Safe and resilient lifting devices by Erwin Halder KG
Indispensable helpers for workshops, recycling and transport
EV mobility enjoys steady growth in Germany and around the world. The increase in the number of electric vehicles comes with a growing need to deal with the issue of servicing, repairing and recycling the batteries used in these vehicles. The transport of heavy batteries or their individual modules often requires the use of elaborate lifting fixtures. The lifting pins made by Erwin Halder KG help ease the burden of handling these parts significantly - for workshops as well as recycling and transport companies. This is thanks to the simple way in which these lifting pins work: Simply insert them into existing bore holes, lift, and pull them off again!
In the summer of 2023, no fewer than 1.17 million electric vehicles roamed the streets of Germany - and their numbers increase steadily. This increase goes along with a rise in the number of batteries used. A battery pack installed in a vehicle is made up of individual modules whose number determines the capacity of the battery. The VW ID.3, for instance, can have up to twelve modules. While considered to be maintenance-free and next to indestructible, the batteries used in electric cars may experience issues over time. Many manufacturers have therefore devised means to repair these power storage systems in a timely manner. Instead of replacing the entire and very expensive battery pack, these devices merely identify and replace cell modules that show damage.
Moreover, the batteries used in electric vehicles, of course, do not constitute throw-away items. They contain such valuable resources as lithium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, and graphite. In addition, the batteries can be reused for several years and live a so-called "second life" as a stationary power source before they need to be entered into the time-consuming recycling process with manual disassembly.
Heavy loads, easy solution
Assembly, repair, replacement, disassembly or recycling – all of these processes require moving and transporting the batteries or their individual modules. However, their extreme weight makes handling the batteries anything but a piece of cake. Depending on the type and range of the vehicle, the weight to be moved may reach up to 750 kilogrammes. “In many cases, the tools used comprise sophisticated gripping or lifting devices which, for example, involve the cumbersome and time-consuming need to attach ring eyelets and additional nuts. Other solutions comprise the design of costly fixtures that will fit only one specific version. Our lifting pins offer an answer to the problem that is considerably simpler, faster and cost-effective”, asserts Thorsten Krebs from Business Area Development at Erwin Halder KG.
Whether picked for handling modules or the entire battery pack including aluminium frame – the lifting pins can be used in various phases throughout the battery’s life cycle. Their connection is effortless as they can utilize the same clearance holes that are used for the attachment of the battery / their modules in the housings. The major plus of pins: They can be attached without the need for additional tools - unlike screw connections: Attaching the sturdy lifting pins merely requires insertion into the prefabricated bore holes.
Mechanical locking thanks to form-fitting connection - safe, efficient, and resilient
But, is the connection just as secure as a bolted connection? Jürgen Rothmund from Technical Sales at Erwin Halder KG on that subject: “Our lifting pins are perfect for connections that need to be undone frequently. All the user has to do to release the self-locking balls is press the red push-button below the shackle found at the end of the pin. The pin can then easily be inserted into the existing bore hole. When released, the push-button returns to its original position by spring force, locking the balls into place automatically. This creates a secure connection with a positive fit in a quick and simple way and makes it possible to break the connection again with the press of a button. Their high-strength pin makes these lifting elements extremely resilient – delivering a maximum lifting capacity of up to 1,000 kg, depending on the model and with up to five times the safety. The high load capacity of the lifting devices has been tested and confirmed by the TÜV Technical Inspection Association. The rotating lifting pin stands out with another feature: When not under load, it can be rotated 360°, allowing you to align the shackle perfectly with the direction of force.“
Their exceptional ease of use also makes them exceedingly easy to handle in tight spaces. It is thus possible, for instance, to remove them without effort after loading items into a box. Better yet, these smartly designed fitting elements are also suited for partially automated use. What is more, Halder also offers special versions with pneumatic actuation. Customized pin diameters and clamping lengths allow for a wide range of possible applications.
Wear-resistant materials ensure a long working life and great durability. The lifting pins are manufactured, for example, from heat-treated steel with manganese phosphate coating or from stainless steel. This furnishes the pins with protection against corrosion and temperature-resistant up to 250°C.
Conclusion
Thorsten Krebs: “The rising number of electric vehicles on our roads necessitate innovative solutions for handling and moving battery modules. Our lifting pins offer a cost-effective, safe and efficient option for moving and transporting batteries throughout their life cycle. We are convinced: Workshops as well as recycling and transport businesses will benefit greatly from using our lifting pins as they allow them to optimize their processes and make them more effective.”
Halder's lifting pins are very easy to use: press the button to unlock, insert into the existing borehole, release the button - the balls lock automatically - and lift.
Whether assembly, repair, replacement, disassembly or recycling - Halder's lifting pins are ideal for moving and transporting the individual battery modules.
The TÜV-certified lifting pins from Halder are extremely resilient: they can even be used to lift complete battery units including frames.
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