POWERTRAIN
manufactured by our in- house team, draw upon a comprehensive range of standard elements with field proven reliability, to produce gripping systems tailored to individual applications.”
INNOVATIONS IN EOAT Generally, energy storage systems for EVs feature a modular design consisting of single battery cells that are joined into modules which are then grouped to form battery packs. The commonly used Li-ion battery
has three different cell types: small solid cylindrical cells, larger soft pouch or polymer cells, and larger solid prismatic structure types. At each stage of the manufacturing process, these cells need to be handled, grouped, and transferred both efficiently and securely. Individual cylindrical cells are
handled in multiples and arranged into modules, which in turn are assembled to produce completed battery packs. To improve this process, Zimmer Group has developed a comprehensive range of EOAT Gripper technologies capable of handling different battery cell types throughout the various assembly stages. The company’s gripper technologies are also able to handle the frames, baseplates, and intermediate
The multi-part gripper system is used to
transfer 10 cylindrical battery cells at a time
layer and cooling plates used in the construction of final battery packs. “Although we have a wide range of
pneumatically operated grippers, many of our solutions for the electromobility sector use servo operated gripper modules,” says Mason. “These provide the capability to automatically adjust not only the gripper stroke position, but also gripper force, making it possible to handle battery cells of different diameters if required, without the need for any mechanical changeover.” The firm’s EOAT technologies have
played a key role in a total of 40 high- profile electromobility projects, Mason adds, totalling 400 grippers and 2,000 devices that cover all aspects of the EV powertrain. He states that the high levels
of flexibility offered by Zimmer Group’s gripper technologies have enabled many premium automotive
The Intermediate Layer Gripper is used in the construction of final battery packs
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manufacturers to significantly improve their production methods for battery cells, packs and modules. “Other important characteristics
include the fact that the gripper parameters are stored locally in the gripper module and stroke accuracy is 0.02mm,” he continues. “Supporting our gripper technologies is a separate range of axis compensation modules, which can accommodate three-dimensional offsets to cater for components which may vary in their presentation position.” In addition to providing handling
systems and fixtures for the production of battery cells, packs and modules, Zimmer Group also supplies specific system technologies for rotors, stators, contact rings, gears and other added-value parts along the EV supply chain.
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