Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a field of battery shredding apparatuses. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a system, and a method for automatic shredding of batteries.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admission of the prior art.
[0003] With growing mobile phone usage, there is a tremendous increase in the number of discarded lithium ion batteries which may pose an environmental hazard. Shredding of the discarded lithium ion batteries as a part of recycling is a critical need for reducing wastage and protecting the environment.
[0004] Conventional apparatuses/machines shred whole batteries and their internal material/components into small pieces. However, the conventional apparatuses lack safety features, are inefficient in material recovery from the batteries leading to wastage of valuable resources, are costly and involve complex processes, have low rate of output in terms of number of batteries shredded per unit time, and have low energy efficiency. Besides, the conventional apparatuses do not ensure that the fine dust and fumes, especially the fumes of battery electrolyte that are released during the shredding process are prevented from escaping into the atmosphere. The (escaping) fumes of battery electrolyte are hazardous not only to humans, animals, and plant-life with harmful effects like skin irritation, respiratory disorders, corrosive effect on skin surface, and irritation to eyes, but also, may damage property due to their corrosive effect on various material surfaces, and cause severe air pollution.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need to overcome the drawbacks with the conventional apparatuses/machines for shredding whole batteries.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed below.
[0007] One object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus, a system, and a method for automatic shredding of batteries.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus, a system, and a method for automatic shredding of batteries that maximize recovery of materials and reduce wastage.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus, a system, and a method for automatic shredding of batteries that is efficient, have low cost factor, give high output in terms of number of batteries shredded in unit time, safe to operate/perform, and prevent hazardous fumes from being released into the environment.

SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure generally relates to a field of battery shredding apparatuses. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a system, and a method for automatic shredding of batteries.
[0011] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for automatic shredding of batteries. The apparatus includes an enclosure for enclosing one or more batteries during a shredding process. The apparatus includes at least one conveyor configured to move the one or more batteries through the apparatus during the shredding process, where the one or more batteries are fixed with one or more fixtures configured with the conveyor. The apparatus includes at least one centre aligning device to align a centre of a battery among the one or more batteries with a fixture among the one or more fixtures. The apparatus includes at least one transverse blade assembly including a plurality of blades to cut each battery among the one or more batteries along a transverse axis. The apparatus includes at least one longitudinal blade assembly including a plurality of blades to cut each battery among the one or more batteries along a longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes at least one pushing bar configured to oscillate forward and backward at predetermined periods to push an inner casing out of an outer casing of each battery among the one or more batteries. The apparatus includes a fume extractor assembly to extract fumes of battery electrolyte released during the shredding process from the enclosure which includes a plurality of fume extractors placed at one or more optimal distances from the transverse blade assembly and the longitudinal blade assembly, and a plurality of fume condenser hoses placed in at least one liquid condenser to condense and collect the fumes. The apparatus includes one or more collection members to collect one or more shredded battery parts. The apparatus includes at least one sliding hopper configured at an opposite end of the pushing bar through which the inner casing of each battery among the one or more batteries slides before being collected into the one or more collection members
[0012] The present disclosure relates to a system for automatic shredding of batteries. The system includes an apparatus for enabling a shredding process. The system includes at least one first sensor to detect an alignment of at least one conveyor with one or more first reference locations of the apparatus. The system includes at least one second sensor to detect if an enclosure of the apparatus is closed. The system includes at least one third sensor to detect if a battery is configured with a fixture among one or more fixtures, where one or more batteries are fixed with the one or more fixtures configured with the conveyor. The system includes at least one processor, and a memory operatively coupled to the processor, where said memory stores executable instructions. When the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the processor performs the following steps. The processor determines, if the conveyor is aligned with the one or more reference locations of the apparatus via the first sensor, and moves, the conveyor with the one or more batteries configured with the one or more fixtures into the enclosure of the apparatus through an opening, upon a first positive determination. The processor determines, if the enclosure is closed via the second sensor, and determines, upon a second positive determination, if the battery is configured with the fixture among the one or more fixtures via the third sensor. The processor cuts, upon a third positive determination, the battery transversely and longitudinally using at least one transverse blade assembly and at least one longitudinal blade assembly configured with the apparatus. The processor continuously extracts and condenses, fumes of a battery electrolyte released during the shredding process, using a fume extractor assembly configured with the apparatus. The processor pushes, an inner casing of each battery among the one or more batteries out of an outer casing using at least one pushing bar configured with the apparatus, and collects, one or more shredded battery parts into one or more collection members configured with the apparatus.
[0013] In an embodiment of the system, upon a first negative determination the processor may be configured to stop the conveyor may till a user moves the conveyor to an initial reference position and restarts the conveyor.
[0014] In an embodiment of the system, upon a second negative determination, the processor may be configured to disable the shredding process.
[0015] In an embodiment of the system, upon a third negative determination, the processor may be configured to disable the longitudinal blade assembly and the transverse blade assembly.
[0016] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the centre aligning device may include a pushing rod of a predetermined length to push a battery among the one or more batteries to align the centre of the battery with a fixture among the one or more fixtures, wherein the pushing rod of the centre aligning device may operate at one or more predetermined periods to synchronize with one or more incoming fixtures.
[0017] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the enclosure may include at least one transparent section to facilitate visual observation of the shredding process by a user.
[0018] In an embodiment of the system, the processor may generate one or more alarm signals in case of malfunctioning of the apparatus which may include at least one of an alarm sound and an alarm light.
[0019] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for automatic shredding of batteries. The method includes the following steps. Determining, by at least one processor associated with an apparatus, if at least one conveyor is aligned with one or more reference locations of an apparatus via at least one first sensor. Moving, by the processor, the conveyor with one or more batteries configured with one or more fixtures into an enclosure of an apparatus through an opening, upon a first positive determination, where the enclosure encloses the one or more batteries during a shredding process. Determining, by the processor, if the enclosure is closed via at least one second sensor. Determining, by the processor, upon a second positive determination, if a battery is configured with a fixture among the one or more fixtures, via at least one third sensor. Cutting, by the processor, upon a third positive determination, the battery transversely and longitudinally using at least one transverse blade assembly and at least one longitudinal blade assembly configured with the apparatus. Continuously extracting and condensing, by the processor, fumes of a battery electrolyte released during the shredding process, using a fume extractor assembly configured with the apparatus. Pushing, by the processor, an inner casing of each battery among the one or more batteries out of an outer casing using at least one pushing bar configured with the apparatus. Collecting, by the processor, one or more shredded battery parts into one or more collection members configured with the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes the disclosure of electrical components, electronic components, or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example apparatus 100 and a system 100 for automatic shredding of batteries from a left perspective view of the front of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates 200 an apparatus and a system similar to the system 100 and apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 for automatic shredding of batteries from a right perspective view of the front of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates 300 an apparatus and a system similar to the system 100 and the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 from a left perspective view showing a pushing bar 302, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates 400 a front view of an apparatus and a system similar to the apparatus 100 and the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 with a transverse blade assembly 106, a longitudinal blade assembly 108, and a pushing bar 302, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates 500 a control unit 116 as shown in FIG. 1 of an example system 100 for automatic shredding of batteries with components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 600 for automatic shredding of batteries, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] In the following description, for explanation, various specific details are outlined in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.
[0028] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.
[0029] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0030] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
[0031] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive like the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.
[0032] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0033] The terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0034] The various embodiments throughout the disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGs. 1-6.
[0035] The present disclosure generally relates to a field of battery shredding apparatuses. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for automatic shredding of batteries.
[0036] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for automatic shredding of batteries. FIG. 1 illustrates an example apparatus 100 from a left perspective view of the front of the apparatus 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include an enclosure for enclosing one or more batteries during a shredding process. As shown in FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, the enclosure may include an upper member 110, a front member, a lower member 118, rear member and a side member 122. Further, the front member may include a slant member 112 and a flat member 114. Also, the upper member 110 on one side may be detachably coupled with the slant member 112 and the slant member 112 may be coupled with the flat member 114. In an embodiment, the enclosure may have a hinged cover to open and close a part of the enclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, the hinged cover may include the slant member 112 and the flat member 114 that may be opened manually. In an embodiment, the enclosure may include at least one transparent section to facilitate a visual observation of the shredding process by a user or operator of the apparatus 100. The upper member 110 at the other side may be coupled with the rear portion.
[0037] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 may include at least one conveyor 104 configured to move the one or more batteries through the apparatus 100 during the shredding process, where the one or more batteries are fixed with one or more fixtures (individually or collectively referred to as fixture 102 or fixtures 102 configured with the conveyor 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the conveyor 104 may be a chain conveyor 104 as shown in FIG. 1. In an exemplary embodiment, each fixture 102 among the one or more fixtures 102 may be removably coupled with the chain conveyor 104, such that a battery to be shredded can be configured inside the fixture 102 and the battery along with the fixture 102 can move with the chain conveyor 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the fixture 102 may include a base plate, a fixed support at one end of the base plate and a moving support at an opposite end of the fixed support, such that the battery to be shredded is positioned in between the fixed support and the moving support, and where the moving support may move to and fro (forward and backward oscillation), thus providing support according to a shape and a size of battery. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper member 110 of the enclosure on one side may be coupled with a side member which may be configured with an opening 120 such that the chain conveyor 104 may pass through the opening 120 into the enclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, a motor may be configured with the chain conveyor 104, which enables the movement of the chain conveyor 104. The movement of the chain conveyor 104 may be clockwise or in anticlockwise.
[0038] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include at least one centre aligning device to align a centre of a battery among the one or more batteries with a fixture 102 among the one or more fixtures 102. In an embodiment, the centre aligning device may include a pushing rod of a predetermined length to push a battery among the one or more batteries to align the centre of the battery with a fixture 102 among the one or more fixtures 102. In an embodiment, the pushing rod of the centre aligning device may operate at one or more predetermined periods to align the centre of the battery with the base plate of the fixture 102. The centre aligning device may operate at the predetermined periods (temporal domain) to synchronize with the incoming base plate of a fixture 102 with the battery.
[0039] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include at least one transverse blade assembly including a plurality of blades (or cutters) 106 to cut each battery among the one or more batteries along a transverse axis. FIG. 2 illustrates 200 an example apparatus similar to the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 from a right perspective view of the front of the apparatus 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the transverse blade assembly may include a transverse spindle 204 as shown in FIG. 2 which may be positioned transversely with respect to the chain conveyor 104, and is rotatably configured with a support. The transverse spindle 204 may be positioned at an optimal vertical distance from the chain conveyor 104. A transverse spindle 204 may be coupled to a motor via a belt pulley arrangement to enable rotation of the transverse spindle 204. The plurality of blades 106 of the transverse blade assembly may be configured on the transverse spindle 204. The plurality of blades 106 of the transverse blade assembly may be rotated along the rotational axis of the transverse spindle 204, where a first blade of the plurality of blades 106 may be positioned at a proximal distance from a second blade of the plurality of blades 106. The first blade and the second blade may be positioned parallel to each other. The plurality of blades 106 may enable cutting of an outer end of the battery along the transverse axis of the battery. The plurality of blades 106 may be positioned at an optimal vertical distance from the chain conveyor 104, such that the plurality of blades 106 may enable optimal shredding of the battery. In an exemplary embodiment, positions of the plurality of blades 106 may be adjusted manually by providing spacers.
[0040] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include at least one longitudinal blade assembly may include a plurality of blades 108 to cut each battery among the one or more batteries along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, a longitudinal spindle 202 as shown in FIG. 2 may be positioned along the (longitudinal) axis of the chain conveyor 104. The longitudinal spindle 202 may be rotatably configured with a support, where the longitudinal spindle 202 may be positioned at an optimal vertical distance from the chain conveyor 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal spindle 202 may be positioned at a proximal distance from the transverse spindle 204, and may be positioned at the middle of the chain conveyor 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal spindle 202 may be coupled to a motor via a belt pulley to enable rotation of the longitudinal spindle 202. The plurality of blades 108 of the longitudinal blade assembly may be configured on the longitudinal spindle 202. The plurality of blades 108 may be rotated along the rotational axis of the longitudinal spindle 202. A first blade of the plurality of blades 108 may be positioned at a proximal distance from a second blade of the plurality of blades 108. The plurality of blades 108 enables shredding of outer end of the battery. The shredding occurs along the longitudinal axis of the battery. The plurality of blades 108 may be positioned at an optimal vertical distance such that the plurality of blades 108 may enable optimal shredding of the battery along the longitudinal axis of the battery (longitudinal shredding). In an exemplary embodiment, positions of the plurality of the longitudinal cutters may be adjusted manually by providing spacers.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include at least one pushing bar configured to oscillate forward and backward at predetermined periods to push an inner casing out of an outer casing of each battery among the one or more batteries. FIG. 3 illustrates 300 an example apparatus 100 from a left perspective showing the pushing bar 302 for pushing an inner casing out of an outer casing of each battery, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pushing bar 302 may be configured at proximal distance from the longitudinal spindle 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the pushing bar 302 may be operated pneumatically or hydraulically. In an exemplary embodiment, the pushing bar 302 during the push position (or forward movement) may enable movement of the inner casing of the (shredded) battery out of the chain conveyor 104.
[0042] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a fume extractor assembly to extract fumes of a battery electrolyte released during the shredding process from the enclosure which may include a plurality of fume extractors placed at one or more optimal distances from the transverse blade assembly and the longitudinal blade assembly, and a plurality of fume condenser hoses placed in at least one liquid condenser to condense and collect the fumes. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fume extractors may include two fume extractors. The first fume extractor among the two fume extractors may include a first hose, a first suction member, where a first end of the first hose may be configured proximate to the longitudinal blade assembly, and where the first suction member enables suction of the fumes of the battery electrolyte. A second end of the first hose may be configured with a condensing member (liquid condenser). Similarly, the second fume extractor may include a second hose, a second suction member, where a first end of the second hose may be configured proximate to the transverse blade assembly, and where the second suction member enables suction of the fumes of the battery electrolyte. A second end of the second hose may be configured with the condensing member (liquid condenser).
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the condensing member may include a fluid conduit with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The fluid conduit is provided in a parallel arrangement forming a passage of the fluid stream. The second end of first hose and the second end of second hose may be configured with the condensing member such that the fumes of the battery electrolyte enter into the condensing member and is directed through the interstitial spaces (fume condenser hoses) between adjacent fluid conduits, promoting effective heat transfer from the fumes of battery electrolyte to the fluid stream. The fluid conduit may be composed of a highly conductive material, such as copper or aluminium, to facilitate rapid thermal exchange. The heat transfer of fumes of the battery electrolyte to the fluid stream enables condensation of fumes of the battery electrolyte. The condensed the battery electrolyte may be collected at the lower surface/end of the enclosure/housing of the apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery electrolyte may be lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) that is often used in lithium-ion batteries.
[0044] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include one or more collection members to collect one or more shredded battery parts.
[0045] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include at least one sliding hopper configured at an opposite end of the pushing bar 302 through which the inner casing of each battery among the one or more batteries slides before being collected into the one or more collection members.
[0046] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system 100 for automatic shredding of batteries. Referring to FIG. 1, the system 100 may include an apparatus 100 for enabling a shredding process. The system 100 may include at least one first sensor to detect an alignment of a conveyor 104 with one or more first reference locations of the apparatus 100. The first sensor(s) may be configured closer to plurality of blades 108 of longitudinal blade assembly or plurality of blades 106 of transverse blade assembly configured with the apparatus 100 to ensure alignment of the chain conveyor 104 with other elements of the apparatus 100 during the shredding process. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sensor may be a reflective sensor that emits a beam of light and detect the reflection of the beam of light from a target. In an exemplary embodiment, to detect the alignment of the conveyor 104 with the one or more first reference locations, a reflective marker(s) (such as a reflective tape) may be placed at predetermined position(s) on the conveyor 104. When the reflective marker(s) pass(es) in front of the first sensor(s), the first sensor(s) detect(s) the intensity of reflected light which is matched against reference intensities associated with correct alignment to determine the alignment of the conveyor 104.
[0047] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include at least one second sensor to detect if an enclosure of the apparatus 100 is closed. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sensor(s) may be configured to detect the slant member 112 and the flat member 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sensor(s) may detect the presence of slant member 112 and flat member 114 by using the electromagnetic field or electromagnetic radiation beam in which the field or return signal changes in the event of the presence of any object in the surroundings. In an exemplary embodiment, if the slant member 112 and the flat members 114 are in open position then the apparatus 100 may come to a halt to hold off the shredding process.
[0048] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include at least one third sensor to detect if a battery is configured with a fixture 102 among one or more fixtures 102, where one or more batteries are fixed with the one or more fixtures 102 configured with the conveyor 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the third sensor(s) may be configured with the transverse blade assembly and longitudinal blade assembly such that the third sensor(s) will only allow the plurality of blades 106 of transverse blade assembly and the plurality of blades 108 of the longitudinal blade assembly to operate (rotate) when a battery is detected by the third sensor(s) in the fixture 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the third sensor(s) may include an infrared sensor that may emit infrared light and detect the reflected light when a battery is present with the fixture 102.
[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more batteries may be placed on the one or more fixtures 102 manually. Each battery among the one or more battery may be (automatically) aligned with the base plate of a fixture 102 among the one or more fixtures by the centre aligning device while the section of the conveyor 104 with the fixture 102 passes in front of the centre aligning device before entering the enclosure of the apparatus 100 for the shredding process.
[0050] In an embodiment, the system 100 may performs the following steps. The system 100 may determine, if the conveyor 104 is aligned with the one or more reference locations of the apparatus 100 via the first sensor, and may move, the conveyor 104 with the one or more batteries configured with the one or more fixtures 102 into the enclosure of the apparatus 100 through an opening 120, upon a first positive determination. In an embodiment, upon a first negative determination the system 100 may be configured to stop the conveyor 104 till a user or an operator moves the conveyor 104 to an initial reference position and restarts the conveyor 104. The system 100 may determine, if the enclosure is closed via the second sensor, and may determine, upon a second positive determination, if the battery is configured with the fixture 102 among the one or more fixtures 102 via the third sensor. In an embodiment, upon a second negative determination, the system 100 may be configured to disable the shredding process. The system 100 may cut, upon a third positive determination, the battery transversely and longitudinally using at least one transverse blade assembly and at least one longitudinal blade assembly configured with the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, upon a third negative determination, the system 100 may be configured to disable the longitudinal blade assembly and the transverse blade assembly. The system 100 may continuously extract and condense, fumes of a battery electrolyte released during the shredding process, using a fume extractor assembly configured with the apparatus 100. The system 100 may push, an inner casing of each battery among the one or more batteries out of an outer casing using at least one pushing bar 302 configured with the apparatus 100 and may collect, one or more shredded battery parts into one or more collection members configured with the apparatus 100.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of the system 100, the outer material of the shredded batteries may come along with the conveyor 104 to the other side opposite to the side including the opening 120 and may get collected for recycling purpose in the collection members. In an exemplary embodiment, a sliding hopper may be configured at the opposite end of the pushing bar 302 such that the inner casing of the shredded battery slides through the sliding hopper into the collection members preventing the inner casing from remaining in the apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the collection members may be positioned closer to the sliding hopper, where the collection members may be positioned such that the pushing bar 302 may directly push the inner casing into the collection members. In an embodiment, the system 100 may generate one or more alarm signals in case of malfunctioning of the apparatus 100 which may include at least one of an alarm sound and an alarm light. In an exemplary embodiment, alarm signals may be generated in case of a breakdown of transverse blade assembly or longitudinal blade assembly, breakdown of the conveyor 104, and the likes.
[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates 400 a frontal view of an example apparatus for automatic shredding of batteries and a transverse blade assembly 106, a longitudinal blade assembly 108, and a pushing bar 302 shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0053] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include a control unit 116 as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates 500 a control unit 116 as shown in FIG. 1 of an example system for automatic shredding of batteries with components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5, the control unit 116 may include at least one processor 502 that may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that process data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor(s) 502 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory 504 of the control unit 116. The memory 504 may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, which may be fetched and executed to create or share data packets over a network service. The memory 504 may comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as random-access memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like.
[0054] In an embodiment, the control unit 116 may include an interface(s) 506. The interface(s) 506 may include a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) 506 may facilitate communication to/from the control unit 116. The interface(s) 506 may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the system 100 like to/from various sensors. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, a processing unit/engine(s) 508 and a local database 518. In an embodiment, the local database 518 may be separate from the control unit 116.
[0055] In an embodiment, the processing engine(s) 508 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine(s) 508. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine(s) 508 may be processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the processing engine(s) 508 may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine(s) 508. In such examples, the control unit 116 may include the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the control unit 116 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine(s) 508 may be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0056] In an embodiment, the processing engine 508 may include a data collection module 510, monitoring and decision making module 512, alarm generation module 514, and other modules 516. The processor(s) 502 via the data collection module 510 may receive the various sensor outputs. The processor(s) 502 via the monitoring and decision making module 512 may monitor the working of the apparatus 100 and the shredding process, and may disable the apparatus 100 from functioning by pausing the conveyor 104 and/or disabling the blade assemblies and/or stopping the shredding process. The other modules 516 may implement the other functionalities of the control unit 116.
[0057] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for automatic shredding of batteries. FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 600 for automatic shredding of batteries, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system, apparatus and associated components referred to in the method 600 are similar to the system 100, the apparatus 100 and the associated components shown in FIG. 1. The method 600 may include the following steps. At step 602, the system 100 may determine if at least one conveyor 104 is aligned with one or more reference locations of an apparatus 100 via at least one first sensor. At step 604, the system 100 may move the conveyor 104 with one or more batteries configured with one or more fixtures 102 into an enclosure of the apparatus 100 through an opening 120, upon a first positive determination, where the enclosure encloses the one or more batteries during a shredding process. At step 606, the system 100 may determine if the enclosure is closed via at least one second sensor. At step 608, the system 100 may determine, upon a second positive determination, if a battery is configured with a fixture 102 among the one or more fixtures 102, via at least one third sensor. At step 610, the system 100 may cut, upon a third positive determination, the battery transversely and longitudinally using at least one transverse blade assembly and at least one longitudinal blade assembly configured with the apparatus 100. At step 612, the system 100 may continuously extract and condense, fumes of a battery electrolyte released during the shredding process, using a fume extractor assembly configured with the apparatus 100. At step 614, the system 100 may push, an inner casing of each battery among the one or more batteries out of an outer casing using at least one pushing bar 302 configured with the apparatus 100. At step 616, the system 100 may collect, one or more shredded battery parts into one or more collection members configured with the apparatus 100.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0058] The present disclosure provides an apparatus, a system, and a method for automatic shredding of batteries.
[0059] The present disclosure provides an apparatus, a system, and a method for automatic shredding of batteries that maximize recovery of materials and reduce wastage, are efficient, have low cost factor, and give high output in terms of number of batteries shredded in a unit time
[0060] The present disclosure provides an apparatus, a system, and a method for automatic shredding of batteries that are safe to operate or perform. The apparatus includes sensor(s) to detect the alignment of the conveyor with other components of the apparatus for proper and safe functioning of the apparatus, sensor to detect if an enclosure of the apparatus is completely closed before starting and continuing a battery shredding process, and sensor to detect placement of a battery with fixtures configured with the conveyor to start the functioning of the blade assemblies.
[0061] The present disclosure provides an apparatus, a system, and a method for automatic shredding of batteries that prevent hazardous fumes from being released into the environment by extracting and condensing fumes of battery electrolyte released during the shredding process.
, Claims:1. An apparatus (100) for automatic shredding of batteries, the apparatus (100) comprising:
an enclosure for enclosing one or more batteries during a shredding process;
at least one conveyor (104) configured to move the one or more batteries through the apparatus (100) during the shredding process, wherein the one or more batteries are fixed with one or more fixtures (102) configured with the conveyor (104);
at least one centre aligning device to align a centre of a battery among the one or more batteries with a fixture (102) among the one or more fixtures (102);
at least one transverse blade assembly comprising a plurality of blades (106) to cut each battery among the one or more batteries along a transverse axis;
at least one longitudinal blade assembly comprising a plurality of blades (108) to cut each battery among the one or more batteries along a longitudinal axis;
at least one pushing bar (302) configured to oscillate forward and backward at predetermined periods to push an inner casing out of an outer casing of each battery among the one or more batteries;
a fume extractor assembly to extract fumes of battery electrolyte released during the shredding process from the enclosure comprising:
a plurality of fume extractors placed at one or more optimal distances from the transverse blade assembly and the longitudinal blade assembly; and
a plurality of fume condenser hoses placed in at least one liquid condenser to condense and collect the fumes;
one or more collection members to collect one or more shredded battery parts; and
at least one sliding hopper configured at an opposite end of the pushing bar (302) through which the inner casing of each battery among the one or more batteries slides before being collected into the one or more collection members.
2. A system (100) for automatic shredding of batteries, the system (100) comprising:
an apparatus (100) operatively coupled with the system (100) for enabling a shredding process;
at least one first sensor to detect an alignment of at least one conveyor (104) with one or more first reference locations of the apparatus (100);
at least one second sensor to detect if an enclosure of the apparatus (100) is closed;
at least one third sensor to detect if a battery is configured with a fixture (102) among one or more fixtures (102), wherein one or more batteries are fixed with the one or more fixtures (102) configured with the conveyor (104);
at least one processor (502); and
a memory (504) operatively coupled to the processor (502), wherein said memory (504) stores executable instructions which when executed by the processor (502), cause the processor (502) to:
determine, if the conveyor (104) is aligned with the one or more reference locations of the apparatus (100) via the first sensor;
move, the conveyor (104) with the one or more batteries configured with the one or more fixtures (102) into the enclosure of the apparatus (100) through an opening (120), upon a first positive determination;
determine, if the enclosure is closed via the second sensor;
determine, upon a second positive determination, if the battery is configured with the fixture (102) among the one or more fixtures (102) via the third sensor;
cut, upon a third positive determination, the battery transversely and longitudinally using at least one transverse blade assembly and at least one longitudinal blade assembly configured with the apparatus (100);
continuously extract and condense, fumes of a battery electrolyte released during the shredding process, using a fume extractor assembly configured with the apparatus (100);
push, an inner casing of each battery among the one or more batteries out of an outer casing using at least one pushing bar (302) configured with the apparatus (100); and
collect, one or more shredded battery parts into one or more collection apparatuses configured with the apparatus (100).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein upon a first negative determination the processor (502) is configured to stop the conveyor (104) till a user moves the conveyor to an initial reference position and restarts the conveyor (104).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein upon a second negative determination, the processor (502) is configured to disable the shredding process.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein upon a third negative determination, the processor (502) is configured to disable the longitudinal blade assembly and the transverse blade assembly.

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centre aligning device comprises a pushing rod of a predetermined length to push a battery among the one or more batteries to align the centre of the battery with a fixture (102) among the one or more fixtures (102), wherein the pushing rod of the centre aligning device operates at one or more predetermined periods to synchronize with one or more incoming fixtures (102).

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises at least one transparent section to facilitate visual observation of the shredding process by a user.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (502) generates one or more alarm signals in case of malfunctioning of the apparatus (100) which comprise at least one of: an alarm sound and an alarm light.

9. A method (600) for automatic shredding of batteries, the method comprising:
determining (602), by at least one processor (502) associated with a system (100), if at least one conveyor (104) is aligned with one or more reference locations of an apparatus (100) via at least one first sensor;
moving (604), by the processor (502), the conveyor (104) with one or more batteries configured with one or more fixtures (102) into an enclosure of an apparatus (100) through an opening (120), upon a first positive determination, and wherein the enclosure encloses the one or more batteries during a shredding process;
determining (606), by the processor (502), if the enclosure is closed via at least one second sensor;
determining (608), by the processor (502), upon a second positive determination, if a battery is configured with a fixture (102) among the one or more fixtures (102), via at least one third sensor;
cutting (610), by the processor (502), upon a third positive determination, the battery transversely and longitudinally using at least one transverse blade assembly and at least one longitudinal blade assembly configured with the apparatus (100);
continuously extracting and condensing (612), by the processor (502), fumes of a battery electrolyte released during the shredding process, using a fume extractor assembly configured with the apparatus (100);

pushing (614), by the processor (614), an inner casing of each battery among the one or more batteries out of an outer casing using at least one pushing bar (302) configured with the apparatus (100); and
collecting (616), by the processor (616), one or more shredded battery parts into one or more collection members configured with the apparatus (100).