhesive. The nominal capacity of each cylindrical battery cell is 2600mAh, and the nominal voltage is 3.6V. The following experimental tests were conducted:

[0081] T1. Debonding and Separation Time Test: Three debonding agents were used for comparison. The natural separation of the battery pack cells from the adhesive layer during the debonding process was taken as the end standard. The debonding and separation time of each agent is recorded in Table 1. Among them, debonding agent 1 is Fuqi Tongsheng debonding agent; debonding agent 2 is Chijia 105 debonding agent; and debonding agent 3 is Shengyi SY-W802 debonding agent.

[0082] T2. Capacity Testing Before and After Debonding: An initial capacity test was conducted before the individual cells were glued and assembled into a battery pack, i.e., before the debonding process. Using debonding agent 2, the cells treated with the debonding equipment and method of this embodiment were placed at room temperature for 12 hours to allow the cell temperature to return to ambient temperature before the capacity test. The battery capacity was obtained through charge-discharge testing. The charge-discharge procedure was as follows: at an ambient temperature of 25°C, the battery was charged at a constant current of 0.2C to 4.2V, and then the constant voltage was maintained at 4.2V until the current dropped to 0.02C. After resting for 30 minutes, the battery was discharged at a constant current of 0.2C to 2.5V, and then rested for another 30 minutes. This cycle was repeated a total of 5 times. The average value was taken after removing the highest and lowest capacity values ​​and recorded in Table 2.

[0083] The experimental test results are as follows:

[0084] Table 1 shows the debonding and separation time processed by the debonding equipment and debonding method in the embodiments.

[0085] Degumming agent number Duration (h) Degumming agent 1 11 Degumming agent 2 15 Degumming agent 3 10

[0086] Table 2. Cell capacity before and after treatment using the debonding equipment and method in the embodiments.

[0087] Cell number Capacity before processing (mAh) Post-processing capacity (mAh) Cell 1 2651 2648 Cell 2 2661 2662 Cell 3 2665 2663

[0088] Comparative Example 1

[0089] The battery pack was subjected to static soaking with a degumming agent, meaning it was treated without applying ultrasonic or thermal fields or inserting wedges. Three identical degumming agents were used for comparison, and the natural separation of the battery cells from the adhesive layer during the degumming process was considered the end criterion. The separation time for each degumming agent was recorded. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0090] Table 3 shows the degumming and separation time of the degumming agent in Comparative Example 1 after static soaking (without wedges).

[0091] Degumming agent number Duration (h) Degumming agent 1 60 Degumming agent 2 77 Degumming agent 3 66

[0092] Comparative Example 2

[0093] The battery pack was treated by applying an ultrasonic and thermal field to the adhesive release agent without inserting a wedge block. The same three adhesive release agents were used for comparison, and the natural separation of the battery cells from the adhesive layer during the debonding process was used as the ending criterion. The separation time for each process was recorded. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0094] Table 4 shows the depolymerization and separation times of the depolymerizing agent treated with ultrasonic and thermal fields (without wedges) in Comparative Example 2.

[0095] Degumming agent number Duration (h) Degumming agent 1 20 Degumming agent 2 25 Degumming agent 3 24

[0096] Comparative data from Tables 1 and 3 show that when processing without applying ultrasonic or thermal fields and without inserting wedges, the debonding and separation time exceeds 60 hours. Comparative data from Tables 1 and 4 show that even when applying ultrasonic and thermal fields to the debonding agent without inserting wedges, the debonding and separation time still exceeds 20 hours. However, the debonding and separation time processed using the debonding equipment and method provided in this embodiment can be shortened to less than 16 hours. Therefore, this invention achieves rapid debonding and separation through the synergistic effect of ultrasonic, thermal, and pre-mechanical stress fields provided by the wedges. In practical scenarios involving the large-scale disposal of retired battery packs, the debonding efficiency processed using the debonding equipment and method of this embodiment will be significantly improved. Meanwhile, as shown in Table 2, the cylindrical batteries treated with the degumming equipment and method of this embodiment did not exhibit a significant decrease in capacity. This indicates that the synergistic degumming using ultrasonic, thermal, and stress fields does not significantly affect the internal and external structure of the individual cells, greatly improving the cascaded utilization rate of the cells and resulting in higher economic value and environmental benefits. In summary, the degumming equipment and method provided in this embodiment demonstrate significant advantages in processing efficiency and battery protection, enabling efficient and non-destructive degumming of battery packs.

[0097] Based on the disclosure and teachings of the above specification, those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications to the above embodiments. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and described above, and some modifications and changes to the utility model should also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model. Furthermore, although some specific terms are used in this specification, these terms are only for convenience of explanation and do not constitute any limitation on this utility model.

Claims

1. A debonding device for retired battery packs, comprising: The device body (1) has a degumming tank (2) in its inner cavity. The degumming tank (2) forms a sealed degumming chamber for containing the degumming agent and the retired battery pack (9). A temperature control module is disposed in the degumming chamber, and the temperature control module is used to adjust the temperature of the degumming chamber so that the temperature of the degumming chamber reaches the preset degumming temperature. The cooling module includes a condenser coil assembly (61) disposed in the degumming chamber; The feature is that it further includes a circulating filtration module, which includes a circulating pump (51) and a filter (52) connected to the circulating pump (51), wherein the circulating pump (51) is connected to the degumming chamber; The exhaust purification module includes an exhaust fan (71) located on the top of the device body (1) and connected to the inner cavity of the device body (1). The exhaust fan (71) is connected to an exhaust pipe. The air inlet end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the inner cavity of the device body (1). An air purifier is installed inside the exhaust pipe. The electronic control module is electrically connected to the temperature control module, the circulating filtration module, the cooling module, and the exhaust purification module.

2. The degumming device for retired battery packs according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circulating filtration module also integrates an inlet pump and an outlet pump controlled by a pneumatic valve to achieve automatic liquid addition and emptying.

3. The degumming device for retired battery packs according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an automated transmission module electrically connected to the electronic control module, the automated transmission module including a robotic arm (81) and a carrier (82) for carrying the decommissioned battery pack (9).

4. The degumming device for retired battery packs according to claim 3, characterized in that: The automated transmission module also includes a guide rail (83) for the transmission vehicle (82) to enter and exit the device body (1). The guide rail (83) is located on one side of the degumming tank (2), and the first end (831) of the guide rail (83) is located outside the device body (1), and the second end (832) of the guide rail (83) is located inside the device body (1). There are multiple parallel and evenly arranged rollers (833) between the first end (831) and the second end (832), and the vehicle (82) is driven on the rollers (833).

5. The degumming device for retired battery packs according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an ultrasonic module electrically connected to the electronic control module, the ultrasonic module being in contact with the degumming tank (2) to generate a cavitation effect in the degumming agent within the degumming chamber.

6. The degumming device for retired battery packs according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling module also includes a liquid distributor (62), a compressor unit (63), and a liquid collection tank. The liquid collection tank is a groove set on the inner wall of the degumming chamber. The liquid distributor (62) is set outside the degumming tank (2). The liquid inlet of the liquid distributor (62) is connected to the liquid collection tank, and the liquid outlet of the liquid distributor (62) is connected to the degumming chamber. The condenser coil assembly (61) includes a first condenser coil (611) coiled above the degumming chamber and a second condenser coil (612) coiled below the degumming chamber. Both the first condenser coil (611) and the second condenser coil (612) are connected to the compressor unit (63).

7. The degumming device for retired battery packs according to claim 1, characterized in that: The degumming tank (2) includes a separable sealing cap (21) and a body (22). The sealing cap (21) is located on top of the body (22), and the sealing cap (21) and the body (22) are tightly connected. After connection, there is a corrosion-resistant sealing ring between the sealing cap (21) and the body (22) in the connection area.

8. The degumming device for retired battery packs according to claim 7, characterized in that: A pressure relief valve (23) is installed on the sealing cover (21). The pressure relief valve (23) has an input end and an output end. The input end is connected to the degumming chamber, and the output end is connected to the exhaust fan (71).

9. The degumming device for retired battery packs according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control module includes a heating tube (41) and a temperature sensor. The heating tube (41) is fixed on the lower side of the degumming chamber, and the temperature sensor is located in the degumming chamber.

10. The degumming device for retired battery packs according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the degumming chamber is also equipped with a pressure sensor, a high liquid level sensor, and a low liquid level sensor.

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