À propos de l'application
Electrolyte filling is a crucial stage in the EV battery manufacturing process. During this phase, battery cells are filled with electrolyte under vacuum using a high-precision dosing needle. Since the electrolyte can react with moisture to form corrosive by-products, it is essential to maintain very dry ambient air during the filling process. The machine itself is large and includes several movable guards that provide access to different sections.
Le défi
There is a risk of electrolyte leakage, and operators might need to inspect and maintain the machine. It is important to prevent anyone from getting trapped, either by preventing the movable guard(s) from closing or by having an escape release. However, in this case drilling a hole through the guard could potentially lead to leakage of flammable gases. The use of materials containing non-ferrous metals such as copper and zinc could also lead to potential battery contamination.
La solution
Fortress a mis au point un système de clés piégées pour permettre l'accès à 13 sections de la machine de remplissage d'électrolyte. L'application d'une séquence prédéterminée d'événements ne permet l'accès au personnel qu'une fois que la machine s'est arrêtée de manière contrôlée. Des verrous en acier inoxydable ont été montés sur chaque point d'accès. Des clés personnelles offrent un niveau de protection supplémentaire contre les démarrages inopinés.
Procédure étape par étape
Pourquoi des clés piégées et de l'acier inoxydable ?
Trapped key systems are very versatile and allow the enforcement of a predetermined sequence of events. In this case personnel can only get access once the machine has stopped. Until all the keys are returned, power cannot be restored, and the machine cannot restart.
The stainless steel interlocks used:
- are compatible with the harsh environment of battery manufacturing applications
- reduce the risk of contamination by non-ferrous metals
- are mechanical and do not require wiring, simplifying installation
In addition, personnel keys provide an additional level of protection preventing movable guards from locking when personnel are performing tasks. Since in this case drilling is not feasible and an escape release is not a viable option, the solution provided meets the customer’s needs.
Solutions alternatives
Cette solution a permis de résoudre un problème pour un client spécifique. Fortress peut s'adapter à d'autres configurations et/ou à des options multigammes. Faites-nous part des détails de votre application afin que nous puissions concevoir une solution sur mesure pour répondre à vos besoins.
