Under the background of the rapid development of new energy vehicles and energy storage systems, battery modules, as their core components, the refinement and automation level of their production processes directly affect the performance and safety of products. This article will deeply explore the process flow of automatic stacking and extrusion of battery modules, showing how this key link helps the battery manufacturing industry move towards a more efficient and intelligent future.
I. Introduction
As a bridge connecting battery cells and battery systems, the structure and stability of battery modules are directly related to the performance and lifespan of the entire battery system. The automatic stacking and extrusion process, as an important part in the production of battery modules, ensures that the battery cells inside the module are neatly arranged and firmly fixed through high-precision, automated equipment and strict control processes, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent assembly of battery systems.
II. Overview of process flow
The automatic stacking and extrusion process of battery modules mainly includes steps such as cell feeding, automatic stacking, automatic extrusion, fixation, and subsequent detection. The entire process realizes seamless connection from raw materials to semi-finished products, greatly improving production efficiency and product quality.
III. Analysis of specific steps
Cell feeding:
At this stage, battery cells are accurately transported to the production line through an advanced automatic feeding system. The vision system carried by the robot accurately locates the battery cells to ensure that each battery cell can be accurately placed in the designated position. This process not only improves the feeding speed but also reduces human errors, laying a good foundation for the subsequent stacking work.
Automatic stacking:
As the battery cells are in place one by one, the automatic stacking system starts to work. According to the preset procedures and parameters, the stacking mechanism stacks the battery cells in a predetermined order and arrangement. During this process, the system will monitor the position and status of the battery cells in real time to ensure the accuracy and stability of stacking. At the same time, in order to improve the safety of the module, flexible energy-absorbing materials sometimes need to be added between the battery cells.
Automatic extrusion:
After stacking is completed, the module enters the automatic extrusion workstation. The extrusion tooling is driven by an electric cylinder, and the pressure sensor is used to monitor the magnitude of the pressing force in real time. When the pressing force reaches the preset value, the control system will automatically stop extruding and maintain the current state. This process not only ensures the close contact and uniform stress of the battery cells inside the module but also avoids possible damage caused by excessive extrusion.
Fixation:
After extrusion is completed, the module needs to be fixed to prevent displacement or deformation during subsequent transportation and assembly. This step usually uses steel belts or plastic-steel belts for bundling and fixation. In some advanced production lines, this step has also realized automated operation, greatly improving production efficiency and consistency.
Subsequent detection:
After fixation is completed, the module will enter a series of subsequent detection processes. These detections include polarity detection, pole post addressing, pole post cleaning, laser automatic welding, and total internal pressure and internal resistance testing. Through these detection methods, the performance and quality of the module can be comprehensively evaluated to determine whether they meet the standard requirements.
IV. Process characteristics and advantages
High degree of automation: The entire stacking and extrusion process realizes highly automated operation, reducing the possibility of human intervention and human errors, and improving production efficiency and product quality.
Precise control: Through the precise control of PLC control system and equipment such as pressure sensors, the stability and safety of the module during stacking and extrusion can be ensured.
Strong compatibility: This process flow can be compatible with battery cells of different specifications and capacities, meeting the diverse and personalized needs of the market.
Improving safety: Through strict detection and fixation processes, the safety performance and service life of battery modules can be effectively improved.
V. Conclusion
As one of the key links in the battery manufacturing process, the automation and intelligence level of the automatic stacking and extrusion process flow of battery modules is directly related to the overall performance and safety of battery systems. With the continuous progress of technology and the continuous optimization of processes, we have reasons to believe that this process will be more perfect and efficient, providing strong support for the rapid development of new energy vehicles and energy storage systems.
