Battery

Abstract

To provide a battery capable of reducing labor and manhours when collecting components and capable of reusing battery components.SOLUTION: A battery includes: a plurality of battery cells (21); a housing (3) for storing the plurality of battery cells (21) and having a fixation surface (11a) for fixing the plurality of battery cells (21); and separators (40, 50, 240, 250, 340 and 350) arranged between the battery cells (21) and extended in the longitudinal directions of the battery cells (21) from the fixation surface (11a). A solvent passage part (S) capable of passing a solvent (100) for dissolving the separators (40, 50, 240, 250, 340 and 350) is formed in a plane direction along the fixation surface (11a).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to batteries. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts to significantly reduce waste generation through waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse have become increasingly active. To achieve this, research and development into the reuse of battery components is being conducted. As a technology for reusing such battery components, Patent Document 1 discloses that in a battery in which a battery cell is adhesively bonded to a bottom plate, thermal oil heated by a heater is passed through a cooling path attached to the bottom plate to soften the adhesive between the battery cell and the bottom plate, allowing the battery cell to be removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 116487739 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology for recycling battery components, batteries contain various components, such as adhesives that connect the bottom plate and the battery cells, as well as cell holders that prevent contact between the battery cells and maintain insulation between the battery cells. One method for disassembling a battery is to immerse the battery in a solvent to dissolve the components to be dissolved, such as the cell holders, and then extract the components to be recovered, such as the battery cells. However, the cell holders do not reduce the labor and man-hours required for dissolving them, making it difficult to reuse battery components. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a battery that can reduce the time and effort required for collecting parts and facilitates the reuse of battery parts, thereby contributing to a significant reduction in the generation of waste. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The battery has a plurality of battery cells and a housing that houses the plurality of battery cells and has a fixing surface to which the plurality of battery cells are fixed, and is characterized in that it has separators that are arranged between the battery cells and extend from the fixing surface in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells, and a solvent passage portion is formed in a planar direction along the fixing surface through which a solvent that dissolves the separator can pass. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This reduces the time and effort required for collecting parts, and makes it possible to provide a battery whose parts can be easily reused, thereby contributing to a significant reduction in the amount of waste generated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the battery unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cell compressor of the battery body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the battery case and the lattice separator. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom portion of the battery case and the lattice separator. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view of the first separator. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of a first separator element of the first separator. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a side view of the second separator. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view of a second separator element of the second separator. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing the separator engagement portion of the lattice separator and the periphery of the separator insertion groove; FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a main portion showing the periphery of a pillar member of a lattice separator. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lattice separator, the cells, and the bottom surface portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the battery unit when disassembled. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional cell comp. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lattice separator, the cells, and the bottom surface portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lattice separator, the cells, and the bottom surface portion according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the symbol FR indicates the front, the symbol UP indicates the upper side, and the symbol LH indicates the left side.

[0009] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery unit 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the battery unit 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cell comparator 20 of a battery main body 2 according to the first embodiment. The battery unit (battery) 1 has a battery body 2, a battery case 3 that houses the battery body 2, and a battery cover 4 that closes the battery case 3. The battery case 3 has a rectangular plate-shaped bottom surface 11 (see FIG. 2), and substantially plate-shaped front surface 12, rear surface 13, left surface 14, and right surface 15 provided on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the bottom surface 11.

[0010] A plurality of cell components 20 are fixed to the bottom surface portion 11. The cell components 20 are components in which a predetermined number of cells (battery cells) 21 are unitized. The cells 21 are cylindrical. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the cells 21 is referred to as the axial direction. The cells 21 have a positive electrode 21a (see FIG. 12) and a negative electrode 21b (see FIG. 12) at one axial end. More specifically, the positive electrode 21a is provided at the axial center of the one axial end of the cell 21. The negative electrode 21b is provided around the cell 21 and radially spaced from the positive electrode 21a. In this embodiment, the cells 21 are arranged so that the axial direction is the up-down direction. The cells 21 are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The cells 21 are arranged adjacent to each other in a front-rear direction (first direction) and a left-right direction (second direction) perpendicular to the up-down direction (axial direction). The second direction is a direction that intersects with the first direction.

[0011] A plate-shaped bus bar 22 is attached to the top surface (one axial end surface) of each of the adjacently arranged cells 21. The bus bar 22 has a three-layer structure. As shown in FIG. 3 , the bus bar 22 has an insulator 23 in the center in the thickness direction, a positive bus bar 24 above the insulator 23, and a negative bus bar 25 below the insulator 23. The positive electrode 21a of each cell 21 is electrically connected to the positive bus bar 24. The negative electrode 21b of each cell 21 is electrically connected to the negative bus bar 25. The positive electrode 21a and negative electrode 21b of each cell 21 are connected to the bus bar 22 by, for example, welding. This forms a cell comp 20 in which a predetermined number of cells 21 are adjacent to each other. The cell comp 20 is a battery in which a predetermined number of cells 21 are connected in parallel.

[0012] The cell comparator 20 is disposed on the upper surface 11a of the bottom surface portion 11 (see FIG. 3). A plurality of cell comparators 20 are disposed adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, the cell comparators 20 are connected in series. That is, the negative electrode bus bar 25 of one cell comparator 20 is electrically connected to the positive electrode bus bar 24 of the adjacent cell comparator 20. The shapes of the bus bars 22 of the cell comparators 20 differ depending on the arrangement position and connection direction, but the basic structure is the same.

[0013] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the cell compressors 20 are arranged adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction (first direction). The cell compressors 20 are also arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction (second direction). In this embodiment, a predetermined number of cell compressors 20 are connected in series in two rows in a U-shape. The battery main body 2 of this embodiment is made up of the predetermined number of cell compressors 20 connected in series in two rows.

[0014] Of the predetermined number of cell compressors 20 connected in series, the positive bus bar 24 of the cell compressor 20 at one end is electrically connected to a positive terminal 26 provided on the front face portion 12. Of the predetermined number of cell compressors 20 connected in series, the negative bus bar 25 of the cell compressor 20 at the other end is electrically connected to a negative terminal 27 provided on the front face portion 12. A connector portion 28 is provided on the front face portion 12. A signal line (not shown) is connected to the connector portion 28, which is routed above the cell compressors 20 and transmits signals related to the state of the cells 21, such as the temperature and remaining charge of the cells 21.

[0015] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom surface portion 11 of the battery case 3 and the lattice separator 30. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom surface portion 11 of the battery case 3 and the lattice separator 30. A flat upper surface (fixing surface) 11a is formed on the bottom surface 11 of the battery case 3. Fixing holes 11a1 and 11a2 are formed on the upper surface 11a to which the lattice separator 30 is fixed. The fixing holes 11a1 and 11a2 are circular recessed holes. The lattice separator 30 has a first separator (separator) 40 extending in the front-rear direction (first direction) and a second separator (separator) 50 extending in the left-right direction (second direction). The first separator 40 is fixed to the first fixing hole 11a1. The second separator 50 is fixed to the second fixing hole 11a2.

[0016] The first fixing holes 11a1 are formed at predetermined positions. In this embodiment, seven (multiple) first fixing holes 11a1 are formed at intervals in the front-rear direction. Also, in this embodiment, the first fixing holes 11a1 are formed in three (multiple) rows at intervals in the left-right direction. Second fixing holes 11a2 are formed on both the left and right sides of the first fixing hole 11a1. The second fixing holes 11a2 are formed at predetermined positions. Six (multiple) second fixing holes 11a2 are formed at intervals in the front-rear direction.

[0017] Fig. 6 is a side view of the first separator 40. Fig. 7 is a side view of the first separator elements 41 of the first separator 40. In Fig. 6, some of the first separator elements 41 are shown shaded. The first separator 40 is composed of a plurality of first separator elements 41. That is, the first separator elements 41 are components that make up the first separator 40. The first separator 40 is composed of a plurality of first separator elements 41 connected in a series. The basic structure of each first separator element 41 is the same. However, the shape of the first separator elements 41 may differ depending on the position of the first separator 40. For example, the first separator element 41 that forms the end of the first separator 40 may have a shape in which a portion of the first separator element 41 other than the end is omitted.

[0018] The first separator element 41 is made of a material that can be dissolved in a predetermined solvent 100 (FIG. 13). In this embodiment, the predetermined solvent 100 is a solvent that can dissolve the adhesive 29 (see FIG. 3). The first separator element 41 is made of, for example, a resin.

[0019] The first separator element 41 extends along the upper surface 11a. The first separator element 41 has a curved, wavy shape that follows the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the cell comp 20, i.e., the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of cells 21. The first separator element 41 has a main body portion 42 having an elongated shape, a one-end engaging portion 43 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 42, and an other-end engaging portion 44 formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 42.

[0020] An engagement claw 43a is formed on the one-end engagement portion 43. An engagement hole 44a into which the engagement claw 43a is hooked is formed on the other-end engagement portion 44. That is, the one-end engagement portion 43 of another first separator element 41 is hooked and connected to the other-end engagement portion 44. By repeating this process, a first separator 40 extending in a predetermined direction is formed.

[0021] A separator engagement portion 42a is formed on the upper side of the main body 42, on the side of the one-end engagement portion 43. The separator engagement portion 42a has a pair of slit grooves 42b, 42c arranged in the longitudinal direction, and an engagement claw 42d arranged between the slit grooves 42b, 42c. The slit grooves 42b, 42c extend downward from the upper end of the main body 42. The engagement claw 42d has a claw shape with an upper end protruding toward the slit groove 42b of the slit grooves 42b, 42c.

[0022] A pillar engaging portion 42e is formed at the lower end of the main body portion 42. The pillar engaging portion 42e has an engaging hole 42f that penetrates in the thickness direction, and an engaging claw 42g that is provided around the engaging hole 42f and protrudes in the thickness direction of the main body portion 42. A plurality of pillar engaging portions 42e are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 42. A pillar member 60 can be engaged with the pillar engaging portion 42e.

[0023] The pillar member 60 is made of a material that can be dissolved in a predetermined solvent 100. In this embodiment, the pillar member 60 is made of the same material as the first separator element 41. The pillar member 60 has a pillar-shaped portion 61 extending in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the cell 21), a disk-shaped base portion (see FIG. 11) 62 provided at the lower end of the pillar portion 61, and an engaging portion 63 provided at the upper end of the pillar portion 61. As shown in FIG. 11, the engaging portion 63 of the pillar member 60 has a portion that enters the engaging hole 42f of the pillar engaging portion 42e of the first separator element 41 and a portion that hooks onto the engaging claw 42g of the pillar engaging portion 42e. The pillar member 60 is integrated with the first separator element 41 by the engaging portion 63 engaging with the pillar engaging portion 42e. At this time, the base portion 62 of the pillar member 60 is formed to be located lower than the first separator element 41. The base portion 62 of the column member 60 is formed so as to be able to fit into the first fixing hole 11a1 of the bottom surface portion 11.

[0024] The other end engaging portion 44 has a leg portion 44b that protrudes downward. The leg portion 44b forms the lowest end of the first separator element 41. When the first separator element 41 is placed on the bottom surface portion 11, the leg portion 41h abuts against the upper surface 11a of the bottom surface portion 11. The length in the up-down direction of the first separator element 41, i.e., the height H2 (see FIG. 12), is formed to be shorter than the height H1 (see FIG. 12) of the cell 21.

[0025] In the first separator element 41, the one end engaging portion 43 projects downward from the main body portion 42. Also, the other end engaging portion 44 projects downward from the main body portion 42. An upwardly recessed opening shape is formed by the main body portion 42, the one-end engaging portion 43, and the other-end engaging portion 44. That is, at the lower end of the first separator element 41, a solvent passage space forming portion 45 is formed by the lower edge of the main body portion 42 and the like. Furthermore, at the upper end of the first separator element 41, a solvent passing space forming portion 46 is formed by the upper edge of the main body portion 42 and the like.

[0026] Fig. 8 is a side view of the second separator 50. Fig. 9 is a side view of the second separator elements 51 of the second separator 50. In Fig. 8, some of the second separator elements 51 are shown shaded. The second separator 50 is composed of a plurality of second separator elements 51. That is, the second separator elements 51 are components that constitute the second separator 50. The second separator 50 is constituted by connecting a plurality of second separator elements 51 in a series. The basic structure of each second separator element 51 is the same. However, the second separator elements 51 may have different shapes depending on the position of the second separator 50. For example, the second separator element 51 that constitutes the end of the second separator 50 may have a shape in which a portion of the second separator element 51 other than the end is omitted.

[0027] The second separator element 51 is made of a material that can be dissolved in a predetermined solvent 100. In this embodiment, the second separator element 51 is made of the same material as the first separator element 41. The second separator element 51 extends along the upper surface 11a. The second separator element 51 has a curved, wavy shape that follows the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the cell comp 20, i.e., the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of cells 21. The second separator element 51 has a main body portion 52 having an elongated shape, a one-end engaging portion 53 formed at one longitudinal end of the main body portion 52, and an other-end engaging portion 54 formed at the other longitudinal end of the main body portion 52.

[0028] An engagement claw 53a is formed on the one-end engagement portion 53. An engagement hole 54a into which the engagement claw 53a is hooked is formed on the other-end engagement portion 54. That is, the one-end engagement portion 53 of another second separator element 51 is hooked and connected to the other-end engagement portion 54. By repeating this process, a second separator 50 extending in a predetermined direction is formed.

[0029] A separator insertion groove 52a extending upward from the lower end of the main body 52 is formed on the one end engaging portion 53 side of the lower portion of the main body 52.

[0030] A pillar engaging portion 52e is formed at the lower end of the main body portion 52. The pillar engaging portion 52e in this embodiment is formed in the same manner as the pillar engaging portion 42e of the first separator element 41. That is, the pillar engaging portion 52e has an engaging hole 52f and an engaging claw 52g corresponding to the engaging hole 42f and the engaging claw 42g. A plurality of pillar engaging portions 52e are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 52. A pillar member 60 can be engaged with the pillar engaging portion 52e. In this case, a base 62 of the pillar member 60 is formed so as to be positioned lower than the second separator element 51. The base 62 of the pillar member 60 is formed so as to be able to fit into the second fixing hole 11a2 of the bottom surface portion 11.

[0031] A leg portion 52h protruding downward is formed between the pillar engaging portions 52e and 52e. The leg portion 52h forms the lowermost end of the second separator element 51. When the second separator element 51 is placed on the bottom surface 11, the leg portion 52h abuts against the upper surface 11a of the bottom surface 11.

[0032] The other end engaging portion 54 has a leg portion 54b that protrudes downward. The leg portion 54b forms the lowest end of the second separator element 51. When the second separator element 51 is placed on the bottom surface portion 11, the leg portion 54b abuts against the upper surface 11a of the bottom surface portion 11. The length of the second separator element 51 in the vertical direction is formed to be the same as that of the first separator element 41. Therefore, the height H2 (see FIG. 12) of the second separator element 51 is formed to be shorter than the height H1 of the cell 21.

[0033] In the second separator element 51, the one-end engaging portion 53 projects downward from the main body portion 52. The other-end engaging portion 54 projects downward from the main body portion 52. Furthermore, the leg portion 52h of the main body portion 42 projects downward. An upwardly recessed opening shape is formed by the main body portion 52, the leg portions 52h of the main body portion 52, the one-end engaging portion 53, and the other-end engaging portion 54. That is, at the lower end of the second separator element 51, a solvent passage space forming portion 55 is formed by the lower edge of the main body portion 52 and the like.

[0034] 10 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the separator engaging portion 42a and the separator insertion groove 52a of the lattice separator 30. FIG. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a main part showing the periphery of the pillar member 60 of the lattice separator 30. Next, an example of a method for assembling the lattice separator 30 will be described. A predetermined number of first separator elements 41 are prepared. One end engaging portion 43 of another first separator element 41 is engaged with the other end engaging portion 44 of the first separator element 41. This is repeated to form a first separator 40 extending in a straight line. In the same manner, a total of three first separators 40 are formed (see FIG. 5).

[0035] Also, a predetermined number of second separator elements 51 are prepared. The other end engaging portion 54 of one second separator element 51 is engaged with one end engaging portion 53 of another second separator element 51. By repeating this process, a second separator 50 extending in a straight line is formed. In the same manner, a total of six second separators 50 are formed (see FIG. 5).

[0036] The pillar members 60 are engaged with the pillar engaging portions 42e at predetermined positions on each first separator 40. Seven pillar members 60 are engaged with each first separator 40 (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, the pillar members 60 are engaged with the pillar engaging portions 52e at both longitudinal ends of each second separator 50. Two pillar members 60 are engaged with each second separator 50 (see FIG. 8).

[0037] Next, a predetermined adhesive is applied to the first fixing holes 11a1 of the bottom surface portion 11. Then, the pillar members 60 of the first separator 40 are inserted into the first fixing holes 11a1 of the bottom surface portion 11. After a predetermined time has passed, the pillar members 60 are adhered via the adhesive. Thus, the first separator 40 is fixed to the bottom surface portion 11 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the first separator 40 can be fixed in a state where it is positioned in the first fixing holes 11a1 via the pillar members 60. The first separators 40 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction.

[0038] A predetermined adhesive is applied to the second fixing holes 11a2 of the bottom surface portion 11. Then, the pillar members 60 of the second separator 50 are inserted into the second fixing holes 11a2 of the bottom surface portion 11. At this time, the first separator elements 41 of the first separator 40 are inserted into the separator insertion grooves 52a of the second separator 50. Furthermore, the second separator elements 51 of the second separator 50 are inserted into the slit grooves 43b of the first separator 40.

[0039] That is, the second separator 50 is pushed toward the bottom surface portion 11 while aligning the position of the separator insertion groove 52a of the second separator 50 with the position of the slit groove 42b of the separator engagement portion 42a of the first separator 40. At this time, the engagement claw 42d of the separator engagement portion 42a elastically deforms and moves toward the slit groove 42c. Then, when the second separator 50 is pushed further, the engagement claw 42d engages with the upper end of the second separator 50. As a result, the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 are fitted together.

[0040] After a predetermined time has passed, the pillar members 60 are adhered and fixed to the bottom surface portion 11 via the adhesive (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the second separators 50 can be fixed in a state where they are positioned in the second fixing holes 11a2 via the pillar members 60. The second separators 50 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction.

[0041] In this way, the lattice separator 30, in which the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 are integrally assembled, is fixed to the bottom surface portion 11. The top surface 11a of the bottom surface portion 11 is partitioned into a lattice pattern by the lattice separator 30 (see FIG. 4). A cell comp 20 is placed in each partitioned area. In this embodiment, adjacent cell comps 20 are kept spaced apart. The cell comps 20 are fixed to the top surface 11a via adhesive 29.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lattice separator 30, the cells 21, and the bottom surface portion 11 according to the first embodiment. When the lattice separator 30 is fixed to the bottom surface portion 11, the leg portion 44b of the first separator 40 and the leg portions 52h and 54b of the second separator 50 abut against the upper surface 11a of the bottom surface portion 11. On the other hand, the solvent passing space forming portion 45 of the first separator 40 and the solvent passing space forming portion 55 of the second separator 50 are spaced apart from the upper surface 11a. In other words, the solvent passing space forming portion 45 of the first separator 40 and the solvent passing space forming portion 55 of the second separator 50 form a lower solvent passing space (fixed-side solvent passing portion) S1 between themselves and the upper surface 11a.

[0043] Furthermore, when the lattice separator 30 is fixed to the bottom surface portion 11, the height H2 of the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 is lower than the height H1 of the cells 21. Between the cells 21 of adjacent cell compartments 20, an upper solvent passing space (upper solvent passing portion) S2 is formed by the solvent passing space forming portion 46 of the first separator 40 and the solvent passing space forming portion 56 of the second separator 50.

[0044] The lower solvent passing space S1 and the upper solvent passing space S2 are in communication with each other on the bottom surface portion 11 at least in a portion other than the lattice separator 30. The solvent passing space S of this embodiment is constituted by including the lower solvent passing space S1 and the upper solvent passing space S2.

[0045] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the battery unit 1 when disassembled. As shown in FIG. 13, the bottom surface portion 11 integral with the cells 21 is immersed in the solvent 100. At this time, the solvent 100 passes through the gaps between the cells 21 and moves in a direction along the upper surface 11a of the bottom surface portion 11. In this embodiment, a solvent passing space S is formed by using a lattice separator 30. Therefore, the solvent 100 can easily spread throughout the entire planar direction (front-back and left-right directions) of the upper surface 11a of the bottom surface portion 11 through the solvent passing space S. The solvent passing space S functions as a flow path that guides and flows the solvent 100.

[0046] In this embodiment, when the bottom surface portion 11 is immersed in the solvent 100 and a predetermined time has passed, the adhesive 29 (see FIG. 3) is dissolved by the solvent 100. Therefore, the cells 21 can be recovered from the bottom surface portion 11. At this time, in this embodiment, the lattice separator 30 and the pillar members 60 are also dissolved by the solvent 100. Therefore, the effort of removing the lattice separator 30 and the pillar members 60 can be eliminated. Furthermore, the gaps between the cells 21 of adjacent cell comps 21 become larger, making it easier for the solvent 100 to reach the entire upper surface 11a.

[0047] In particular, in this embodiment, since the columnar members 60 are dissolvable, it is possible to reduce the amount of solvent 100 used, for example. That is, even if the amount of solvent 100 is enough to immerse the upper surface 11a, the columnar members 60 and the lattice separator 30 immersed in the solvent 100 are gradually dissolved. Then, as the columnar members 60 dissolve, the upper part of the lattice separator 30 moves downward and is immersed in the solvent 100. That is, the lattice separator 30 is gradually dissolved from the bottom, and the upper part of the lattice separator 30 is also dissolved. Therefore, dissolution is possible even when the amount of solvent 100 used is reduced.

[0048] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional cell comp B20. Conventionally, reuse of a battery unit 1 using a solvent 100 has not been anticipated. That is, in a conventional cell comp B20, for example, holes B22a are formed in block-shaped holders B22 and B23, and cells B21 are attached to the holes B22a to form the cell comp B20. Therefore, in the conventional cell comp B20, the holders B23 and B24 are block-shaped, and gaps are unlikely to form between the cells B21. Therefore, in the conventional cell comp B20, even if an attempt is made to dissolve the holders B23 and B24 with the solvent 100, it is difficult to dissolve the holders B23 and B24, and the dissolution process using the solvent 100 is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0049] In contrast, in the present embodiment, a lattice separator 30 having solvent passage space forming portions 45, 46, 55, and 56 is used to form a solvent passage space S that functions as a flow path for the solvent 100. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lattice separator 30 allows the cell compressor 20 to be arranged in a predetermined compartment on the upper surface 11a of the bottom surface portion 11, and during recovery, the adhesive 29 and the lattice separator 30 are easily dissolved by immersing them in the solvent 100. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the effort and man-hours required for dissolution can be reduced, which reduces the effort and man-hours required for recovering components of the battery unit 1, such as the cells 21, and makes it easier to reuse the cells 21.

[0050] As described above, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, a battery unit 1 has a plurality of cells 21 and a battery case 3 that houses the plurality of cells 21 and has an upper surface 11a to which the plurality of cells 21 are fixed, and is provided with a first separator 40 and a second separator 50 that are arranged between the cells 21 and extend from the upper surface 11a in the longitudinal direction of the cells 21, and a solvent passing space S is formed in a planar direction along the upper surface 11a, through which a solvent 100 that dissolves the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 can pass. According to this configuration, the solvent passing space S is formed, which enables treatment with the solvent 100. Furthermore, the solvent passing space S makes it easier for the solvent 100 to spread in the planar direction along the upper surface 11a of the battery case 3, which shortens the time required to dissolve the components to be dissolved in the battery unit 1. This reduces the effort and man-hours required for component recovery, making it possible to provide a battery unit 1 in which the components of the battery unit 1 can be easily reused. This in turn contributes to a significant reduction in the generation of waste.

[0051] In this embodiment, the height H2 of the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 is lower than the height H1 of the cell 21, and the solvent passing space S includes an upper solvent passing space S2 formed above the first separator 40 and the second separator 50. This configuration makes it easier for the solvent 100 to pass over the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 and to spread across the entire planar direction of the upper surface 11a of the battery case 3. Therefore, the time required to dissolve the components to be dissolved in the battery unit 1 can be shortened.

[0052] In this embodiment, the solvent passing space S includes a lower solvent passing space S1 formed between the first separator 40, the second separator 50 and the battery case 3. This configuration allows the solvent 100 to pass between the first separator 40, the second separator 50, and the battery case 3, making it easier to spread the solvent 100 over the entire planar direction of the upper surface 11a of the battery case 3. This reduces the time required to dissolve the components to be dissolved in the battery unit 1.

[0053] In addition, in this embodiment, pillar members 60 that are fixed to the battery case 3 and support the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 are provided within the longitudinal width of the first separator 40 and the second separator 50, in other words, within the longitudinal length of the first separator 40 and the second separator 50. According to this configuration, the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 can be firmly fixed to the battery case 3 while ensuring gaps between the first separator 40, the second separator 50 and the battery case 3.

[0054] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below. In this second embodiment, parts configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0055] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lattice separator 230, the cells 21, and the bottom surface portion 11 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 15 corresponds to Fig. 12 in the first embodiment. The lattice separator 230 according to the second embodiment has a first separator 240 and a second separator 250 instead of the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 in the first embodiment.

[0056] The first separator 240 and the second separator 250 differ from the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 in the first embodiment in that holes 42i and 52i are formed in the main body portions 42 and 52, penetrating in the thickness direction.

[0057] The holes 42i and 52i communicate with the solvent passing space S. That is, the holes 42i and 52i form a pore solvent passing space (pore portion) S3. The solvent passing space S of this embodiment is configured to include the lower solvent passing space S1, the upper solvent passing space S2, and the pore solvent passing space S3.

[0058] In this embodiment as well, the solvent passing space S is formed by using the lattice separator 230, and the solvent 100 can easily spread throughout the entire planar direction of the upper surface 11a of the bottom surface portion 11 through the solvent passing space S. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the effort and man-hours required for recovering the cells 21 can be reduced, making it easier to reuse the cells 21.

[0059] In this embodiment, the solvent passing space S includes a pore solvent passing space S3 that penetrates the first separator 240 and the second separator 250. According to this configuration, the spaces partitioned by the first separator 240 and the second separator 250 can be connected to each other through the pore solvent passing space S3, which makes it easier to spread the solvent 100 over the entire planar direction of the upper surface 11a of the battery case 3. Therefore, the time required to dissolve the components to be dissolved in the battery unit 1 can be shortened.

[0060] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In this third embodiment, parts configured in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0061] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lattice separator 330, the cells 21, and the bottom surface portion 11 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 16 corresponds to Fig. 12 in the first embodiment. The lattice separator 330 according to the third embodiment has a first separator 340 and a second separator 350 instead of the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 in the first embodiment.

[0062] The first separator 340 and the second separator 350 differ from the first separator 40 and the second separator 50 in the first embodiment in that the main bodies 42 and 52 have slits 42j and 52j extending in the vertical direction.

[0063] The first separators 340 are separated in the longitudinal direction by slits 42j. The first separators 340 extend in the front-rear direction, leaving a gap formed by the slits 42j. The second separators 350 are separated in the longitudinal direction by slits 52j. The second separators 350 extend in the left-right direction, leaving a gap formed by the slits 52j.

[0064] The slits 42j and 52j communicate with the solvent-passing space S. That is, the slits 42j and 52j form a solvent-passing space (gap) S4. The solvent passing space S of this embodiment is configured to include the lower solvent passing space S1, the upper solvent passing space S2, and the intervening solvent passing space S4.

[0065] In this embodiment as well, the solvent passing space S is formed by using the lattice separator 330. Therefore, the solvent 100 can easily spread throughout the entire planar direction of the upper surface 11a of the bottom surface portion 11 through the solvent passing space S. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the effort and man-hours required for recovering the cells 21 can be reduced, making it easier to reuse the cells 21.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, the components of the first separator 340 and the second separator 350 are arranged with an interval solvent passing space S4 in the longitudinal direction of the first separator 340 and the second separator 350, and the solvent passing space S includes the interval solvent passing space S4. According to this configuration, the spaces partitioned by the first separator 340 and the second separator 350 can be connected to each other through the solvent passage space S4 between the first separator 340 and the second separator 350, so that the solvent 100 can be distributed throughout the entire planar direction of the upper surface 11a of the battery case 3. Therefore, the time required for dissolving the components to be dissolved in the battery unit 1 can be shortened.

[0067] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiment merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0068] In the above embodiment, it is desirable that the adhesive 29, the first separator 40, 240, 340, the second separator 50, 250, 350, and the pillar member 60 are manufactured so as to be soluble in the same solvent 100. However, they may be manufactured so as to be soluble in different solvents. That is, the first separator 40, 240, 340, the second separator 50, 250, 350, and the pillar member 60 may be manufactured using different materials.

[0069] In the above second and third embodiments, the first separators 240, 340 and the second separators 250, 350 are described as being provided with either holes 42i, 52i or slits 42j, 52j, but both holes 42i, 52i and slits 42j, 52j may be provided.

[0070] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0071] (Configuration 1) A battery having a plurality of battery cells and a housing that houses the plurality of battery cells and has a fixing surface to which the plurality of battery cells are fixed, characterized in that the battery has separators arranged between the battery cells and extending from the fixing surface in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells, and a solvent passage portion is formed in a planar direction along the fixing surface through which a solvent that dissolves the separator can pass. This configuration allows for solvent treatment because the solvent passage is formed. The solvent passage also facilitates the flow of the solvent in the planar direction along the fixed surface of the housing, shortening the time required to dissolve the battery's components. This reduces the time and effort required for component recovery, making it possible to provide a battery that allows for easy reuse of battery components.

[0072] (Configuration 2) The battery described in Configuration 1, characterized in that the height of the separator is lower than the height of the battery cell, and the solvent passage portion includes an upper solvent passage portion formed above the separator. This configuration allows the solvent to easily spread across the entire fixing surface of the housing in the planar direction, over the separator, thereby shortening the time required to dissolve the battery components to be dissolved.

[0073] (Configuration 3) The battery according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the solvent passage includes a fixed-side solvent passage formed between the separator and the housing. This configuration allows the solvent to pass between the separator and the housing, making it easier to spread the solvent over the entire fixing surface of the housing in the planar direction, thereby shortening the time required to dissolve the battery components to be dissolved.

[0074] (Configuration 4) The battery according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the solvent passage includes a hole penetrating the separator. This configuration allows the spaces partitioned by the separators to communicate with each other through the holes, making it easier for the solvent to spread across the entire planar direction of the fixing surface of the housing, thereby shortening the time required to dissolve the battery components to be dissolved.

[0075] (Configuration 5) The battery according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the separators are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the separators, and the solvent passage portion includes the intervals. This configuration allows the spaces defined by the separators to communicate with each other through the gaps between the separators, allowing the solvent to spread across the entire fixing surface of the housing in the planar direction, thereby shortening the time required to dissolve the battery components to be dissolved.

[0076] (Configuration 6) The battery according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that a pillar member fixed to the housing and supporting the separator is provided within the longitudinal width of the separator. According to this configuration, the separator can be firmly fixed to the housing while ensuring a gap between the separator and the housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Battery unit (battery) 3 Battery case (housing) 11a Top surface (fixed surface) 21 cells (battery cells) 40 First separator (separator) 50 Second separator (separator) 60 Column members 100 solvent 240 First separator (separator) 250 Second separator (separator) 340 First separator (separator) 350 Second separator (separator) H1 Height H2 height S Solvent passage space (solvent passage section) S1 Lower solvent passage space (fixed side solvent passage section) S2 Upper solvent passage space (upper solvent passage section) S3 Hole Solvent passage space (hole) S4 Interval solvent passage space (interval)

Claims

1. A battery having a plurality of battery cells (21) and a housing (3) that houses the plurality of battery cells (21) and has a fixing surface (11a) to which the plurality of battery cells (21) are fixed, separators (40, 50, 240, 250, 340, 350) disposed between the battery cells (21) and extending from the fixing surface (11a) in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells (21); a solvent passage portion (S) through which a solvent (100) that dissolves the separator (40, 50, 240, 250, 340, 350) can pass is formed in a planar direction along the fixing surface (11a), Battery.

2. The height (H2) of the separator (40, 50, 240, 250, 340, 350) is lower than the height (H1) of the battery cell (21), The solvent passage (S) includes an upper solvent passage (S2) formed above the separator (40, 50, 240, 250, 340, 350).

10. The battery of claim 1.

3. the solvent passage (S) includes a stationary-side solvent passage (S1) formed between the separator (40, 50, 240, 250, 340, 350) and the housing (3), 3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The solvent passage portion (S) includes a hole portion (S3) penetrating the separator (240, 250).

3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The separators (340, 350) are arranged at an interval (S4) in the longitudinal direction of the separators (340, 350), The solvent passage portion (S) includes the gap (S4).

3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a column member (60) fixed to the housing (3) and supporting the separator (40, 50, 240, 250, 340, 350) is provided within a longitudinal width of the separator (40, 50, 240, 250, 340, 350), 3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2.

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