Notching apparatus, cleaning unit used therefor, and method for cleaning notching apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a cleaning unit for a notching apparatus, which cleans a jig supporting an object to be processed in the notching apparatus. The cleaning unit disclosed herein may comprise: an outer brush configured to brush an outer surface of the jig, in which the outer surface supports the object to be processed; and an inner brush configured to brush an inner surface of the jig, which is opposite to the outer surface, and having a shape different from that of the outer brush.

Description

Notching device, cleaning unit used therefor, and cleaning method of the notching device

[0001] The present invention relates to a notching device, a cleaning unit used therein, and a cleaning method using the same.

[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, 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 notching device capable of efficiently cleaning a jig that supports a processing object in a notching process, a cleaning unit therefor, and a cleaning method therefor.

[0009] The present disclosure can provide a notching device, a cleaning unit and a cleaning method therefor, which can increase the lifespan or replacement cycle of a support unit by quickly treating contamination of a jig.

[0010] A cleaning unit of a notching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is for cleaning a jig that supports a processing object in the notching device, and may include an outer brush configured to brush an outer surface of the jig that supports the processing object, and an inner brush configured to brush an inner surface of the jig that is arranged opposite to the outer surface, and having a different shape from the outer brush.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outer brush includes a first brush body and a plurality of first brush hairs provided on the first brush body, the inner brush includes a second brush body and a plurality of second brush hairs provided on the second brush body, at least a portion of a space in which the inner brush can move is defined by the inner surface of the jig, and a portion of the plurality of second brush hairs can extend in a different direction from the first brush hairs so as to brush the inner surface.

[0012] In one embodiment, the plurality of first brush hairs are arranged along a first direction, which is an extension direction of the processing object, and extend in a second direction, which is a direction different from the first direction, and the plurality of second brush hairs may include 2-1 brush hairs extending in the second direction and 2-2 brush hairs extending in a direction different from the second direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the outer brush may have a shorter length of the plurality of first brush hairs as it gets closer to the center in the first direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the height of the outer brush along the first direction may be greater than the height of the inner brush along the first direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the outer brush and the inner brush may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cleaning unit is configured such that the outer brush and the inner brush are movable in a first direction that is an extension direction of the object to be processed, and a distance by which the outer brush can move in the first direction while in contact with the outer surface may be equal to or shorter than a distance by which the inner brush can move in the first direction while in contact with the inner surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cleaning unit may further include a contaminant removal unit configured to remove contaminants from at least one of the outer brush and the inner brush.

[0018] In one embodiment, the contaminant removal unit may include at least one of a plurality of first holes provided in the first brush body to spray or suck air between the plurality of first brush hairs, and a plurality of second holes provided in the second brush body to spray or suck air between the plurality of second brush hairs.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cleaning unit further includes a cleaning chamber that provides a cleaning space for the jig to be cleaned by the outer brush and the inner brush, and the cleaning chamber may include a suction unit configured to suck up contaminants present in the cleaning space.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cleaning chamber includes a chamber wall defining the cleaning space, and the cleaning device may include a first support rod penetrating the chamber wall and supporting the outer brush, and a second support rod penetrating the chamber wall and supporting the inner brush.

[0021] In one embodiment, the chamber wall includes a first opening through which the first support rod passes and a second opening through which the second support rod passes, wherein a length of the second opening in the first direction may be greater than a length of the first opening in the first direction.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cleaning unit may further include a driving unit configured to move the first support rod and the second support rod in a plurality of directions.

[0023] In one embodiment, the thickness of the inner brush along the second direction may be smaller than the depth of the inner surface of the jig along the second direction.

[0024] A notching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[0025] A laser irradiation unit that irradiates a laser beam onto a processing target;

[0026] A jig having an outer surface supporting the above-mentioned processing object; and

[0027] It is configured to clean the above jig and may include the above-described cleaning unit.

[0028] A cleaning method using a cleaning unit of a notching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure,

[0029] A step of cleaning one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the jig by the outer brush or the inner brush; and

[0030] It may include a step of cleaning the other surface of the outer surface and the inner surface of the jig by the outer brush or the inner brush.

[0031] In one embodiment, the outer brush can move in a plurality of directions while in contact with the outer surface of the jig to brush the outer surface of the jig.

[0032] In one embodiment, the inner brush can move in multiple directions while in contact with the inner surface of the jig to brush the inner surface of the jig.

[0033] When the inner brush brushes the inner surface of the jig, the outer brush can be spaced apart from the outer surface of the jig.

[0034] The notching device, cleaning unit and cleaning method therefor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can quickly process contamination of a jig used in a notching process.

[0035] The notching device, cleaning unit and cleaning method therefor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can increase the life or replacement cycle of a jig.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a notching device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 2 is a drawing schematically explaining the process of performing a notching process in the notching device of Fig. 1.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a drawing for explaining the function of the support unit in the notching device of Fig. 2.

[0039] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the outer brush and the inner brush of the cleaning unit according to the embodiment viewed from different angles.

[0040] Figure 5 is a side view of the cleaning unit of Figure 4.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the outer brush and the inner brush with respect to the jig when the cleaning unit is operated according to the embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a cleaning unit according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 8 is a schematic drawing showing a cleaning unit according to an embodiment cleaning a support unit.

[0044] Figures 9 to 11 are drawings for explaining a cleaning method of a notching device according to an embodiment.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047]

[0048] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a notching device (1) according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating a process of performing a notching process in the notching device (1) of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a drawing for explaining the function of the support unit (20) of Fig. 2.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a notching device (1) according to an embodiment may include a laser irradiation unit (10), a support unit (20), and a cleaning unit (100). 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.

[0050] The laser irradiation unit (10) can irradiate a laser beam to a processing object (T). The laser irradiation unit (10) can cut at least a portion of the processing object (T) by irradiating the laser beam to the processing object (T). By partially cutting the processing object (T), a notch can be formed in the processing object (T).

[0051] 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 (10) may cut at least a portion of the non-coated portion (T20).

[0052] The workpiece (T) can be transported along the first direction (Z). For example, the workpiece (T) can be transported in the vertical direction. For example, the workpiece (T) can be transported along the downward direction.

[0053] The support unit (20) may include at least one jig (21) configured to support the processing object (T) when the laser beam is irradiated onto the processing object (T). For example, the support unit (20) may include a plurality of jigs (21). For example, the support unit (20) may include four jigs (21) arranged at 90-degree intervals. However, the number and arrangement of the jigs (21) of the support unit (20) are not limited thereto and may vary. For example, the support unit (20) may include two to eight jigs (21) arranged at equal intervals or at different intervals. In addition, the spacing angle between the jigs (21) may also vary depending on the number of jigs (21) included in the support unit (20).

[0054] The support unit (20) can be configured such that a plurality of jigs (21) can be selectively positioned to face the workpiece (T). The support unit (20) can change its posture so that the plurality of jigs (21) can be selectively positioned to face the workpiece (T). For example, the support unit (20) can rotate so that one of the plurality of jigs (21) faces the workpiece (T).

[0055] A jig (21) positioned to face the processing object (T) can contact and support one side (e.g., the back) of the processing object (T). While the processing object (T) is being processed by the laser irradiation unit (10), the jig (21) of the support unit (20) can support one side of the processing object (T).

[0056] In the notching device (1) according to the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when the processing object (T) moves from top to bottom along the first direction (Z), the jig (21) of the support unit (20) contacts and supports the rear surface of the non-working portion (T20), and the laser irradiation unit (10) irradiates a laser beam toward the front surface of the non-working portion (T20) of the processing object (T), thereby processing the processing object (T).

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, the jig (21) of the support unit (20) may include an outer surface (2101) that contacts a workpiece (T) and an inner surface (2102) disposed on the opposite side of the outer surface (2101). The workpiece (T) is supported through the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21), and the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21) may not contact the workpiece (T). At least a portion of a space in which an inner brush (120) can move may be defined by the inner surface (2102). The inner surface (2120) may have a curved surface. Fumes or particles accumulated on the inner surface (2102) may be removed by the inner brush (120).

[0058] The jig (21) may have a curvature. For example, the jig (21) may have a convex shape so as to be in close contact with the rear surface of the workpiece (T). By having a convex shape, the jig (21) can stably improve the supporting force for the workpiece (T) compared to when the jig (21) has a flat shape.

[0059] The jig (21) may be configured to reduce contamination of the jig (21) by fumes or particles adhering to the jig (21) during the processing of the object (T) to be processed by the laser beam. For example, the jig (21) may include a first support region (211) and a second support region (212) spaced apart from each other along the first direction (Z). The first support region (211) may support the rear surface of the upper portion of the portion of the object (T) to be processed where the laser beam is irradiated, and the second support region (212) may support the rear surface of the lower portion of the portion of the object (T) to be processed where the laser beam is irradiated. The first support region (211) and the second support region (212) may have a convex shape so that the ends facing each other protrude toward the laser irradiation unit (10). Since the jig (21) has a convex shape toward the laser irradiation unit (10), even if the processing object (T) is pressed backward by the laser beam during the process of irradiating the processing object (T) with a laser beam, the processing object (T) can be stably supported.

[0060] The end of the second support region (212) may be configured to minimize processing defects during the laser processing process. For example, during the laser processing process, the adhesion of contaminants such as fumes or particles may be concentrated at the end of the second support region (212) located below the processing region (210) compared to the end of the first support region (211) located above the processing region (210). This is because contaminants such as fumes or particles fall down when generated. In consideration of the fact that the adhesion of contaminants is concentrated at the end of the second support region (212), an inclined region (2121) may be arranged at the end of the second support region (212). The inclined region (2121) may have an inclined surface (S2) whose distance from the rear surface of the processing target (T) increases as it approaches the processing region (210). The second support area (212) may have a pointed tip (Tp). By having the pointed tip (Tp), the second support area (212) can minimize the accumulation of contaminants at the end. By having an inclined surface (S2) that increases the distance from the rear surface of the workpiece (T), even if some of the contaminants accumulate on the first support area (211), the contaminants can be prevented from interfering with the movement of the workpiece (T).

[0061] The end of the first support area (211) may have a different shape from the end of the second support area (212). For example, the end of the first support area (211) may have an asymmetrical structure with respect to the end of the second support area (212). For example, the end of the first support area (211) may have an inclined surface (S1) arranged to face rearward, and the end of the second support area (212) may have an inclined surface (S2) arranged to face forward.

[0062] Despite the structure of the jig (21) as described above, as laser processing progresses, the jig (21) may become contaminated with fumes or particles.

[0063] In the notching device (1) according to the embodiment, if the jig (21) of the support unit (20) is contaminated with contaminants, a cleaning operation can be performed. Before such contaminants are fixed to the jig (21) and hardened, a cleaning operation can be performed to remove the contaminants from the jig (21).

[0064] The support unit (20) can be moved to a cleaning position for cleaning work. For example, the support unit (20) can be moved so that the jig (21) is separated from the workpiece (T). The support unit (20) can be moved toward the cleaning unit (100). For example, the support unit (20) can be moved in a direction different from the movement direction of the workpiece (T), for example, backward. The support unit (20) can be rotated so that among the plurality of jigs (21), a jig (21) requiring cleaning faces the cleaning unit (100).

[0065] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) of the cleaning unit (100) according to the embodiment viewed from different angles, and FIG. 5 is a side view of the cleaning unit (100) of FIG. 4 viewed from the side.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the cleaning unit (100) may be configured to physically clean the support unit (20). The cleaning unit (100) may be configured to clean the jig (21) that supports the workpiece (T) in the notching device (1). For example, the cleaning unit (100) may include an outer brush (110) and an inner brush (120) that are configured to physically contact and brush the jig (21).

[0067] The outer brush (110) may be configured to brush the outer surface (2101) of the workpiece (T). For example, the outer brush (110) may include a first brush body (111) and a plurality of first brush hairs (112) provided on the first brush body (111). The plurality of first brush hairs (112) may be arranged on one surface of the first brush body (111).

[0068] A plurality of first brush hairs (112) may be arranged in a first direction (Z), which is the longitudinal direction of the processing target (T). For example, the plurality of first brush hairs (112) may be arranged in a plurality of columns and rows.

[0069] Each of the plurality of first brush hairs (112) may extend in a second direction (X) that is different from the first direction (Z). For example, the second direction (X) may be a direction perpendicular to or intersecting with the first direction (Z). For example, the second direction (X) may be a forward-backward direction toward the laser irradiation unit (10). Each of the plurality of first brush hairs (112) may have a length in the second direction (X).

[0070] As the outer brush (110) gets closer to the center in the first direction (Z), the length of the plurality of first brush hairs (112) along the second direction (X) may become shorter. The length of the first brush hair (112) arranged at the center in the first direction (Z) among the plurality of first brush hairs (112) may be shorter than the length of the first brush hairs (112) arranged at both ends in the first direction (Z) among the plurality of first brush hairs (112). The ends of the plurality of first brush hairs (112) may form a virtual curve (VL).

[0071] The inner brush (120) may include a second brush body and a plurality of second brush hairs (122) provided on the second brush body (121).

[0072] The inner brush (120) may have a different shape than the outer brush (110).

[0073] For example, the second brush hairs (122) may be arranged on a plurality of surfaces of the second brush body (121). For example, the plurality of second brush hairs (122) may be arranged on a first surface (1211) of the second brush body (121) facing the first brush body (111) and a second surface (1212) of the second brush body (121) facing in a direction different from the first surface (1211). The plurality of second brush hairs (122) may include 2-1 brush hairs (1221) arranged on the first surface (1211) of the second brush body (121) and 2-2 brush hairs (1222) arranged on the second surface (1212) of the second brush body (121).

[0074] For example, a portion of the second brush hair (122) may extend in a different direction from the first brush hair (112). For example, the second-first brush hair (1221) may extend in a second direction (X), and the second-second brush hair (1222) may extend in a direction different from the second direction (X). For example, the second-second brush hair (1222) may extend in the first direction (Z), or may extend in a direction oblique to the first direction (Z) and the second direction (X).

[0075] The inner brush (120) may have a different size than the outer brush (110).

[0076] For example, the inner brush (120) may have a smaller size than the outer brush (110). The second brush body (121) of the inner brush (120) may have a smaller size than the first brush body (111) of the outer brush (110). For example, the height (h2) of the inner brush (120) in the first direction (Z) may be smaller than the height (h1) of the outer brush (110) in the first direction (Z). For example, the height (h2) of the inner brush (120) in the first direction (Z) may be less than or equal to 1 / 2 times the height (h1) of the outer brush (110) in the first direction (Z). For example, the height (h2) of the inner brush (120) in the first direction (Z) may be less than or equal to 1 / 3 times the height (h1) of the outer brush (110) in the first direction (Z).

[0077] For example, the diameter (d2) of the second brush hair (122) may be different from the diameter (d1) of the first brush hair (112). The diameter (d2) of the second brush hair (122) may be smaller than the diameter (d1) of the first brush hair (112). In other words, the thickness of the second brush hair (122) may be smaller than the thickness of the first brush hair (112). However, the diameter or thickness of the first and second brush hairs (121, 122) is not necessarily limited thereto and may be the same.

[0078] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) with respect to the jig (21) when the cleaning unit (100) according to the embodiment is operated.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, the outer brush (110) may be configured to brush the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21). The outer brush (110) is positioned to face the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) and may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21). For example, the outer brush (110) may have a concave shape corresponding to the convex outer surface (2101) of the jig (21). For example, when the convex outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) has a convex shape, the outer brush (110) may have ends of a plurality of first brush hairs (112) arranged in a concave shape.

[0080] The inner brush (120) may be configured to brush the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). The inner brush (120) is positioned to face the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21) and may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). For example, the inner brush (120) may have a convex shape corresponding to the concave inner surface (2102). For example, when the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21) has a concave shape, the inner brush (120) may have ends of a plurality of second brush hairs (122) arranged in a convex shape.

[0081] The height (h01) of the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) is greater than the height (h02) of the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). Taking this into consideration, the height (h1) of the outer brush (110) along the first direction (Z) may be greater than the height (h2) of the inner brush (120) along the first direction (Z).

[0082] The height (h2) of the inner brush (120) along the first direction (Z) may be smaller than the height (h02) of the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). Considering this, the inner brush (120) may move in the first direction (Z) and brush the inner surface (2102). At this time, some of the second brush hairs (122) of the inner brush (120) may contact the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21), and the rest of the second brush hairs (122) of the inner brush (120) may not contact the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21).

[0083] The outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) may be configured to selectively contact the outer surface (2101) and the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). For example, the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. When the outer brush (110) contacts the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21), the inner brush (120) may not contact the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). Conversely, when the inner brush (120) contacts the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21), the outer brush (110) may not contact the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21).

[0084] The outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) may be configured to be movable in the first direction (Z). For example, the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) may be movable simultaneously in the first direction (Z). The distances that the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) can move in the first direction (Z) while the outer brush (110) is in contact with the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) may be the same. As another example, the distances that the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) can move in the first direction (Z) while in contact with the jig (21) may be different. For example, the distance that the outer brush (110) can move in the first direction (Z) while in contact with the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) may be equal to or shorter than the distance that the inner brush (120) can move in the first direction (Z) while in contact with the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21).

[0085] The thickness (Th) of the inner brush (120) in the second direction (X) may be smaller than the depth (Dp) of the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). In other words, the depth (Dp) of the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21) may be larger than the thickness (Th) of the inner brush (120) in the second direction (X).

[0086] The outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) may be configured to be movable in the second direction (X). For example, the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) may be movable simultaneously in the second direction (X). The distances that the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) can move in the second direction (X) while the outer brush (110) is in contact with the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) may be the same. As another example, the distances that the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) can move in the second direction (X) while in contact with the jig (21) may be different. For example, the distance that the outer brush (110) can move in the second direction (X) while in contact with the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) may be equal to or shorter than the distance that the inner brush (120) can move in the second direction (X) while in contact with the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21).

[0087] The outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) may be configured to move in a third direction (Y). However, the movement of the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) is not necessarily limited thereto and may vary. For example, the inner brush (120) may rotate around a predetermined rotation axis and brush the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21).

[0088] Referring again to FIG. 4, the cleaning unit (100) may further include a contaminant removal unit (130) configured to remove contaminants from at least one of the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120).

[0089] For example, the contaminant removal unit (130) may be disposed on the outer brush (110). For example, the contaminant removal unit (130) may include a plurality of first holes (131) disposed on the first brush body (111). The plurality of first holes (131) may be disposed between a plurality of first brush hairs (112). The first holes (131) may spray or suck air toward the first brush hairs (112). For example, the first holes (131) may spray air toward the first brush hairs (112), thereby separating contaminants attached to the first brush hairs (112) from the first brush hairs (112).

[0090] For example, the contaminant removal unit (130) may be disposed on the inner brush (120). For example, the contaminant removal unit (130) may include a plurality of second holes (132) disposed on the second brush body (121). The plurality of second holes (132) may be disposed between a plurality of second brush hairs (122). For example, the second holes (132) may be disposed between the second-second brush hairs (1222). The second holes (132) may spray or suck air. The second holes (132) may spray air toward the second brush hairs (122) to separate contaminants.

[0091] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a cleaning unit (100) according to an embodiment.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 7, the cleaning unit (100) may further include a cleaning chamber (140) that provides a cleaning space (1400) for cleaning the jig (21) of the support unit (20) by the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120).

[0093] The cleaning chamber (140) may include a suction unit (150) that sucks up contaminants present in the cleaning space (1400). The suction unit (150) may be positioned at the bottom of the cleaning chamber (140). The suction unit (150) may suck up contaminants present in the cleaning space (1400) of the cleaning chamber (140) and discharge them to the outside.

[0094] The cleaning chamber (140) may include a chamber wall (141) defining a cleaning space (1400). The chamber wall (141) may be configured to prevent contaminants separated from the jig (21) from flying outward.

[0095] Considering the movement of the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120), a first opening (1411) and a second opening (1412) may be provided in the chamber wall (141) considering the movement of the brush and the inner brush (120). Through the first opening (1411), a first support rod (113) supporting the outer brush (110) may pass through the chamber wall (141). Through the second opening (1412), a second support rod (123) supporting the inner brush (120) may pass through the chamber wall (141).

[0096] The second opening (1412) and the first opening (1411) may have different sizes. For example, considering the movable distance of the first support rod (113) and the movable distance of the second support rod (123), the second opening (1412) may be larger than the first opening (1411). For example, the movable distance of the first support rod (113) may be smaller than the movable distance of the second support rod (123). The length of the first opening (1411) in the first direction (Z) may be smaller than the length of the second opening (1412) in the first direction (Z). In other words, the length of the second opening (1412) in the first direction (Z) may be larger than the length of the first opening (1411) in the first direction (Z).

[0097] The cleaning unit (100) may further include a driving unit (160) configured to move the first support rod (113) and the second support rod (123). The driving unit (160) may move at least one of the first support rod (113) and the second support rod (123). As an example, the driving unit (160) may move the first support rod (113) and the second support rod (123) independently or individually. As another example, the driving unit (160) may move the first support rod (113) and the second support rod (123) together.

[0098] The driving unit (160) can be configured to move the first support rod (113) and the second support rod (123) in a first direction (Z), a second direction (X), and a third direction (Y). The third direction (Y) can be a direction perpendicular to the first direction (Z) and the second direction (X). Accordingly, the outer brush (110) supported by the first support rod (113) and the inner brush (120) supported by the second support rod (123) can move in the first direction (Z), the second direction (X), and the third direction (Y).

[0099] The chamber wall (141) may be provided with a jig insertion hole (1421) into which a jig (21) can be inserted. The portion of the chamber wall (141) provided with the jig insertion hole (1421) may be different from the portion of the chamber wall (141) provided with the first opening (1411) and the second opening (1412).

[0100] Fig. 8 is a schematic drawing showing the cleaning unit (100) of Fig. 7 cleaning the support unit (20). In Fig. 8, the driving unit (160) is omitted for convenience.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, at least one jig (21) among the plurality of jigs (21) of the support unit (20) can be inserted into the jig insertion hole (1421) of the cleaning chamber (140).

[0102] By means of the driving unit (160), the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) can move in the third direction (Y). The outer brush (110) can be positioned to face the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21), and the inner brush (120) can be positioned to face the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21).

[0103] In this state, by brushing the outer surface (2101) or the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21) by at least one of the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120), the contaminants attached to the jig (21) can be separated from the jig (21). This cleaning step of the jig (21) can be performed while the laser processing of the object (T) to be processed is in progress. For example, while the cleaning step is in progress in one jig (21) among the plurality of jigs (21) (Fig. 8), the object (T) to be processed can be processed in the jig (21) located opposite thereto (not shown).

[0104] Figures 9 to 11 are drawings for explaining a cleaning method of a notching device (1) according to an embodiment.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, a cleaning method of a notching device (1) according to an embodiment may include a step of cleaning an outer surface (2101) of a jig (21) by an outer brush (110).

[0106] In the cleaning unit (100), the outer brush (110) can be moved or positioned to contact the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21). In this state, the outer brush (110) can move relative to the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) according to the movement of the first support rod (113).

[0107] The driving unit (160) can move the first support rod (113) in at least one direction among the first direction (Z), the second direction (X), and the third direction (Y). The driving unit (160) can move the first support rod (113) in multiple directions. For example, the driving unit (160) can move the first support rod (113) in the first direction (Z), the second direction (X), and the third direction (Y). In this process, the outer brush (110) can move in multiple directions while in contact with the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21), thereby brushing the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21). The outer brush (110) can move in at least one direction among the first direction (Z), the second direction (X), and the third direction (Y), thereby brushing the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21). Thus, contaminants attached to the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) can be removed from the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21).

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 7, 10 and 11, the cleaning method of the notching device (1) according to the embodiment may further include a step of cleaning the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21) by an inner brush (120).

[0109] The cleaning unit (100) can be moved so that the inner brush (120) comes into contact with the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). For example, the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) can be moved in the left direction. The outer brush (110) can be spaced apart from the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21). In this state, the inner brush (120) can move relative to the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21) according to the movement of the second support rod (123).

[0110] The driving unit (160) can move the second support rod (123) in at least one direction among the first direction (Z), the second direction (X), and the third direction (Y). The driving unit (160) can move the second support rod (123) in multiple directions. For example, the driving unit (160) can move the second support rod (123) in the first direction (Z), the second direction (X), and the third direction (Y). In this process, the inner brush (120) can move in multiple directions while in contact with the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21), thereby brushing the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). The inner brush (120) can move in at least one direction among the first direction (Z), the second direction (X), and the third direction (Y), thereby brushing the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). Thus, contaminants attached to the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21) can be removed from the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21).

[0111] When some of the second brush hairs (122) of the inner brush (120) come into contact with the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21), the remaining second brush hairs (122) of the inner brush (120) may not come into contact with the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the 2-1 brush hairs (1221) of the inner brush (120) come into contact with the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21), the 2-2 brush hairs (1222) located at both ends of the inner brush (120) in the first direction (Z) may not come into contact with the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the 2-2 brush hair (1222) located at one end in the first direction (Z) of the inner brush (120) contacts the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21), the 2-2 brush hair (1222) located at the other end in the first direction (Z) of the inner brush (120) may not contact the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21).

[0112] The step of cleaning the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) and the step of cleaning the inner surface (2102) may be performed at different times. For example, the step of cleaning the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) may be performed before the step of cleaning the inner surface (2102). For example, the step of cleaning the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21) may be performed before the step of cleaning the outer surface (2101). For example, the step of cleaning the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21) and the step of cleaning the inner surface (2102) may be performed alternately.

[0113] When the inner brush (120) brushes the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21), the outer brush (110) may be spaced apart from the outer surface (2101) of the jig (21). However, the order of the steps of cleaning the outer surface (2101) and the inner surface (2102) of the jig (21) is not necessarily limited to differentiating the times, and may vary depending on the structure of the jig (21) or the brush structure of the cleaning unit (100).

[0114] While cleaning is in progress by the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) or after cleaning is in progress by the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120), the contaminant removal unit (130) can prevent or reduce contamination of the outer brush (110) and the inner brush (120) by spraying or sucking air.

[0115] Contaminants separated from the jig (21) or the outer brush (110) and inner brush (120) can be discharged to the outside by the suction unit (150) located at the bottom of the cleaning chamber (140).

[0116]

[0117] 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 cleaning unit for cleaning a jig that supports a workpiece in a notching device. An outer brush configured to brush the outer surface supporting the workpiece in the jig; A cleaning unit of a notching device, configured to brush an inner surface disposed opposite to the outer surface of the jig, and including an inner brush having a different shape from the outer brush.

2. In paragraph 1, The above outer brush includes a first brush body and a plurality of first brush hairs provided on the first brush body, The inner brush includes a second brush body and a plurality of second brush hairs provided on the second brush body, At least a portion of the space in which the inner brush can move is defined by the inner surface of the jig, A cleaning unit of a notching device, wherein some of the plurality of second brush hairs extend in a different direction from the first brush hairs so as to brush the inner surface.

3. In paragraph 2, The plurality of first brush hairs are arranged along a first direction, which is an extension direction of the processing object, and extend in a second direction, which is a direction different from the first direction. A cleaning unit of a notching device, wherein the plurality of second brush hairs include second-first brush hairs extending in the second direction and second-second brush hairs extending in a direction different from the second direction.

4. In paragraph 3, A cleaning unit of a notching device, wherein the outer brush has a shorter length of the plurality of first brush hairs as it gets closer to the center in the first direction.

5. In paragraph 3, A cleaning unit of a notching device, wherein the height of the outer brush in the first direction is greater than the height of the inner brush in the first direction.

6. In paragraph 3, A cleaning unit of a notching device, wherein the outer brush and the inner brush are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction.

7. In paragraph 1, The above cleaning unit is configured such that the outer brush and the inner brush can move in a first direction, which is the extension direction of the processing object, A cleaning unit of a notching device, wherein the distance that the outer brush can move in the first direction while in contact with the outer surface is equal to or shorter than the distance that the inner brush can move in the first direction while in contact with the inner surface.

8. In paragraph 2, The above cleaning unit further includes a contaminant removal unit configured to remove contaminants from at least one of the outer brush and the inner brush, The above contaminant removal unit A cleaning unit of a notching device, comprising at least one of a plurality of first holes provided in the first brush body to spray or suck air between the plurality of first brush hairs, and a plurality of second holes provided in the second brush body to spray or suck air between the plurality of second brush hairs.

9. In paragraph 1, The above cleaning unit further includes a cleaning chamber that provides a cleaning space for the jig to be cleaned by the outer brush and the inner brush, A cleaning unit of a notching device, wherein the cleaning chamber includes a suction unit configured to suck up contaminants present in the cleaning space.

10. In paragraph 9, The above cleaning chamber includes a chamber wall defining the cleaning space, A cleaning unit of a notching device, wherein the cleaning device includes a first support rod that supports the outer brush and penetrates the chamber wall, and a second support rod that supports the inner brush and penetrates the chamber wall.

11. In paragraph 10, The chamber wall includes a first opening through which the first support rod passes and a second opening through which the second support rod passes. Cleaning unit of the notching device.

12. In paragraph 3, A cleaning unit of a notching device, wherein the thickness of the inner brush along the second direction is smaller than the depth of the inner surface of the jig along the second direction.

13. A laser irradiation unit that irradiates a laser beam onto a processing target; A jig having an outer surface supporting the above-mentioned processing object; and A notching device configured to clean the jig, comprising a cleaning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A cleaning method using a cleaning unit of a notching device according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, A step of cleaning one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the jig by the outer brush or the inner brush; and A cleaning method of a notching device, comprising: a step of cleaning the other of the outer surface and the inner surface of the jig by the outer brush or the inner brush; 15. In paragraph 14, A cleaning method of a notching device, wherein when the inner brush brushes the inner surface of the jig, the outer brush is spaced apart from the outer surface of the jig.

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