System and method for battery pouch cell disassembly

Abstract

A system, method, and apparatus for disassembling a pouch cell of a battery is provided that allows for the pouch cell to be loaded onto a disassembly apparatus, the pouch cell to be cut, the cell to be torn down, the plates to be imaged and observed for defects, and the disassembled materials separated for recycling. Because the disassembly can be carried out within the apparatus and performed automatically, the efficiency of the disassembly is increased and the health and safety risks for operators are reduced. For example, hazardous gases or other toxic materials are isolated from the operators, who can remain outside the apparatus. In addition, images of disassembled plates are taken, recorded, and stored, which reduces inconsistencies and operator error. The information recorded for each disassembled cell may also be sent to or made accessible to other areas of an organization or other entities.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BATTERY POUCH CELL DISASSEMBLYRELATED APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 616,979, filed January 2, 2024, and titled “System and Method for Battery Pouch Cell Disassembly”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of battery disassembly. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for disassembling a battery pouch cell.BACKGROUND

[0003] To dispose of or recycle batteries, many battery types must be disassembled, including pouch cell batteries. The disassembly of battery pouch cells is generally done manually, which can be hazardous and time consuming. For example, disassembling one cell may require a half day of labor to complete. During disassembly, there may be a risk of a fire and / or explosion due to the nature of the battery components and structures, which can also lead to the production of toxic gases. Further, electrolytes used in these cells may have high toxicity and strong volatility, which may also pose risks to a worker’s health and safety.

[0004] Pouch cell disassembly typically requires a worker to manually cut off an edge of one side of a cell (or cutting the edges off of both sides), then use tweezers to pry open the edge, cut open the pouch film, cut off the tab of the cell, and remove the adhesive paper. At this point, the worker must manually unfold the cell stack layer by layer and take out the negative plates and positive plates, often while taking photos and recording data to document defects or other information.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] An apparatus for disassembling a battery pouch cell includes an operating surface having a first side and a second side, a cutting mechanism positioned and configured to cut a pouch film and a separator of the battery pouch cell when the pouch cell or separator is on the operating surface, wherein the cutting mechanism is movable in three dimensions across and above the operating surface, a grasping member configured to grasp and pull a portion of the separator back and forthacross the operating surface from the first side to the second side, and an arm configured to move the pouch cell onto and, separately, disassembled components thereof off of, the operating surface.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, the operating surface includes a first vacuum hold area on the first side and a second vacuum hold area on the second side.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, the operating surface includes a first fixture extending vertically from the operating surface on the first side and a second fixture extending vertically from the operating surface on the second side.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, an optical inspection system includes a plurality of cameras, wherein the plurality of cameras are positioned to view an area of the operating surface.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, the arm includes a grip portion and is attached to a riser.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the grasping member includes a plurality of clamps.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, one or more guard plates are included that have a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position the one or more guard plates extend vertically from the operating surface.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of recycling bins are included that are accessible to the arm such that the disassembled components can be moved by the arm from the operating surface to any of the plurality of recycling bins.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, a loading station is configured to receive the pouch cell.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the cutting mechanism is mounted on a plurality of sliding blocks, wherein each of the sliding blocks are attached to one of a plurality of rails, and wherein the plurality of rails are attached to a rack that is engaged with a gear connected to a motor.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the cutting mechanism includes a ceramic cutting head.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, the operating surface, the cutting mechanism, the optical inspection system, the grasping member, and the arm are contained within a housing of the apparatus.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, an operation screen is included on the housing and a cell loading station is accessible to a user outside the housing.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, when the pouch cell is on the cell loading station, the arm can move the pouch cell from the cell loading station to the operating surface.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the first vacuum hold area is sized and configured to apply suction to a cathode or anode plate and wherein the second vacuum hold area is sized and configured to apply suction to a cathode or anode plate.

[0020] In another aspect, a method of disassembling a battery pouch cell having a separator, a plurality of anode plates, and a plurality of cathode plates includes cutting the pouch cell on an operating surface, moving the separator to a first side of the operating surface such that one of the plurality of cathode plates is under the separator and on the operating surface, cutting the separator to form a severed portion of the separator, removing the severed portion of the separator from the operating surface, removing the one of the plurality of cathode plates from the operating surface, moving the separator to a second side of the operating surface such that one of the plurality of anode plates is under the separator and on the operating surface, cutting the separator to form another severed portion of the separator, removing the another severed portion of the separator from the operating surface, and removing the one of the plurality of cathode plates from the operating surface. Each of the steps is performed automatically within an enclosed housing of a disassembly apparatus.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, each of the moving the separator, cutting the separator, and removing steps are repeated until disassembly of the pouch cell is complete.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the one of the plurality of cathode plates and the one of the plurality of anode plates are imaged.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, each severed separator portion, the one of the plurality of cathode plates, and the one of the plurality of anode plates are placed into respective recycling bins.

[0024] Further, a method of disassembling a battery pouch cell having a separator, a plurality of anode plates, and a plurality of cathode plates, includes placing, with a robotic arm, the pouch cell on an operating surface within a housing of a disassembly apparatus, selecting a point on a pouchfilm of the pouch cell to cut, cutting the pouch film with a cutting mechanism based on the selected point, wherein the cutting mechanism includes a cutting head and a plurality of motors configured to move the cutting head translationally over the operating surface, grasping the separator with a grasping member, pulling the separator with the grasping member to a first side of the operating surface such that one of the plurality of cathode plates is under the separator and on the operating surface, applying suction to the one of the plurality of cathode plates, cutting a portion of the separator with the cutting mechanism, removing the portion of the separator from the operating surface with the robotic arm, imaging the one of the plurality of cathode plates, removing the one of the plurality of cathode plates from the operating surface, grasping the separator with the grasping member, pulling the separator with the grasping member to a second side of the operating surface such that one of the plurality of anode plates is under the separator and on the operating surface, applying suction to the one of the plurality of anode plates, cutting another portion of the separator with the cutting mechanism, removing the portion of the separator from the operating surface with the robotic arm, and imaging the one of the plurality of cathode plates.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the steps are repeated until each of the plurality of anode plates and each of the plurality of cathode plates has been imaged.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For the purpose of illustrating the disclosed embodiments, the drawings show aspects thereof. It is to be understood, however, that the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pouch disassembly apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pouch disassembly apparatus with the housing cover removed to show the cell cutting subsystem, loading and unloading subsystem, cell teardown subsystem, and automated optical inspection subsystem;FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pouch disassembly apparatus with cells on the operating surface and the loading table;FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pouch disassembly apparatus with arrows indicating the direction of movement of the cutter;FIG. 5 is a detail view of the cutter portion of the pouch disassembly apparatus;FIG. 6 is a detail view of the translational motion assembly for the cutter portion;FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pouch disassembly apparatus showing the vacuum hold areas and the motion indicated by arrows of the teardown subsystem;FIG. 8 is a detail view of the grasping member of the teardown subsystem;FIG. 9 is a detail view of the optical inspection subsystem; andFIGS. 10A-10G are schematic diagrams illustrating the cell disassembly process performed by the pouch disassembly apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A system, method, and apparatus for disassembling a pouch cell of a battery is provided that allows for the pouch cell to be loaded onto a disassembly apparatus, the pouch cell to be cut, the cell to be torn down, the plates to be imaged and observed for defects, and the disassembled materials (i.e., separator, anode, and cathode material) separated for recycling. Because the disassembly of cells can be carried out within the apparatus and performed automatically, the efficiency of the disassembly is increased and the health and safety risks for operators are reduced. For example, hazardous gases or other toxic materials that may be released from cells during disassembly are isolated from the operators, who can remain outside the apparatus. In addition, images of disassembled plates are taken, recorded, and stored, which reduces inconsistencies and operator error. The information recorded for each disassembled cell may also be sent to or made accessible to other areas of an organization or other entities.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, in an embodiment a disassembly system 100 includes a housing that encloses the disassembly apparatus and its subsystems and includes a loading station 104, an operation screen 108, a pilot lamp 112, an emergency stop 120, and a ventilation or exhaust port 116.

[0029] Within the housing, the system 100 includes a pouch disassembly apparatus 200, shown without housing in FIG. 2, which has four subsystems (which are generally encompassed in the areas marked by dashed lines in FIG. 2): a loading and unloading subsystem 204, a cell cutting subsystem 201, a cell teardown subsystem 203, and an automated optical inspection subsystem 202.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 3, the loading and unloading subsystem 204 may include a gripper 208, claw, vacuum, or other mechanism suitable for engaging and releasing cell pouches and plates, on an end of a robotic arm 212 attached to a riser 218. An operating surface 210 has vacuum hold down areas 240 (e.g., 240a, 240b as shown in FIG. 7), a plurality of recycling bins 214 (e.g., 214a, 214b), and a cell loading table 216. To begin the disassembly of a battery pouch cell, an operator manually places a pouch cell 10b on the cell loading table 216 which is accessible through the cell loading station 104, at which point the riser 218 and robotic arm 212 move the gripper 208 into position and the gripper 208 grasps the cell and places it onto the operating surface 210 (cell 10a is shown in position on the operating surface 210). As the cell is disassembled or partially disassembled, as described below, the disassembled components are placed into designated recycling bins based on component type, which is determined in part based on their location on the operating surface 210 as described in more detail below.

[0031] Turning to FIGS. 4-6, in an exemplary embodiment the cell cutting subsystem 201 includes a cutting mechanism 222 that is movable in three directions with respect to operating surface 210 (the directions of movement are indicated with arrows in FIG. 4) and includes a cutting head 226 as shown in FIG. 5 (which is preferably ceramic) and a camera 246 (FIG. 9). The positioning of the cutting mechanism 222 is controlled by motors (e.g., motor 224) that can move the cutting mechanism 222 in three dimensions. A gear 232 (as can be seen in FIG. 6) engages the cutting mechanism 222, which is attached to a cutter movement assembly 228 that includes sliding blocks 236 (e.g., 236a-236d) on a plurality of rails 234 (e.g., 234a-234b) for facilitating movement in a first direction. The plurality of rails 234 are attached to a rack 230 that moves back and forth over the operating surface 210.

[0032] The cutting mechanism 222 is configured for the cutting of tabs, pouch films, and separator material. The cutting process may include cutting through the pouch film to expose the interior of the cell and cutting the separator to remove portions of separator material to expose an anode or cathode plate beneath as described below. Tabs may be cut off during or after the initial cutting of pouch film and then collected for recycling into a recycling bin, either manually or by robotic arms.

[0033] Guard plates (e.g., guard plate 220 in FIG. 4 is shown in the raised position) on either side of the operating surface 210 can be raised to protect other equipment within the apparatus in the event of an emergency.

[0034] In operation, a pouch cell 10 is taken from the cell loading table 216 and placed on the operating surface 210 by the gripper 208. With the cell 10 on the operating surface 210, the cutting mechanism 222 is positioned over the operating surface 210 and the operator selects locations on the pouch to cut via the operation screen 108. The operator selects marking points, and the cutting mechanism 222 will make cuts through the pouch cell 10 based on those marking points.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, to provide for translational motion in the horizontal direction (that is, along the length of the apparatus), the motor 224 rotates a gear 232, and this motion is transferred to the rack 230, transforming the rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion. The guide rails 234 with sliding blocks 236 attached allow the cutting mechanism 222 to move with high accuracy, low friction, and low noise in the horizontal direction. The motion of the cutting mechanism 222 in the vertical and lateral directions may be accomplished by similar or other suitable mechanisms.

[0036] With the pouch cell 10 cut, the cell teardown subsystem 203 begins to disassemble the cell stack components. This includes the peeling away of the cut pouch film and the separation of the separators and plates, which includes recording images of both sides of the plates as described in more detail below.

[0037] The teardown subsystem 203 (outlined in a box in FIG. 7, which includes arrows showing possible motion) includes a teardown mechanism that is controlled by three motors to provide for motion in three directions. The teardown mechanism includes a grasping member 242 (shown on FIG. 8) that includes a plurality of clamps 244 (e.g., 244a) configured to grasp and secure the separator material. The plurality of clamps 244 may be aligned and they may be any type of clamps, such as MINI-B, JI 080, or other suitable mechanism for grasping and pulling the separator across the operation surface 210. To facilitate the manipulation of the separator and plates during disassembly, the operating surface 210 includes a pair of supports or fixtures 238 (e.g., 238a, 238b) near opposite ends of the operation surface 210 that extend vertically from the operation surface aswell as a pair of vacuum hold areas 240 (e.g., 240a, 240b) configured to provide suction to hold plates to the operating surface 210.

[0038] The automated optical inspection subsystem 202 is shown in detail in FIG. 9 and includes one or more cameras 246 (e.g., 246a, 246b) positioned to image plates after removal and separation from the cell.

[0039] In operation, as shown schematically in FIGS. 10A-10G, once a cell 300 having, layers of anode plates 312 (e.g., 312a, 312b) and cathode plates 308 (e.g., 308a, 308b) with separator 304 between, has been cut open, a portion of separator material 304 of the cell stack (FIG. 10A) that is exposed by the cutting of the pouch is grabbed by the plurality of clamps and pulled by the grasping member toward the first fixture on a first side of the operating surface over a vacuum hold area 340a. At this point, the plate 312a beneath the separator (which is preferably an anode plate) is positioned over the first vacuum hold area 340b, which applies a vacuum (applied suction is shown with arrows in FIGS. 10B-10F) under the plate 312a to secure it on the operating surface (FIG. 10B). The cutting head then moves into position and cuts off a portion 305a of the separator 304 that is over the plate 312a beneath it such that a severed segment of separator is formed. The severed segment 305a of separator is grabbed by the gripper and placed in an appropriate recycling bin and the grasping member grabs the remaining main separator 304 and pulls it over the operating surface to the second fixture at a second side of the operating surface such that another plate 308a, a cathode plate, is beneath the separator 304 and over a second vacuum hold area 340b, which applies suction to the plate to secure it to the operating surface, as shown in FIG. 10C.

[0040] At this point, the exposed anode plate 312a on the first vacuum hold area 340a is photographed by the camera of the automated inspection subsystem and, preferably, inspected on both sides, and then is grabbed by the arm and placed into the appropriate (anode plate) recycling bin 314 (FIG. 10D).

[0041] The separator 304 now at the second fixture is cut by the cutting head to produce another segment of separator 305b (FIG. 10E). This segment of separator 305b is grasped and removed to the appropriate recycling bin 315, exposing the plate 308a beneath (FIG. 10F).

[0042] The grasping member pulls the main separator 304 back toward the first fixture, leaving the cathode plate 308a held over the second vacuum hold area 340b (FIG. 10F). The cutting head is used to again cut the separator 304 over the accompanying plate at the first fixture to form another severed segment of separator, which is grasped by the grasper and removed. The cathode plate 308a left at the second vacuum hold area 340b is photographed and inspected, and then grabbed by the arm and placed in the appropriate (cathode plate) recycling bin 316 (FIG. 10G).

[0043] This technique — pulling the separator from one side of the operating surface to the other such that an accompanying anode plate is always on one side and the accompanying cathode plate is always on the other, then cutting the portion of the separator that is over a respective plate, removing the severed separator, photographing and inspecting the exposed plate, and placing each plate and segment of separator in an appropriate recycling bin — is continued until all the plates have been removed and the cell is disassembled.

[0044] As noted, during this process the automated optical inspection subsystem captures images of and records the images for each plate before it is removed from the operating surface. In an embodiment, the optical inspection subsystem includes two cameras 246, as shown in FIG. 9. This allows for switching between large and small fields of view, and the cameras can zoom in to record more detail at identified locations of defects. First, an image is taken of the plate at a large field of view, and the operator observes the plate and selects a defect location, which is provided to the camera. The camera is then moved or directed towards the selected defect location and switches to a small field of view The operator can then observe the defect in more detail.

[0045] In addition to the above features, a code on a battery and / or cell pouch to be disassembled may be scanned so that pertinent information can be recorded, such as battery ID. Further, additional cameras may be used to monitor the internal operation of the apparatus so that equipment conditions can be observed and an alarm can be given in case of emergency. The operation screen allows the operator to control each subsystem as needed and to enter / record any information that may be required.

[0046] Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide amultiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, although particular methods herein may be illustrated and / or described as being performed in a specific order, the ordering is highly variable within ordinary skill to achieve aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for disassembling a battery pouch cell comprising: an operating surface having a first side and a second side; a cutting mechanism positioned and configured to cut a pouch film and a separator of the battery pouch cell when the pouch cell or separator is on the operating surface, wherein the cutting mechanism is movable in three dimensions across and above the operating surface; a grasping member configured to grasp and pull a portion of the separator back and forth across the operating surface from the first side to the second side; and an arm configured to move the pouch cell onto and, separately, disassembled components thereof off of, the operating surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the operating surface includes a first vacuum hold area on the first side and a second vacuum hold area on the second side.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operating surface includes a first fixture extending vertically from the operating surface on the first side and a second fixture extending vertically from the operating surface on the second side.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including an optical inspection system including a plurality of cameras, wherein the plurality of cameras are positioned to view an area of the operating surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the arm includes a grip portion and is attached to a riser.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grasping member includes a plurality of clamps.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including one or more guard plates having a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position the one or more guard plates extend vertically from the operating surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a plurality of recycling bins, wherein the plurality of recycling bins are accessible to the arm such that the disassembled components can be moved by the arm from the operating surface to any of the plurality of recycling bins.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a loading station configured to receive the pouch cell.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cutting mechanism is mounted on a plurality of sliding blocks, wherein each of the sliding blocks are attached to one of a plurality of rails, and wherein the plurality of rails are attached to a rack that is engaged with a gear connected to a motor.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cutting mechanism includes a ceramic cutting head.

12. The apparatus of claim 4, further including a housing, wherein the operating surface, the cutting mechanism, the optical inspection system, the grasping member, and the arm are contained within the housing.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further including an operation screen on the housing and a cell loading station accessible to a user outside the housing.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, when the pouch cell is on the cell loading station, the arm can move the pouch cell from the cell loading station to the operating surface.

15. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first vacuum hold area is sized and configured to apply suction to a cathode or anode plate and wherein the second vacuum hold area is sized and configured to apply suction to a cathode or anode plate.

16. An apparatus for disassembling a battery pouch cell comprising: an operating surface having a first side and a second side, the operating surface including a first vacuum hold area on the first side, a first fixture extending vertically from the operating surface on the first side, a second vacuum hold area on the second side, and a second fixture extending vertically from the operating surface on the second side; a cutting mechanism configured to cut a pouch film and a separator of the battery pouch cell, wherein the cutting mechanism is movable in three dimensions across and above the operating surface; an optical inspection system including a plurality of cameras, wherein the plurality of cameras are positioned to view an area of the operating surface; a grasping member positioned and configured to grasp and pull a portion of the separator back and forth across the operating surface from the first side to the second side; andan arm configured to move the pouch cell and disassembled components thereof on to and off of the operating surface.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the arm includes a grip portion and is attached to a riser.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the grasping member includes a plurality of clamps.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, further including one or more guard members having a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position the one or more guard members extend vertically from the operating surface.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, further including a plurality of recycling bins, wherein the plurality of recycling bins are accessible to the arm such that the disassembled components can be moved by the arm from the operating surface to any of the plurality of recycling bins.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, further including a loading station configured to receive the pouch cell.

22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cutting mechanism is mounted on a plurality of sliding blocks, wherein each of the sliding blocks are attached to one of a plurality of rails, and wherein the plurality of rails are attached to a rack that is engaged with a gear connected to a motor.

23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cutting mechanism includes a ceramic cutting head.

24. The apparatus of claim 16, further including a housing, wherein the operating surface, the cutting mechanism, the optical inspection system, the grasping member, and the arm are contained within the housing.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, further including an operation screen on the housing and a cell loading station accessible to a user outside the housing.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein, when the pouch cell is on the cell loading station, the arm can move the pouch cell from the cell loading station to the operating surface.

27. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first vacuum hold area is sized and configured to apply suction to a cathode or anode plate and wherein the second vacuum hold area is sized and configured to apply suction to a cathode or anode plate.

28. A method of disassembling a battery pouch cell having a separator, a plurality of anode plates, and a plurality of cathode plates, the method comprising: cutting the pouch cell on an operating surface; moving the separator to a first side of the operating surface such that one of the plurality of cathode plates is under the separator and on the operating surface; cutting the separator to form a severed portion of the separator; removing the severed portion of the separator from the operating surface; removing the one of the plurality of cathode plates from the operating surface; moving the separator to a second side of the operating surface such that one of the plurality of anode plates is under the separator and on the operating surface; cutting the separator to form another severed portion of the separator; removing the another severed portion of the separator from the operating surface; and removing the one of the plurality of cathode plates from the operating surface, wherein each of the steps is performed automatically within an enclosed housing of a disassembly apparatus.

29. The method of claim 28, further including repeating each of the moving the separator, cutting the separator, and removing steps until disassembly of the pouch cell is complete.

30. The method of claim 28, further including imaging the one of the plurality of cathode plates and the one of the plurality of anode plates.

31. The method of claim 28, further including placing each severed separator portion, the one of the plurality of cathode plates, and the one of the plurality of anode plates into respective recycling bins.

32. A method of disassembling a battery pouch cell having a separator, a plurality of anode plates, and a plurality of cathode plates, comprising: placing, with a robotic arm, the pouch cell on an operating surface within a housing of a disassembly apparatus; selecting a point on a pouch film of the pouch cell to cut; cutting the pouch film with a cutting mechanism based on the selected point, wherein the cutting mechanism includes a cutting head and a plurality of motors configured to move the cutting head translationally over the operating surface; grasping the separator with a grasping member; pulling the separator with the grasping member to a first side of the operating surface such that one of the plurality of cathode plates is under the separator and on the operating surface; applying suction to the one of the plurality of cathode plates; cutting a portion of the separator with the cutting mechanism; removing the portion of the separator from the operating surface with the robotic arm; imaging the one of the plurality of cathode plates; removing the one of the plurality of cathode plates from the operating surface; grasping the separator with the grasping member; pulling the separator with the grasping member to a second side of the operating surface such that one of the plurality of anode plates is under the separator and on the operating surface; applying suction to the one of the plurality of anode plates; cutting another portion of the separator with the cutting mechanism; removing the portion of the separator from the operating surface with the robotic arm; and imaging the one of the plurality of cathode plates.

33. The method of claim 32, further including repeating the steps of: pulling the separator with the grasping member to the first side of the operating surface such that one of the plurality of cathode plates is under the separator and on the operating surface; applying suction to the one of the plurality of cathode plates; cutting a next portion of the separator with the cutting mechanism; removing the portion of the separator from the operating surface with the robotic arm;imaging the one of the plurality of cathode plates; removing the one of the plurality of cathode plates from the operating surface; grasping the separator with the grasping member; pulling the separator with the grasping member to the second side of the operating surface such that one of the plurality of anode plates is under the separator and on the operating surface; applying suction to the one of the plurality of anode plates; cutting another next portion of the separator with the cutting mechanism; removing the portion of the separator from the operating surface with the robotic arm; and imaging the one of the plurality of cathode plates, until each of the plurality of anode plates and each of the plurality of cathode plates has been imaged.

34. The method of claim 33, further including placing with the robotic arm each of the plurality of cathode plates in a cathode plate recycling bin based on a first side location of each of the plurality of cathode plates on the operating surface and placing each of the plurality of anode plates in an anode plate recycling bin based on a second side location of each of the plurality of anode plates on the operating surface.

35. The method of claim 34, further including placing with the robotic arm each cut portion of the separator in a separator material recycling bin.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein each of the steps is performed within the housing of the disassembly apparatus.

Images