Laser grooving device

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a laser grooving apparatus, comprising: a first laser device including a first light source emitting a first laser beam (V1) and a first optical device for determining the travel path of the first laser beam, i.e., a first path; and a second laser device including a second light source emitting a second laser beam (V2) and a second optical device for determining the travel path of the second laser beam, i.e., a second path, wherein the first laser beam (V1') traveling along the first path forms a first spot region, and the second laser beam (V2') traveling along the second path forms a second spot region, wherein the first spot region and the second spot region overlap in at least a portion of the region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a laser grooving apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, demand for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wireless headphones has been increasing. Furthermore, with the full-scale development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites, research on high-performance rechargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries as energy sources is actively underway.

[0003] Currently, commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries exhibit almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, thus possessing advantages such as free charging and discharging, extremely low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] On the other hand, a battery cell, typically used as a unit in a secondary battery, has a structure that mounts electrode assemblies within an outer casing material and may include a liquid electrolyte or a solid electrolyte. Here, the electrode assembly may include electrodes and a separator (or, in the case of a solid electrolyte, an electrolyte layer).

[0005] The electrode assembly included in the battery cell can be manufactured to dimensions designed according to the size, shape, application field, and required capacity of the battery cell's outer casing material. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the battery cell may include the process of cutting the electrode assembly to a predetermined size.

[0006] For example, the process of cutting the electrode assembly to a predetermined size can be performed using a shearing die method that utilizes a die and a punch. As another example, it can also be performed using a laser cutting method that utilizes a laser.

[0007] (Related Documents) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2001-0007879 (Invention Title: Method for Manufacturing Electrodes for Lithium Secondary Batteries) Summary of the Invention

[0008] (a) Technical problems to be solved According to one aspect of this disclosure, a laser grooving apparatus can be provided that can improve the problem of insufficient supply energy due to a single beam of light or the deterioration of notching quality due to single-pass cutting. Additionally, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a laser grooving apparatus can be provided that can improve the problem of deterioration of notching quality due to insufficient energy. Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a laser grooving apparatus can be provided that ensures superior notching quality by separately controlling multiple light sources and the paths of light emitted from said light sources.

[0009] The laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure can be widely used in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered solar and wind power generation. Additionally, the laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure can be applied to battery manufacturing processes for eco-friendly electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles that mitigate climate change by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution A laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure may include: a first laser device, including a first light source emitting a first laser beam V1 and a first optical device for determining the travel path of the first laser beam, i.e., a first path; and a second laser device, including a second light source emitting a second laser beam V2 and a second optical device for determining the travel path of the second laser beam, i.e., a second path, wherein the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path can form a first spot region, and the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can form a second spot region, wherein the first spot region and the second spot region can form an overlapping region in at least a portion of the region.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the laser grooving apparatus may not include a mirror device for changing the travel path of one or more laser beams selected from the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2.

[0012] The laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure may further include: a lens for forming the first spot region and the second spot region.

[0013] The laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure may further include: an optical coupler disposed before the lenses in the first path and the second path.

[0014] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure, the first laser beam and the second laser beam via the optical coupler can be corrected to the same wavelength and coupled.

[0015] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a third optical device and a fourth optical device may be further included before and after the optical coupler in the first path and the second path, respectively.

[0016] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a third optical device arranged before the optical coupler in the first path and the second path may include a positive meniscus lens.

[0017] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fourth optical device arranged after the optical coupler in the first and second paths may include a negative meniscus lens.

[0018] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the lens may include a first lens forming a first spot region and a second lens forming a second spot region.

[0019] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the wavelengths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 can be independent.

[0020] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path can pass through the first lens, and the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can pass through the second lens.

[0021] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path and the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can pass through the lens.

[0022] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the wavelengths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 may be the same.

[0023] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first spot region and the second spot region can form an overlapping region across the entire area.

[0024] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the laser grooving apparatus can form the overlapping region in at least a portion of the electrode area.

[0025] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electrode includes a current collector and an active material layer, and the active material layer can be ablated in the overlapping region, and the current collector is cut at the etched location.

[0026] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a first laser beam V1' forming the first spot region can etch the active material layer, a second laser beam V2' forming the second spot region can cut the current collector, and the first spot region can be formed before the second spot region.

[0027] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electrode includes a current collector and an active material layer, the active material layer being located on one or both sides of the current collector and exposing a portion of the current collector, and the overlapping region being formed on the exposed current collector, in which the exposed current collector is cut.

[0028] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electrode includes a current collector and an active material layer, and at least a portion of the active material layer may be cut in the overlapping region, and at the location where the active material layer is cut, at least a portion of the current collector may be cut.

[0029] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electrode includes a current collector and an active material layer, a first laser beam V1' forming the first spot region can cut at least a portion of each of the current collector and the active material layer, and a second laser beam V2' forming the second spot region can remove burrs formed by the cutting of the first laser beam V1'.

[0030] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the wavelengths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 can be independently from 355 nm to 1070 nm.

[0031] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure, the power of the first laser beam V1 and the power of the second laser beam V2 can each be independently from 50W to 5000W.

[0032] In a laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the pulse width of the first laser beam V1 and the pulse width of the second laser beam V2 can each be independently from 1 fs to 1000 ns.

[0033] A laser grooving apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure may include: a first laser device, comprising a first light source emitting a first laser beam V1 and a first optical device for determining the travel path of the first laser beam, i.e., a first path; and a second laser device, comprising a second light source emitting a second laser beam V2 and a second optical device for determining the travel path of the second laser beam, i.e., a second path, wherein the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path can form a first spot area, and the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can form a second spot area, wherein the first laser device and the second laser device can operate independently.

[0034] (III) Beneficial Effects According to one aspect of this disclosure, the problems of insufficient supply energy due to a single beam of light or reduced notching quality due to single-pass cutting can be improved. Additionally, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the problem of reduced notching quality due to insufficient energy can be improved. Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, by separately controlling multiple light sources and the paths of light emitted from said light sources, superior notching quality can be ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings shown in this disclosure are examples based on this disclosure. The aspect ratios of the width, height, or dimensions of each configuration are used to illustrate this disclosure in detail, and their proportions may differ from actual dimensions. Furthermore, in the coordinate system shown in the drawings, the axes may be perpendicular to each other, the direction indicated by the arrows may be a positive direction, and the direction completely opposite to the direction indicated by the arrows (rotated 180 degrees) may be a negative direction.

[0036] Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram showing at least a portion of a laser grooving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figures 5 to 9 This is a diagram schematically illustrating at least a portion of the operation process of a laser grooving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely exemplary embodiments, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific implementations described herein.

[0040] The physical properties described in this manual, when the measurement temperature affects the physical properties, are physical properties measured at room temperature and normal pressure unless otherwise specified.

[0041] As used in this specification, the term "normal temperature" means the natural temperature without heating or cooling, for example, any temperature in the range of 10°C to 30°C, and may mean, for example, a temperature above approximately 15°C, above approximately 18°C, above approximately 20°C, above approximately 23°C, below approximately 27°C, or 25°C. Unless otherwise specified, the unit of temperature in this specification is degrees Celsius (°C).

[0042] In the physical properties described in this specification, unless otherwise specified, the physical properties are those measured at normal pressure when the measuring pressure affects the physical properties.

[0043] The term "atmospheric pressure" as used in this manual refers to natural pressure without pressurization or depressurization, and is generally defined as air pressure in the range of about 700 mmHg to 800 mmHg.

[0044] In this specification, "battery" can be used to mean the same thing as "battery cell". Additionally, the term "battery" or "battery cell" can refer to a collective term for a battery cell, a battery module including said battery cell, or a battery pack.

[0045] Figures 1 to 3 This is a schematic diagram showing at least a portion of a laser grooving apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a laser grooving apparatus 10 can be provided that can improve the problem of insufficient supply energy due to a single beam of light or the deterioration of notching quality due to single-pass cutting. Additionally, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a laser grooving apparatus 10 can be provided that can improve the problem of deterioration of notching quality due to insufficient energy. Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a laser grooving apparatus 10 can be provided that ensures superior notching quality by separately controlling multiple light sources and the paths of light emitted from said light sources.

[0047] While not particularly limited, the laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure can primarily be used in the electrode process of battery cell manufacturing. Specifically, the electrode process may include mixing, coating, pressing, and notching processes; for example, the laser grooving apparatus 10 can primarily be used in the notching process. However, the laser grooving apparatus 10 can be used as needed in the battery cell manufacturing process, and is not limited to use in that process.

[0048] Furthermore, the laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure is not limited to use in the manufacturing process of battery cells, but can also be used in fields where similar technologies can be applied.

[0049] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a laser grooving apparatus 10 may include a plurality of laser devices. Each laser device in the laser grooving apparatus 10 may include a light source that emits a laser beam V. The light source may include an oscillator. The light source can emit the laser beam V via the oscillator. Furthermore, the oscillator can cause the laser beam V emitted from the light source to be incident on an optical device described later. Additionally, the oscillator can control the power and emission timing of the laser beam V.

[0050] Additionally, the laser device may include an optical device for determining the travel path of the laser beam V. The method by which the optical device determines the travel path of the laser beam V emitted from the light source will be described later.

[0051] In one aspect of the laser grooving apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure, the plurality of laser devices may each independently include a light source. Furthermore, in the laser grooving apparatus 10, each light source may each include an independent oscillator. Additionally, in the laser grooving apparatus 10, the plurality of laser devices may each independently include an optical device. On the other hand, in one aspect of the laser grooving apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure, the plurality of laser devices may operate independently.

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to one aspect of this disclosure, the laser grooving apparatus 10 may include a first laser device 100 and a second laser device 200. In addition to the two laser devices 100 and 200, the laser grooving apparatus 10 may further include additional laser devices. That is, the number of laser grooving devices 10 is not particularly limited, as long as there are multiple such devices. Furthermore, in the laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure, the first laser device 100 and the second laser device 200 can operate independently.

[0053] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In a laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first laser device 100 may include a first light source 110 for emitting a first laser beam V1 and a first optical device 120 for determining the travel path of the first laser beam V1, i.e., a first path.

[0054] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In a laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second laser device 200 may include a second light source 210 for emitting a second laser beam V2 and a second optical device 220 for determining the travel path of the second laser beam V2, i.e., the second path.

[0055] In the above description, the first light source 110 and the first optical device 120 included in the first laser device 100 can be distinguished from the second light source 210 and the second optical device 220 included in the second laser device 200. That is, the first laser device 100 can be a different device from the second laser device 200. Therefore, even if the laser grooving device 10 further includes a laser device, the light source and optical device of the laser device can be set independently.

[0056] In a laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure, as described above, the optical elements of the laser apparatus can determine the travel path of a laser beam V emitted from a light source. Furthermore, the laser beam V' traveling along the travel path can form a spot region 400. The spot region 400 can represent the area reached by the energy of the laser beam V'. Although described later, the spot region 400 formed by the laser beam V' can be formed by a lens 300. That is, the laser grooving apparatus 10 may include a lens 300 for forming the spot region 400 by the laser beam V'.

[0057] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In a laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure, the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path can form a first spot region 400a. Additionally, in the laser grooving apparatus 10, the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can form a second spot region 400b.

[0058] In the laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure, as described above, laser beams V' emitted and traveling from a plurality of laser devices can each form a spot region 400. Among the spot regions 400 formed by the plurality of laser devices, those formed by at least two laser devices can form an overlapping region 410 in at least a portion of their area. Furthermore, the area of ​​each spot region 400 formed by each laser device can be independent. Additionally, the area of ​​each spot region 400 can be determined by factors such as the focal length of the lens 300 and the laser beam V'. Moreover, the laser beam V can be utilized through each spot region 400 and the overlapping region 410. For example, the spot regions 400 and the overlapping region 410 can be used for one or more of the following methods: marking, etching, cutting, drilling, and welding.

[0059] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The first spot region 400a formed by the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path and the second spot region 400b formed by the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can overlap in at least a portion of their areas 410. Furthermore, the areas of the first spot region 400a and the second spot region 400b can be independent. Additionally, the areas of the first spot region 400a and the second spot region 400b can be determined by the lens 300 and the focal lengths of the laser beams V1' and V2', etc.

[0060] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the laser grooving apparatus 10 may include a lens 300 that forms a spot region 400 through the laser beam V'. The number of lenses 300 may be determined by considering factors such as the area of ​​the desired overlapping region 410 and minimizing chromatic aberration. The laser grooving apparatus 10 may include one or more lenses 300. Furthermore, the lenses 300 are not particularly limited, as long as they are used in the field of laser control; for example, the lenses 300 may include one or more selected from flat-field focusing (F-theta) lenses, telecentric lenses, and scanning lenses.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 The laser grooving device 10 may include a first lens 300a that forms a first spot region 400a through the first laser beam V1', and may include a second lens 300b that forms a second spot region 400b through the second laser beam V2'. That is, there may be multiple lenses 300a.

[0062] Additionally, refer to Figure 1The lens 300 may include a first lens 300a forming a first light spot region 400a and a second lens 300b forming a second light spot region 400b. Specifically, the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path can pass through the first lens 300a, and the first laser beam V1' passing through the first lens 300a can form the first light spot region 400a. The second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can pass through the second lens 300b, and the second laser beam V2' passing through the second lens 300b can form the second light spot region 400b.

[0063] Additionally, refer to Figure 1 When the first laser beam V1' passes through the first lens 300a to form the first spot region 400a, and the second laser beam V2' passes through the second lens 300b to form the second spot region 400b, the wavelengths of the first laser beam V1 emitted from the first light source 110 of the first laser device 100 and the second laser beam V2 emitted from the second light source 210 of the second laser device 200 can be independent. That is, the wavelengths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 can be the same or different. In this way, the laser grooving device 10 can improve the problem of reduced notching quality due to insufficient energy, and by controlling multiple light sources and the paths of light emitted from the light sources separately, superior notching quality can be ensured.

[0064] Additionally, refer to Figure 1 The first light spot region 400a and the second light spot region 400b can form an overlapping region 410 in at least a portion of their areas. Specifically, the first light spot region 400a and the second light spot region 400b can form an overlapping region 410 in a portion of their areas.

[0065] On the other hand, depending on the type of active material and current collector of the electrode irradiated by each laser beam, at least one of the required wavelength, power, and pulse for each laser beam can be determined. The wavelengths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 can each be independently between 355 nm and 1070 nm. As will be described later, if the wavelengths of the laser beams V1 and V2 are controlled within the aforementioned range, excellent grooving quality can be ensured. In one embodiment, the wavelengths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 can be different from each other. In another embodiment, the wavelengths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 can be the same as each other. Furthermore, the power of the first laser beam V1 and the power of the second laser beam V2 can each be independently between 50 W and 5000 W. In one embodiment, the power of the first laser beam V1 and the power of the second laser beam V2 can be different from each other. In another embodiment, the power of the first laser beam V1 and the power of the second laser beam V2 can be the same as each other. Furthermore, the pulse widths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 can each be independently between 1 fs and 1000 ns. In one embodiment, the pulse widths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 can be different from each other. In another embodiment, the pulse widths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 can be the same as each other. If the power and / or pulse width of each laser beam V1, V2 are controlled within the above-mentioned ranges, excellent grooving quality can be ensured.

[0066] Reference Figure 2 The laser grooving device 10 may include a lens 300, which forms a first spot region 400a through the first laser beam V1' and a second spot region 400b through the second laser beam V2'. That is, the lens 300 may be a single unit.

[0067] Additionally, refer to Figure 2 The first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path and the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can pass through the lens 300. Here, the lens 300 can be a single lens. The first laser beam V1' passing through the lens 300 can form a first spot region 400a. Additionally, the second laser beam V2' passing through the lens 300 can form a second spot region 400b.

[0068] Additionally, refer to Figure 2When the first laser beam V1' passes through the lens 300 to form the first spot region 400a, and the second laser beam V2' passes through the lens 300 to form the second spot region 400b, the wavelengths of the first laser beam V1 emitted from the first light source 110 of the first laser device 100 and the second laser beam V2 emitted from the second light source 210 of the second laser device 200 can be the same. Here, the same wavelengths of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2 can mean substantially the same, including not only cases where their values ​​are identical, but also cases where, even if there are differences, the differences are within 10% of the larger wavelength value. Furthermore, the lenses 300 through which the first laser beam V1' and the second laser beam V2' pass can be the same. In this way, the laser grooving device 10 can improve the problem of reduced notching quality due to insufficient energy, and by separately controlling multiple light sources and the paths of light emitted from those light sources, superior notching quality can be ensured.

[0069] Additionally, refer to Figure 2 The first light spot region 400a and the second light spot region 400b can form an overlapping region 410 across the entire region. That is, the first light spot region 400a and the second light spot region 400b can be formed in the same region.

[0070] In a laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure, as described above, the optical device can determine the travel path of a laser beam V emitted from the light source. Specifically, refer to... Figures 1 to 3 The first laser device 100 may include a first optical device 120 for determining the travel path of the first laser beam V1. Additionally, refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second laser device 200 may include a second optical device 220 for determining the travel path of the second laser beam V2.

[0071] In a laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure, the optical device may include a collimator capable of parallelizing and / or focusing the laser beam V. Specifically, see... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first optical device 120 may include a first collimator 121, and the second optical device 220 may include a second collimator 221. The first collimator 121 can perform parallel conversion and / or light focusing on the first laser beam V1 emitted from the first light source 110. Additionally, the second collimator 221 can perform parallel conversion and / or light focusing on the second laser beam V2 emitted from the second light source 210.

[0072] In a laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure, the optical device may include a scanning unit that forms a desired travel path by reflecting or refracting the laser beam V. The scanning unit may include one or more selected from a first-axis scanning unit and a second-axis scanning unit, wherein the first-axis scanning unit reflects or refracts the laser beam V along a first axis, and the second-axis scanning unit reflects or refracts the laser beam V along a second axis. Here, the first axis and the second axis may be perpendicular to each other. The scanning unit may include both the first-axis scanning unit and the second-axis scanning unit. A galvanometer may be applied to the scanning unit. That is, the travel path of the laser beam V can be determined using a device such as a galvanometer.

[0073] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The first optical device 120 may include a first scanning unit 122, and the second optical device 220 may include a second scanning unit 222. The first scanning unit 122 may include a first-axis first scanning unit 122a and a second-axis first scanning unit 122b. The second scanning unit 222 may include a first-axis second scanning unit 222a and a second-axis second scanning unit 222b. Each scanning unit may employ a galvanometer. Furthermore, each scanning unit can reflect or refract the laser beam V to form a desired travel path.

[0074] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In the first scanning unit 122, the first laser beam V1 can travel to the second axis first scanning unit 122b after being reflected or refracted after reaching the first axis first scanning unit 122a. The path traveled by the first laser beam V1 through the first scanning unit 122 can be referred to as the first path. However, the first path is not limited to the path shown in the figures, and it can be appropriately changed by the configuration of the first scanning unit 122. Alternatively, the first laser beam V1 can also travel to the first axis first scanning unit 122a after being reflected or refracted after reaching the second axis first scanning unit 122b.

[0075] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In the second scanning section 222, the second laser beam V2 can travel to the second scanning section 222b on the second axis after being reflected or refracted upon reaching the first axis second scanning section 222a. The path traveled by the second laser beam V2 through the second scanning section 222 can be referred to as the second path. However, the second path is not limited to the path shown in the figures, and it can be appropriately changed by the configuration of the second scanning section 222. Alternatively, the second laser beam V2 can also travel to the first axis second scanning section 222a after being reflected or refracted upon reaching the second axis second scanning section 222b.

[0076] The laser grooving device 10 may include a lens 30, which forms a first spot region 400a through the first laser beam V1' and a second spot region 400b through the second laser beam V2'. That is, the lens 300 may be a single unit.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 According to one aspect of this disclosure, the laser grooving apparatus 10 may further include an optical coupler 320, which is arranged before the lens 300 in the first path and the second path. The optical coupler 320 is an optical element that guides multiple light beams output from multiple light sources along the same path to form coupled beams. For example, a first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path and a second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can be coupled to a coaxial path by the optical coupler 320, each with a different wavelength. Therefore, the first laser beam V1' and the second laser beam V2' can be aligned to the same path to form coupled beams (V1'+V2').

[0078] For example, when laser processing over the same distance is performed using beams (V1'+V2') coupled via optical coupler 320, the accuracy of the laser device can be maintained while reducing the drive and braking load on the drive motor (not shown) required to precisely match the paths of each first laser beam V1' and second laser beam V2' to each other. Therefore, heat generation and reduced lifespan of the drive motor that could result from excessive acceleration or deceleration can be prevented.

[0079] On the other hand, the laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure may further include a third optical device 330 and a fourth optical device 310 respectively arranged before and after the optical coupler 320. For example, the third optical device 330, which may be arranged before the optical coupler 320 in the first path and the second path, may include a positive meniscus lens, and the fourth optical device 310, which may be arranged after the optical coupler 320 in the first path and the second path, may include a negative meniscus lens.

[0080] A meniscus lens is a lens with a convex surface on one side and a concave surface on the other. In one embodiment, a first laser beam V1' on the first path of the galvanometer and a second laser beam V2' on the second path are converged by a positive meniscus lens and input into an optical coupler 320. The beams (V1'+V2') coupled by the optical coupler 320 can be diverged by a negative meniscus lens and illuminate the lens 300.

[0081] In one embodiment, the laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure may not include a mirror device for altering the travel path of one or more laser beams selected from the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2. For example, the mirror device may include a dichronic mirror, etc. Since the laser grooving apparatus 10 does not include the mirror device, the problem of reduced notching quality due to insufficient energy can be improved, and by separately controlling multiple light sources and the paths of light emitted from the light sources, superior notching quality can be ensured.

[0082] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to one aspect of this disclosure, the laser grooving apparatus 10 may not include a mirror device for changing the travel path of one or more of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2. Furthermore, it may be more preferable that the laser grooving apparatus 10 does not include a mirror device for changing the travel path of the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2.

[0083] In the laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure, as described above, the spot region 400 and the overlapping region 410 can be applied to various techniques. In particular, considering that the laser grooving apparatus 10 is mainly used for electrode processes in battery cell manufacturing, the first laser device 100 and the second laser device 200 can be applied to etching or cutting. However, the use of the laser grooving apparatus 10 is not limited to this, but examples of suitable uses are as described above.

[0084] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an electrode 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 5 to 9 This is a diagram schematically illustrating at least a portion of the operation of a laser grooving apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the laser grooving apparatus 10 can form the overlapping region 410 in at least a portion of the electrode 20. At least a portion of the electrode 20 disposed in the overlapping region 410 can be affected by the energy of the laser beam V'.

[0086] On the other hand, refer to Figure 4 The electrode 20 can encompass both positive and negative electrodes. Additionally, the electrode 20 may include a current collector 500. For example, the current collector 500 may be a metal, and the type of metal included in the current collector 500 may vary depending on the type of electrode 20. Examples of metals include aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu). Specifically, when the electrode 20 is a positive electrode, the current collector 500 may contain aluminum. Conversely, when the electrode 20 is a negative electrode, the current collector 500 may contain copper.

[0087] Reference Figure 4 The electrode 20 may include an active material layer 600 located on one or both sides of the current collector 500. Figure 4 The electrode 20 is shown to include an active material layer 600, which comprises a first active material layer 600a on one side of the current collector 500 and a second active material layer 600b on the other side. However, this is only an example; in the electrode 20, the active material layer 600 may only be located on one side of the current collector 500. Typically, the active material layer 600 may contain an active material and a binder, the types of which may vary depending on the type of electrode 20. When the electrode 20 is a positive electrode, for example, the active material may contain one or more selected from lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide (NCM), lithium nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Additionally, when the electrode 20 is a negative electrode, the active material may contain graphite or the like. Additionally, for example, the adhesive included in the electrode 20 may contain one or more selected from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Furthermore, besides the compounds described above, the active material, adhesive, and other components contained in the active material layer 600 may also use compounds known in the art, as long as they are suitable.

[0088] Reference Figure 4 The active material layer 600 can be formed by coating the current collector 500 with a slurry that forms the active material layer 600 and then drying it. In addition to the active material and binder described above, the slurry forming the active material layer 600 may further contain a solvent, etc. The solvent is not particularly limited, as long as it is used in the art; for example, the solvent may contain water or N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The coating method can also be based on methods known in the art. The slurry coated on the current collector 500 is dried to remove the solvent, thereby forming the active material layer 600.

[0089] In a laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more selected from the group formed by etching and cutting the electrode 20 can be formed by forming an overlapping region 410 in at least a portion of the region of the electrode 20.

[0090] Reference Figure 5The laser grooving device 10 etches the active material layer 600 of the electrode 20 in the overlapping region 410, and the current collector 500 can be cut at the etched location. Here, refer to... Figure 5 The active material layer 600 can be etched by a first laser beam V1' forming a first spot region 400a according to the first laser device 100 of the laser grooving apparatus 10. Furthermore, the exposed current collector 500 can be cut at the etched location by a second laser beam V2' forming a second spot region 400b according to the second laser device 200 of the laser grooving apparatus 10. Here, the wavelength of the first laser beam V1 can be in the range of 355nm to 1070nm, the power can be in the range of 50W to 5000W, and the pulse width can be in the range of 1fs to 1000ns. Similarly, the wavelength of the second laser beam V2 can be in the range of 355nm to 1070nm, the power can be in the range of 50W to 5000W, and the pulse width can be in the range of 1fs to 1000ns.

[0091] Additionally, refer to Figure 5 In the laser grooving device 10, the first spot region 400a can be formed before the second spot region 400b. That is, the laser grooving device 10 first etches the active material layer 600 by forming the first spot region 400a, and forms the second spot region 400b at the etched location to form an overlapping region 410, thereby cutting the exposed current collector. The exposed current collector can refer to the exposed portion of the current collector 500. In embodiments, the exposed current collector can be a portion of the current collector 500 exposed by etching, or a portion of the current collector 500 exposed without etching (e.g., ...). Figure 6 The uncoated portion (500d).

[0092] On the other hand, refer to Figure 4 The active material layer 600 of the electrode 20 may be located on one or both sides of the current collector 500, exposing a portion of the current collector 500. Additionally, refer to... Figure 6 The laser grooving device 10 can cut the current collector 500 of the electrode 20 in the overlapping area 410. Specifically, refer to... Figure 6 In the laser grooving device 10, the current collector 500 can be cut by a first laser beam V1' forming a first spot area 400a according to the first laser device 100 of the laser grooving device 10 and a second laser beam V2' forming a second spot area 400b according to the second laser device 200. (Refer to...) Figure 6The current collector 500 may include an exposed current collector without the active material layer 600 (e.g., an uncoated portion 500d). For example, the uncoated portion 500d may be a portion protruding horizontally from the current collector 500 with reference to the end of the active material layer 600. Here, the laser grooving device 10 can form an overlapping region 410 on the exposed current collector 500d, and the exposed current collector 500d can be cut in the overlapping region 410. The wavelength of the first laser beam V1 can be in the range of 355nm to 1070nm, the power can be in the range of 50W to 5000W, and the pulse width can be in the range of 1fs to 1000ns. In addition, the wavelength of the second laser beam V2 can be in the range of 355nm to 1070nm, the power can be in the range of 50W to 5000W, and the pulse width can be in the range of 1fs to 1000ns.

[0093] Additionally, refer to Figure 6 In the laser grooving device 10, the first spot region 400a and the second spot region 400b can be formed simultaneously or at different times. Alternatively, the first spot region 400a can be formed before the second spot region 400b, and in another example, the second spot region 400b can also be formed before the first spot region 400a.

[0094] Additionally, refer to Figure 7 The laser grooving device 10 can cut at least a portion of the active material layer 600 of the electrode 20 in the overlapping region 410, and can also cut at least a portion of the current collector 500 at the location where the active material layer 600 is cut. Here, refer to... Figure 7 The first laser beam V1', which forms a first spot region 400a according to the first laser device 100 of the laser grooving apparatus 10, can cut at least a portion of the active material layer 600. Furthermore, the second laser beam V2', which forms a second spot region 400b according to the second laser device 200 of the laser grooving apparatus 10, can cut at least a portion of the exposed current collector 500 at the cutting location. In an embodiment, the second laser beam V2' can simultaneously cut at least a portion of both the exposed current collector 500 and the second active material layer 600b at the cutting location. Here, the wavelength of the first laser beam V1 can be approximately 355 nm to 1070 nm, the power can be approximately 50 W to 5000 W, and the pulse width can be approximately 1 fs to 1000 ns. Similarly, the wavelength of the second laser beam V2 can be approximately 355 nm to 1070 nm, the power can be approximately 50 W to 5000 W, and the pulse width can be approximately 1 fs to 1000 ns.

[0095] Additionally, refer to Figure 7 In the laser grooving device 10, the first spot region 400a can be formed before the second spot region 400b. That is, the laser grooving device 10 cuts the active material layer 600 by first forming the first spot region 400a, and forms the second spot region 400b at the cut position to form an overlapping region 410, thereby cutting the exposed current collector 500.

[0096] On the other hand, impurities may be generated when at least a portion of the electrode 20 is etched or cut by the laser grooving device 10. In this specification, such impurities may be referred to as burrs 510 (see reference 510). Figure 8 ).

[0097] Reference Figure 8 The first laser beam V1', formed by the first laser device 100 of the laser grooving device 10 to create a first spot region 400a, can cut at least a portion of both the current collector 500 and the active material layer 600 of the electrode 20. Specifically, the first laser beam V1' can simultaneously cut at least a portion of both the current collector 500 and the active material layer 600 of the electrode 20. As described above, the first laser beam V1' may produce burrs 510.

[0098] Continue to refer to Figure 8 The burrs 510 formed by the second laser beam V2', which forms the second spot region 400b according to the second laser device 200 of the laser grooving device 10, can be removed. The burrs 510 can be removed by melting with the energy of the second laser beam V2'. Here, the wavelength of the first laser beam V1 can be approximately 355 nm to 1070 nm, the power can be approximately 50 W to 5000 W, and the pulse width can be approximately 1 fs to 1000 ns. Similarly, the wavelength of the second laser beam V2 can be approximately 355 nm to 1070 nm, the power can be approximately 50 W to 5000 W, and the pulse width can be approximately 1 fs to 1000 ns.

[0099] Additionally, refer to Figure 8 In the laser grooving device 10, the first spot region 400a can be formed before the second spot region 400b. That is, the laser grooving device 10 first forms the first spot region 400a while simultaneously cutting at least a portion of the current collector 500 and the active material layer 600, and forms the second spot region 400b on the burrs 510 generated by the cutting to form an overlapping region 410, thereby cutting the exposed portion of the current collector 500.

[0100] Reference Figure 9In the laser grooving apparatus 10 according to one aspect of this disclosure, multiple laser devices can operate independently. Specifically, the laser grooving apparatus 10 may include a first laser device 100 and a second laser device 200 that operate independently. In the above context, the first laser device 100 and the second laser device 200 may not form the aforementioned overlapping region 410.

[0101] Additionally, refer to Figure 9 The first laser beam V1', which forms a first spot region 400a according to the first laser device 100, can etch or cut at least a portion of the active material layer 600. Additionally, the first laser beam V1' can cut at least a portion of the current collector 500. Furthermore, the first laser beam V1' can cut at least a portion of the current collector 500 simultaneously with etching or cutting at least a portion of the active material layer 600. The wavelength of the first laser beam V1' can be from approximately 355 nm to 1070 nm, the power can be from approximately 50 W to 5000 W, and the pulse width can be from approximately 1 fs to 1000 ns.

[0102] Additionally, refer to Figure 9 The second laser beam V2', which forms the second spot region 400b according to the second laser device 200, can etch or cut at least a portion of the active material layer 600. Additionally, the second laser beam V2' can cut at least a portion of the current collector 500. Furthermore, while etching or cutting at least a portion of the active material layer 600, the second laser beam V2' can also cut at least a portion of the current collector 500. The wavelength of the second laser beam V2' can be from approximately 355 nm to 1070 nm, the power can be from approximately 50 W to 5000 W, and the pulse width can be from approximately 1 fs to 1000 ns.

[0103] The following is a description of various aspects of this disclosure.

[0104] First aspect: The laser grooving apparatus 10 according to this disclosure may include: a first laser device 100, including a first light source 110 for emitting a first laser beam V1 and a first optical device 120 for determining the travel path of the first laser beam, i.e., a first path; and a second laser device 200, including a second light source 210 for emitting a second laser beam V2 and a second optical device 220 for determining the travel path of the second laser beam V2, i.e., a second path, wherein the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path can form a first spot region 400a, and the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can form a second spot region 400b, wherein the first spot region 400a and the second spot region 400b can form an overlapping region in at least a portion of the region.

[0105] Second aspect: According to the first aspect, the laser grooving device may not include a mirror device for changing the travel path of one or more laser beams selected from the first laser beam V1 and the second laser beam V2.

[0106] Third aspect: According to the first or second aspect, the laser grooving device may further include: a lens 300 for forming the first spot region 400a and the second spot region 400b.

[0107] Fourth aspect: According to any one of the first to third aspects, the laser grooving device may further include: an optical coupler 320, arranged before the lens 300 in the first path and the second path.

[0108] Fifth aspect: According to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first laser beam V1' and the second laser beam V2' through the optical coupler 320 can be corrected to the same wavelength and coupled.

[0109] Sixth aspect: According to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the laser grooving device may further include: a third optical device 330 and a fourth optical device 310, respectively arranged before and after the optical coupler 320 in the first path and the second path.

[0110] Seventh aspect: According to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the third optical device 330 arranged before the optical coupler 320 in the first path and the second path may include a positive meniscus lens.

[0111] Eighth aspect: According to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the fourth optical device 310 arranged after the optical coupler 320 in the first path and the second path may include a negative meniscus lens.

[0112] Ninth aspect: According to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the lens may include a first lens 300a forming a first light spot region 400a and a second lens 300b forming a second light spot region 400b.

[0113] Tenth aspect: According to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the wavelength of the first laser beam V1 and the wavelength of the second laser beam V2 can be independent.

[0114] Eleventh aspect: According to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path can pass through the first lens 300a, and the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can pass through the second lens 300b.

[0115] Twelfth aspect: According to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path and the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can pass through the lens 300.

[0116] Thirteenth aspect: According to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the wavelength of the first laser beam V1 and the wavelength of the second laser beam V2 may be the same.

[0117] Fourteenth aspect: According to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the first spot region 400a and the second spot region 400b can form an overlapping region 410 in the entire region.

[0118] Fifteenth aspect: According to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the electrode 20 may form the overlapping region 410 in at least a portion of the region.

[0119] Sixteenth aspect: According to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, the electrode 20 includes a current collector 500 and an active material layer 600, and the active material layer 600 can be ablated in the overlapping region 410, and the current collector 500 is cut at the etched location.

[0120] Seventeenth aspect: According to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, the first laser beam V1' forming the first spot region 400a can etch the active material layer 600, the second laser beam V2' forming the second spot region 400b can cut the current collector 500, and the first spot region 400a can be formed before the second spot region 400b.

[0121] Eighteenth aspect: According to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, the electrode 20 includes a current collector 500 and an active material layer 600, the active material layer 600 may be located on one or both sides of the current collector 500, and a portion of the current collector 500 is exposed, and the overlapping region 410 may be formed on the exposed current collector 500d, and in the overlapping region 410, the exposed current collector 500d is cut.

[0122] Nineteenth aspect: According to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, the electrode 20 includes a current collector 500 and an active material layer 600, and at least a portion of the active material layer 600 may be cut in the overlapping region 410, and at the location where the active material layer 600 is cut, at least a portion of the current collector 500 is cut.

[0123] Twentieth aspect: According to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, the electrode 20 includes a current collector 500 and an active material layer 600, a first laser beam V1' forming the first spot region 400a can cut at least a portion of the current collector 500 and the active material layer 600 respectively, and a second laser beam V2' forming the second spot region 400b can remove burrs formed by the cutting of the first laser beam V1'.

[0124] Twenty-first aspect: According to any one of the first to twentieth aspects, the wavelength of the first laser beam V1 and the wavelength of the second laser beam V2 can be independently from 355nm to 1070nm.

[0125] Twenty-second aspect: According to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects, the power of the first laser beam V1 and the power of the second laser beam V2 can be independently from 50W to 5000W.

[0126] Twenty-third aspect: According to any one of the first to twenty-second aspects, the pulse width of the first laser beam V1 and the pulse width of the second laser beam V2 can be independently from 1 fs to 1000 ns.

[0127] Twenty-fourth aspect: The laser grooving apparatus according to this disclosure may include: a first laser device 100, including a first light source 110 for emitting a first laser beam V1 and a first optical device 120 for determining the travel path of the first laser beam, i.e., a first path; and a second laser device 200, including a second light source 210 for emitting a second laser beam V2 and a second optical device 220 for determining the travel path of the second laser beam, i.e., a second path, wherein the first laser beam V1' traveling along the first path can form a first spot area 400a, and the second laser beam V2' traveling along the second path can form a second spot area 400b, wherein the first laser device 100 and the second laser device 200 can operate independently.

[0128] This disclosure can be implemented in various variations, and its scope is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes components within the scope of the claims of this disclosure, it should be considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A laser grooving device, comprising: The first laser device includes a first light source that emits a first laser beam (V1) and a first optical device that determines the travel path of the first laser beam, i.e., the first path. as well as The second laser device includes a second light source that emits a second laser beam (V2) and a second optical device that determines the travel path of the second laser beam, i.e., the second path. The first laser beam (V1') traveling along the first path forms a first spot region, and the second laser beam (V2') traveling along the second path forms a second spot region. The first spot region and the second spot region overlap in at least a portion of their respective areas.

2. The laser grooving device according to claim 1, wherein, The laser grooving device does not include a mirror device for changing the travel path of one or more laser beams selected from the first laser beam (V1) and the second laser beam (V2).

3. The laser grooving device according to claim 1, further comprising: A lens is used to form the first light spot region and the second light spot region.

4. The laser grooving device according to claim 3, further comprising: An optical coupler is positioned before the lenses in the first and second paths.

5. The laser grooving device according to claim 4, wherein, The first laser beam and the second laser beam, passing through the optical coupler, are corrected to the same wavelength and coupled.

6. The laser grooving device according to claim 5, wherein, In the first path and the second path, the optical coupler further includes a third optical device and a fourth optical device, respectively, before and after it.

7. The laser grooving device according to claim 6, wherein, The third optical device, positioned before the optical coupler in the first and second paths, includes a positive meniscus lens.

8. The laser grooving device according to claim 6, wherein, The fourth optical device, arranged after the optical coupler in the first and second paths, includes a negative meniscus lens.

9. The laser grooving device according to claim 3, wherein, The lens includes a first lens forming a first light spot region and a second lens forming a second light spot region.

10. The laser grooving device according to claim 9, wherein, The wavelengths of the first laser beam (V1) and the second laser beam (V2) are independent.

11. The laser grooving device according to claim 9, wherein, The first laser beam (V1') traveling along the first path passes through the first lens, and the second laser beam (V2') traveling along the second path passes through the second lens.

12. The laser grooving device according to claim 3, wherein, The first laser beam (V1') traveling along the first path and the second laser beam (V2') traveling along the second path pass through the lens.

13. The laser grooving device according to claim 12, wherein, The wavelength of the first laser beam (V1) is the same as the wavelength of the second laser beam (V2).

14. The laser grooving device according to claim 12, wherein, The first spot region and the second spot region overlap in the entire area.

15. The laser grooving device according to claim 1, wherein, The overlapping region is formed in at least a portion of the electrode area.

16. The laser grooving apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The electrode includes a current collector and an active material layer. The active material layer is etched in the overlapping area, and the current collector is cut at the etched location.

17. The laser grooving apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, A first laser beam (V1') forming the first light spot region etches the active material layer, and a second laser beam (V2') forming the second light spot region cuts the current collector. The first light spot region is formed before the second light spot region.

18. The laser grooving apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The electrode includes a current collector and an active material layer. The active material layer is located on one or both sides of the current collector, exposing a portion of the current collector. The overlapping region is formed on the exposed current collector. In the overlapping area, the exposed current collector is cut.

19. The laser grooving apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The electrode includes a current collector and an active material layer. In the overlapping region, at least a portion of the active material layer is cut, and at the location where the active material layer is cut, at least a portion of the current collector is cut.

20. The laser grooving apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The electrode includes a current collector and an active material layer. The first laser beam (V1') forming the first spot region cuts at least a portion of the current collector and the active material layer, and the second laser beam (V2') forming the second spot region removes the burrs formed by the cutting of the first laser beam (V1').

21. The laser grooving device according to claim 1, wherein, The wavelengths of the first laser beam (V1) and the second laser beam (V2) are independently 355 nm to 1070 nm.

22. The laser grooving device according to claim 1, wherein, The power of the first laser beam (V1) and the power of the second laser beam (V2) are each independently between 50W and 5000W.

23. The laser grooving device according to claim 1, wherein, The pulse width of the first laser beam (V1) and the pulse width of the second laser beam (V2) are independently from 1 fs to 1000 ns.

24. A laser grooving device, comprising: The first laser device includes a first light source that emits a first laser beam (V1) and a first optical device that determines the travel path of the first laser beam, i.e., the first path. as well as The second laser device includes a second light source that emits a second laser beam (V2) and a second optical device that determines the travel path of the second laser beam, i.e., the second path. The first laser beam (V1') traveling along the first path forms a first spot region, and the second laser beam (V2') traveling along the second path forms a second spot region. The first laser device and the second laser device operate independently.

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