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] The dismantling method disclosed herein includes a cutting step S1, a heating step S3, and a removal step S4. In one embodiment, in the cutting step S1, the battery case is cut with a band saw blade made of a material with a higher melting point than the material constituting the battery case. In the heating step S3, the band saw blade is heated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the material constituting the case, and lower than the melting point of the material constituting the band saw blade. Then, in the removal step S4, an external force is applied to the band saw blade heated in the heating step to remove the chips adhering to the band saw blade.

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 capable of 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] JP-A-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) Fragmenting 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 fragmented 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 agitation 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 a cathode and an anode material, 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 a cutting step, a heating step, and a removal step. In the cutting step, the case of the energy storage device is cut with a band saw blade made of a material with a higher melting point than the material constituting the case. In the heating step, the band saw blade is heated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the material constituting the case, and lower than the melting point of the material constituting the band saw blade. In the removal step, an external force is applied to the band saw blade heated in the heating step to remove the chips adhering to the band saw blade. 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, a heating device, and a chip removal mechanism. An energy storage device having a case is placed on the table. The fixing device secures the energy storage device placed on the table. The band saw blade is made of a material with a higher melting point than the material constituting the case. The drive mechanism drives the band saw blade. The heating device heats the band saw blade. The chip removal mechanism applies an external force to the band saw blade and removes chips adhering to the band saw blade. The above-described method for manufacturing an 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 battery removal process according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a second schematic diagram illustrating the battery removal process according to one embodiment. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a third schematic diagram illustrating the battery removal process according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, components and parts that perform the same function are appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the dimensional relationships (length, width, thickness, etc.) in each drawing do not reflect actual dimensional relationships. Matters other than those specifically mentioned herein that are necessary for carrying out the technology disclosed herein (for example, the general configuration and manufacturing process of energy storage devices that do not characterize this disclosure) can be understood as design matters of the art based on the prior art in the relevant field. The technology disclosed herein can be carried out based on the contents disclosed herein and the common technical knowledge in the relevant field. Furthermore, the following description is not intended to limit this disclosure to the following forms.Hereinafter, a lithium-ion secondary battery (hereinafter simply referred to as "battery"), which is one embodiment of the energy storage device disclosed herein, will be used as an example. Furthermore, the following description is not intended to limit the energy storage device to a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0010] In this specification, the notation "A~B" indicating a range means "A or greater and B or less." Furthermore, the notation "A~B" shall also encompass the meanings of "greater than A" and "less than B."

[0011] In the following explanation, "battery cutting device" may sometimes be simply referred to as "cutting device." Similarly, "battery disassembly method" may sometimes be simply referred to as "disassembly method." Furthermore, the term "rectangular prism" as described below may encompass both a rectangular prism and a roughly rectangular prism with rounded corners. Similarly, the term "rectangular shape" as described below may encompass both a rectangular shape and a roughly rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0012] The symbols X, Y, and Z in the drawings refer to the first direction, second direction, and third direction, respectively. However, these directions are defined for the sake of explanation. The installation configuration of the cutting device 100 is not limited in any way 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 cutting step S1, a heating step S3, and a removing step S4. 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 housed in the case 2. Also, 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 metal materials include aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel (SUS), etc. Among them, aluminum or aluminum alloys are particularly preferably used as the metal material.

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

[0017] <electrode body 9> The electrode body 9 has, 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 disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Here, the electrode body 9 is a flat rectangular parallelepiped. The type of the electrode body 9 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a laminated electrode body or a wound electrode body. In the form shown in FIG. 3, the electrode body 9 has a positive electrode tab group 5 in which a plurality of positive electrode tabs are laminated at one end in the long side direction (the left end in FIG. 3). The positive electrode tab group 5 is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 3 via the positive electrode current collector 4. Here, the positive electrode tab is a part of the positive electrode current collector and is made of a metal foil (aluminum foil). Also, in the form shown in FIG. 3, the electrode body 9 has a negative electrode tab group 8 in which a plurality of negative electrode tabs are laminated at one end in the long side direction (the right end in FIG. 3). The negative electrode tab group 8 is electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 6 via the negative electrode current collector 7. Here, the negative electrode tab is a part of the negative electrode current collector and is made of a metal foil (copper foil). Note that components such as the positive electrode terminal 3, the positive electrode current collector 4, the negative electrode terminal 6, the negative electrode current collector 7, the electrode body 9, and the electrolyte can be used without particular limitation as long as they can be used in this type of battery 1.

[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] The cutting device 100, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, comprises a table 20, fixing devices 30, 32, and 34, a band saw blade 40, a drive mechanism 50, and a heating 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] The table 20 is a component on which the battery 1, which has a case 2, is placed. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the table 20 is a rectangular plate. The table 20 has a pair of rectangular wide surfaces 21a and 21b. Here, the 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, the table 20 is configured to be movable in a second direction Y by the base portion 22. In this embodiment, the table 20, which is fixed to the base portion 22, moves in the second direction Y as 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. Here, the first base portion 22A is a component that moves the battery 1 fixed to the 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. Such a metal material is preferably one with a higher melting point than the material constituting the case 2. Examples of metal materials include iron, iron alloys, carbon steel, and other ferrous 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 susceptible to damage 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, for example, ISO 6507. 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 of cutting edges 42 on the band saw blade 40, and their spacing should be set as appropriate 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 device 52. The drive device 52 drives the band saw blade 40 along the predetermined annular trajectory by rotating the first saw wheel 70. 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 device 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. In this case, the band saw blade 40 travels along a circular track.

[0029] <Heating device 60> The heating device 60 is a device for heating the band saw blade 40. For example, the heating device 60 can utilize induction heating (IH). As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the heating device 60 is an induction heating coil. The band saw blade 40 is heated here by electromagnetic induction from the induction heating coil. This induction heating coil is connected, for example, to a power source (not shown). As shown in Figure 8A, described later, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 is positioned to pass through the center of the induction heating coil. When current flows through the induction heating coil, a magnetic field is generated around it. This causes current to flow through the band saw blade 40 positioned in the center of the induction heating coil. For example, a band saw blade 40 made of a metal material has electrical resistance, so the band saw blade 40 generates heat. In this way, the band saw blade 40 can be heated by the induction heating coil. When using an induction heating coil as the heating device 60, it is preferable that the band saw blade 40 is made of, for example, steel. Furthermore, the case 2 of the battery 1 to be cut is preferably made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0030] The current value flowing through the induction heating coil should be appropriately determined based on the materials constituting the band saw blade 40 and the chips 120. In one embodiment, the current value flowing through the induction heating coil is, for example, 10A to 100A, and is preferably set to 20A to 50A. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the heating device 60 is positioned behind the chip removal mechanism 80 in the driving direction of the band saw blade 40 (here, along the arrows S, T, U). In this embodiment, the heating device 60 is housed in the lower housing section 10C. The size of the heating device 60 should be appropriately set according to the size of the cutting device 100, etc. The time for heating the band saw blade 40 with the induction heating coil should be appropriately set according to the characteristics of the chips 120, etc. As the induction heating coil, for example, conventionally known ones can be used.

[0031] <Chip removal mechanism 80> The chip removal mechanism 80 is a mechanism that applies an external force to the band saw blade 40 and removes chips adhering to the band saw blade 40. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the chip removal mechanism 80 includes a spraying device 90 and a brush 110. In the chip removal mechanism 80, air is blown onto the band saw blade 40 by the spraying device 90 to remove chips adhering to the band saw blade 40. In addition, the chip removal mechanism 80 removes chips adhering to the band saw blade 40 by applying the brush 110 to the band saw blade 40. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the chip removal mechanism 80 is positioned in front of the heating device 60 in the driving direction of the band saw blade 40 (here, in the direction along arrows S, T, U). The spraying device 90 and the brush 110 will be described below.

[0032] <Spraying device 90> The spraying device 90 is a device that blows air onto the band saw blade 40. The spraying device 90 blows air, for example, between the multiple cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40. In this embodiment, the spraying device 90 is a rectangular parallelepiped. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the spraying device 90 is positioned in front of the heating device 60 in the driving direction of the band saw blade 40 (in this case, along the arrows S, T, U). In this embodiment, the spraying device 90 is housed in the lower housing section 10C. The force and amount of air that the spraying device 90 blows onto the band saw blade 40 should be appropriately set according to the size of the battery 1, etc. For example, a conventionally known spraying device can be used as the spraying device 90.

[0033] <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 brush 110 is positioned in front of the heating device 60 and the spraying device 90 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.

[0034] <Control device 92> The heating device 60, the spraying device 90, and the brush 110 are controlled here by a control device 92. The control device 92 controls, for example, the output level of the heating device 60 and the timing at which the heating device 60 heats the band saw blade 40. The control device 92 also controls, for example, the timing at which the spraying device 90 and the brush 110 are driven. Note that the configuration of the control device itself is not a defining feature of the technology disclosed herein, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0035] The control device 92 can also control, for example, the drive mechanism 50 (drive device 52). Specifically, the control device 92 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. In this embodiment, the control device 92 is located outside the housing 10.

[0036] 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.

[0037] <Disassembly method> As shown in Figure 1, the method for disassembling the battery 1 according to this embodiment includes a cutting step S1, a heating step S3, and a removal step S4. Here, Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are the first, second, and third schematic diagrams, respectively, illustrating the removal step S4 of the battery 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the brushing step S6 according to one embodiment. Each step will be described below.

[0038] First, prepare a battery 1 to be cut, which has a case 2. An example of the battery 1 prepared above is the battery 1 described above.

[0039] <Cutting process S1> In this process, the case 2 is cut by a band saw blade 40 made of a material with a higher melting point than the material constituting the case 2. 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 a positive electrode terminal 3 and a negative electrode 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 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 (stuck) 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 heating step S3 and removal step S4.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, after the cutting step S1, it is determined whether or not chips 120 are attached to the band saw blade 40 (step S2). If no chips 120 are attached to the band saw blade 40 ("NO"), the process returns to the cutting step S1 and continues cutting the battery 1. On the other hand, if chips 120 are attached to the band saw blade 40 ("YES"), the process proceeds to the heating step S3.

[0045] <Heating process S3> In this process, the band saw blade 40 is heated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the material constituting case 2, and lower than the melting point of the material constituting the band saw blade 40. In other words, in this process, the band saw blade 40 is heated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40, and lower than the melting point of the material constituting the band saw blade 40. As described above, in this embodiment, an induction heating coil is used as the heating device 60. As shown in Figure 8A, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 is heated by electromagnetic induction using the induction heating coil. For example, if the band saw blade 40 is made of steel, it is suitable as the heating target for the induction heating coil. Also, since the chips 120 that may be generated when the battery 1 is cut contain a large amount of the material of the battery 1's case 2, it is preferable that the case 2 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. If the chips 120 contain metal materials, it is suitable as the heating target. Furthermore, the heating device 60 should heat the band saw blade 40 at a temperature higher than the melting point of aluminum or aluminum alloys, but lower than the melting point of steel materials (for example, 670°C to 1500°C).

[0046] As shown in Figure 8A, in this embodiment, the band saw blade 40 is positioned to pass through the center of the induction heating coil. In this embodiment, the drive of the band saw blade 40 is stopped, and the cutting edge 42 to which the chips 120 are attached is heated by the induction heating coil. In this way, the chips 120 attached between the multiple cutting edges 42 of the band saw blade 40 are melted.

[0047] <Removal process S4> In this step, an external force is applied to the band saw blade 40 heated in the heating step S3 to remove the chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40. As shown in Figure 8B, in this embodiment, air is blown as an external force between the multiple cutting edges 42 of the heated band saw blade 40. The arrows in Figure 8B indicate air. As shown in 8C, in this embodiment, a brush 110 is applied as an external force between the multiple cutting edges 42 of the heated band saw blade 40. In the configuration shown in 8C, the brush 110 is applied to the band saw blade 40 while vibrating the brush 110. Furthermore, the band saw blade 40 is moved in a direction opposite to a predetermined direction (here, the direction along arrows S, T, U) (here, one side Z1 of the third direction Z) while the brush 110 is applied to the band saw blade 40. In this way, the chips 120 melted in the heating step S3 are removed.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, once the chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 are removed by the removal step S4, the process returns to the cutting 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.

[0049] As described above, the method for disassembling the battery 1 according to this embodiment includes a cutting step S1, a heating step S3, and a removal step S4. Generally, since the cutting of the battery 1 is often carried out in a dry environment, metal shavings (for example, aluminum shavings) tend to adhere to the band saw blade 40. In contrast, in the method for disassembling the battery 1 according to this embodiment, in the cutting step S1, the case 2 is cut with a band saw blade 40 made of a material with a higher melting point than the material that makes up the case 2 of the battery 1. Then, in the heating step S3, the band saw blade 40 is heated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the material that makes up the case 2, and lower than the melting point of the material that makes up the band saw blade 40. In this way, by heating the band saw blade 40 to the above-described temperature in the heating step S3, the metal shavings 120 from the case 2 that have adhered to the band saw blade 40 can be melted. Furthermore, since the band saw blade 40 is made of a material with a higher melting point than the material that makes up the case 2, damage to the band saw blade 40 is suitably prevented even when the metal shavings 120 melt. Then, in the removal step S4 described above, an external force is applied to the band saw blade 40 heated in the heating step S3 to remove the chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40. In this way, the chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 due to the cutting of the battery 1 can be suitably removed. This eliminates cutting defects of the band saw blade 40. With the band saw blade 40 free of chips 120, the dismantling of the next battery 1 can be carried out continuously. This method of 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, a heating device 60, and a chip removal mechanism 80.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, the material of the battery case 2 is aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the material of the band saw blade 40 is steel. With this combination, the battery 1 can be conveniently disassembled.

[0051] In this embodiment, in the heating step S3, the band saw blade 40 is heated by electromagnetic induction using an induction heating coil. In this embodiment, the heating device 60 is an induction heating coil. For example, when an induction heating coil is used as the heating device 60, it is preferable that the band saw blade 40 to be heated is made of steel or the like. Also, since the chips 120 that may be generated when the battery 1 is cut contain a lot of the material of the battery case 2, it is preferable that the case 2 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. If the chips 120 contain such metal material, it is suitable as the target for heating. The advantages of using an induction heating coil as the heating device 60 are as follows. For example, if a resistance heating device is used as the heating device 60, it is necessary to directly pass current through the band saw blade 40, which can be difficult to manage. On the other hand, when an induction heating coil is used as the heating device 60, the band saw blade 40 can be heated in a non-contact state, making it easier to manage. Also, induction heating coils are preferable because the temperature can be easily adjusted by current. Furthermore, if a burner is used as the heating device 60, heat is likely to affect surrounding components. On the other hand, if an induction heating coil is used as the heating device 60, the band saw blade 40 is heated directly, resulting in less heat impact on surrounding components.

[0052] As described above, in the battery 1 disassembly method according to this embodiment, the brush 110 is applied to the band saw blade 40 in the removal step S4. This makes it possible to remove the metal shavings 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 more reliably. This battery 1 disassembly method can also be performed, for example, by a cutting device 100 that further includes a brush 110 in addition to the above-described configuration. Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the brush 110 is vibrated in the removal step S4. This makes it possible to remove the metal shavings 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 more reliably. This battery 1 disassembly method can also be performed, for example, by a cutting device 100 that further includes a vibrating brush 110 in addition to the above-described configuration.

[0053] As described above, in the battery dismantling method according to this embodiment, an annular band saw blade is used as the band saw blade 40. In the cutting step S1, 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 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.

[0054] In this embodiment, in the removal step S4, the band saw blade 40 is moved in a direction opposite 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 chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 more reliably.

[0055] As described above, in this implemented liquid, the chip removal mechanism 80 is positioned in front of the heating device 60 in the driving direction of the band saw blade 40 (here, the direction along arrows S, T, U). With this configuration, chips 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40 can be removed.

[0056] As described above, in the battery 1 dismantling method according to this embodiment, air is blown onto the band saw blade 40 in the removal step S4. This makes it possible to more reliably remove the metal shavings 120 adhering to the band saw blade 40. This battery 1 dismantling method can also be carried out, for example, by a cutting device 100 that further includes a blowing device 90 in addition to the above-described configuration.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] For example, in the above embodiment, the external shape of the power transmission means 54, the spraying device 90, the control device 92, and the brush 110 is rectangular, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the shape of the spraying device 90, the power transmission means 54, the control device 92, and the brush 110 may be cylindrical, elliptical, or various other shapes.

[0070] For example, in the above embodiment, the spraying device 90 is positioned in front of the brush 110 in the driving direction of the band saw blade 40 (here, along the directions of arrows S, T, U), but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the spraying device 90 may be positioned behind the brush 110 in the driving direction of the band saw blade 40.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, the chip removal mechanism 80 includes a spraying device 90 and a brush 110, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the chip removal mechanism 80 may include only one of the spraying device 90 and the brush 110.

[0072] For example, in the above embodiment, the band saw blade 40 is stopped from driving and heated by the heating device 60 during the heating step S3, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the band saw blade 40 may be driven while being heated by the heating device 60 during the heating step S3.

[0073] For example, in the above embodiment, an induction heating coil is used as the heating device 60, but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the heating device 60 may be a burner, a laser, or a resistance heating device that generates resistance heating by passing an electric current through it.

[0074] 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 S1 described above can be performed by a robotic arm.

[0075] As described above, specific embodiments of the technology disclosed herein include those described in the following sections.

[0076] Section 1: A cutting step in which the case is cut with a band saw blade made of a material with a higher melting point than the material that makes up the case of the energy storage device, A heating step of heating the band saw blade to a temperature higher than the melting point of the material constituting the case, and lower than the melting point of the material constituting the band saw blade, A removal step involves applying an external force to the band saw blade that has been heated in the heating step 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.

[0077] Section 2: The material of the case is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The material of the band saw blade is steel. The method for dismantling the energy storage device described in item 1.

[0078] Section 3: The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to item 2, wherein in the heating step, the band saw blade is heated by electromagnetic induction using an induction heating coil.

[0079] Section 4: The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein in the removal step, a brush is applied to the band saw blade.

[0080] Section 5: The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to item 4, wherein the removal step involves vibrating the brush.

[0081] Item 6: The aforementioned band saw blade is an annular band saw blade, In the cutting process, 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. The method for disassembling an energy storage device as described in any one of items 1 to 5.

[0082] Section 7: The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to item 6, wherein in the removal step, the band saw blade is moved in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, and a brush is applied to the band saw blade.

[0083] Section 8: The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein in the removal step, air is blown onto the band saw blade.

[0084] Section 9: A table on which a power storage device having a case is placed, A fixing device for securing the energy storage device placed on the table, A band saw blade made of a material with a higher melting point than the material constituting the case, A drive mechanism for driving the band saw blade, A heating device for heating the band saw blade, A chip removal mechanism that applies external force to the band saw blade and removes chips adhering to the band saw blade, A device for disconnecting energy storage devices, equipped with the necessary components.

[0085] Section 10: The cutting device for an energy storage device according to item 9, wherein the chip removal mechanism applies a brush to the band saw blade to remove chips adhering to the band saw blade.

[0086] Section 11: The brush is configured to vibrate, a cutting device for an energy storage device according to item 10.

[0087] Section 12: The cutting device for an energy storage device according to any one of items 9 to 11, wherein the chip removal mechanism blows air onto the band saw blade to remove chips adhering to the band saw blade.

[0088] Section 13: 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 that drives the band saw blade along a predetermined annular trajectory by rotating the first saw wheel. Equipped with, The aforementioned predetermined annular trajectory is set to pass through predetermined cutting positions set in the table. A device for disconnecting energy storage devices as described in any one of items 9 to 12.

[0089] Section 14: The cutting device for an energy storage device according to any one of items 9 to 13, wherein the chip removal mechanism is positioned in front of the heating device in the driving direction of the band saw blade.

[0090] Section 15: The aforementioned band saw blade is made of steel material, The heating device is an induction heating coil, which is a power storage device cutting device according to any one of items 9 to 14. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 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 Heating device 70 No. 1 saw wheel 70A First Rotation Shaft 72 Second saw wheel 72A Second Rotation Shaft 80 Chip removal mechanism 90 Spraying device 92 Control device 100 cutting equipment 110 brushes 120 Chips P cutting position

Claims

1. A cutting step in which the case is cut with a band saw blade made of a material with a higher melting point than the material that makes up the case of the energy storage device, A heating step of heating the band saw blade to a temperature higher than the melting point of the material constituting the case, and lower than the melting point of the material constituting the band saw blade, A removal step involves applying an external force to the band saw blade that has been heated in the heating step 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 material of the case is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The material of the band saw blade is steel. A method for dismantling an energy storage device as described in claim 1.

3. The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein in the heating step, the band saw blade is heated by electromagnetic induction using an induction heating coil.

4. The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein in the removal step, a brush is applied to the band saw blade.

5. The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein the removal step involves vibrating the brush.

6. The aforementioned band saw blade is an annular band saw blade, In the cutting process, 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 as described in claim 1.

7. The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 6, wherein in the removal step, the band saw blade is moved in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and a brush is applied to the band saw blade.

8. The method for dismantling an energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein in the removal step, air is blown onto the band saw blade.

9. A table on which a power storage device having a case is placed, A fixing device for securing the energy storage device placed on the table, A band saw blade made of a material with a higher melting point than the material constituting the case, A drive mechanism for driving the band saw blade, A heating device for heating the band saw blade, A chip removal mechanism that applies external force to the band saw blade and removes chips adhering to the band saw blade, A device for disconnecting energy storage devices, equipped with the necessary components.

10. The cutting device for a power storage device according to claim 9, wherein the chip removal mechanism applies a brush to the band saw blade to remove chips adhering to the band saw blade.

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

12. The cutting device for a power storage device according to claim 9, wherein the chip removal mechanism blows air onto the band saw blade to remove chips adhering to the band saw blade.

13. 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 band saw blade is attached, A drive device that rotates the first saw wheel to drive the band saw blade along a predetermined annular trajectory. Equipped with, The aforementioned predetermined annular trajectory is set to pass through predetermined cutting positions set in the table. A device for disconnecting an energy storage device according to claim 9.

14. The cutting device for a power storage device according to claim 9, wherein the chip removal mechanism is positioned in front of the heating device in the driving direction of the band saw blade.

15. The aforementioned band saw blade is made of steel material, The cutting device for an energy storage device according to claim 9, wherein the heating device is an induction heating coil.

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