Notching apparatus and support unit used for same

Abstract

A support unit for supporting a workpiece in a notching apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed support unit comprises: a pair of support rollers which are spaced apart in the moving direction of a workpiece, and which are disposed to come into contact with the workpiece; and at least one guard part, which is disposed between the pair of support rollers so as to prevent foreign substances generated while a laser beam is emitted at the workpiece from becoming stuck to the pair of support rollers.

Description

Notching device and support unit used therein

[0001] The present invention relates to a notching device and a support unit used therein.

[0002] Secondary batteries offer the advantages of being an environmentally friendly energy source, enabling miniaturization and reducing environmental pollution. Due to these advantages, demand for secondary batteries has been increasing recently. In terms of shape, secondary batteries can be categorized into prismatic and pouch types. In terms of materials, secondary batteries can be categorized into lithium secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, which boast high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability, and lithium-ion polymer batteries.

[0003] In general, a secondary battery is manufactured by applying an electrode active material to the surface of a current collector to form a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, interposing a separator between them to form an electrode assembly, and then mounting the electrode assembly inside a cylindrical or square metal can or a pouch-shaped case made of an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly can be manufactured by mainly injecting or impregnating a liquid electrolyte, or by using a solid electrolyte.

[0004] The electrode body is processed to have an exposed portion, and this exposed portion serves as an electrode terminal for connecting the positive and negative electrodes to the outside when forming an electrode assembly (positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator). This processing is performed using a notching device.

[0005] A notching device is a device that forms a terminal by cutting a portion of the exposed portion of an electrode sheet. To achieve this, the notching device forms the terminal by cutting a portion of the exposed portion using a punch or laser beam.

[0006] Recently, laser beam devices are increasingly used for notching electrode sheets, rather than punching devices. Laser devices are increasingly used because they cause less damage to electrodes and enable efficient production.

[0007] However, in the notching process using a laser beam, foreign substances such as particles or fumes are generated, which may cause contamination of peripheral devices, such as the support unit that supports the electrode sheet. Contamination of the support unit may cause laser processing defects.

[0008] The present disclosure can provide a support unit having a structure capable of stably supporting a processing object in a notching process while minimizing or reducing contamination of the processing object, and a notching device including the same.

[0009] The present disclosure can provide a notching device capable of quickly processing contamination of a support unit supporting a processing target.

[0010] A notching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a laser irradiation unit that irradiates a laser beam to a processing object while the processing object moves; and a support unit configured to support the processing object while the laser beam is irradiated to the processing object; wherein the support unit may include a pair of support rollers spaced apart from each other along a moving direction of the processing object and arranged to contact the processing object, and at least one guard portion arranged between the pair of support rollers to block foreign matter generated while the laser beam is irradiated to the processing object from adhering to the pair of support rollers.

[0011] The at least one guard portion may include a guard plate having a surface parallel to the direction of movement of the object to be processed and positioned close to the object to be processed to block movement of the foreign substance between the object to be processed and the object to be processed, and a guard bar extending from the guard plate in a direction away from the object to be processed.

[0012] The at least one guard portion may include a pair of guard portions arranged to be spaced apart along the direction of movement of the object to be processed.

[0013] The length of the guard plate may be smaller than the distance between a first position in contact with the pair of support rollers on the object to be processed and a second position at which the laser beam is irradiated on the object to be processed.

[0014] When the laser beam is not irradiated on the object to be processed, the guard part does not contact the object to be processed, and when the laser beam is irradiated on the object to be processed, the guard part can contact the object to be processed.

[0015] The end of the guard plate facing the position where the laser beam is irradiated may have a pointed shape.

[0016] The above support unit includes a rotatable body and a plurality of support areas arranged on the body, and each of the plurality of support areas may have a pair of support rollers and at least one guard part arranged on it.

[0017] The above plurality of support areas may be arranged to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the body.

[0018] The support unit may be movable in a direction away from the workpiece, and the notching device may further include a tension applying unit that applies tension to the workpiece to support the workpiece when the support unit moves away from the workpiece.

[0019] The above tension applying unit may include a pair of tension applying rods arranged so as to have a gap wider than the gap between the pair of support rollers.

[0020] The above tension applying unit may be movable in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the processing object.

[0021] One end of the tension applying unit may have an inclined surface inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the tension applying unit.

[0022] The above processing object may further include a suction unit configured to suck up foreign substances generated when a laser beam is irradiated on the processing object.

[0023] The notching device further includes a cleaning unit configured to remove foreign substances from the support unit, wherein the cleaning unit may include a pair of first brushes configured to contact and brush the pair of support rollers, a second brush disposed between the pair of first brushes and configured to contact and brush the guard bar, and a third brush configured to contact and brush the surface of the guard plate.

[0024] The first pair of brushes may be rotatable and include brush hairs arranged along a rotational direction, and the third brush may include brush hairs arranged along a surface direction of the guard plate.

[0025] The cleaning unit further includes a cleaning chamber into which at least a part of the support unit can be inserted, and the cleaning chamber has a first opening disposed on one side into which at least a part of the support unit can be inserted, a second opening disposed on the other side into which the pair of first brushes, the second brush, and the third brush can be inserted, and a suction unit for sucking foreign substances can be disposed on the lower side.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a support unit of a notching device configured to support a processing object while a laser beam is irradiated onto the processing object may include a pair of support rollers spaced apart along a moving direction of the processing object and arranged to contact the processing object; and at least one guard part arranged between the pair of support rollers to block foreign matter generated while the laser beam is irradiated onto the processing object from adhering to the pair of support rollers.

[0027] A notching device and a support unit used therein according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can stably support a processing object in a notching process while preventing or reducing contamination during the processing.

[0028] The notching device and the support unit used therein according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can increase the service life or replacement cycle.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a notching device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views and front views schematically explaining the process of performing the notching process in the notching device of Figure 1.

[0031] Figures 4 and 5 are front and perspective views for explaining the function of the support unit of Figure 1.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a front view illustrating another example of a support unit of a notching device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a suction unit of a notching device according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views illustrating a cleaning unit of a notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the cleaning unit of Fig. 8a from a different angle.

[0036] Figures 10 and 11 are a front view and a perspective view for explaining the operation of the cleaning unit of Figure 9.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the movement of the support unit of the notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGS. 13 to 15 are drawings for explaining the operation of the cleaning unit and support unit of the notching device of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are perspective views illustrating a tension application unit of a notching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals designate the same components, and the size and thickness of each component may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation.

[0041] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the first component. The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items or any one of multiple related items.

[0042]

[0043] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a notching device (1) according to an embodiment. Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views and front views schematically illustrating a process of performing a notching process in the notching device (1) of Fig. 1. Figs. 4 and 5 are front views and perspective views schematically illustrating the function of the support unit (30) of Fig. 1.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a notching device (1) according to an embodiment may include a transport unit (10), a laser irradiation unit (20), a support unit (30), and a cleaning unit (40). The notching device (1) may be used in a process of partially cutting an electrode for manufacturing an electrode assembly applied to a secondary battery.

[0045] The transport unit (10) can move the workpiece (T) along a predetermined direction. The transport unit (10) can include a plurality of transport rollers (11). The workpiece (T) can be wound in a roll shape before and after being transported by the transport unit (10).

[0046] The processing object (T) can be moved along the first direction (-Z) by the transfer unit (10). For example, the processing object (T) can be moved in the vertical direction. For example, the processing object (T) can be moved along the downward direction.

[0047] The laser irradiation unit (20) can irradiate a laser beam (LB) to a processing object (T). The laser irradiation unit (20) can cut at least a portion of the processing object (T) by irradiating the laser beam (LB) to the processing object (T). By partially cutting the processing object (T), a notch can be formed in the processing object (T).

[0048] The processing object (T) may be an electrode assembly applied to a secondary battery. For example, the processing object (T) may include a holding portion (T10) coated with an electrode active material and a non-coated portion (T20) not coated with an electrode active material. The laser irradiation unit (20) may cut at least a portion of the non-coated portion (T20).

[0049] The support unit (30) may be configured to support the object to be processed (T) when the laser beam (LB) is irradiated onto the object to be processed (T). The support unit (30) may include at least one support area (301) that supports the object to be processed (T) when the laser beam (LB) is irradiated onto the object to be processed (T).

[0050] For example, the support unit (30) may include a plurality of support areas (301) that selectively support the workpiece (T). For example, the support unit (30) may include a plurality of support areas (301) spaced apart at a predetermined interval. For example, the support unit (30) may include four support areas (301) spaced apart at 90 degree (˚) intervals. However, the number and arrangement of the support areas (301) of the support unit (30) are not limited thereto and may vary. For example, the support unit (30) may include two to eight support areas (301) spaced apart at equal intervals or different intervals. In addition, the angle of separation between the support areas (301) may also vary depending on the number of support areas (301) included in the support unit (30).

[0051] The support unit (30) can be configured such that a plurality of support regions (301) are selectively opposed to the processing object (T). The support unit (30) can change its posture so that one of the plurality of support regions (301) is selectively opposed to the processing object (T). For example, the support unit (30) can rotate so that one of the plurality of support regions (301) is opposed to the processing object (T).

[0052] The support unit (30) may include a rotatable body (35) and a plurality of support areas (301) arranged on the body (35). The plurality of support areas (301) may be arranged to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction.

[0053] Each of the plurality of support areas (301) may include a pair of support rollers (31) spaced apart along the direction of movement of the workpiece (T). When one of the plurality of support areas (301) is positioned to face the workpiece (T), the pair of support rollers (31) of the corresponding support area (301) may be spaced apart from each other along the direction of movement of the workpiece (T) and may be arranged to contact one surface of the workpiece (T).

[0054] A pair of support rollers (31) can be rotatably installed on the body (35). The pair of support rollers (31) can have the same diameter. However, the diameter of the pair of support rollers (31) is not necessarily limited thereto, and can have different diameters as needed.

[0055] A plurality of support regions (301) may be arranged on the body (35) so as to face the same direction in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the body (35). In other words, a plurality of support regions (301) may be arranged on the body (35) so as to face the same direction in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the processing object (T) and the irradiation direction of the laser beam (LB), respectively. For example, a pair of support rollers (31) included in each of the plurality of support regions (301) may be arranged on the body (35) so as to be exposed toward the front (-Y direction) with reference to FIG. 2.

[0056] However, the arrangement of the plurality of support areas (301) is not necessarily limited thereto, and some of the plurality of support areas (301) may be arranged on the body (35) so as to face a different direction from the remaining support areas (301) based on a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the body (35). For example, the support rollers (31) of some of the support areas (301) may be arranged so as to be exposed toward the front (-Y direction), and the support rollers (31) of the remaining support areas (301) may be arranged so as to be exposed toward the rear (+Y direction).

[0057] A pair of support rollers (31) arranged to face the processing object (T) can contact and support one surface of the processing object (T). While the processing object (T) is being processed by the laser irradiation unit (20), a pair of support rollers (31) of the support unit (30) can support one surface of the processing object (T).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the distance between a pair of support rollers (31) to support a processing area on a processing target (T) to which a laser beam (LB) is irradiated may be a predetermined distance or less. For example, the distance between a pair of support rollers (31) may be three times or less the diameter of the support rollers (31). For example, the distance between a pair of support rollers (31) may be twice or less the diameter of the support rollers (31).

[0059] A pair of support rollers (31) can be arranged to protrude further than a pair of transport rollers (11). A pair of support rollers (31) can be arranged to protrude further than a pair of transport rollers (11) in the opposite direction (+X direction) to the irradiation direction of the laser beam (LB). A pair of support rollers (31) can be arranged closer to the laser irradiation unit (20) than a pair of transport rollers (11). Through this, shaking of the processing object (T) when the processing object (T) moves can be reduced, and when the laser beam (LB) is irradiated to the processing object (T), the laser beam (LB) can be guided to be irradiated to a predetermined position of the processing object (T).

[0060] While the workpiece (T) moves, a pair of support rollers (31) can support the workpiece (T) by rotating while contacting one surface of the workpiece (T).

[0061] In the notching device (1) according to the embodiment, when the object to be processed (T) moves from top to bottom along the first direction (Z), a pair of support rollers (31) of the support unit (30) contacts and supports the rear surface of the object to be processed (T), and the laser irradiation unit (20) irradiates a laser beam (LB) toward the front surface of the non-coated portion (T20) of the object to be processed (T), thereby processing the object to be processed (T).

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the process of irradiating a laser beam (LB) onto a processing object (T) while the processing object (T) is supported by a pair of support rollers (31), foreign substances (F) such as fumes or particles may be generated at the portion of the processing object (T) where the laser beam (LB) is irradiated.

[0063] If foreign matter (F) generated during the process of irradiating the laser beam (LB) adheres to the support roller (31), the position of the processing object (T) supported by the support roller (31) may change. The change in the position of the processing object (T) may deteriorate the laser processing quality.

[0064] Taking these points into consideration, the support unit (30) of the notching device (1) according to the embodiment may include at least one guard part (33) arranged between a pair of support rollers (31) to prevent foreign matter (F) generated while the laser beam (LB) is irradiated on the processing object (T) from sticking to the pair of support rollers (31).

[0065] For example, at least one guard part (33) may include a pair of guard parts (33) spaced apart from each other along the direction of movement of the object to be processed (T). The pair of guard parts (33) are spaced apart from each other, and a laser beam (LB) may be irradiated between them. Each of the pair of guard parts (33) may include a guard plate (331) configured to block the movement of a foreign substance (F) between itself and the object to be processed (T), and a guard bar (332) configured to block the foreign substance from moving toward the support roller (31) by bypassing the guard plate (331).

[0066] The guard plate (331) may have a surface parallel to the moving direction of the object (T) to be processed. The guard plate (331) may be arranged between a first position (P1) where the support roller (31) contacts the object (T) to be processed and a second position (P2) where the laser beam (LB) is irradiated onto the object (T) to be processed. To this end, the length of the guard plate (331) along the moving direction of the object (T) to be processed may be smaller than the distance between the first position (P1) where the support roller (31) contacts the object (T) to be processed and the second position (P2) where the laser beam (LB) is irradiated onto the object (T).

[0067] The guard plate (331) may be placed close to the object to be processed (T) to block the movement of foreign substances (F) between the guard plate (331) and the object to be processed (T). For example, the distance between the guard plate (331) and the object to be processed (T) may be several mm or less. For example, the distance between the guard plate (331) and the object to be processed (T) may be 3 mm or less. For example, the distance between the guard plate (331) and the object to be processed (T) may be 3 times or less the thickness of the object to be processed (T).

[0068] The guard plate (331) can selectively support the object to be processed (T) when the object to be processed (T) is irradiated with a laser beam (LB) by being positioned close to the object to be processed (T). Accordingly, the guard portion (33) can perform the function of supporting the object to be processed (T) during the laser processing process, along with the function of blocking foreign substances (F) heading toward the support roller (31).

[0069] When the laser beam (LB) is not irradiated to the object to be processed (T), the guard plate (331) does not come into contact with the object to be processed (T), whereas when the laser beam (LB) is irradiated to the object to be processed (T), the guard plate (331) can come into contact with the object to be processed (T). When the laser beam (LB) is not irradiated to the object to be processed (T), since tension is applied to the object to be processed (T) by a pair of support rollers (31), the guard plate (331) does not come into contact with the object to be processed (T) and can be in a state parallel to the object to be processed (T). When the guard plate (331) is not in contact with the object to be processed (T), and the object to be processed (T) is irradiated with the laser beam (LB), during the process of processing the object to be processed (T) by the laser beam (LB), a part of the object to be processed (T), for example, a portion around the second position (P2) where the laser beam (LB) is irradiated on the object to be processed (T), may be bent toward the guard plate (331). At this time, the guard plate (331) may be in contact with the bent object to be processed (T) and support the object to be processed (T).

[0070] The end portions (3311, 3312) of the guard plate (331) facing the position where the laser beam (LB) is irradiated may have a sharp cross-section. For example, the end portion (3311) of the guard plate (331) located at the lower end of the pair of guard plates (331) may have a sharp cross-section. Since the end portion (3311) of the guard plate (331) has a sharp cross-section, foreign substances can be minimized from attaching to and growing on the end portion of the guard plate (331).

[0071] One end (3311, 3312) of a pair of guard plates (331) may have different shapes. For example, one end (3311) of one guard plate (331) facing the position where the laser beam (LB) is irradiated may have a pointed cross-section, and one end (3312) of the other guard plate (331) facing the position where the laser beam (LB) is irradiated may have a rounded cross-section. For example, the lower end (3312) of the guard plate (331) positioned at the top may have a semicircular cross-section, and the upper end (3311) of the guard plate (331) positioned at the bottom may have an inclined cross-section.

[0072] The upper end (3311) of the guard plate (331) arranged at the bottom may have a cross-section that is inclined so that the height thereof decreases toward the object to be processed (T). The upper end (3311) of the guard plate (331) may be located at a position spaced apart from the object to be processed (T) compared to other parts of the guard plate (331). Accordingly, even if foreign substances accumulate on the upper end (3311) of the guard plate (331), the phenomenon of the accumulated foreign substances coming into contact with the object to be processed (T) can be minimized. Accordingly, when a part of the object to be processed (T) is bent toward the guard plate (331) during the process of processing the object to be processed (T), the guard plate (331) can support the object to be processed (T) while preventing the object to be processed (T) from being damaged by the foreign substances accumulated on the guard plate (331).

[0073] However, it is not necessarily limited to the end portions (3311, 3312) of a pair of guard plates (331) having different shapes. For example, although not shown, the end portions (3311, 3312) of a pair of guard plates (331) may have the same shape.

[0074] The surface facing the workpiece (T) at the end (3311, 3312) of the guard plate (331) may be curved. Through this, even if the end of the guard plate (331) and the workpiece (T) come into contact, damage such as scratches can be prevented from occurring to the workpiece (T).

[0075] The guard bar (332) may extend from the guard plate (331) in a direction away from the workpiece (T) (-X direction) to prevent foreign substances from bypassing the guard plate (331) and moving toward the support roller (31). For example, the guard bar (332) may extend in a direction perpendicular to or inclined with respect to the movement direction (-Z direction) of the workpiece (T).

[0076] The guard portion (33) having the guard plate (331) and guard bar (332) may have a T-shaped cross-section. However, the shape of the guard portion (33) is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the guard portion (33A) may have a cross-section in which the surface facing the support roller (31) corresponds to the outer circumferential surface of the support roller (31).

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the example in which a pair of guard parts (33) are arranged between a pair of support rollers (31) has been described, but the number of guard parts (33) is not necessarily limited to this. For example, although not shown, a single guard part (33) may be arranged between a pair of support rollers (31). For example, the single guard part (33) may be arranged below or above the laser irradiation position.

[0078] Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a suction unit (60) of a notching device (1) according to one embodiment. Referring to Fig. 7, the notching device (1) according to the embodiment may further include a suction unit. The suction unit (60) may be configured to suck up foreign substances generated when a laser beam (LB) is irradiated onto a processing object (T).

[0079] The suction unit (60) may be arranged adjacent to the support unit (30). For example, the suction unit (60) may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the support unit (30) in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction (-Z direction) of the object to be processed (T). The suction hole (601) of the suction unit (60) may be arranged to overlap the guard plate (331) and the guard bar (332) in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to each of the movement direction (-Z direction) of the object to be processed (T) and the irradiation direction (-X direction) of the laser beam (LB).

[0080] By means of this suction unit (60), it is possible to prevent or reduce foreign substances from sticking to the support roller (31) of the support unit (30).

[0081] Meanwhile, even if the structure of the support unit (30) and the suction unit (60) described above are included, as laser processing progresses, the support unit (30) may become contaminated with foreign substances such as fume or particles.

[0082] In the notching device (1) according to the embodiment, a cleaning operation may be configured to be performed when the support unit (30) is contaminated with foreign substances. Before such foreign substances are adhered to the support unit (30) and hardened, a cleaning operation may be performed to remove the contaminants from the support unit (30).

[0083] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views illustrating a cleaning unit (40) of a notching device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the cleaning unit (40) of FIG. 8A from a different angle. FIG. 8B is an enlarged view showing a state in which the support unit (30) and the cleaning unit (40) of FIG. 8A have moved to the cleaning chamber (70).

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9, the cleaning unit (40) may be configured to physically clean the support unit (30). The cleaning unit (40) may include a plurality of brushes configured to clean a pair of support rollers (31) and a guard portion (33) included in the support unit (30).

[0085] For example, the cleaning unit (40) may include a pair of first brushes (41) configured to brush by physically contacting a pair of support rollers (31), a second brush (42) configured to brush by contacting a guard bar (332), and a third brush (43) configured to brush by contacting a surface of a guard plate (331).

[0086] The cleaning unit (40) may further include a cleaning chamber (70) into which at least a portion of the support unit (30) can be inserted. At least one of a plurality of support regions (301) can be inserted into the cleaning chamber (70). A first opening (701) into which at least a portion of the support unit (30) can be inserted may be arranged at one side of the cleaning chamber (70), and a second opening (702) into which a plurality of brushes can be inserted may be arranged at the other side. At least one of the plurality of support regions (301) can be inserted into the first opening (701). A suction unit (71) for sucking up foreign substances may be arranged at a lower portion of the cleaning chamber (70).

[0087] The support unit (30) may be in a cleaning position where cleaning can be performed by the cleaning unit (40). For example, the support unit (30) may be in a position where the support area (301) is inserted into the first opening (701) of the cleaning chamber (70). In this state, a plurality of brushes may be inserted into the second opening (702) of the cleaning chamber (70), so that cleaning can be performed on the support unit (30). The cleaning chamber (70) can prevent foreign substances from flying out when the support unit (30) is cleaned at the cleaning position.

[0088] The cleaning unit (40) can move relative to the support unit (30). For example, the cleaning unit (40) can move so that a plurality of brushes come into contact with the support unit (30). For example, the cleaning unit (40) can move along a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to each of the movement direction (-Z direction) of the processing object (T) and the irradiation direction (-X direction) of the laser beam (LB).

[0089] The cleaning unit (40) can move while in contact with the support unit (30). For example, the cleaning unit (40) can move in a direction parallel to the irradiation direction (-X direction) of the laser beam (LB) to increase cleaning efficiency. The cleaning unit (40) can reciprocate along a direction parallel to the irradiation direction (-X direction) of the laser beam (LB).

[0090] Figures 10 and 11 are a front view and a perspective view for explaining the operation of the cleaning unit (40) of Figure 9.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a pair of first brushes (41) may be arranged on the outer side of a pair of support rollers (31). The gap between the pair of first brushes (41) may be greater than the gap between the pair of support rollers (31).

[0092] A pair of first brushes (41) may be rotatable and include brush hairs (401) arranged along the direction of rotation. The brush hairs (401) of the first brush (41) contact the outer surface of the support roller (31), and as the first brush (41) rotates, the outer surface of the support roller (31) may be evenly brushed.

[0093] A second brush (42) is arranged between a pair of first brushes (41), and the surface of the guard bar (332) can be brushed. The second brush (42) can be rotated and can include brush hairs (401) arranged along the direction of rotation. The brush hairs (401) of the second brush (42) contact the surface of the pair of guard bars (332), and as the second brush (42) rotates, the surface of the pair of guard bars (332) can be brushed.

[0094] The third brush (43) may include brush hairs (401) arranged along the surface direction of the guard plate (331). By moving relative to the surface of the guard plate (331), the third brush (43) may brush the surface of the guard plate (331).

[0095] Referring back to FIG. 9, the cleaning unit (40) may further include a foreign matter removal unit (45) arranged on at least one of the plurality of brushes. For example, the foreign matter removal unit (45) may include a plurality of holes (450) arranged on the third brush (43).

[0096] The plurality of holes (450) can spray or suck air toward the brush hair (401) of the third brush (43). For example, the plurality of holes (450) can spray air toward the brush hair (401) of the third brush (43) to separate foreign substances attached to the brush hair (401) from the brush hair (401).

[0097] In the embodiment, the description is centered on an example in which the foreign matter removal unit (45) is placed on the third brush (43), but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the foreign matter removal unit (45) may be selectively or additionally placed on the first brush (41) and the second brush (42).

[0098] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the movement of the support unit (30) of the notching device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 12, the support unit (30) can be moved so that a pair of support rollers (31) are spaced apart from the processing object (T). For example, the support unit (30) can be moved in a direction different from the movement direction of the processing object (T), for example, in the irradiation direction (-X direction) of the laser beam (LB).

[0100] For example, the support unit (30) can be moved to a cleaning position for cleaning operations. The support unit (30) can be moved and rotated so that one of the plurality of support areas (301) faces the cleaning unit (40).

[0101] As another example, the support unit (30) can be moved so that another support area (301) faces the processing object (T). The support unit (30) can be moved and rotated so that a support area (301) other than the existing support area (301) among the plurality of support areas (301) comes into contact with the processing object (T).

[0102] FIGS. 13 to 15 are drawings for explaining the operation of the cleaning unit (40) and the support unit (30) of the notching device (1) of the present disclosure.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in the notching device (1) according to the embodiment, when the processing object (T) is not processed by the laser irradiation unit (20), the support unit (30) can be cleaned by the cleaning unit (40).

[0104] As an example for this, the support unit (30) can be moved to approach the cleaning unit (40). The support unit (30) can reciprocate and rotate along the irradiation direction (-Z direction) of the laser beam (LB). A plurality of support areas (301) of the support unit (30) can be sequentially cleaned by the cleaning unit (40).

[0105] Referring to FIG. 15, in the notching device (1) according to the embodiment, while the laser beam (LB) is irradiated to the processing object (T) by the laser irradiation unit (20), a part of the support unit (30) can be cleaned by the cleaning unit (40). For example, while one support area (301) among the plurality of support areas (301) is in contact with and supports the processing object (T), another support area (301; not shown) among the plurality of support areas (301) can be cleaned by the cleaning unit (40).

[0106] As an example for this, the cleaning unit (40) can move in a direction approaching the support unit (30). In a state where the workpiece (T) is supported by a pair of support rollers (31) included in one support area (301) of the support unit (30), the cleaning unit (40) can contact and brush a pair of support rollers (31) and a guard portion (33) included in another support area (301).

[0107] FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are perspective views illustrating a tension application unit (50) of a notching device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the notching device (1) according to the embodiment may further include a tension applying unit (50). When the support unit (30) moves, the tension applying unit (50) may support the workpiece (T) in place of the support unit (30).

[0109] For example, in order for the cleaning step to proceed, the support unit (30) can move in a direction (-X direction) away from the processing object (T). For example, the support unit (30) can move so that one of the plurality of support areas (301) is positioned inside the cleaning chamber (70). When the support unit (30) moves away from the processing object (T), the tension applying unit (50) can apply tension to the processing object (T).

[0110] The tension application unit (50) can move to support one side of the workpiece (T).

[0111] The tension application unit (50) can move in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction (-Z direction) of the workpiece (T). The tension application unit (50) can move in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction (-Z direction) of the workpiece (T) and the irradiation direction (-X direction) of the laser beam (LB). One end of the tension application unit (50) can have an inclined surface (5101) inclined with respect to the movement direction of the tension application unit (50). By having the inclined surface (5101) at the end, the tension application unit (50) can prevent interference with the workpiece when the tension application unit (50) moves.

[0112] The tension application unit (50) can move in multiple directions. For example, the tension application unit (50) can move along the Y direction and the X direction. For example, the tension application unit (50) can move so as to overlap the processing object (T), as indicated by the arrow, and then move so as to contact one surface of the processing object (T). However, the direction of movement of the tension application unit (50) is not necessarily limited thereto and can vary. For example, the tension application unit (50) can move back and forth along one direction. For example, the tension application unit (50) can move back and forth along the Y direction without moving in the X direction.

[0113] The tension application unit (50) may include a pair of tension application rods (510). The pair of tension application rods (510) may be arranged to have a wider gap than the gap between the pair of support rollers (31).

[0114] In the notching device (1) according to the embodiment, even if the support unit (30) temporarily deviates from the processing position, the position of the processing object (T) can be maintained by the tension applying unit (50) described above.

[0115]

[0116] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible.

Claims

1. A laser irradiation unit that irradiates a laser beam to a processing object while the processing object moves; and A support unit configured to support the processing object while a laser beam is irradiated on the processing object; The above support unit, A pair of support rollers spaced apart along the direction of movement of the above-mentioned processing object and arranged to contact the above-mentioned processing object, A notching device comprising at least one guard portion disposed between the pair of support rollers to prevent foreign matter generated while a laser beam is irradiated on the processing object from adhering to the pair of support rollers.

2. In paragraph 1, At least one guard member, A guard plate having a surface parallel to the direction of movement of the object to be processed and positioned close to the object to be processed to block movement of the foreign substance between the object to be processed and the object to be processed; A notching device comprising a guard bar extending away from the guard plate in a direction away from the workpiece.

3. In paragraph 2, A notching device, wherein at least one of the guard portions comprises a pair of guard portions arranged so as to be spaced apart along the direction of movement of the object to be processed.

4. In paragraph 2, A notching device wherein the length of the guard plate is smaller than the distance between the first position in contact with the pair of support rollers on the workpiece and the second position at which the laser beam is irradiated on the workpiece.

5. In paragraph 1, When the laser beam is not irradiated on the above processing object, the guard part does not contact the processing object, A notching device in which the guard part comes into contact with the processing object when a laser beam is irradiated on the processing object.

6. In paragraph 2, A notching device, wherein the end of the guard plate facing the position where the laser beam is irradiated has a sharp shape.

7. In paragraph 1, The above support unit includes a rotatable body and a plurality of support areas arranged on the body, A notching device, wherein each of the plurality of support areas has a pair of support rollers and at least one guard part arranged therein.

8. In paragraph 7, A notching device in which the plurality of support areas are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the body.

9. In paragraph 1, The above support unit is movable in a direction away from the processing object, A notching device further comprising a tension applying unit that applies tension to the workpiece to support the workpiece when the support unit moves away from the workpiece.

10. In paragraph 9, A notching device, wherein the tension applying unit comprises a pair of tension applying rods arranged so as to have a gap wider than the gap between the pair of support rollers.

11. In paragraph 9, The above tension application unit is a notching device that can move in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the above processing object.

12. In paragraph 11, A notching device, wherein one end of the tension applying unit has an inclined surface inclined in the direction of movement of the tension applying unit.

13. In paragraph 1, A notching device further comprising a suction unit configured to suck up foreign substances generated when a laser beam is irradiated on the above-mentioned processing object.

14. In paragraph 2, Further comprising a cleaning unit configured to remove foreign substances from the above support unit, A notching device, wherein the cleaning unit comprises a pair of first brushes configured to contact and brush the pair of support rollers, a second brush disposed between the pair of first brushes and configured to contact and brush the guard bar, and a third brush configured to contact and brush the surface of the guard plate.

15. In paragraph 14, The first pair of brushes are rotatable and include brush hairs arranged along the direction of rotation, A notching device, wherein the third brush includes brush hairs arranged along the surface direction of the guard plate.

16. In paragraph 14, The above cleaning unit further includes a cleaning chamber into which at least a portion of the support unit can be inserted, The above cleaning chamber, A first opening is arranged on one side into which at least a part of the support unit can be inserted, On the other side, a second opening is arranged into which the first pair of brushes, the second brush, and the third brush can be inserted, A notching device with a suction unit located at the bottom to suck up foreign substances.

17. A support unit of a notching device configured to support a processing object while a laser beam is irradiated on the processing object, A pair of support rollers spaced apart along the direction of movement of the workpiece and arranged to contact the workpiece; and A support unit of a notching device, comprising at least one guard portion disposed between a pair of support rollers to prevent foreign matter generated while a laser beam is irradiated on the processing object from sticking to the pair of support rollers.

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