Method and cutting device for dismantling energy storage devices

Abstract

Providing a technology that can eliminate cutting defects in band saw blades when cutting energy storage devices. [Solution] One embodiment of the dismantling method disclosed herein includes preparing a battery (preparation step S1), cutting the battery with a band saw blade (cutting step S2), and removing the metal shavings adhering to the band saw blade by irradiating them with a laser beam (laser removal step S5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for disassembling a power storage device and a cutting device.

Background Art

[0002] As used herein, the term "power storage device" refers to a device that can perform charging and discharging. Power storage devices include batteries such as primary batteries and secondary batteries (e.g., non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries such as lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries), and capacitors (physical batteries) such as electric double layer capacitors.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-073375 discloses a method for recycling a lithium-ion secondary battery. The method disclosed herein includes the following steps. (1) Discharging the lithium-ion battery; (2) Cutting the lithium-ion battery into small pieces to provide a mixture of a structural part, a first conductive metal part coated with a cathode layer, and a second conductive metal part coated with an anode layer; (3) Immersing the cut small pieces of the lithium-ion battery in a polar solvent to form a heterogeneous component mixture; (4) Treating the heterogeneous component mixture by mechanical stirring with a mixer for about 5 minutes to about 5 hours to dissolve a binder material in the cathode layer and the anode layer; (5) Sieving the treated heterogeneous component mixture to separate the structural part, the first conductive metal part, and the second conductive metal part from a finer electrode material containing cathode and anode materials, and providing a suspension composed of a polar solvent and the finer electrode material; and (6) Isolating the finer electrode material in the suspension from the polar solvent

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] Incidentally, the inventors of this invention want to improve the recycling rate of materials used in energy storage devices. From this perspective, the inventors are considering separating energy storage devices into their individual components before proceeding with recycling. In this process, the inventors want to adopt the method of cutting energy storage devices with a band saw blade. However, it has been found that when cutting energy storage devices with a band saw blade, the cutting performance gradually deteriorates, which can lead to cutting failures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The method for dismantling an energy storage device disclosed herein includes preparing the energy storage device. The dismantling method includes cutting the energy storage device with a band saw blade. The dismantling method includes irradiating the metal shavings adhering to the band saw blade with laser light to remove the metal shavings adhering to the band saw blade. In such a method for dismantling an energy storage device, the metal shavings adhering to the band saw blade can be removed by irradiating the band saw blade with laser light. With this configuration, cutting defects of the band saw blade can be eliminated.

[0007] The energy storage device cutting apparatus disclosed herein comprises a table, a fixing device, a band saw blade, a drive mechanism, and a laser irradiation device. The energy storage device is placed on the table. The fixing device secures the energy storage device placed on the table. The drive mechanism drives the band saw blade. The laser irradiation device irradiates the band saw blade with laser light to remove chips adhering to the band saw blade. The above-described method of dismantling the energy storage device can be suitably carried out using such an energy storage device cutting apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing a method for disassembling a battery according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a battery to be cut according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a first schematic diagram showing a battery disconnection device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a second schematic diagram showing a battery cutting device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the state of a battery before it is disconnected according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state of a battery after it has been disconnected according to one embodiment. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a first schematic diagram illustrating the laser removal process for a battery according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a second schematic diagram illustrating the laser removal process for a battery according to one embodiment. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a third schematic diagram illustrating the laser removal process for a battery according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a brushing process according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein will be described while referring to the drawings. In the drawings, members and parts having the same function are appropriately given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional relationships (length, width, thickness, etc.) in each figure do not reflect the actual dimensional relationships. Note that matters other than those specifically mentioned in this specification, which are necessary for the implementation of the technology disclosed here (for example, the general configuration and manufacturing process of a power storage device that does not characterize the present disclosure), can be grasped as design matters for those skilled in the art based on the prior art in the relevant field. The technology disclosed here can be implemented based on the content disclosed in this specification and the common technical knowledge in the relevant field. Also, the following description is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the following forms. Hereinafter, a lithium-ion secondary battery (hereinafter simply referred to as a "battery"), which is an embodiment of the power storage device disclosed here, will be described as an example. Note that the following description is not intended to limit the power storage device to a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0010] In this specification, the notation "A~B" indicating a range means "A or more and B or less". Also, the notation "A~B" is assumed to include the meanings of "exceeding A" and "less than B".

[0011] In the following description, the "battery cutting device" may be simply referred to as the "cutting device". Also, the "battery disassembly method" may be simply referred to as the "disassembly method". And the "rectangular parallelepiped" described below can be a concept that includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having rounded corners together with the rectangular parallelepiped. Also, the "rectangular shape" described below can be a concept that includes a substantially rectangular shape having rounded corners together with the rectangular shape.

[0012] The reference numerals X, Y, and Z in the drawings shall be referred to as the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, respectively. However, these directions are defined for convenience of explanation. The installation mode of the cutting device 100 is not limited by these directions.

[0013] Here, FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method for disassembling the battery 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the method for disassembling the battery 1 according to this embodiment includes a preparation step S1, a cutting step S2, a detection step S3, a laser removal step S5, and a brushing step S6. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the battery 1 to be cut according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2.

[0014] Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the battery 1 to be cut includes a case 2, a positive electrode terminal 3, a negative electrode terminal 6, an electrode body 9, and an electrolyte (not shown).

[0015] <Case 2> The case 2 is an exterior member of the battery 1. The electrode body 9 and the electrolyte are accommodated in the case 2. Further, the positive electrode terminal 3 and the negative electrode terminal 6 are attached to the case 2. In this embodiment, the shape of the case 2 is a flat rectangular parallelepiped. The case 2 has a bottom surface 2a, a pair of first side walls 2b, 2c, a pair of second side walls 2d, 2e, and a top surface 2f. The bottom surface 2a is rectangular and faces the top surface 2f. The pair of first side walls 2b, 2c are rectangular wide surfaces facing each other. The pair of second side walls 2d, 2e are rectangular narrow surfaces facing each other. The area of the first side walls 2b, 2c is larger than the area of the second side walls 2d, 2e. Here, the case 2 is preferably made of metal. Examples of such a metal material include aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel (SUS), etc.

[0016] <Positive electrode terminal 3, negative electrode terminal 6> In the configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3, the positive terminal 3 and the negative terminal 6 are located on the top surface 2f of the case 2. The positive terminal 3 is connected to the electrode body 9 by a positive current collector 4. Here, the positive terminal 3 is preferably made of metal, and more preferably of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The positive current collector 4 may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, nickel, or stainless steel. The negative terminal 6 is connected to the electrode body 9 by a negative current collector 7. Here, the negative terminal 6 is preferably made of metal, and more preferably of copper or a copper alloy. The negative current collector 7 may be made of a conductive metal such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or stainless steel.

[0017] <Electrode body 9> The electrode body 9 includes, for example, a positive electrode (positive electrode sheet) as a positive electrode element, a negative electrode (negative electrode sheet) as a negative electrode element, and a separator placed between the positive and negative electrodes. Here, the electrode body 9 is a flattened rectangular parallelepiped. The type of electrode body 9 is not particularly limited; for example, it may be a laminated electrode body or a wound electrode body. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the electrode body 9 has a group of positive electrode tabs 5 in which a plurality of positive electrode tabs are stacked at one end in the direction of the long side (the left end in Figure 3). The group of positive electrode tabs 5 is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 3 via a positive electrode current collector 4. Here, the positive electrode tabs are part of the positive electrode current collector and are made of metal foil (aluminum foil). Also in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the electrode body 9 has a group of negative electrode tabs 8 in which a plurality of negative electrode tabs are stacked at one end in the direction of the long side (the right end in Figure 3). The group of negative electrode tabs 8 is electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 6 via a negative electrode current collector 7. The negative electrode tab is, in this case, part of the negative electrode current collector and is made of metal foil (copper foil). The positive electrode terminal 3, positive electrode current collector 4, negative electrode terminal 6, negative electrode current collector 7, electrode body 9, and electrolyte can be any component that can be used in this type of battery 1 without any particular limitations.

[0018] <Cutting device 100> Next, a cutting device 100 for disconnecting the battery 1, which serves as such an energy storage device, will be described.

[0019] Figure 4 is a side view of the cutting device 100. Figure 5 is a second schematic diagram showing the battery cutting device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 5 is a front view of the cutting device 100. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the battery 1 before cutting according to one embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the battery 1 after cutting according to one embodiment.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cutting device 100 comprises a table 20, fixing devices 30, 32, and 34, a band saw blade 40, a drive mechanism 50, and a laser irradiation device 60. The cutting device 100 may be, for example, a contour machine or a band saw. The components will now be described. In this embodiment, the components of the cutting device 100 are arranged in a housing 10. The housing 10 has an upper housing section 10A, an intermediate housing section 10B, and a lower housing section 10C.

[0021] <Storage compartments 10A, 10B, 10C> As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the cutting device 100 has a housing 10 for housing the elements necessary for cutting the battery 1. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the housing 10 has three housing sections: an upper housing section 10A, an intermediate housing section 10B, and a lower housing section 10C. The upper housing section 10A and the lower housing section 10C are connected by the intermediate housing section 10B. The external shape of each housing section is a rectangular parallelepiped. In this embodiment, the upper housing section 10A houses the second saw wheel 72, which will be described later. The lower housing section 10C houses the first saw wheel 70, which will be described later. The intermediate housing section 10B houses a portion of the band saw blade 40 that is mounted on the first saw wheel 70 and the second saw wheel 72. The material constituting each housing section is not particularly limited, but it is preferably made of metal. Examples of such metal materials include aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel (SUS). The materials constituting each housing section may be the same or different. Furthermore, the size of each storage compartment should be appropriately set according to the size of the first saw wheel 70, the second saw wheel 72, and the band saw blade 40, as well as the arrangement environment of the cutting device 100.

[0022] Table 20 is a component on which the battery 1 is placed. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, table 20 is a rectangular plate-like component. Table 20 has a pair of rectangular wide surfaces 21a and 21b. Here, table 20 is placed on a base portion 22 positioned on the lower housing portion 10C. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this embodiment, table 20 is configured to be movable in a second direction Y by the base portion 22. In this embodiment, as the base portion 22 moves in the second direction Y, table 20, which is fixed to the base portion 22, moves in the second direction Y. Here, the base portion 22 has a first base portion 22A and a second base portion 22B. In this embodiment, the first base portion 22A and the second base portion 22B are rectangular plate-like components. Here, the first base portion 22A is a component that moves the battery 1 fixed to table 20. The second base portion 22B is a member that receives the cut pieces 1A of the battery obtained after the battery 1 has been cut. A gap 23 exists between the first base portion 22A and the second base portion 22B. The gap 23 is provided to allow the base portion 22 to move in the second direction Y even when the band saw blade 40, which will be described later, is present. The movement of the base portion 22 may be performed manually or by a motor or the like. The material that constitutes the table 20 and the base portion 22 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be made of metal. Examples of such metal materials include aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel (SUS), etc. The size of the table 20 should be large enough to accommodate the battery 1 to be cut, and should be set appropriately according to the size of the battery 1, etc. The size of the base portion 22 should be large enough to accommodate the table 20, and should be set appropriately according to the size of the table 20, etc.

[0023] <Fixing fixtures 30, 32, 34> Fixing devices 30, 32, and 34 are components that secure the battery 1 placed on the table 20. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the shape of the fixing devices 30, 32, and 34 is U-shaped. Fixing devices 30 and 32 are placed on the table 20 so as to secure the bottom surface 2a and top surface 2f of the case 2. Fixing device 34 is placed on the table 20 so as to secure the second side wall 2e of the case 2. Each fixing device is configured so that the distance between its ends can be adjusted to match the size of the battery 1. The material that constitutes each fixing device is not particularly limited, but it is preferably made of metal. Examples of metal materials that constitute each fixing device include aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel (SUS), etc. The materials that constitute each fixing device may be the same or different. The size of each fixing device may also be the same or different. The size of each fixing device should be large enough to secure the battery 1 to be cut, and should be set appropriately according to the size of the battery 1, etc.

[0024] <Band saw blade 40> The band saw blade 40 is a component used to cut the battery 1. The band saw blade 40 is a band-shaped saw blade. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 extends in a direction along the cutting position P of the battery 1 (third direction Z) when positioned in the cutting device 100. Although not particularly limited, the band saw blade 40 can be one in which the ratio of the length in the width direction (second direction Y) to the length in the extension direction (third direction Z) of the band saw blade 40 is, for example, 1:100 to 1:1000 (preferably 1:200 to 1:500). As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 is an annular band saw blade.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 has a plurality of cutting edges 42. The plurality of cutting edges 42 here have a pointed triangular shape. The plurality of cutting edges 42 are arranged at predetermined intervals. The plurality of cutting edges 42 are preferably arranged on the side of the band saw blade 40 opposite the cutting position P of the battery 1. For example, as shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the plurality of cutting edges 42 are arranged along one side (one side Y1 in the second direction Y) of the band saw blade 40 in the width direction. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, a portion of the band saw blade 40 is covered by a cover portion 12.

[0026] Here, the material constituting the band saw blade 40 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably made of metal. Examples of such metal materials include iron, iron alloys, carbon steel, and other steel materials. The metal material constituting the band saw blade 40 is preferably harder (in other words, has a higher Vickers hardness HV value) than the metal material constituting the case 2. This makes the band saw blade 40 less likely to be damaged when cutting the battery 1. The difference between the Vickers hardness of the metal material constituting the band saw blade 40 and the Vickers hardness of the metal material constituting the case 2 is, for example, 5 HV or more, preferably 10 HV or more or 20 HV or more, and more preferably 30 HV or more or 40 HV or more. The upper limit of this difference in Vickers hardness is, for example, 100 HV or less, and may be 50 HV or less. Such Vickers hardness can be a value measured according to ISO 6507, for example. The hardness of the band saw blade 40 should be adjusted as appropriate according to the hardness of each component of the battery 1 to be cut. Furthermore, the length and thickness of the band saw blade 40, the number and spacing of the multiple cutting edges 42 on the band saw blade 40, etc., should be appropriately set according to the type and size of the battery 1 to be cut. A band saw blade for a rotary band saw can be used for such a band saw blade 40.

[0027] <Drive mechanism 50> The drive mechanism 50 is a mechanism for driving the band saw blade 40. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 50 is configured to drive the band saw blade 40 in a direction (third direction Z) along the cutting position P of the battery 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the drive mechanism 50 comprises a first saw wheel 70, a second saw wheel 72, and a drive device 52. Here, the first saw wheel 70 and the second saw wheel 72 are saw wheels on which the band saw blade 40 is mounted. In this embodiment, the first saw wheel 70 is located below the table 20. The second saw wheel 72 is located above the table 20. The first saw wheel 70 and the second saw wheel 72 are positioned vertically on either side of the table 20. The first rotation axis 70A of the first saw wheel 70 and the second rotation axis 72A of the second saw wheel 72 are each directed in a predetermined direction parallel to the table 20. The drive device 52 is a device for driving the band saw blade 40. In this embodiment, the drive unit 52 is configured to rotationally drive the first saw wheel 70, which acts as a drive wheel. The drive unit 52 is, for example, a servo motor and rotates the first rotating shaft 70A via a power transmission means 54. The first saw wheel 70 is preferably configured to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the first rotating shaft 70A. The power transmission means 54 may be, for example, a gear or a belt mechanism. The external shape of the power transmission means 54 is rectangular in this embodiment. A band saw blade 40 is wrapped around the first saw wheel 70 and the second saw wheel 72. With the band saw blade 40 wrapped around it, the second saw wheel 72 rotates in response to the rotation of the first saw wheel 70.

[0028] Here, the band saw blade 40 travels along a predetermined annular trajectory defined by the first saw wheel 70 and the second saw wheel 72 by driving the drive unit 52. In this embodiment, the trajectory on which the band saw blade 40 travels is set to draw an oval trajectory, as shown in Figure 4, passing above and below a predetermined cutting position P set on the table 20, drawing an arc along the first saw wheel 70 and the second saw wheel 72, and returning to the cutting position P. The drive unit 52 can also rotate the band saw blade 40 in the forward direction (counterclockwise in Figure 4) along the arrows S, T, U, or in the reverse direction. The band saw blade 40 may be set so that, for example, it cuts the object to be cut placed on the table 20 when rotating in the forward direction, and does not cut the object to be cut when rotating in the reverse direction. Here, the band saw blade 40 travels along an annular trajectory.

[0029] <Laser irradiation device 60> The laser irradiation device 60 is a device that irradiates laser light toward the band saw blade 40 to remove the metal shavings 120 that have adhered to the band saw blade 40. The laser irradiation device 60 is preferably configured to irradiate laser light toward at least the portion of the band saw blade 40 that passes through the cutting position P of the battery 1. Detailed illustrations are omitted, but the laser irradiation device 60 has an output unit that outputs a predetermined laser beam. The shape of the laser irradiation device 60 is a rectangular parallelepiped in this case. The wavelength, spot diameter, and energy density of the laser beam irradiated by the laser irradiation device 60, as well as the irradiation time of the laser beam, should be appropriately set according to the type (e.g., type of case 2) and size of the battery 1 to be cut. In one embodiment, the wavelength of the laser beam can be set to, for example, 500 nm to 1500 nm, and is preferably set to 1000 nm to 1200 nm. In one embodiment, the spot diameter can be set to, for example, 50 μm to 500 μm, and is preferably set to 100 μm to 200 μm. In one embodiment, the energy density is, for example, 10 J / cm³. 2 ~100J / cm 2 It can be set to 20J / cm 2 ~50J / cm 2It is preferable to set it to a certain value. In one embodiment, the laser irradiation time can be set to, for example, 1 second to 20 seconds, and is preferably set to 5 seconds to 10 seconds. The size of the laser irradiation device 60 may be set appropriately according to the size of the cutting device 100, etc. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the laser irradiation device 60 is housed in the lower housing section 10C. The laser irradiation device 60 is controlled, for example, by a control device 90 which will be described later. As the laser irradiation device 60, for example, a conventionally known one can be used.

[0030] <Blade tip detection sensor 80, control device 90> In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the cutting device 100 further includes a blade tip detection sensor 80 and a control device 90. Here, the blade tip detection sensor 80 is a sensor that detects the position of the blade tip 42 of the band saw blade 40. The blade tip detection sensor 80 is configured, for example, to detect a predetermined blade tip 42 among a plurality of blade tips 42 on the band saw blade 40. The blade tip detection sensor 80 may be, for example, an infrared sensor. In this case, the external shape of the blade tip detection sensor 80 is a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0031] <Brush 110> In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the cutting device 100 further comprises a brush 110. The brush 110 is a brush that comes into contact with the band saw blade 40. In this embodiment, the brush 110 is a rectangular parallelepiped. In this embodiment, the brush 110 is configured to vibrate. The brush 110 may be connected to a motor, for example. The vibration frequency of the brush 110 should be set appropriately according to the size of the band saw blade 40, etc. In one embodiment, the vibration frequency of the brush 110 can be set from 1 Hz to 100 Hz, and is preferably set to 10 Hz to 50 Hz. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the blade tip detection sensor 80 is positioned in front of the laser irradiation device 60 in the driving direction of the band saw blade 40 (here, the direction along the arrows S, T, U). In this embodiment, the brush 110 is housed in the lower housing section 10C. Here, the material constituting the brush 110 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a chemical fiber. Examples of such chemical fibers include nylon, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, etc. The size of the brush 110 should be appropriately set according to the size of the area on the band saw blade 40 that the brush 110 will be applied to. The time for which the brush 110 is applied to the band saw blade 40 should be appropriately set according to the nature of the chips 120. For example, a conventionally known brush can be used as the brush 110.

[0032] <Control device 90> The control device 90 controls the irradiation position of the laser beam emitted from the laser irradiation device 60 based on the detection result of the blade tip detection sensor 80. The control device 90 may be the same as a general control device, and the configuration of the control device itself does not characterize this technology, so a detailed explanation is omitted. The external shape of the control device 90 is a rectangular parallelepiped. For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 4, the blade tip detection sensor 80 is positioned in front of the laser irradiation device 60 in the forward direction of the band saw blade 40 (here, in the direction along the arrows S, T, U). In this embodiment, the blade tip detection sensor 80 is housed in the lower housing section 10C. Also, in this embodiment, the control device 90 is located outside the housing 10. The size of the blade tip detection sensor 80 and the control device 90 should be appropriately set according to the size of the cutting device 100, etc. Details of controlling the irradiation position of the laser beam can be found in the relevant section of the <Disassembly Method> described later.

[0033] The control device 90 can also control, for example, the drive mechanism 50 (drive device 52). Specifically, the control device 90 can control the speed at which the drive mechanism 50 drives the band saw blade 40, the driving direction of the band saw blade 40, and so on. The speed at which the drive mechanism 50 drives the band saw blade 40 should be set appropriately according to the type and size of the battery 1 to be cut.

[0034] The following describes the method for disassembling the battery 1 as implemented in the cutting device 100. This description will include explanations of the cutting device 100 as appropriate. It should be noted that the following description is not intended to limit the battery 1 disassembly method disclosed herein to the following configuration. Each step described below can be performed in any order as long as the effects of the disclosed technology are obtained. Furthermore, some of the steps described below can be omitted if necessary. Alternatively, additional steps may be added in addition to those described below.

[0035] <Disassembly method> As shown in Figure 1, the method for disassembling the battery 1 according to this embodiment includes a preparation step S1, a cutting step S2, and a laser removal step S5. Furthermore, the method for disassembling the battery 1 according to this embodiment further includes a detection step S3 and a brushing step S6. Here, Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are the first, second, and third schematic diagrams, respectively, illustrating the laser removal step S5 of the battery 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the brushing step S6 according to one embodiment. Each step will be described below.

[0036] <Preparation Step S1> In this process, a battery 1 to be disconnected is prepared. Examples of the battery 1 prepared include the battery described above.

[0037] <Cutting process S2> In this process, the battery 1 is cut by the band saw blade 40. As described above, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 is an annular band saw blade, as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, first, the prepared battery 1 is placed on the table 20 of the cutting device 100 in a predetermined position. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the battery 1 is placed such that one of its pair of first side walls 2b, 2c faces one of the pair of wide surfaces 21a, 21b of the table 20. The top surface 2f of the case 2, which has the positive terminal 3 and the negative terminal 6, is positioned here to face the multiple cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40. Next, the battery 1 placed as described above is fixed by the fasteners 30, 32, 34. Then, when cutting the battery 1, the band saw blade 40 is moved in a predetermined direction along a predetermined annular trajectory (in this case, a trajectory along arrows S, T, U), and the battery 1 is cut at a predetermined cutting position P.

[0038] Here, the cutting position P of the battery 1 is not particularly limited as long as the battery 1 can be disassembled. On the other hand, it is preferable that, after disassembling the battery 1, the case 2, the positive terminal 3, the negative terminal 6, and the electrode body 9 can be easily separated. From this viewpoint, in this embodiment, the cutting position P of the battery 1 is set to a position that is shifted to one side X1 in the first direction X, such that the positive terminal 3 and the main body of the electrode body 9 are not cut. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 cuts the battery 1 by passing over the top surface 2f of the case 2, the positive electrode current collector 4 inside the case 2, the positive electrode tab group 5, and the bottom surface 2a of the case 2 in this order. That is, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 cuts the battery 1 along the dashed line Q. This makes it possible to cut the side of the case 2 of the battery 1 that is on the positive terminal 3 side.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when cutting the battery 1, the band saw blade 40 is driven while the table 20 on which the battery 1 is placed is moved in the second direction Y by the base portion 22. In this embodiment, the table 20 is moved from one side Y1 to the other side Y2 in the second direction Y. After cutting the battery 1, the cut pieces 1A and 1B of the battery 1 can be obtained.

[0040] Furthermore, in disassembling battery 1, it is necessary to cut the negative terminal 6 side of case 2 in order to remove the electrode body 9 from case 2. For this reason, in this embodiment, battery 1 is turned upside down and the negative terminal 6 side of case 2 is cut with a band saw blade 40. In this case, the band saw blade 40 passes over the top surface 2f of case 2, the negative electrode current collector 7, the negative electrode tab group 8, and the bottom surface 2a of case 2 in this order. That is, the band saw blade 40 cuts battery 1 along the dashed line R. In this way, the negative terminal 6 side of case 2 of battery 1 can be cut. After such cutting, the electrode body 9 is pushed out from the cut opening in case 2. Then, the top surface 2f of case 2, the positive terminal 3, and the negative terminal 6 are separated. In this way, battery 1 can be disassembled.

[0041] By the way, when the case 2 of the energy storage device is continuously cut with the band saw blade 40 in this manner, the band saw blade 40 continuously cuts the aluminum case 2. As shown in Figure 7, the inventors have found that adhering chips 120 remain between the cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40, causing the cutting performance of the band saw blade 40 to gradually decrease. The inventors surmise that this phenomenon is due to fine chips generated when aluminum is cut adhering to the cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40 due to the heat generated during cutting, and that these chips gradually accumulate. Therefore, the inventors decided to add the following detection step S3, laser removal step S5, and brushing step S6.

[0042] <Detection process S3> In this step, the position of at least one of the multiple cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40 is detected. As shown in Figure 8A, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 has multiple cutting edges 42 arranged at predetermined intervals along one side in the width direction. In this embodiment, the position of cutting edge 42A of the multiple cutting edges 42 is detected by the laser irradiation device 60. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, a predetermined number of cutting edges 42 from cutting edge 42A onwards of the multiple cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40 are set to be involved in cutting the battery 1.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, after the detection step S3, it is determined whether or not chips 120 are adhering to the band saw blade 40 (step S4). If chips 120 are not adhering to the band saw blade 40 ("NO"), the process returns to the preparation step S1 and continues cutting the battery 1. On the other hand, if chips 120 are adhering to the band saw blade 40 ("YES"), the process proceeds to the laser removal step S5.

[0044] <Laser removal process S5> In this process, the chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 are removed by irradiating them with laser light (see dashed line V in Figure 8B). As shown in Figure 8B, in this embodiment, when the laser light is irradiated, it is irradiated based on the detection result of the position of the cutting edge 42A in the detection step S3. In addition, in this embodiment, when the laser light is irradiated, the laser light is irradiated between adjacent cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40. Specifically, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, in the detection step S3, when the cutting edge 42A is detected in front of the cutting edge detection sensor 80, the band saw blade 40 stops, and laser light is irradiated from the laser irradiation device 60 between the cutting edge 42A and the adjacent cutting edge 42B. Next, although not shown in the diagram, the band saw blade 40 is driven, and when the blade tip 42B is detected in front of the blade tip detection sensor 80, the band saw blade 40 stops, and laser light is irradiated from the laser irradiation device 60 between blade tip 42B and the adjacent blade tip 42C. Similarly, the blade tips 42C, 42D, 42E, and 42F are sequentially detected by the blade tip detection sensor 80, and laser light is irradiated from the laser irradiation device 60 towards the chips 120 between the blade tips. In this way, the chips 120 adhering between the blade tips 42 are blown away, and the chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 are removed (see Figure 8C). For details on the laser output from the laser irradiation device 60, refer to the relevant section in the <cutting device 100> described above. For example, in this embodiment, the laser light output from the laser irradiation device 60 has a wavelength of 1060 nm, a spot diameter of 100 μm, and an energy density of 20 J / cm². 2 It can be done this way.

[0045] <Brushing process S6> In this process, the brush 110 is applied to the band saw blade 40 that has been irradiated with laser light. As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 that has been irradiated with laser light is moved in a direction opposite to a predetermined direction (here, the direction along the arrows S, T, U in Figure 4) (one side Z1 of the third direction Z), and the brush 110 is applied to the band saw blade 40. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the brush 110 is vibrated and applied to the band saw blade 40. With this configuration, the chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 are removed more reliably. The vibration speed of the brush 110, etc., can be found in the relevant section of the <cutting device 100> described above.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, once the chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 are removed by the brushing step S6, the process returns to the preparation step S1. The presence or absence of chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 can be confirmed, for example, by monitoring with a monitor.

[0047] As described above, the method for dismantling a battery 1 according to this embodiment includes a preparation step S1, a cutting step S2, and a laser removal step S5. In this method for dismantling a battery 1, the battery 1 prepared in the preparation step S1 is cut with a band saw blade 40 in the cutting step S2. Then, in the laser removal step S5, a laser beam is irradiated onto the metal shavings 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 to remove the metal shavings 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40. Generally, since the cutting of batteries 1 is often carried out in a dry environment, metal shavings 120 (for example, aluminum shavings) tend to adhere to the band saw blade 40. In contrast, in the laser removal step S5, the metal shavings 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 can be blown away by irradiating with a laser beam. This eliminates cutting defects of the band saw blade 40. Then, with no metal shavings 120 on the band saw blade 40, the dismantling of the next battery 1 can be carried out continuously. Furthermore, the above method for dismantling the battery 1 does not require the use of a liquid to dissolve the metal shavings 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40, which is preferable from the viewpoint of ease of work. This method for dismantling the battery 1 can be carried out, for example, by a cutting device 100 equipped with a table 20, fixing devices 30, 32, 34, a band saw blade 40, a drive mechanism 50, and a laser irradiation device 60.

[0048] As described above, the method for dismantling the battery 1 according to this embodiment further includes the brushing step S6 after the laser removal step S5. In this brushing step S6, the brush 110 is applied to the band saw blade 40. This makes it possible to remove the metal shavings 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 more reliably. This method for dismantling the battery 1 can be carried out, for example, by a cutting device 100 that further includes a brush 110 in addition to the above-described configuration. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, the brush 110 is vibrated in the brushing step S6. This makes it possible to remove the metal shavings 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 more reliably. This method for dismantling the battery 1 can be carried out, for example, by a cutting device 100 that further includes a vibrating brush 110 in addition to the above-described configuration.

[0049] As described above, in the battery 1 dismantling method according to this embodiment, an annular band saw blade is used as the band saw blade 40. In the cutting step S2, the band saw blade 40 travels in a predetermined direction along a predetermined annular trajectory (here, a trajectory along arrows S, T, U), and the battery 1 is cut at a predetermined cutting position P. By cutting the battery 1 using an annular band saw blade 40 in this way, the battery 1 can be dismantled more efficiently and continuously. This battery 1 dismantling method can be carried out, for example, by a cutting device 100 that includes a first saw wheel 70, a second saw wheel 72, and a drive device 52 in addition to the above configuration.

[0050] As described above, in the battery 1 disassembly method according to this embodiment, in the brushing step S6, the band saw blade 40 is moved in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction (here, the trajectory along arrows S, T, U) while the brush 110 is applied to the band saw blade 40. This makes it possible to remove the metal shavings 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 more reliably.

[0051] As described above, in the battery disassembly method according to this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 has a plurality of cutting edges 42 arranged at predetermined intervals along one side in the width direction. Furthermore, in the laser removal step S5, laser light is irradiated between adjacent cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40. This effectively suppresses damage to the band saw blade 40 caused by laser light irradiation. Furthermore, as described above, the battery disassembly method according to this embodiment further includes a detection step S3 in which the position of at least one cutting edge (here, cutting edge 42A) among the plurality of cutting edges 42 is detected. Furthermore, in the laser removal step S5, the position where the laser light is irradiated is controlled based on the detection result of the cutting edge 42 position in the detection step S3. This allows for more effective control of the laser light irradiated onto the band saw blade 40, and thus more effectively suppresses damage to the band saw blade 40 caused by laser light irradiation. Furthermore, the method for dismantling such a battery 1 can be carried out, for example, by a cutting device 100 that, in addition to the above-described configuration, includes a cutting edge detection sensor 80 that detects the position of the cutting edge 42 of the band saw blade 40, and a control device 90 that controls the irradiation position of the laser beam emitted from the laser irradiation device 60 based on the detection result of the cutting edge detection sensor 80.

[0052] The embodiments of the technology disclosed herein have been described above. However, the above description is illustrative and does not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated in the above description.

[0053] For example, in the above embodiment, the method for disassembling the battery 1 includes a preparation step S1, a cutting step S2, a detection step S3, a laser removal step S5, and a brushing step S6, but is not limited thereto. The method for disassembling the battery 1 disclosed herein may, of course, include only the preparation step S1, the cutting step S2, and the laser removal step S5. Also, in the above embodiment, the cutting device 100 has various additional components (for example, a drive device 52, a blade tip detection sensor 80, a control device 90, a brush 110, etc.), but of course the cutting device 100 may consist only of a table 20, fixing devices 30, 32, 34, a band saw blade 40, a drive mechanism 50, and a laser irradiation device 60. For example, if the cutting device 100 does not have a cutting edge detection sensor 80, the position of the cutting edge 42 to which the chips 120 are attached can be confirmed by image inspection, and a laser beam can be irradiated between the protrusions of the cutting edge 42 (the part where the chips 120 are adhering).

[0054] For example, in the above embodiment, the cutting process S2 and the detection process S3 are performed separately, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the battery 1 can be cut with the band saw blade 40 while the metal chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 are detected, and the metal chips 120 can be blown away by laser irradiation. Alternatively, in other embodiments, while the battery 1 is being cut with the band saw blade 40, areas where metal chips 120 are constantly clogging can be detected, and laser removal and brushing can be performed.

[0055] For example, in the above embodiment, the shape of the battery case 2 is a flat rectangular parallelepiped, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the shape of the battery case 2 may be cylindrical, laminated, or various other shapes. Also, in the above embodiment, the positive terminal 3 and the negative terminal 6 are located on the top surface 2f of the case 2, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the positive terminal 3 and the negative terminal 6 may be located on one of the pair of second side walls 2d, 2e. Alternatively, the positive terminal 3 and the negative terminal 6 may be located on the second side walls 2d, 2e, respectively. For example, in the former case, the cutting position can be set at a location closer to the second side wall where the positive terminal 3 and the negative terminal 6 are located in the battery 1. In such cases, for example, the cutting position should be set so that the band saw blade 40 passes over the top surface 2f of case 2, the positive electrode tab group 5, the negative electrode tab group 8, and the bottom surface 2a of case 2 in that order. Alternatively, for example, in the latter case, the cutting position should be set so that the band saw blade 40 passes over the top surface 2f of case 2, the positive electrode tab group 5 (or the negative electrode tab group 8), and the bottom surface 2a of case 2 in that order.

[0056] For example, in the above embodiment, the electrode body 9 has a positive electrode tab group 5 and a negative electrode tab group 8, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the electrode body 9 may have a positive electrode active material layer exposed portion and a negative electrode active material layer exposed portion instead of the positive electrode tab group 5 and the negative electrode tab group 8. In this case, when cutting the battery 1, the cutting position should be set so that the band saw blade 40 passes through the top surface 2f of the case 2, the positive electrode current collector 4 (or the negative electrode current collector 7), the positive electrode active material layer exposed portion (or the negative electrode active material layer exposed portion), and the bottom surface 2a of the case 2 in this order.

[0057] For example, in the above embodiment, the positive terminal 3 and the negative terminal 6 are arranged to face the multiple cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40, but this is not limited to this. The manner in which the battery 1 is placed on the table 20 is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the disclosed technology are achieved. For example, in another embodiment, the bottom surface 2a of the battery 1, which does not have the positive terminal 3 and the negative terminal 6, may be arranged to face the multiple cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40. In this case, when cutting the battery 1, the cutting position should be set so that the band saw blade 40 passes through the bottom surface 2a of the case 2, the group of positive tabs 5 (or the group of negative tabs 8), the positive current collector 4 (or the negative current collector 7), and the top surface 2f of the case 2 in this order.

[0058] For example, in the above embodiment, the external shape of each housing section of the cutting device 100 is a rectangular parallelepiped, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the shape of the housing section may be a cylinder, an ellipse, a polygonal prism, or various other shapes. Also, in the above embodiment, the shape of the table 20 and the base section 22 is a rectangular plate-like member, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the shape of the table 20 and the base section 22 may be a flattened cylinder, an ellipse, or a polygonal prism.

[0059] For example, in the above embodiment, when disconnecting the battery 1, the table 20 on which the battery 1 is placed is moved in the second direction Y by the base portion 22, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other embodiments, when disconnecting the battery 1, only the table 20 may be moved in the second direction Y without going through the base portion 22.

[0060] For example, in the above embodiment, the shape of the fasteners 30, 32, and 34 is U-shaped, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the shape of the fasteners may be various other shapes. Also, in the above embodiment, the number of fasteners is 3, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the number of fasteners may be 1, 2, or 4 or more.

[0061] For example, in the above embodiment, the band saw blade 40 is an annular band saw blade, but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the band saw blade 40 may be a linearly extended band saw blade (jigsaw). For example, if the band saw blade 40 is linear, the battery 1 can be cut by moving the band saw blade 40 back and forth in a linear direction. Also, in the above embodiment, the shape (more specifically, the cross-sectional shape) of the multiple cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40 is a pointed triangular shape (flat), but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the shape of the cutting edges 42 may be various shapes such as single-edged, hollow, Scandi, convex, etc. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the multiple cutting edges 42 are arranged along one side in the width direction of the band saw blade 40, but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the multiple cutting edges 42 may be arranged along both sides in the width direction of the band saw blade 40.

[0062] For example, in the above embodiment, the band saw blade 40 is configured to be driven counterclockwise, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the band saw blade 40 may be configured to be driven clockwise.

[0063] For example, in the above embodiment, one band saw blade 40 cuts the positive terminal 3 side and the negative terminal 6 side of the battery 1, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other embodiments, two band saw blades 40 may be provided, and each band saw blade 40 may cut the positive terminal 3 side and the negative terminal 6 side of the battery 1.

[0064] For example, in the above embodiment, the drive mechanism 50 has two saw wheels, a first saw wheel 70 and a second saw wheel 72, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the drive mechanism 50 may have three or more saw wheels.

[0065] For example, in the above embodiment, the laser irradiation device 60, blade tip detection sensor 80, control device 90, power drive means 92, and brush 110 are rectangular in shape, but are not limited to this. In other embodiments, the shapes of the laser irradiation device 60, blade tip detection sensor 80, control device 90, power drive means 92, and brush 110 may be cylindrical, elliptical, or various other shapes.

[0066] For example, in the above embodiment, the band saw blade 40, which is irradiated with laser light, is moved in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction while the brush 110 is applied to the band saw blade 40, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the band saw blade 40 may be moved in the predetermined direction while the brush 110 is applied to the band saw blade 40.

[0067] For example, in the above embodiment, the blade tip detection sensor 80 is positioned in front of the laser irradiation device 60 in the driving direction of the band saw blade 40 (here, the direction along arrows S, T, U), but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the blade tip detection sensor 80 may be positioned behind the laser irradiation device 60 in the driving direction of the band saw blade 40.

[0068] For example, in the above embodiment, the laser irradiation device 60 has only one output unit, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, it may have two or more (multiple) output units. Also, in the above embodiment, the laser irradiation device 60 detects the position of only one of the multiple cutting edges 42 (cutting edge 42A), but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the laser irradiation device 60 may detect the positions of multiple cutting edges 42. Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, in the laser removal process S5, laser light is irradiated between the multiple cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, laser light may be irradiated to locations other than between the multiple cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40. Also, for example, in the above embodiment, the drive of the band saw blade 40 is stopped sequentially, and each time, laser light is irradiated from the laser irradiation device 60 towards the cutting edges 42 to which the chips 120 have adhered, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, during the laser removal process S5, laser light may be irradiated from the laser irradiation device 60 at predetermined intervals in accordance with the driving speed of the band saw blade 40. That is, the laser light may be irradiated between the cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40 while the band saw blade 40 is being driven without stopping.

[0069] Furthermore, the handling of battery 1 can also be performed by a robotic arm. For example, the task of turning battery 1 over in the cutting process S2 described above can be performed by a robotic arm.

[0070] As described above, specific embodiments of the technology disclosed herein include those described in the following sections.

[0071] Section 1: To prepare an energy storage device, The band saw blade is used to cut the energy storage device, The process involves irradiating the chips adhering to the band saw blade with laser light to remove the chips adhering to the band saw blade, A method for dismantling an energy storage device, including the dismantling of such a device.

[0072] Section 2: The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to item 1, further comprising applying a brush to the band saw blade that has been irradiated with the laser light.

[0073] Section 3: The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to item 2, wherein the brush is vibrated and brought into contact with the band saw blade.

[0074] Section 4: The aforementioned band saw blade is an annular band saw blade, When cutting the energy storage device, the band saw blade travels along a predetermined annular trajectory in a predetermined direction, and the energy storage device is cut at a predetermined cutting position. Disassembly method for the energy storage device described in any one of items 1 to 3.

[0075] Section 5: The further step includes moving the band saw blade, which is irradiated with the laser light, in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, while applying the brush to the band saw blade, Disassembly method for the energy storage device described in item 4.

[0076] Item 6: The band saw blade has multiple cutting edges arranged at predetermined intervals along one side in the width direction. When the laser light is irradiated, the laser light is irradiated between adjacent cutting edges of the band saw blade. The method for disassembling an energy storage device as described in any one of items 1 to 5.

[0077] Section 7: The position of at least one of the plurality of cutting edges is detected, When the laser beam is irradiated, the position from which the laser beam is irradiated is controlled based on the detection result of the position of the cutting edge. A method for dismantling the energy storage device described in item 6.

[0078] Section 8: A table on which the energy storage device is placed, A fixing device for securing the energy storage device placed on the table, Band saw blade and A drive mechanism for driving the band saw blade, A laser irradiation device that irradiates the band saw blade with laser light to remove chips adhering to the band saw blade, A device for disconnecting energy storage devices, equipped with the necessary components.

[0079] Section 9: The cutting apparatus for a power storage device according to item 8, further comprising a brush for contacting the band saw blade.

[0080] Section 10: The brush is configured to be vibratable, a cutting device for an energy storage device according to item 9.

[0081] Section 11: The aforementioned band saw blade is an annular band saw blade, The aforementioned drive mechanism is The first saw wheel on which the band saw blade is attached, The second saw wheel on which the aforementioned band saw blade is attached, A drive device for driving the band saw blade and Equipped with, The band saw blade is set to pass through predetermined cutting positions set on the table in a predetermined annular trajectory. A device for disconnecting energy storage devices as described in any one of items 8 to 10.

[0082] Section 12: The band saw blade has multiple cutting edges arranged at predetermined intervals along one side in the width direction. A blade tip detection sensor for detecting the position of the tip of the band saw blade, A control device that controls the irradiation position of the laser beam emitted from the laser irradiation device based on the detection result of the blade tip detection sensor. A device for disconnecting an energy storage device as described in any one of items 8 to 11, comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 battery Cut pieces of 1A and 1B batteries 2 cases 2a Bottom 2b,2c 1st side wall 2d,2e 2nd side wall 2nd floor ceiling 3. Positive terminal 4. Positive electrode current collector 5 Positive electrode tab group 6 Negative terminal 7. Negative electrode current collector 8 Negative electrode tab group 9 Electrode body 10 cabinets 10A Upper storage section 10B Intermediate Storage Area 10C Lower storage section 12 Cover section 20 tables 21a, 21b Wide surface 22 Base 22A First base section 22B Second base section 23 gaps 30,32,34 Fixtures 40 band saw blades 42 cutting edge 50 Drive mechanism 52 Drive unit 54 Power transmission means 60 Laser irradiation device 70 No. 1 saw wheel 70A First Rotation Shaft 72 Second saw wheel 72A Second Rotation Shaft 80. Blade tip detection sensor 90 Control device 100 cutting equipment 110 brushes 120 Chips P cutting position

Claims

1. To prepare an energy storage device, The band saw blade is used to cut the energy storage device, The process involves irradiating the chips adhering to the band saw blade with laser light to remove the chips adhering to the band saw blade, A method for dismantling an energy storage device, including the dismantling of such a device.

2. The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 1, further comprising applying a brush to the band saw blade that has been irradiated with the laser light.

3. The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the brush is vibrated and brought into contact with the band saw blade.

4. The aforementioned band saw blade is an annular band saw blade, When cutting the energy storage device, the band saw blade travels along a predetermined annular trajectory in a predetermined direction, and the energy storage device is cut at a predetermined cutting position. A method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 1.

5. The further step includes moving the band saw blade, which is irradiated with the laser light, in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, while applying the brush to the band saw blade, A method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 4.

6. The band saw blade has multiple cutting edges arranged at predetermined intervals along one side in the width direction. When the laser light is irradiated, the laser light is irradiated between adjacent cutting edges of the band saw blade. A method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 1.

7. The further includes detecting the position of at least one of the plurality of cutting edges, When the laser beam is irradiated, the position from which the laser beam is irradiated is controlled based on the detection result of the position of the cutting edge. A method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 6.

8. A table on which the energy storage device is placed, A fixing device for securing the energy storage device placed on the table, Band saw blade and A drive mechanism for driving the band saw blade, A laser irradiation device that irradiates the band saw blade with laser light to remove chips adhering to the band saw blade, A device for disconnecting energy storage devices, equipped with the necessary components.

9. The cutting apparatus for a power storage device according to claim 8, further comprising a brush for contacting the band saw blade.

10. The cutting device for an energy storage device according to claim 9, wherein the brush is configured to be vibratable.

11. The aforementioned band saw blade is an annular band saw blade, The aforementioned drive mechanism is The first saw wheel on which the band saw blade is attached, The second saw wheel on which the aforementioned band saw blade is attached, A drive device for driving the band saw blade and Equipped with, The band saw blade is set to pass through predetermined cutting positions set on the table in a predetermined annular trajectory. A device for disconnecting an energy storage device according to claim 8.

12. The band saw blade has multiple cutting edges arranged at predetermined intervals along one side in the width direction. A blade tip detection sensor for detecting the position of the tip of the band saw blade, A control device that controls the irradiation position of the laser beam emitted from the laser irradiation device based on the detection result of the blade tip detection sensor. A power storage device cutting device according to claim 8, comprising:

Images