Sealing tool cleaning device

Abstract

A sealing tool cleaning device is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the utility model, the cleaning device for the sealing tool comprises a laser generating part and a cleaning part, wherein the laser generating part generates carbon dioxide laser; a cleaning head provided to enter the separation space between the pair of sealing tools, and including a head housing having a first opening and a second opening, respectively, open toward the pair of sealing tools, and a head mirror portion, the head mirror part is rotatably arranged in the head shell and is arranged to reflect the carbon dioxide laser towards the first opening or the second opening; and a laser transmitting portion provided to transmit the carbon dioxide laser generated by the laser generating portion to the cleaning head portion. Accordingly, it is possible to remove only foreign matter present in the sealing tool without damaging the sealing tool.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0159327, filed on November 24, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The utility model relates to a sealing tool cleaning device, in particular to a sealing tool cleaning device capable of using carbon dioxide laser to remove foreign matter in the sealing tool. Background Art

[0003] A secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly reused by charging and discharging. Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used in advanced electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.

[0004] In particular, lithium secondary batteries have high energy density per unit weight and can be quickly charged when compared with other secondary batteries such as existing lead batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries, so that lithium secondary batteries have recently been actively used in various fields.

[0005] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a pouch-type battery cell.

[0006] Reference Figure 1 The pouch-type battery cell 1 of the secondary battery includes an electrode assembly 2, a pouch case 3, a positive electrode tab 4, and a negative electrode tab 5. In the pouch-type battery cell 1, the electrode assembly 2 is stored in the pouch case 3, and the positive electrode tab 4 and the negative electrode tab 5 protrude to the outside of the pouch case 3 while being electrically connected to the electrode assembly 2.

[0007] In a state where the electrode assembly 2 is stored in the pouch case 3, the edges of the pouch case 3 are sealed by a pair of sealing tools 10, 20 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) is sealed by applying heat and pressure.

[0008] A pair of sealing tools 10, 20 (see Figure 7 ) is made of metal material and the unused sealing tool is in a state without surface damage.

[0009] However, as the bag case 3 sealing process is repeated, the sealing tool is contaminated by foreign matter that falls off from the bag case 3. The foreign matter is material of the bag case 3 and falls off from the bag case 3 during the process of sealing the bag case 3 with a pair of sealing tools.

[0010] At this time, if the bag case 3 is sealed by the sealing tool having foreign matter, fine wrinkles or deep wrinkles may occur in the bag case 3. In order to prevent product defects in the bag case 3, the foreign matter must be removed in the pair of sealing tools.

[0011] Foreign matter present on the surface of the sealing tool is typically manually scraped off using a scraper made of the same material as the sealing tool. However, the scraper may wear out the surface of the sealing tool, and since the work of removing foreign matter from the sealing tool is performed manually, there is a problem of uneven cleaning of the sealing tool depending on the operator's skill level. Utility Model Content

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] The utility model aims to provide a sealing tool cleaning device which enters into a space between a pair of sealing tools which are separated into upper and lower parts and is used for removing foreign matter existing in the sealing tools by irradiating each sealing tool with a carbon dioxide laser.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a sealing tool cleaning device capable of removing only foreign matter present in a sealing tool without damaging the sealing tool by using a carbon dioxide laser having a wavelength with low reactivity with metal.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, an example of the present invention involves a sealing tool cleaning device, which is a sealing tool cleaning device for a pair of sealing tools for cleaning a bag shell that seals a secondary battery, the sealing tool cleaning device comprising: a laser generating unit, which generates a carbon dioxide laser; a cleaning head, which is configured to enter a separation space between the pair of sealing tools, and the cleaning head comprises a head shell and a head mirror, the head shell having a first opening and a second opening that are respectively open toward the pair of sealing tools, the head mirror being rotatably mounted in the head shell and configured to reflect the carbon dioxide laser toward the first opening or the second opening; and a laser transmission unit, which is configured to transmit the carbon dioxide laser generated by the laser generating unit to the cleaning head.

[0017] In addition, the cleaning head can be connected to the laser transmission part, and the cleaning head includes a lens and a lens position adjustment part, the lens is used to transmit the carbon dioxide laser transmitted from the laser transmission part to the head mirror part, and the lens position adjustment part is configured to adjust the position of the lens within the head housing.

[0018] Further, the first and second openings can respectively extend along a length direction of the sealing tool facing each other, and the lens position adjusting part can be provided to move the lens in the head case in the length direction of the sealing tool. The lens position adjusting part can guide the movement of the lens, and can include a guide rail provided in the head case and a lens driving part for providing a driving force to move the lens on the guide rail, wherein the lens driving part can include a motor rotatable in a forward or backward direction.

[0019] Further, the laser transmission part can include a transmission pipe part through which carbon dioxide laser is transmitted, and one or more transmission mirror parts for adjusting a transmission direction of carbon dioxide laser within the transmission pipe part.

[0020] Further, the transmission pipe part can include a plurality of transmission pipes sequentially provided in a traveling direction of carbon dioxide laser, and at least one connection pipe part connecting two adjacent transmission pipes, and in which the transmission mirror part is provided.

[0021] Further, the at least one connection pipe part can be provided such that one of two adjacent transmission pipes is rotatably connected. The transmission pipe part can have a joint structure based on the at least one connection pipe part, and thus, when the position of the lens is adjusted by the lens position adjusting part, an angle and a distance between two adjacent transmission pipes in the transmission pipe part, etc. can change according to the position of the lens in the head case.

[0022] Further, the sealing tool cleaning device can further include a head position adjusting part coupled to the cleaning head part and adjusting the position of the head case such that the cleaning head part enters the separation space between the pair of sealing tools.

[0023] Further, the sealing tool cleaning device can further include a control part for controlling the laser generating part and the cleaning head part. The control part can be provided to control the head position adjusting part.

[0024] Further, the control part can be provided to cause the cleaning head part to enter the separation space between the pair of sealing tools when a cleaning mode of the pair of sealing tools. At this time, the control part can control the head position adjusting part to move the head case of the cleaning head part.

[0025] Furthermore, when cleaning the upper sealing tool of the pair of sealing tools, the control unit may adjust the reflection direction of the head mirror unit so as to reflect the CO2 laser light toward the first opening facing the upper sealing tool, and when cleaning the lower sealing tool, the control unit may adjust the reflection direction of the head mirror unit so as to reflect the CO2 laser light toward the second opening facing the lower sealing tool. That is, when cleaning of the upper sealing tool is completed, the lower sealing tool may be cleaned by adjusting the reflection direction of the head mirror unit from the first opening side to the second opening side.

[0026] Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to move the lens within the head housing along the length of the upper sealing tool when cleaning the upper sealing tool, and the control unit may be configured to move the lens within the head housing along the length of the lower sealing tool when cleaning the lower sealing tool. In this configuration, when cleaning the upper sealing tool, the CO2 laser is continuously irradiated along the length of the upper sealing tool, thereby enabling continuous cleaning. Furthermore, when cleaning of the upper sealing tool is complete and the lower sealing tool is being cleaned, the CO2 laser is continuously irradiated along the length of the lower sealing tool, thereby enabling continuous cleaning.

[0027] When cleaning the upper sealing tool, when the head shell is located in the separation space between the pair of sealing tools, the control unit can adjust the reflection direction of the head mirror unit so that the head mirror unit reflects the carbon dioxide laser toward the first opening, and can operate the lens position adjustment unit to move the lens along the length direction of the upper sealing tool.

[0028] In addition, when cleaning the lower sealing tool, when the head shell is located in the separation space between the pair of sealing tools, the control unit can adjust the reflection direction of the head mirror unit so that the head mirror unit reflects the carbon dioxide laser toward the second opening, and can operate the lens position adjustment unit to move the lens along the length direction of the lower sealing tool.

[0029] The head mirror unit may include a head mirror disposed between the first opening and the second opening and extending in a longitudinal direction of the sealing tool; and a head mirror driving unit configured to rotate the head mirror at a predetermined angle to adjust a reflection direction of the head mirror. The head mirror driving unit may include a motor capable of rotating in forward and reverse directions.

[0030] Furthermore, the cleaning head may include a fume suction portion configured to suck in fume generated when the carbon dioxide laser irradiates the sealing tool.

[0031] Furthermore, the control section is configured to control operations of the head mirror section, the lens position adjustment section, the transmission mirror section, the laser generating section, and the head position adjustment section.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] As discussed above, at least one example of the present invention relates to a sealing tool cleaning device having the following effects.

[0034] By using a carbon dioxide laser having a wavelength with low reactivity with metals, only foreign matter present in the sealing tool can be removed, and by removing the foreign matter from the sealing tool in a non-contact manner using the carbon dioxide laser, damage to the sealing tool can be prevented.

[0035] In addition, the utility model can increase the service life of the sealing tool, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the equipment.

[0036] In addition, by adjusting the angle of the head mirror to adjust the reflection direction of the carbon dioxide laser to the upper sealing tool or the lower sealing tool, the lower sealing tool can be cleaned continuously after the upper sealing tool is cleaned, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of a pair of sealing tools.

[0037] Furthermore, the operating time of the sealing device in the pouch case of the secondary battery can be increased, and productivity of the pouch-type battery cells can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing a pouch-type battery cell.

[0039] Figure 2 1 is a structural diagram of a sealing tool cleaning device according to an example of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of a sealing tool cleaning device according to an example of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a diagram of a sealing tool cleaning device according to an example of the present invention as viewed from the top.

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the cleaning head.

[0043] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the cleaning head enters the separation space between a pair of sealing tools.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a diagram of the cleaning head viewed from the top.

[0045] Figure 8This is a diagram for explaining the movement path of the carbon dioxide laser moving in the laser transmission unit.

[0046] Figure 9 This figure is used to explain the movement path of the carbon dioxide laser when cleaning the upper sealing tool.

[0047] Figure 10 This figure is used to explain the movement path of the carbon dioxide laser when cleaning the lower sealing tool.

[0048] Figure 11 This diagram explains the process of removing foreign matter using a carbon dioxide laser.

[0049] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram for explaining one operating state of the laser generating section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Hereinafter, a sealing tool cleaning device according to an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Furthermore, regardless of reference numerals, the same or corresponding components are given the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted, and the size and shape of each component shown may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation.

[0052] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of a sealing tool cleaning device 100 according to an example of the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sealing tool cleaning device according to an example of the present invention, and Figure 4 1 is a diagram of a sealing tool cleaning device according to an example of the present invention viewed from the top.

[0053] also, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the cleaning head, and Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the cleaning head enters the separation space between a pair of sealing tools.

[0054] A sealing tool cleaning device 100 according to an example of the present invention is a cleaning device that uses a carbon dioxide laser L to remove foreign matter present in a pair of sealing tools 10 , 20 .

[0055] Reference Figures 2 to 6The sealing tool cleaning device 100 includes a laser generating unit 400 that generates carbon dioxide laser light L. Furthermore, the sealing tool cleaning device 100 includes a cleaning head 200 that is configured to enter the separation space 50 between the pair of sealing tools 10 and 20. The cleaning head 200 includes: a head housing 210 having a first opening 211 and a second opening 212 that are open to the pair of sealing tools 10 and 20, respectively; and a head mirror 260 that is rotatably mounted within the head housing 210 and configured to reflect the carbon dioxide laser light toward the first opening 211 or the second opening 212. Furthermore, the sealing tool cleaning device 100 includes a laser transmitting unit 300 that is configured to transmit the carbon dioxide laser light generated by the laser generating unit 400 to the cleaning head 200.

[0056] Figure 7 is a diagram of the cleaning head viewed from the top, and Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the movement path of the carbon dioxide laser moving in the laser transmission unit.

[0057] also, Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the movement path of the carbon dioxide laser when cleaning the upper sealing tool, and Figure 10 This figure is used to explain the movement path of the carbon dioxide laser when cleaning the lower sealing tool.

[0058] also, Figure 11 This is a diagram for explaining the process of removing foreign matter using a carbon dioxide laser, and Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram for explaining one operating state of the laser generating section.

[0059] The sealing tool cleaning device 100 may include a cleaning head 200 , a laser transmission part 300 , a laser generation part 400 , a head position adjustment part 500 , a main body part 600 , and a control part 700 .

[0060] A pair of sealing tools 10, 20 are provided to press the bag housing 3 (see Figure 1 ) are separated up and down in the first axial direction A1. In this document, for the convenience of explanation, the pair of sealing tools 10, 20 are respectively referred to as the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20.

[0061] In addition, herein, when the cleaning head 200 enters the separation space between a pair of sealing tools, the first opening 211 of the head housing 210 is an opening facing the upper sealing tool 10, which can be referred to as an upper opening, and the second opening 212 is an opening facing the lower sealing tool 20, which can be referred to as a lower opening.

[0062] In addition, the space in which the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20 are separated by a predetermined distance D is referred to as a "separation space 50". The upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20 may have a separation distance D of about 10 cm (see FIG. Figure 6 After the sealing process of the bag housing 3 is completed, the separation space 50 may be provided in a state where the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20 are separated from the bag housing 3 .

[0063] Furthermore, the sealing device 60 configured to perform sealing of the bag housing 3 includes a pair of sealing tools 10, 20, wherein the sealing tool cleaning device 100 may also be configured to be separated from the sealing device 60. At this time, when the sealing process by the sealing device 60 is completed (also referred to as "sealing mode"), the cleaning head 200 of the sealing tool cleaning device 100 may be configured so that it enters the separation space between the pair of sealing tools, and then separated from the sealing device 60 again after the cleaning process of the corresponding sealing tools 10, 20 is completed (also referred to as "cleaning mode").

[0064] In addition, the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20 have a narrow distance D of 10 cm, so that generally, an operator uses a scraper or a cutter made of the same material as the sealing tools 10, 20 to scrape foreign matter from the surfaces of the sealing tools 10, 20, and thus the surfaces of the sealing tools 10, 20 are worn.

[0065] In order to solve this problem, the cleaning head 200 is inserted into the separation space 50 between the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20 (see FIG. Figure 6 ) and uses a carbon dioxide laser L to remove foreign matter present in the sealing tools 10, 20 in a non-contact manner, whereby the sealing tool cleaning device 100 can clean the sealing tools 10, 20 without damaging the sealing tools 10, 20.

[0066] Reference Figures 3 to 6 In this document, the first axial direction A1 refers to the direction in which the pair of sealing tools 10 and 20 approach or separate in the sealing mode, and the second axial direction A2 refers to the direction in which the cleaning head 200 enters the separation space 50 between the pair of sealing tools 10 and 20. The first axial direction A1 and the second axial direction A2 are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the third axial direction A3 is a direction orthogonal to the first axial direction A1 and the second axial direction A2, respectively. It refers to the longitudinal direction of the sealing tools 10 and 20, or the direction in which the first opening 211 and the second opening 212 extend.

[0067] Furthermore, when cleaning the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20 in the cleaning mode, shielding jigs 30 and 40 may be installed on the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20, respectively. The shielding jigs 30 and 40 have jig openings 31 and 41 having shapes corresponding to the pressing surfaces of the sealing tools 10 and 20. With the shielding jigs 30 and 40 installed on the sealing tools 10 and 20, the pressing surfaces of the sealing tools 10 and 20 are exposed to the separation space 50 through the jig openings 31 and 41. The pressing surfaces refer to the surfaces that contact the bag housing 3 during the sealing process of the bag housing 3 and are areas that need to be cleaned with the carbon dioxide laser L after the sealing process.

[0068] The shielding jigs 30 and 40 perform a function of preventing the carbon dioxide laser light L from being irradiated onto portions other than the sealing tools 10 and 20 .

[0069] The sealing tool cleaning device 100 may include a cleaning head 200, a laser transmission unit 300, a laser generation unit 400, a head position adjustment unit 500 configured to allow the cleaning head 200 to enter the separation space between a pair of sealing tools, and a main body 600 on which these components are respectively mounted. The cleaning head 200 may be movably disposed in the main body 600.

[0070] In addition, the sealing tool cleaning device 100 may include a control part 700 for controlling the laser generating part 400 and the cleaning head 200 .

[0071] The operation of the cleaning head 200 is controlled by the control portion 700 .

[0072] The cleaning head 200 enters the separation space 50 between the pair of sealing tools 10 and 20 , thereby irradiating the carbon dioxide laser L to any one of the pair of sealing tools 10 and 20 .

[0073] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 The cleaning head 200 is configured to enter the separation space 50 between the pair of sealing tools 10, 20 in a second axial direction A2 orthogonal to the first axial direction A1 in which one of the pair of sealing tools 10, 20 presses the bag housing. In addition, the cleaning head 200 can be configured to transmit the carbon dioxide laser L along the first axial direction A1 to either sealing tool in the pair of sealing tools 10, 20.

[0074] The cleaning head 200 may include: a head housing 210; a head mirror portion 260; a lens 230 connected to the laser transmission portion 300 and configured to transmit the carbon dioxide laser light transmitted from the laser transmission portion 300 to the head mirror portion 260; and a lens position adjustment portion 220 configured to adjust the position of the lens 20 within the head housing 210. Furthermore, the cleaning head 200 may include one or more fume suction portions 270, 280 configured to inhale fume generated when the carbon dioxide laser light irradiates the sealing tools 10, 20.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The head housing 210 may have an upper opening 211, a lower opening 212, and a passage 215. The upper opening 211 and the lower opening 212 are openings for the carbon dioxide laser L to pass through.

[0076] The upper opening 211 is an opening that passes through the upper surface of the head housing 210 in the first axial direction A1 but extends in the third axial direction A3. In addition, the lower opening 212 is an opening that passes through the lower surface of the head housing 210 in the first axial direction A1 but extends in the third axial direction A3.

[0077] In addition, the upper opening 211 and the lower opening 212 can extend respectively along the length direction (third axial direction) of the facing sealing tools 10 and 20, and the lens position adjustment part 220 can be configured to move the lens 230 in the head housing 210 along the length direction of the sealing tool, that is, the third axial direction A3.

[0078] When the head housing 210 is placed in the cleaning position, the upper opening 211 is arranged to face the upper sealing tool 10, and the lower opening 212 is arranged to face the lower sealing tool 20. Here, the cleaning position is a position in which the upper opening 211 and the lower opening 212 are arranged substantially coaxially with the pair of sealing tools 10, 20 in the first axial direction A1.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the head housing 210 has a structure capable of entering the separation space 50 between the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20 in the second axial direction A2 orthogonal to the first axial direction A1.

[0080] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the head housing 210 is coupled to the head position adjusting portion 500 , and the position of the head housing 210 is adjusted by the head position adjusting portion 500 .

[0081] The head position adjusting portion 500 adjusts the position of the head housing 210 so that the head housing 210 enters the separation space 50 between the pair of sealing tools 10 , 20 in the second axial direction A2 .

[0082] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The head position adjustment unit 500 may include a fixed rail 510 and a moving block 520. The fixed rail 510 may be coupled to the main body 600. The moving block 520 may be coupled to the fixed rail 510 so as to be capable of reciprocating movement. The head housing 210 may be coupled to the moving block 520.

[0083] The moving block 520 can move the head housing 210 from the standby position to the cleaning position while moving back and forth along the fixed rail 510 in the second axial direction A2. When the head housing 210 is in the cleaning position, the head position adjustment unit 500 stops the forward movement of the moving block 520. In addition, the standby position can be a position before the head housing 210 enters the separation space 50 between the pair of sealing tools 10 and 20, and the cleaning position can be a position where the head housing 210 enters the separation space 50, whereby the upper opening 211 and the lower opening 212 are arranged approximately coaxially with the pair of sealing tools 10 and 20 in the first axial direction A1.

[0084] In addition, the head mirror portion 260 is provided in the channel 215 of the head housing 210. The head mirror portion 260 is mounted on the head housing 210 so as to be rotatable at a predetermined angle. The head mirror portion 260 performs the function of reflecting the carbon dioxide laser light L entering in the second axial direction A2 toward the upper opening 211 or the lower opening 212 in the first axial direction A1.

[0085] The head mirror unit 260 may include a head mirror 261 and a head mirror driving unit 262 .

[0086] The head mirror 261 extends along the third axial direction A3 and is disposed between the upper opening 211 and the lower opening 212. The head mirror 261 reflects the CO2 laser light L traveling through the channel 215 toward the first opening or the second opening. The direction of reflection of the CO2 laser light L can be changed depending on the rotation direction and angle of the head mirror 261. The head mirror 261 is rotatable in the forward or reverse direction R1 within the head housing 210.

[0087] The head mirror driving portion 262 is coupled to the head mirror 261 to rotate the head mirror 261 at a predetermined angle, thereby being configured to adjust a reflection direction of the head mirror 261 .

[0088] Reference Figure 9 When cleaning the upper sealing tool 10, the head mirror driving unit 262 adjusts the angle of the head mirror 261 so that the head mirror 261 is tilted upward toward the upper opening 211 at an angle of 135 degrees relative to the second axial direction A2. In this case, the carbon dioxide laser light L is reflected from the head mirror 261 in the first reflection direction F1. The first reflection direction F1 is a direction in the second axial direction A2 toward the upper opening 211 in the first axial direction A1.

[0089] The carbon dioxide laser light L is reflected from the head mirror 261 in the first reflection direction F1 to pass through the upper opening 211 in the first axial direction A1, thereby being irradiated to the upper sealing tool 10. Then, the carbon dioxide laser light L is continuously irradiated to the upper sealing tool 10 while being moved in the third axial direction A3 by the lens position adjusting portion 220.

[0090] Specifically, in the cleaning mode of the pair of sealing tools 10 , 20 , the control unit 700 may be configured to allow the cleaning head 200 to enter the separation space between the pair of sealing tools 10 , 20 .

[0091] Furthermore, when cleaning the upper sealing tool 10 of the pair of sealing tools, the control unit 700 can adjust the reflection direction of the head mirror unit 260 so as to reflect the CO2 laser light L toward the upper opening 211 facing the upper sealing tool 10. Furthermore, when cleaning the upper sealing tool 10, the control unit 700 is configured to move the lens 230 within the head housing 210 along the length direction (third axial direction) of the upper sealing tool 10. In this configuration, when cleaning the upper sealing tool 10, the CO2 laser light L is continuously irradiated along the length direction (third axial direction) of the upper sealing tool 10, thereby enabling continuous cleaning.

[0092] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 When cleaning the lower sealing tool 20 , the head mirror driving portion 262 adjusts the angle of the head mirror 261 so that the head mirror 261 tilts downward toward the lower opening 212 at an angle of 135 degrees with respect to the second axial direction A2 .

[0093] The carbon dioxide laser light L is reflected in the second reflection direction F2 from the head mirror 261. The second reflection direction F2 is a direction toward the lower opening 212 in the first axial direction A1 in the second axial direction A2.

[0094] At this time, the carbon dioxide laser light L is reflected from the head mirror 261 in the second reflection direction F2 to pass through the lower opening 212 in the first axial direction A1, thereby being irradiated to the lower sealing tool 20. Then, the carbon dioxide laser light L is continuously irradiated to the lower sealing tool 20 while being moved in the third axial direction A3 by the lens position adjusting portion 220.

[0095] That is, when the cleaning of the upper sealing tool 10 is completed and the lower sealing tool 20 is cleaned, the carbon dioxide laser is continuously irradiated along the length direction of the lower sealing tool 20, thereby enabling continuous cleaning.

[0096] Specifically, when cleaning the lower sealing tool 20, the control part 700 may adjust the reflection direction of the head mirror part 260 to reflect the carbon dioxide laser light L toward the lower opening 212 facing the lower sealing tool 20. That is, when the cleaning of the upper sealing tool 10 is completed, the cleaning of the lower sealing tool 20 may be performed by adjusting the reflection direction of the head mirror from the upper opening side to the lower opening side.

[0097] Furthermore, when cleaning the lower sealing tool, the control unit 700 may be configured to move the lens 230 within the head housing 210 along the length direction of the lower sealing tool 20. In this configuration, when cleaning of the upper sealing tool 10 is completed and the lower sealing tool 20 is being cleaned, the carbon dioxide laser is continuously irradiated along the length direction of the lower sealing tool 20, thereby enabling continuous cleaning.

[0098] The lens 230 is coupled to the front end (end facing the head mirror) of the lens position adjusting portion 220. The lens 230 may be disposed facing the head mirror portion 260 in the second axial direction A2. The laser transmission portion 300 may be coupled to the rear end of the lens position adjusting portion 220.

[0099] Reference Figure 4 , the lens position adjusting portion 220 may be provided to be movable along the third axial direction A3 within the head housing 210 .

[0100] The lens position adjusting portion 220 adjusts the position of the lens 230 in the third axial direction A3. By the lens position adjusting portion 220, the position of the carbon dioxide laser light L passing through the lens 230 is adjusted in the third axial direction A3.

[0101] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7 One or more smoke suction parts 270 and 280 may be provided on the outer surface of the head housing 210. The smoke suction parts 270 and 280 perform the function of sucking in smoke generated while the carbon dioxide laser L irradiates the sealing tools 10 and 20 to remove foreign matter P from the sealing tools 10 and 20. The smoke suction parts 270 and 280 may be provided in multiple parts and may be divided into a first smoke suction part 270 and a second smoke suction part 280 according to the installation position.

[0102] Specifically, the first fume suction portion 270 may be provided on the upper surface of the head housing 210 to be adjacent to the upper opening 211. The first fume suction portion 270 may be provided to suck in fume generated while the carbon dioxide laser L removes foreign matter P from the upper sealing tool 10 of the pair of sealing tools.

[0103] Further, a second dust suction portion 280 can be provided on a lower surface of the head housing 210 to be adjacent to the lower opening 212. The second dust suction portion 280 can be provided to suction generated dust while the carbon dioxide laser L removes the foreign matter P from the lower sealing tool of the pair of sealing tools.

[0104] Referring to Figures 3 to 8 , a laser transmission portion 300 connects the cleaning head portion 200 and a laser generation portion 400. The laser transmission portion 300 transmits the carbon dioxide laser L emitted from the laser generation portion 400 to the cleaning head portion 200.

[0105] The laser transmission portion 300 includes a transmission pipe portion 310 through which the carbon dioxide laser is transmitted, and at least one or more transmission mirror portions 360, 370 for adjusting a transmission direction of the carbon dioxide laser L.

[0106] The transmission pipe portion 310 connects the laser generation portion 400 and the cleaning head portion 200. The transmission pipe portion 310 can be provided to block light transmission by being subjected to black anodizing with an aluminum material.

[0107] Further, the transmission pipe portion 310 can include a plurality of transmission pipes 320, 330 provided sequentially along a traveling direction of the carbon dioxide laser; and at least one connection pipe portion 340, 350 connecting two transmission pipes adjacent to each other and in which the transmission mirror portions 360, 370 are provided.

[0108] The at least one transmission mirror portion 360, 370 is provided at a curved portion of the transmission pipe portion 310 and adjusts a reflection direction of the carbon dioxide laser L so that the carbon dioxide laser L is transmitted from the laser generation portion 400 to the cleaning head portion 200.

[0109] The plurality of transmission mirror portions 360, 370 can include a first transmission mirror portion 360 and a second transmission mirror portion 370.

[0110] The first transmission mirror portion 360 can include a first mirror member 361 and a first mirror driving portion 362. The first mirror member 361 reflects the carbon dioxide laser L. The first mirror driving portion 362 can be provided such that it is coupled to the first mirror member 361 to adjust an angle of the first mirror member 361. The first mirror driving portion 362 can include a motor.

[0111] Further, the first transmission mirror portion 360 is provided to reflect a traveling direction of the carbon dioxide laser L from a first axial direction A1 to a second axial direction A2. Referring to Figure 8 , the first transmission mirror portion 360 can be respectively mounted at a curved portion of a first connection pipe 341 and at a second curved portion 352 of a second connection pipe portion 350.

[0112] The second transmission mirror portion 370 may include a second mirror member 371 and a second mirror driving portion 372. The second mirror member 371 reflects the carbon dioxide laser light L. The second mirror driving portion 372 may be provided so as to be coupled to the second mirror member 371 to adjust the angle of the second mirror member 371. The second mirror driving portion 372 may include a motor.

[0113] The second transmission mirror portion 370 is configured to reflect the traveling direction of the carbon dioxide laser light L from the second axial direction A2 to the first axial direction A1. Figure 8 The second transmission mirror portion 370 may be installed at the first curved portion 351 of the second connection pipe portion 350 and the curved portion of the second connection pipe 342 , respectively.

[0114] The transmission pipe portion 310 includes a plurality of transmission pipes 320 , 330 and at least one connecting pipe portion 340 , 350 .

[0115] The plurality of transmission tubes 320 and 330 may be sequentially arranged along the traveling direction of the carbon dioxide laser L. Two adjacent transmission tubes 320 and 330 are connected by connecting tubes 340 and 350. In this example, for ease of explanation, the plurality of transmission tubes 320 and 330 are respectively referred to as a vertical transmission tube 320 and a horizontal transmission tube 330.

[0116] The vertical transmission tube 320 is a tube arranged in the first axial direction A1. The vertical transmission tube 320 guides the movement of the CO2 laser L in the first axial direction A1. In this example, the plurality of vertical transmission tubes 320 can be divided into a first vertical transmission tube 321 and a second vertical transmission tube 322 according to the installation position. The first vertical transmission tube 321 is connected to the laser generating unit 400. The second vertical transmission tube 322 is connected to the rear end of the lens position adjustment unit 220.

[0117] The horizontal transmission tube 330 is a tube arranged in the second axial direction A2. The horizontal transmission tube 330 guides the CO2 laser L to move in the second axial direction A2. In this example, for ease of explanation, the plurality of horizontal transmission tubes 330 are respectively referred to as a first horizontal transmission tube 331 and a second horizontal transmission tube 332.

[0118] At least one connecting pipe portion 340, 350 is a pipe connecting two adjacent transmission pipes 320, 330. In this example, for convenience of explanation, the plurality of connecting pipe portions 340, 350 are respectively referred to as a first connecting pipe portion 340 and a second connecting pipe portion 350.

[0119] The first connecting pipe 340 connects the vertical transmission pipe 320 and the horizontal transmission pipe 330. The first connecting pipe 340 has an L-shaped curved structure. The first connecting pipe 340 may have a curved portion. The first transmission mirror 360 or the second transmission mirror 370 may be disposed in the curved portion of the first connecting pipe 340.

[0120] Reference Figure 8 The plurality of first connecting pipe sections 340 can be divided into first connecting pipes 341 and second connecting pipes 342 according to the installation position. The first connecting pipe 341 connects the first vertical transmission pipe 321 and the first horizontal transmission pipe 331. In addition, the second connecting pipe 342 connects the second vertical transmission pipe 322 and the second horizontal transmission pipe 332.

[0121] Furthermore, the first connecting tube 341 and the second connecting tube 342 can be configured so that one of the two adjacent transmission tubes is rotatably connected to the other transmission tube. In this manner, the transmission tube unit 310 can have a joint structure based on the first connecting tube 341 and the second connecting tube 342. Therefore, when the position of the lens 230 is moved along the third axial direction A3 by the lens position adjustment unit 220, the angle and spacing between the two adjacent transmission tubes in the transmission tube unit 310 can be changed according to the position of the lens 230 in the head housing 210.

[0122] For example, one end 341a of the first connecting pipe 341 is connected to the first vertical transmission pipe 321, and the other end 341b is connected to the first horizontal transmission pipe 331. In this case, the one end 341a of the first connecting pipe 341 is rotatably connected to the first vertical transmission pipe 321 in the forward or reverse direction R2. In other words, the one end 341a of the first connecting pipe 341 is rotatably connected to the first vertical transmission pipe 321 in an idle state.

[0123] Furthermore, one end 342a of the second connecting pipe 342 is connected to the second vertical transmission pipe 322, and the other end 342b is connected to the second horizontal transmission pipe 332. At this time, the one end 342a of the second connecting pipe 342 is rotatably connected to the second vertical transmission pipe 322 in the forward or reverse direction R4. In other words, the one end 342a of the second connecting pipe 342 is rotatably connected to the second vertical transmission pipe 322 in an idle state.

[0124] In addition, the second connecting pipe portion 350 connects the first horizontal transmission pipe 331 and the second horizontal transmission pipe 332. The second connecting pipe portion 350 has an S-shaped bending structure. The second connecting pipe portion 350 has two bending portions.

[0125] The second connecting pipe section 350 has a first curved portion 351 connected to the first horizontal transmission pipe 331 and a second curved portion 352 connected to the second horizontal transmission pipe 332. The second transmission mirror section 370 is mounted on the first curved portion 351. The first transmission mirror section 360 is mounted on the second curved portion 352. The second curved portion 352 is rotatably connected to the first curved portion 351 in the forward or reverse direction R3. In other words, the second curved portion 352 is freely rotatably connected to the first curved portion 351.

[0126] The carbon dioxide laser light L is incident on the second transmission mirror 370 mounted on the first curved portion 351 along the second axial direction A2 in the first horizontal transmission tube 331, and is reflected from the second transmission mirror 370 to move in the first axial direction A1 toward the second curved portion 352. Thereafter, the carbon dioxide laser light L is reflected in the second axial direction A2 from the first transmission mirror 360 mounted on the second curved portion 352 to move to the second horizontal transmission tube 332. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide laser light that has passed through the second vertical transmission tube 322 is transmitted to the lens 230.

[0127] Reference Figure 12 The laser generating unit 400 may include a generating chamber 410, a pair of electrode plates 420, and a resonating unit 430. The laser generating unit 400 generates carbon dioxide laser light L and emits it to the laser transmitting unit 300. The carbon dioxide laser light L is a laser using carbon dioxide gas as a medium.

[0128] The generation chamber 410 may be coupled to the body part 600. Then, the generation chamber 410 is coupled to the first vertical transmission pipe 321 of the laser transmission part 300.

[0129] In the generation chamber 410, carbon dioxide gas is sealed in the internal space. A pair of electrode plates 420 are mounted on the inner surface of the generation chamber 410 so as to face each other. Then, an output mirror 450 and a total reflection mirror 440 are mounted on the inner surface of the generation chamber 410 so as to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the electrode plates.

[0130] The pair of electrode plates 420 are electrically connected to an external power source 460. When power is applied to the electrode plates 420, discharge occurs between the pair of electrode plates 420, and plasma is generated in the carbon dioxide gas, whereby the carbon dioxide molecules change to an excited state. When the number of carbon dioxide molecules in the excited state increases, it becomes a stimulated emission state. Figure 12 In the figure, symbol C1 represents the ground state, C2 represents the excited state, and C3 represents the stimulated emission state.

[0131] The resonance part 430 can include a total reflection mirror 440 and an output mirror 450. The resonance part 430 can amplify the carbon dioxide gas in an excited state while reciprocating the light between the total reflection mirror 440 and the output mirror 450 to emit the carbon dioxide gas to the output mirror 450 as a carbon dioxide laser L. The carbon dioxide laser L emitted from the output mirror 450 is transmitted to the cleaning head part 200 through the laser transmission part 300.

[0132] The laser generation part 400 can adjust the output energy of the carbon dioxide laser L according to a control signal from the control part 700.

[0133] The laser generation part 400 can be provided to output the carbon dioxide laser L in the range of 30 W to 200 W. In addition, the laser generation part 400 can output the carbon dioxide laser L in the range of 80 W to 120 W. For example, the carbon dioxide laser L can be irradiated to the upper sealing tool 10 and / or the lower sealing tool 20 at an output of 100 W to remove the foreign matter P present in the upper sealing tool 10 and / or the lower sealing tool 20.

[0134] The carbon dioxide laser L can have a wavelength greater than that of a fiber laser. The fiber laser has a wavelength of about 1 μm. On the other hand, the carbon dioxide laser L can have a wavelength in the range of 9 μm to 12 μm. As one example, the carbon dioxide laser L can have a wavelength of 10.6 μm.

[0135] Because the carbon dioxide laser L has a wavelength range about 10 times greater than that of a fiber laser, it is difficult to transmit the laser using a fiber. Accordingly, the present utility model can transmit the carbon dioxide laser L by providing at least one transmission mirror part 360, 370 to the laser transmission part 300 as described above.

[0136] The carbon dioxide laser L has a metal absorption and a metal reflectance lower than those of a fiber laser. It can be known that the carbon dioxide laser L has a reflectance and an absorptance to copper Cu close to 0%. That is, it can be known that the carbon dioxide laser L hardly reacts with copper Cu, which is a material of the sealing tools 10, 20.

[0137] On the other hand, it can be known that the fiber laser has a reflectance and an absorptance to steel of about 40%, and a reflectance and an absorptance to copper Cu of about 10%. That is, it can be known that the fiber laser reacts with all metals. Accordingly, when the fiber laser is used to remove the foreign matter P of the sealing tools 10, 20, a problem of damaging the sealing tools 10, 20 occurs in the process of removing the foreign matter P.

[0138] Referring to Figure 8The carbon dioxide laser light L emitted from the laser generating unit 400 enters the first vertical transmission tube 321 in the first axial direction A1. The carbon dioxide laser light L moving in the first vertical transmission tube 321 is reflected from the first axial direction A1 to the second axial direction A2 by the first transmission mirror unit 360 installed in the first connecting tube 341 and transmitted to the first horizontal transmission tube 331.

[0139] The carbon dioxide laser L moving in the first horizontal transmission tube 331 is reflected from the second axial direction A2 to the first axial direction A1 by the second transmission mirror portion 370 installed at the first curved portion 351 of the second connecting pipe portion 350, and is transmitted to the first transmission mirror portion 360 installed at the second curved portion 352 of the second connecting pipe portion 350.

[0140] Thereafter, the carbon dioxide laser light L is reflected from the first axial direction A1 to the second axial direction A2 by the first transmission mirror 360 at the second bent portion 352 , and is transmitted to the second horizontal transmission pipe 332 .

[0141] The carbon dioxide laser L moving in the second horizontal transmission pipe 332 is reflected from the second axial direction A2 to the first axial direction A1 by the second transmission mirror 370 installed at the bent portion of the second connection pipe 342 and transmitted to the second vertical transmission pipe 322 .

[0142] The carbon dioxide laser light L moving in the second vertical transmission tube 322 is reflected from the first axial direction A1 to the second axial direction A2 by the first transmission mirror portion 360 installed in the lens position adjustment portion 220, and is transmitted to the lens 230. The carbon dioxide laser light L passing through the lens 230 moves along the second axial direction A2 via the channel 215 to the head mirror 261.

[0143] Reference Figure 9 When cleaning the upper sealing tool 10, the head mirror 261 is arranged to be tilted upward toward the upper opening 211. The carbon dioxide laser light L is reflected from the head mirror 261 in the first reflection direction F1, passes through the upper opening 211 along the first axial direction A1, and irradiates the upper sealing tool 10. Therefore, when the lens position adjustment unit 220 moves the lens in the third axial direction A3, the upper sealing tool 10 is continuously cleaned along the third axial direction A3.

[0144] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11When the lower sealing tool 20 is cleaned, the head mirror 261 is set to be inclined downward toward the lower opening 212. The carbon dioxide laser L passing through the lens 230 moves to the head mirror 261 in the second axial direction A2 via the passage 215. The carbon dioxide laser L is reflected from the head mirror 261 to the second reflection direction F2 to pass through the lower opening 212 in the first axial direction Al, and is irradiated to the lower sealing tool 20. Thus, the lower sealing tool 20 is continuously cleaned in the third axial direction A3 while the lens position adjusting part 220 moves the lens in the third axial direction A3.

[0145] The present utility model adjusts the reflection direction of the carbon dioxide laser L by the angle adjustment of the head mirror 261, can remove the foreign matter P from the upper sealing tool 10, and then continuously remove the foreign matter P from the lower sealing tool 20, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the sealing tools 10, 20.

[0146] As in the present utility model, the sealing tools 10, 20 from which the foreign matter P has been cleaned provide uniform pressure to the bag shell, thereby being able to seal the bag shell with a relatively thin thickness compared to the case of sealing the bag shell with the sealing tools in which the foreign matter exists.

[0147] The sealing tool cleaning method using the sealing tool cleaning device can include: step (a) of installing the shielding jigs on a pair of sealing tools, respectively; step (b) of making the cleaning head part enter the separation space between the pair of sealing tools; and step (c) of adjusting the head mirror part to reflect the carbon dioxide laser toward the first opening or the second opening of the head shell.

[0148] In addition, the sealing tool cleaning method can include: when the upper sealing tool of the pair of sealing tools is cleaned, the step of adjusting the reflection direction of the head mirror part to reflect the carbon dioxide laser toward the first opening, and operating the lens position adjusting part to move the lens in the length direction of the upper sealing tool; and when the lower sealing tool of the pair of sealing tools is cleaned, the step of adjusting the reflection direction of the head mirror part to reflect the carbon dioxide laser toward the second opening, and operating the lens position adjusting part to move the lens in the length direction of the lower sealing tool.

[0149] For the purpose of illustration, the preferred examples of the above utility model have been disclosed, and those skilled in the art with ordinary knowledge of the utility model will be able to make various modifications, changes and additions within the spirit and scope of the utility model, and such modifications, changes and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0150] Industrial applicability

[0151] According to a sealing tool cleaning device according to an example of the present invention, by using a carbon dioxide laser, only foreign matter present in the sealing tool can be removed, and by removing the foreign matter from the sealing tool in a non-contact manner, damage to the sealing tool can be prevented.

Claims

1. A sealing tool cleaning device for cleaning a pair of sealing tools of a sealing bag housing, characterized in that: include: a laser generating unit, wherein the laser generating unit generates carbon dioxide laser; a cleaning head configured to enter the separation space between the pair of sealing tools, the cleaning head comprising a head housing and a head mirror portion, the head housing having a first opening and a second opening respectively open toward the pair of sealing tools, the head mirror portion being rotatably mounted within the head housing and configured to reflect the carbon dioxide laser toward the first opening or the second opening; as well as A laser transmission portion is configured to transmit the carbon dioxide laser generated by the laser generating portion to the cleaning head.

2. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The cleaning head is connected to the laser transmission part and includes a lens and a lens position adjustment part. The lens is used to transmit the carbon dioxide laser transmitted from the laser transmission part to the head mirror part, and the lens position adjustment part is configured to adjust the position of the lens in the head housing.

3. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that The first opening and the second opening extend along the length direction of the sealing tool facing each other, and The lens position adjusting portion is configured to move the lens within the head housing along a length direction of the sealing tool.

4. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The laser transmission part includes a transmission tube part and one or more transmission mirror parts, through which the carbon dioxide laser is transmitted. The one or more transmission mirror parts are used to adjust the transmission direction of the carbon dioxide laser in the transmission tube part.

5. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that The transmission pipe portion includes: a plurality of transmission tubes, the plurality of transmission tubes being sequentially arranged along a traveling direction of the carbon dioxide laser; and At least one connecting pipe portion is provided, wherein the at least one connecting pipe portion connects two adjacent transmission pipes, and the transmission mirror portion is provided in the at least one connecting pipe portion.

6. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that The at least one connecting pipe portion is provided so that based on one of two adjacent transmission pipes, the other transmission pipe is rotatably connected.

7. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that Further including: A head position adjusting portion is coupled to the cleaning head and adjusts a position of the head housing so that the cleaning head enters the separation space between the pair of sealing tools.

8. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that Further including: a control unit for controlling the laser generating unit and the cleaning head; The control portion is configured to enable the cleaning head to enter the separation space between the pair of sealing tools when in a cleaning mode of the pair of sealing tools.

9. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that When cleaning the upper sealing tool of the pair of sealing tools, the control portion adjusts the reflection direction of the head mirror portion to reflect the carbon dioxide laser toward the first opening facing the upper sealing tool, and when cleaning the lower sealing tool, the control portion adjusts the reflection direction of the head mirror portion to reflect the carbon dioxide laser toward the second opening facing the lower sealing tool.

10. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that The control portion is configured to move the lens in the head housing along the length direction of the upper sealing tool when cleaning the upper sealing tool, and the control portion is configured to move the lens in the head housing along the length direction of the lower sealing tool when cleaning the lower sealing tool.

11. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that: When cleaning the upper sealing tool, when the head housing is located in the separation space between the pair of sealing tools, the control unit adjusts the reflection direction of the head mirror portion so that the head mirror portion reflects the carbon dioxide laser toward the first opening, and operates the lens position adjustment unit to move the lens along the length direction of the upper sealing tool.

12. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein: When cleaning the lower sealing tool, when the head housing is located in the separation space between the pair of sealing tools, the control unit adjusts the reflection direction of the head mirror portion so that the head mirror portion reflects the carbon dioxide laser toward the second opening, and operates the lens position adjustment unit to move the lens along the length direction of the lower sealing tool.

13. The sealing tool cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein The head mirror portion includes: a head mirror disposed between the first opening and the second opening and extending in a length direction of the sealing tool; and A head mirror driving unit rotates the head mirror at a predetermined angle to adjust a reflection direction of the head mirror.

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