Table of Contents
- BONSYSTEMS · CYCLOIDAL TECHNOLOGY
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- References
- Bonsystems
- 🔗 Consult a solution → www.bonsystems.com
The EV and battery manufacturing process includes moving parts of different sizes and weights, placing them in designated positions, and then assembling or inspecting them. To perform these tasks repeatedly, various types of automation equipment, including industrial robots and collaborative robots, are used.
Manufacturing equipment has different workpiece requirements and operating conditions for each process. When configuring an assembly robot, therefore, it is important to consider not only operating speed but also whether the drive system is suitable for the required payload, work range, installation space, and repetitive operating conditions.
This article examines the role assembly robots play in EV and battery manufacturing processes and the conditions to consider when selecting an actuator.
The Automation Configuration of EV and Battery Manufacturing Equipment
Key Summary The EV and battery manufacturing process includes part transfer, position alignment, assembly, fastening, and inspection. These tasks are performed differently depending on the production equipment’s structure and the size and weight of the parts handled.
The EV and battery manufacturing process includes tasks such as part transfer, position alignment, assembly, fastening, and inspection. These tasks are performed differently depending on the structure of the production equipment and the size and weight of the parts handled.
Industrial robots can be used in processes that repeat the same motion at fixed positions, and collaborative robots can be used in processes that require part supply or assembly support in areas close to workers. Transfer equipment such as conveyors and mobile robots is used to move parts between processes.
Manufacturing automation equipment is configured by combining robots and peripheral equipment selected according to the requirements of each process, rather than relying on a single piece of equipment. Here, the handling load, work range, installation space, clearance from surrounding equipment, and repetitive operating conditions must be considered together.
Why Assembly Robots Are Needed in Battery Manufacturing Processes
Key Summary In battery manufacturing equipment, various parts such as cells, modules, and cases must be moved and placed according to process requirements. The assembly robot moves parts to designated positions and aligns or transfers them to the next process.
In battery manufacturing equipment, various parts such as cells, modules, and cases must be moved and placed according to process requirements. Depending on the process, thin, small parts may need to be aligned at set intervals, or assemblies consisting of multiple parts may need to be lifted and moved to the next work position.
The assembly robot moves parts to designated positions, orients them as required for the task, and transfers them to the next process. When integrated with fastening equipment or inspection equipment, a series of tasks from part supply to post-assembly movement can be performed continuously.
When the shape and weight of the workpiece change, the load transmitted to the robot joint also changes. The joints and drive units of a robot used in battery manufacturing equipment must therefore be designed to accommodate the actual handling conditions and required range of motion.
Conditions to Check in the Assembly Robot Drive Unit
Key Summary An assembly robot repeats the motion of lifting a part, moving it, and setting it down in a designated position. In this process, the weight of the robot arm itself and the load of the handled part are both transmitted to the joint’s reducer and actuator.
An assembly robot repeats the motion of lifting a part, moving it, and setting it down in a designated position. In this process, the weight of the robot arm itself and the load of the handled part are both transmitted to the joint’s reducer and actuator.
When selecting a drive unit, it is important to consider not only the weight of the parts the robot handles but also the length of the joint and the range of movement. Even for parts of the same weight, the load on the drive unit can differ if they are handled at a position far from the joint.
The internal space of the joint is also an important consideration. Because the reducer, motor, sensors, and wiring must be arranged together, a larger or thicker drive unit can make it more difficult to integrate surrounding components. The drive-unit size must therefore be determined by considering the robot’s profile and work range as well.
In equipment that performs frequent repetitive operations, the load-transmission structure and assembly conditions should also be considered. The reducer and actuator must be selected according to the operating conditions so that the drive unit can reliably repeat the required motion.
The Application Direction of the Bonsystems BCSA Actuator
Key Summary As discussed above, the design of an assembly robot’s drive unit must account for not only the force needed for work but also the installation space, wiring structure, and repetitive operating conditions. The Bonsystems BCSA is an actuator that features a slim design and cycloidal reduction technology to meet these design requirements.
As discussed above, the design of an assembly robot’s drive unit must account for not only the force needed for work but also the installation space, wiring structure, and repetitive operating conditions. The Bonsystems BCSA is an actuator that features a slim design and cycloidal reduction technology to meet these design requirements.
The BCSA is designed with a thin, compact profile, so the drive unit can be integrated even within a confined joint space. Reducing the space the actuator occupies provides additional room for surrounding components such as sensors, wiring, and the frame, and can also help minimize the overall joint size.
Another key feature of the BCSA is its ability to deliver the torque required for the task within a slim form factor. An assembly robot is subjected to different loads at each joint as it lifts parts and changes posture. The BCSA is designed to deliver the torque required to drive the joint even within a confined installation space.
The cycloidal reduction mechanism used in the BCSA distributes and transmits the load through surface contact. Because load is continuously transmitted to the joint in manufacturing equipment that repeats assembly and transfer operations, the drive unit’s ability to distribute loads while transmitting torque should also be considered.
A hollow structure can also help optimize the use of space inside the joint. Routing power and communication cables through the actuator can reduce externally exposed wiring and help reduce the risk of cable interference with surrounding structures during operation.
When selecting the BCSA, it is important to consider the position of the joint where it is applied, the handling load, the required torque, and the installation space. Considering the joint’s range of motion, wiring path, and repetitive operating time as well makes it possible to evaluate a drive-unit configuration suited to the assembly robot and automation equipment more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What tasks do assembly robots perform in EV and battery manufacturing equipment?
A. An assembly robot moves parts to designated work positions, orients them as required, and transfers them to the next process. It is also used to perform repetitive tasks in coordination with fastening equipment or inspection equipment.
Q2. What should be checked when selecting the drive unit of a robot to be adopted in a battery manufacturing process?
A. You must check the size and weight of the parts the robot handles, the joint’s range of movement, and the repetitive operating conditions. The space where the drive unit is installed and the arrangement of sensors and wiring should also be considered.
Q3. What advantage does a hollow structure have in an assembly robot?
A. Using a hollow structure allows power and communication lines to be routed through the actuator. Externally exposed wiring can be reduced, which helps simplify the structure around the joint and reduce the risk of wiring interference during operation.
Q4. How does the actuator’s thickness affect assembly robot design?
A. When the actuator is thick, the joint profile becomes larger, and the space available for sensors, wiring, and the frame can decrease. A slim actuator makes it easier to integrate the drive unit and surrounding components within a confined space.
Q5. What information should be prepared for a BCSA application consultation?
A. It is helpful to provide the position of the joint where the actuator will be applied, the handling load, the installation space, and the required torque. Providing information on the joint’s range of motion, wiring path, and repetitive operating time also helps determine a suitable product configuration more accurately.
References
• [1] Bonsystems Official Website — https://www.bonsystems.com
• [2] International Federation of Robotics (IFR) — https://ifr.org
• [3] Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA) — https://www.kiria.org
• [4] Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy – Robot Industry Policy — https://www.motie.go.kr
