Faster transport of cylindrical battery cells
When an automotive manufacturer needed a conveying solution to support its batter manufacturing line, it turned to mk Profile Systems, as MEPCA discovered.
Cylindrical battery cells with a 46 mm diameter (80 to 120 mm in height) and a weight of 0.3kg per unit needed to be delivered to the incoming goods department of an automotive manufacturer for the production of battery packs. In the incoming goods department, the cells were required to be sent to the assembly process in batches by robots and lined up on a belt conveyor.
There was a requirement for the DMC code of the cells to be scanned on this belt conveyor. In addition, the cell required cleaning, visual inspection and electrical testing to separate defective parts. The cells then had to overcome a height difference of approx. 2500 mm in a position-oriented, upright position to advance to the next process step.
The goods to be transported needed to flow smoothly, i.e., be transported without a pallet, with maximum throughput and high process reliability.
The customer approached mk, which provided a solution using its Versaflex A06 flat top chain conveyor system, which was ideal for safely transporting the upright battery cells. In the horizontal sections, side rails with a clearance of 48mm hold the cells upright and in the correct position for the subsequent process steps.
A clamping conveyor, also known as a double-grip conveyor, has proven to be the best solution for transport on inclines. Two Versaflex A06 conveying tracks directly opposite each other with flexible cleats clamp the cells laterally and transport them vertically to another level. The conveyor climbs quickly and smoothly to a height of 3400mm.
The conveyor speed is 480mm/s, corresponding to a cycle time of 0.1 seconds per unit or a throughput of 600 cells per minute. Including the horizontal sections before and after the incline, the conveying path has a total length of approximately 20m. Using a clamping system, a large difference in height can be bridged over a relatively short distance with a steep incline.
The mk conveyor ensured the high-speed, safe and smooth transport of the cells whilst easily adapting to the spatial constraints the customer was facing. Using the mk profile within the design offers rapid assembly and disassembly. This solution from mk provides interlinking with the entire system via interfaces that offer process reliability.
