Apparatus and method for treating battery

Abstract

The apparatus for treating a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a jig having an inner space into which a battery is inserted; a punching unit for forming reaction holes in the battery by moving in a direction going toward the jig; and a driving unit for moving the jig and the punching unit, wherein the jig may be configured to restrict the movement of the battery submerged in a discharging material.

Description

Battery processing device and method

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0123200 filed September 10, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery processing apparatus and method, and more specifically, to a battery disposal processing apparatus and disposal processing method with improved safety.

[0004] In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras, as well as energy storage systems (ESS), has become commonplace, the development of technologies in related fields is becoming active. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are being utilized as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) as a solution to address air pollution caused by conventional gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels; consequently, the need for the development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0005] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are receiving the most attention due to their advantages of free charging and discharging, low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0007] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the casing into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0008] Meanwhile, when disassembling and analyzing such secondary batteries or disposing of batteries that have reached the end of their lifespan, metals such as lithium inside the battery may react with external moisture, potentially causing explosions or fires. Furthermore, hazardous substances, such as organic solvents contained in the electrolyte or transition metals in the cathode, may leak out, leading to serious environmental pollution. Therefore, when disassembling and analyzing secondary batteries or disposing of them, it is necessary to treat them by discharging them through a reaction with a substance such as brine.

[0009] Conventionally, for the disposal of secondary batteries, a method was used in which a worker directly cut the secondary battery using a cutter knife or a punching machine and then dropped it into a brine storage container. This method can expose workers to danger from flames or gases generated during the reaction between the secondary battery and the brine, and there are problems such as the secondary battery floating out of the brine, causing a fire, or the gas spreading.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a battery disposal device and disposal method with improved safety.

[0011] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0012] A battery processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a jig having an internal space into which the battery is introduced; a punching unit configured to move toward the jig to form a reaction hole in the battery; and a driving unit for moving the jig and the punching unit, wherein the jig may be configured to restrict the movement of the battery immersed in a discharge material.

[0013] The above jig may include a lower plate on which the battery is seated; and an upper plate that restricts the upward movement of the battery.

[0014] The above jig may further include a guard disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate to cover the side of the internal space.

[0015] At least a portion of the above guard may be configured to be openable and closable.

[0016] A flow hole may be formed in at least a part of the above jig.

[0017] The above driving unit can move the jig and the punching unit in the up and down direction.

[0018] The above driving unit may include a first shaft formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder; a second shaft formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder and configured to be able to move in and out of the interior of the first shaft; and a third shaft connected to the punching unit and configured to be able to move in and out of the interior of the second shaft.

[0019] It may further include a column member that is extended along the direction of movement of the above jig and the above punching part.

[0020] The above column member is connected to the jig and the punching part and can guide the movement of the jig and the punching part.

[0021] It may further include a first stopper coupled to the upper part of the column member to restrict the downward movement of the jig.

[0022] It may further include a second stopper formed on at least a portion of the column member to restrict the upward movement of the punching portion.

[0023] The above punching part may include a base plate; and a punching needle coupled to the base plate such that one end faces the jig.

[0024] An upper through hole may be formed in the upper plate so that the punching needle can pass through.

[0025] The above punching needles and the above upper through holes are multiple, the multiple punching needles are evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the base plate, and the multiple upper through holes may be formed in the upper plate to correspond to the positions of the multiple punching needles.

[0026] The base plate is positioned parallel to the upper plate, and the punching needle can be combined with the base plate so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the base plate.

[0027] The above punching portion may further include an elastic connecting member disposed between the base plate and the upper plate and surrounding the punching needle.

[0028] The above battery may be a charged battery or a decomposition electrode.

[0029] A battery processing method according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: an insertion step of inserting the battery into a jig; an immersion step of moving the jig to immerse the battery in a discharge material; and a reaction step of forming a reaction hole in the battery and reacting the battery with the discharge material while restricting the movement of the battery.

[0030] The above reaction step may be a step of reacting the battery with the discharge material while restricting the upward movement of the battery so that the battery is not exposed outside the discharge material.

[0031] The above immersion step may be a step of moving the jig downward along a column member extended in the vertical direction to immerse the battery in the discharge material.

[0032] According to embodiments of the present invention, by means of a jig that restricts the movement of the battery so that the battery is not exposed outside the discharge material during the reaction between the battery and the discharge material, the worker can be protected from flames or gases generated during the reaction between the battery and the discharge material, and the occurrence of fire or gas spread can be prevented.

[0033] In addition, by using a drive unit to move the jig into which the battery is inserted in the up-and-down direction along the column member, the disposal of the battery can be facilitated.

[0034] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a front view of a battery processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a jig according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a lower plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an upper plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a first stopper according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a front view of a punching section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a base plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIGS. 8 to 11 are drawings for explaining the operating principle of a battery processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a battery processing method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0045] To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0046] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated. Thicknesses have been enlarged in the drawings to clearly represent various layers and regions. Additionally, for convenience of explanation, the thickness of some layers and regions has been exaggerated in the drawings.

[0047] Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is said to be "on" or "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Also, saying that a part is "on" or "on" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "on" or "on" facing the opposite direction of gravity.

[0048] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0049] Additionally, throughout the specification, "planar" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and "cross-sectional" means when the cross-section obtained by vertically cutting the subject part is viewed from the side.

[0050] Before describing the battery processing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery (110) described herein may be a charged battery or a disassembly electrode that requires disposal. The battery (110) may be a pouch-type secondary battery or a configuration in which a pouch surrounds a disassembly electrode. However, the battery (110) is not limited thereto and may refer to any battery that requires disposal.

[0051]

[0052] Hereinafter, a battery processing device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0053] The battery processing device (100) may include a load support member (120), a jig (130), a driving member, a punching member (150), a column member (160), and a stopper (171, 172).

[0054] The jig (130) may include a lower plate (220), an upper plate (230), a guard (240), and an internal space (210) into which a battery (110) is inserted.

[0055] The above driving unit may include a power providing unit (not shown) and a power transmission unit (140).

[0056] The power transmission unit (140) may include first to third shafts (141 to 143) and a connecting member (144).

[0057] The punching section (150) may include a base plate (610), a punching needle (620), and an elastic connecting member (630).

[0058] The stopper (171, 172) may include a first stopper (171) and a second stopper (172).

[0059]

[0060] The load support member (120) is configured to support the load of a battery processing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. When the battery processing device (100) is placed inside a booth (not shown), the load support member (120) is connected to the booth to support the load of the battery processing device (100). The load support member (120) may be connected to a power transmission member (140) and a column member (160). The load support member (120) may support the load of the power transmission member (140) and the column member (160). The load support member (120) may support the load of a jig (130), a punching member (150), a stopper (171, 172), and a battery (110).

[0061]

[0062] The jig (130) includes an internal space (210) into which a battery (110) is inserted. The jig (130) is connected to a column member (160). The jig (130) can move together with the column member (160). The power transmission unit (140) pushes and moves the punching unit (150) by means of a power supply unit. Accordingly, the column member (160) connected to the punching unit (150) and the jig (130) connected to the column member (160) can move.

[0063] The jig (130) can be guided to move by the column member (160). The jig (130) can move along the extension direction of the column member (160). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, if the column member (160) is extended in the vertical direction (the Y-axis direction of FIG. 1), the jig (130) can move in the vertical direction along the column member (160).

[0064] As the jig (130) into which the battery (110) is inserted moves, the battery (110) can be immersed in the discharge material stored in the storage tank (180). Here, the discharge material may be brine. In order for the reaction between the battery (110) and the discharge material, the jig (130) can be smoothly immersed in the discharge material, and for the jig (130) to smoothly exit the discharge material after the reaction between the battery (110) and the discharge material is completed, a flow hole (241) through which the discharge material can flow may be formed in at least a part of the jig (130), as shown in FIG. 2. At this time, the discharge material can flow through the lower through hole (310) and the upper through hole (410) in the lower plate (220) and the upper plate (230). However, this is not limited thereto, and additional holes for the flow of discharge material may be formed in the lower plate (220) and the upper plate (230) in addition to the lower through hole (310) and the upper through hole (410).

[0065] The jig (130) is configured to restrict the movement of the battery (110) submerged in the discharge material. The jig (130) may include a lower plate (220) on which the battery (110) is placed and an upper plate (230) that restricts the upward movement of the battery (110) submerged in the discharge material. The upper plate (230) can restrict the upward movement of the battery (110) so that the battery (110) does not float and be exposed outside the discharge material while the battery (110) is submerged in the discharge material. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a fire from occurring or gas from spreading due to the flame generated when the battery (110) reacts with the discharge material.

[0066] The jig (130) may further include a guard (240). The guard (240) may be positioned on the upper plate (230) and the lower plate (220) to cover the side of the internal space (210). By additionally positioning the guard (240) to cover the side of the internal space (210), it is possible to prevent the battery (110) submerged in the discharge material from escaping laterally and rising out of the discharge material. Consequently, by the jig (130) further including the guard (240), the battery (110) can be more effectively prevented from being exposed out of the discharge material.

[0067] At least a portion of the guard (240) may be configured to be openable. For example, if the upper plate (230) and the lower plate (220) are rectangular, any one of the guards (240) covering the four sides between the upper plate (230) and the lower plate (220) may be configured to be openable. The guard (240) may be configured to be openable by being joined to the lower plate (220) and / or the upper plate (230) using a hinge or the like. Accordingly, a worker can easily insert the battery (110) into the interior of the jig (130). A flow hole (241) may be formed in the guard (240).

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, a lower through hole (310) may be formed in the lower plate (220) so that the punching needle (620) of the punching part (150) can pass through. The lower through hole (310) may be formed to correspond to the number and position of the punching needle (620). For example, when a plurality of punching needles (620) are evenly distributed on the base plate (610), the same number of lower through holes (310) as the punching needles (620) may be formed in the lower plate (220) to correspond to the position of the punching needle (620).

[0069] However, the lower through holes (310) do not necessarily have to be formed at positions corresponding to the number of punching needles (620), and may be configured differently as needed within the scope of achieving the purpose of the present invention. For example, if the number of lower through holes (310) is less than the number of punching needles (620), or if the lower through holes (310) are not formed at positions corresponding to the punching needles (620), as shown in FIG. 9, some of the multiple punching needles (620) may pass through the lower through holes (310) to penetrate the battery (110), and the remaining parts may be configured to come into contact with the lower plate (220).

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, an upper through hole (410) may be formed in the upper plate (230) to allow the punching needle (620) of the punching part (150) to pass through. The upper through hole (410) may be formed to correspond to the number and position of the punching needle (620). For example, when a plurality of punching needles (620) are evenly distributed on the base plate (610), an equal number of upper through holes (410) as the punching needle (620) may be formed in the upper plate (230) to correspond to the position of the punching needle (620).

[0071]

[0072] The driving unit can move the punching unit (150) and the jig (130). The driving unit may include a power supply unit and a power transmission unit (140). The driving unit moves the jig (130) so that the battery (110) inserted into the internal space (210) of the jig (130) is immersed in the discharge material. The driving unit can move the jig (130) in an up-and-down direction.

[0073] The power supply unit is connected to the power transmission unit (140) and can transmit power to the power transmission unit (140). The power supply unit may be a motor or a hydraulic device, but is not limited thereto. When placed inside the battery processing unit (100) booth, the power supply unit may be placed outside the booth to provide power to the power transmission unit (140).

[0074] The power transmission unit (140) moves the punching unit (150) using power provided by the power supply unit. As the punching unit (150) moves, the column member (160) connected to the punching unit (150) and the jig (130) connected to the column member (160) can move.

[0075] The power transmission unit (140) may include a first shaft (141), a second shaft (142), a third shaft (143), and a connecting member (144).

[0076] The first shaft (141) can be fixed to the upper part of the load support member (120). The first shaft (141) can be formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder. The second shaft (142) and the third shaft (143) can enter and exit the interior of the first shaft (141). The first shaft (141) can surround and support the second shaft (142) and the third shaft (143).

[0077] The second shaft (142) may be configured to be able to move in and out of the interior of the first shaft (141). The second shaft (142) may be configured to move out from the interior of the first shaft (141) to the exterior and to be received from the exterior into the interior of the first shaft (141). As the second shaft (142) moves out from the interior of the first shaft (141) to the exterior, the punching part (150), the column member (160), and the jig (130) may be moved downward. As the second shaft (142) is received from the exterior into the interior of the first shaft (141), the punching part (150), the column member (160), and the jig (130) may be moved upward. The second shaft (142) may be formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder. The third shaft (143) may move in and out of the interior of the second shaft (142).

[0078] The third shaft (143) may be configured to be able to move in and out of the interior of the second shaft (142). The third shaft (143) may be configured to move out from the interior of the second shaft (142) to the exterior and to be received from the exterior into the interior of the second shaft (142). The third shaft (143) may be connected to the punching section (150). The third shaft (143) may be connected to the punching section (150) using a connecting member (144). As the third shaft (143) moves out from the interior of the second shaft (142) to the exterior, the punching section (150), the column member (160), and the jig (130) may be moved downward. As the third shaft (143) is received from the exterior into the interior of the second shaft (142), the punching section (150), the column member (160), and the jig (130) may be moved upward.

[0079] The connecting member (144) connects the power transmission unit (140) and the punching unit (150). The connecting member (144) connects the third shaft (143) and the base plate (610). The connecting member (144) can be coupled to each of the third shaft (143) and the base plate (610). The connecting member (144) can be bolted / nut coupled to one end of the third shaft (143). The connecting member (144) can be coupled to the base plate (610) so as to be positioned in the shaft fastening hole (730) of the base plate (610). In order for the power transmission unit (140) to stably move the punching unit (150), the connecting member (144) may have a larger cross-sectional area than the power transmission unit (140). Here, the cross-sectional area refers to the area of ​​the cross-section cut along the X-axis direction of FIG. 1. By having a larger cross-sectional area than the power transmission part (140), the power transmission part (140) can push and pull the punching part (150) more stably.

[0080]

[0081] The column member (160) is formed to extend along the direction of movement of the punching part (150) and the jig (130). For example, the column member (160) may be in the shape of a column extending in the vertical direction (the Y-axis direction of FIG. 1), and the punching part (150) and the jig (130) may be configured to be movable along the vertical direction.

[0082] The column member (160) can be connected to a load support member (120), a punching member (150), and a jig (130). For example, the jig (130) may be connected to the lower part of the column member (160), the punching member (150) may be connected to the upper part of the jig (130), and the load support member (120) may be connected to the upper part of the punching member (150). By pushing or pulling the punching member (150), the punching member (150), the column member (160), and the jig (130) can be moved.

[0083] The column member (160) may be a structure that supports the punching section (150) and the jig (130) while guiding the movement of the punching section (150) and the jig (130). For example, the lower plate (220), upper plate (230) of the jig (130), and the base plate (610) of the punching section (150) may be formed in a rectangular plate shape, and the four column members (160) may be combined with each plate (220, 230, 610) near the vertices of each plate (220, 230, 610) to guide the movement of each plate (220, 230, 610) while supporting it. To this end, a lower coupling hole (320) may be formed near the apex of the lower plate (220), an upper coupling hole (420) near the apex of the upper plate (230), and a column coupling hole (720) near the apex of the base plate (610). However, the structure of the lower plate (220), upper plate (230), base plate (610), and column member (160) is not limited thereto and may have other shapes within the scope of achieving the purpose of the present invention.

[0084]

[0085] A first stopper (171) may be attached to the upper part of the column member (160). The first stopper (171) may be attached to the column member (160) above the load support member (120) to restrict the downward movement of the jig (130). Specifically, the power transmission member (140) may push the punching member (150) so that the punching member (150), the column member (160), and the jig (130) can move downward. As the punching member (150), the column member (160), and the jig (130) move downward, if the first stopper (171) gets caught on the load support member (120), the downward movement of the column member (160) and the lower plate (220) may be restricted.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the first stopper (171) may be formed in a plate shape. The first stopper (171) may have a rectangular plate shape with corner portions concave toward the center. In this case, a cap coupling hole (520) may be formed near each vertex of the first stopper. With each cap coupling hole (520) located at the top of each column member (160), the first stopper (171) and the column member (160) can be coupled by inserting the top cap (161) into the cap coupling hole (520). A central hole (510) may be formed in the first stopper (171). The first stopper (171) and the column member (160) can be coupled such that the first shaft (141) of the power transmission unit (140) passes through the central hole (510). In addition, the first stopper (171) has a shape in which the corner portion is concave toward the center, so that additional space can be utilized in the concave portion.

[0087] A second stopper (172) may be formed on at least a portion of the column member (160). The second stopper (172) may restrict the upward movement of the punching section (150). Specifically, when the punching section (150) is coupled to the column member (160), the second stopper (172) may be formed to contact the upper part of the base plate (610) of the punching section (150). After the jig (130) and the punching section (150) descend and the reaction between the battery (110) and the discharge material is completed, the second stopper (172) restricts the upward movement of the punching section (150) so that the punching section (150) does not rise higher than the initial position and returns to the initial position. To limit the upward movement of the punching part (150), the second stopper (172) may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than that of the column coupling hole (720).

[0088] An upper cap (161) and a lower cap (162) may be attached to the upper and lower ends of the column member (160). As described above, the upper cap (161) connects the first stopper (171) and the column member (160) and prevents the first stopper (171) from detaching from the column member (160). The lower cap (162) connects the lower plate (220) of the jig (130) and the column member (160) with a structure identical or similar to that of the upper cap (161) and prevents the lower plate (220) from detaching from the column member (160).

[0089]

[0090] The punching section (150) is moved by the driving section. The punching section (150) can be moved in the up and down direction by the driving section. The punching section (150) is connected to the driving section. The punching section (150) is connected to the power transmission section (140). The punching section (150) can be connected to the third shaft (143). The punching section (150) can be connected to the third shaft (143) by a connecting member (144). The punching section (150) moves along the column member (160) by the driving section. The punching section (150) moves in a direction toward the jig (130) to form a reaction hole (1000, see FIG. 10) in the battery (110) inserted into the jig (130). The punching section (150) can be placed on the upper part of the jig (130). The punching part (150) can move downward to form a reaction hole (1000) in the battery (110) inserted into the jig (130).

[0091] The punching section (150) may include a base plate (610), a punching needle (620), and an elastic connecting member (630).

[0092] The base plate (610) may include a needle fastening hole (710), a column coupling hole (720), and a shaft fastening hole (730).

[0093] The base plate (610) can be moved by a driving unit. The base plate (610) can be moved in an up-and-down direction. The base plate (610) is connected to the driving unit. The base plate (610) is connected to a power transmission unit (140). The base plate (610) can be connected to a third shaft (143). The base plate (610) can be connected to the third shaft (143) by a connecting member (144). The base plate (610) can be coupled with a column member (160). For example, if the base plate (610) is formed in a square shape, a column coupling hole (720) is formed near the four vertices of the base plate (610), and through this, the base plate (610) and the column member (160) can be connected. The base plate (610) can be moved together with the column member (160) by a driving unit. When the first stopper (171) is caught on the load support (120) and the movement of the lower plate (220) and the column member (160) is restricted, the base plate (610) may be moved further along the longitudinal direction of the column member (160) by the driving unit. The upward movement of the base plate (610) may be restricted by the second stopper (172) formed on the column member (160). The base plate (610) may be positioned above the upper plate (230) of the jig (130). The base plate (610) may be positioned parallel to the upper plate (230) and the lower plate (220) of the jig (130).

[0094] A punching needle (620) is configured to form a reaction hole (1000) in a battery (110). The punching needle (620) can be coupled to a base plate (610) such that one end faces the jig (130). The punching needle (620) can be coupled to the base plate (610) through a needle fastening hole (710) of the base plate (610). When the base plate (610) is positioned parallel to the upper plate (230) and lower plate (220) of the jig (130), the punching needle (620) can be coupled to the base plate (610) so that it extends in a direction perpendicular to the base plate (610). To form a reaction hole (1000) in the battery (110), one end of the punching needle (620) can be formed into a pointed shape. However, the shape of the punching needle (620) is not limited to this, and it may have a flat or blunt shape at one end and be structured to form a reaction hole (1000) in the battery (110) with strong pressure. The punching needle (620) may be arranged parallel to the column member (160). In order to form a reaction hole (1000) in the battery (110) seated on the lower plate (220) of the jig (130), the punching needle (620) may be configured to pass through the upper through hole (410) of the upper plate (230) of the jig (130). There may be multiple punching needles (620), and multiple punching needles (620) may be evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the base plate (610). Accordingly, a reaction hole (1000) can be formed in the battery (110) regardless of the position of the battery (110) inserted into the jig (130).

[0095] The elastic connecting member (630) is positioned to surround at least a portion of the punching needle (620). The elastic connecting member (630) is positioned between the base plate (610) and the upper plate (230). The elastic connecting member (630) may be positioned to be in contact with the base plate (610) and the upper plate (230). The elastic connecting member (630) may be connected to the base plate (610) and the upper plate (230). The elastic connecting member (630) may be composed of an elastic material. For example, the elastic connecting member (630) may be a spring. In this case, the diameter of the elastic connecting member (630) may be larger than the diameter of the punching needle (620) and the upper through hole (410). Accordingly, the elastic connecting member (630) is prevented from passing through the upper through hole (410) and moving downward, and can maintain the state of surrounding the punching needle (620).

[0096]

[0097] The storage tank (180) stores a discharge material that reacts with the battery (110). The storage tank (180) may be placed below the battery processing device (100). The storage tank (180) may be placed below the jig (130). If the battery processing device (100) is placed inside a booth, the storage tank (180) may be placed inside the booth together with the battery processing device (100).

[0098]

[0099] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, the operating principle of a battery processing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained. In addition, to specifically explain the operating principle of the battery processing device (100), the storage tank (180) in FIGS. 8 to 11 has been omitted.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 8, a battery (110) is inserted into the internal space (210) of the jig (130).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 9, the second shaft (142) and the third shaft (143) of the power transmission unit (140) move out from the inside of the first shaft (141) to the outside, and as the third shaft (143) moves out from the inside of the second shaft (142) to the outside, it pushes the punching unit (150) downward. The column member (160) connected to the punching unit (150) and the jig (130) connected to the column member (160) also move downward together. As the first stopper (171) engages with the load support unit (120), the descent of the column member (160) and the lower plate (220) stops.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 10, the power transmission unit (140) further presses the punching unit (150), causing the punching unit (150) and the upper plate (230) to further descend. The descent of the upper plate (230) stops when the upper plate (230) comes into contact with the lower plate (220) and / or the battery (110). As the power transmission unit (140) further presses the punching unit (150), the elastic connecting member (630) is compressed, and the punching needle (620) penetrates the upper through hole (410) of the upper plate (230) to form a reaction hole (1000) in the battery (110) inside the jig (130). At this time, among the plurality of punching needles (620), the punching needle (620) having a lower through hole (310) formed at a position corresponding to the lower plate (220) can penetrate the upper plate (230), the battery (110), and the lower plate (220). Among the plurality of punching needles (620), the punching needle (620) that does not have a lower through hole (310) formed at a position corresponding to the lower plate (220) penetrates only the upper plate (230) and the battery (110) to form a reaction hole, and one end can come into contact with the lower plate (220).

[0103] The battery (110) and the discharge material react through the formed reaction hole (1000). At this time, the upper plate (230) and guard (240) of the jig (130) restrict the movement of the battery (110) so that the battery (110) does not float out of the discharge material.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 11, the battery processing device (100) operates in the opposite manner to the aforementioned lowering mechanism, causing the punching section (150), jig (130), and column member (160) to rise to their initial positions. At this time, an elastic connecting member (630) positioned between the base plate (610) of the punching section (150) and the upper plate (230) of the jig (130) can use elastic force to assist the upward movement of the punching section (150), thereby ensuring an initial gap between the punching section (150) and the jig (130). Additionally, the upward movement of the punching section (150) can be restricted by a second stopper (172) formed on the column member (160), allowing the punching section (150) to be positioned at its initial position.

[0105] In this way, according to the battery processing device (100) of one embodiment of the present invention, fire and gas spread can be prevented by ensuring that the battery (110) does not rise out of the discharge material, and disposal of the battery (110) can be facilitated by moving the jig (120) into which the battery (110) is inserted up and down along the column member (131), and the worker can be protected from flames and gases generated during the reaction between the battery (110) and the discharge material by separating the space where the battery (110) and the discharge material react from the worker.

[0106]

[0107] A battery processing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12. Some of the contents described above in relation to the battery processing device (100) that are redundant will be omitted from the description, but all contents described above in relation to the battery processing device (100) may also be applied to the battery processing method.

[0108] A worker places a battery (110) into the internal space (210) of a jig (130) (S1210). The worker places the battery (110) on the lower plate (220) of the jig (130). As described above, the multiple punching needles (620) of the punching section (150) are evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the base plate (610), and the upper through-hole (410) through which the punching needles (620) pass can be formed in the upper plate (230) to correspond to the position of the punching needles (620). Therefore, regardless of where the worker places the battery (110) on the lower plate (220), a reaction hole (1000) can be formed in the battery (110) using the punching section (150).

[0109] The driving unit is used to move the jig (130) and immerse the battery (110) in the discharge material (S1220). The driving unit pushes the punching unit (150) to move it, and the column member (160) connected to the punching unit (150) and the jig (130) connected to the column member (160) move together so that the jig (130) and the battery (110) are immersed in the storage tank (180). At this time, the battery (110) does not float out of the discharge material due to the upper plate (230) and guard (240) of the jig (130).

[0110] A reaction hole (1000) is formed in the battery (110) using the punching part (150) (S1230). With the jig (130) fixed by the first stopper (171), the punching part (150) is further lowered toward the jig (130). The punching needle (620) of the punching part (150) passes through the upper through hole (410) of the upper plate (230) to form a reaction hole (1000) in the battery (110).

[0111] The battery (110) and the discharge material are reacted while the movement of the battery (110) is restricted (S1240). The battery (110) and the discharge material react through the reaction hole (1000) formed in the battery (110). At this time, since the battery (110) does not rise out of the discharge material due to the upper plate (230) and guard (240) of the jig (130), it is possible to prevent the worker from being exposed to dangers such as flames or gas, or from a fire occurring or gas spreading.

[0112]

[0113] Although the flowchart of the present disclosure describes each step as being executed sequentially, this is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of some embodiments of the present invention. In other words, a person skilled in the art to which some embodiments of the present invention pertain can apply various modifications and variations by changing the steps described in the flowchart or executing one or more of the steps in parallel, without departing from the essential characteristics of some embodiments of the present invention; therefore, the flowchart is not limited to a chronological order.

[0114] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0115]

[0116]

[0117] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0118] 100: Battery processing unit

[0119] 110: Battery

[0120] 120: Load support

[0121] 130: Jig

[0122] 140: Power transmission unit

[0123] 141-143: 1st to 3rd shafts

[0124] 144: Connecting member

[0125] 150: Punching section

[0126] 160: Column Absence

[0127] 161: Top cap

[0128] 162: Bottom cap

[0129] 171: 1st Stopper

[0130] 172: Second Stopper

[0131] 180: Storage tank

[0132] 210: Interior space

[0133] 220: Lower plate

[0134] 230: Upper plate

[0135] 240: Guard

[0136] 241: Floating hole

[0137] 310: Lower through hole

[0138] 320: Lower coupling hole

[0139] 410: Upper through hole

[0140] 420: Upper coupling hole

[0141] 510: Central Hall

[0142] 520: Cap coupling hole

[0143] 610: Base Plate

[0144] 620: Punching Needle

[0145] 630: Elastic connecting member

[0146] 710: Needle fastening hole

[0147] 720: Column coupling hole

[0148] 730: Shaft connection hole

[0149] 1000: Reaction hole

Claims

1. In a battery processing apparatus for reacting a battery with a discharge material, A jig including an internal space into which the above-mentioned battery is inserted; A punching part configured to move in a direction toward the above jig to form a reaction hole in the battery; and It includes a driving unit that moves the above jig and the above punching unit, The above jig is a battery processing device configured to restrict the movement of the battery immersed in the discharge material.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above jig is, A lower plate on which the above-mentioned battery is seated; and Upper plate that restricts the upward movement of the above battery A battery processing device including 3. In Paragraph 2, The above jig is, A battery processing device further comprising a guard disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate to cover the side of the internal space.

4. In Paragraph 3, A battery processing device configured such that at least a portion of the above guard is openable.

5. In Paragraph 1, A battery processing device in which a flow hole is formed in at least a part of the above jig.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above driving unit is a battery processing device that moves the above jig and the above punching unit in an up-and-down direction.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above driving unit is, A first shaft formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder; A second shaft formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder and configured to be able to move in and out of the interior of the first shaft; and A third shaft connected to the above-mentioned punching part and configured to be able to move in and out of the interior of the second shaft. A battery processing device including 8. In Paragraph 1, A battery processing device further comprising a column member extending along the direction of movement of the above jig and the above punching part.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above column member is, A battery processing device connected to the above jig and the above punching part, guiding the movement of the jig and the above punching part.

10. In Paragraph 9, A battery processing device further comprising a first stopper coupled to the upper part of the column member to restrict the downward movement of the jig.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery processing device further comprising a second stopper formed on at least a portion of the column member to restrict the upward movement of the punching portion.

12. In Paragraph 2, The above punching part is, base plate; and A battery processing device comprising a punching needle coupled to the base plate so as to face the jig.

13. In Paragraph 12, A battery processing device having an upper through hole formed in the upper plate so that the punching needle can pass through.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above punching needles and the above upper through holes are multiple, The plurality of punching needles are evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the base plate, and A battery processing device in which the plurality of upper through holes are formed in the upper plate to correspond to the positions of the plurality of punching needles.

15. In Paragraph 12, The above base plate is positioned parallel to the above upper plate, and A battery processing device in which the above-mentioned punching needles are coupled to the base plate so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the base plate.

16. In Paragraph 12, The above punching part is, A battery processing device further comprising an elastic connecting member disposed between the base plate and the upper plate and surrounding the punching needle.

17. In Paragraph 1, The above battery is a charged battery or a decomposition electrode, and The above discharge material is a salt water battery treatment device.

18. A battery treatment method for reacting a battery with a discharge material, A step of inserting the above battery into a jig; An immersion step of moving the above jig to immerse the above battery in the discharge material; and A reaction step of forming a reaction hole in the battery and reacting the battery with the discharge material while restricting the movement of the battery. A battery processing method including 19. In Paragraph 18, The above reaction step is, A battery processing method comprising the step of reacting the battery with the discharge material while restricting the upward movement of the battery so that the battery is not exposed outside the discharge material.

20. In Paragraph 18, The above flooding stage is, A battery processing method comprising the step of moving the jig downward along a column member formed to extend in the vertical direction to immerse the battery in the discharge material.

Images