Air knife device for water removal of electrolytic copper foil strip and water removal method

Abstract

The invention discloses an air knife device for removing water from an electrolytic copper foil strip and a water removing method.The air knife device comprises two first air knife assemblies which are oppositely arranged up and down and two second air knife assemblies which are oppositely arranged up and down, the copper foil strip is conveyed between the two first air knife assemblies and between the two second air knife assemblies, and each first air knife assembly comprises a first air cylinder; the second air knife assembly comprises a second air cylinder, the second air cylinder is provided with a third air pipe connector, the third air pipe connector is the air outlet end of the second air cylinder, and the third air pipe connector is located on the side, away from the copper foil belt, of the fourth air channel. The flow speed of airflow sprayed out of the third air pipe connector is larger than that of airflow sprayed out of the fourth air channel. The invention provides an air knife device for water removal of an electrolytic copper foil strip and a water removal method, and the surface quality of a copper foil is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of dewatering equipment for electrolytic copper foil strips, and more specifically, to an air knife device and method for dewatering electrolytic copper foil strips. Background Technology

[0002] As a core basic material for the electronic information industry and the new energy industry, electrolytic copper foil requires the copper foil strip after electrolytic forming to go through ordinary water washing and pure water washing processes in sequence to thoroughly remove residual electrolyte, additives, metal ions and impurities on the surface. After the water washing is completed, the residual moisture on the surface must be quickly removed before entering the drying process to complete the final drying.

[0003] Currently, the industry generally uses traditional air knife devices to remove water from the surface of copper foil strips. When the traditional air knife is used to blow water, the moisture on the surface of the copper foil is impacted by the airflow to form water vapor. The water vapor is easy to diffuse and flow back near the air knife and re-adhere to the surface of the copper foil strip, resulting in incomplete water removal. After subsequent drying, watermarks, salt spots and oxidation defects are very likely to form, which greatly reduces the surface quality of the copper foil. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an air knife device and method for dewatering electrolytic copper foil, thereby improving the surface quality of the copper foil.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an air knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil strip, comprising two first air knife assemblies arranged vertically opposite each other and two second air knife assemblies arranged vertically opposite each other, wherein a copper foil strip is conveyed between the two first air knife assemblies and between the two second air knife assemblies, the first air knife assembly includes a first air cylinder, the first air cylinder is provided with a fourth air channel, the fourth air channel is the air outlet end of the first air cylinder, the second air knife assembly includes a second air cylinder, the second air cylinder is equipped with a third air pipe connector, the third air pipe connector is the air outlet end of the second air cylinder, the third air pipe connector is located on the side of the fourth air channel away from the copper foil strip, and the airflow velocity ejected from the third air pipe connector is greater than the airflow velocity ejected from the fourth air channel.

[0006] Furthermore, it also includes a negative pressure frame, which is located on the upper and lower sides of the copper foil strip. The negative pressure frame is equipped with a negative pressure chamber, which is connected to a negative pressure generating device through an air pipe. The negative pressure chamber is located near the air-blown area of ​​the copper foil strip.

[0007] Furthermore, the air-blown areas of the copper foil strip include a first area P and a second area Q. The airflow ejected from the third air pipe joint is directed towards the first area P, and the airflow ejected from the fourth air passage is directed towards the second area Q. The first area P is located behind the second area Q.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes fixing plates located on the left and right sides, with a second air cylinder installed on the fixing plate. The second air cylinder includes a second extension body located at both ends of the axial direction. The second extension body passes through the fixing plate. A pressure plate is detachably installed on the fixing plate, and the pressure plate presses the second extension body.

[0009] Furthermore, the first air knife assembly includes a first air chamber and a connecting block. The first air chamber is connected to an external air source to allow gas to enter. The first air chamber is connected to a first air channel. The connecting block is provided with a second air channel. The first air channel is connected to the second air channel. The first air cylinder is provided with a third air channel and a second air chamber. The second air chamber is connected to the third air channel and a fourth air channel respectively. The third air channel is connected to the second air channel.

[0010] Furthermore, the connecting block includes a first connecting block and a second connecting block, a first air cylinder is inserted between the first connecting block and the second connecting block, the first connecting block and the second connecting block are detachably connected, and the first connecting block and the second connecting block press the first air cylinder against each other.

[0011] Furthermore, the first air cylinder includes a first extension located at one axial end, the first extension extending out of the connecting block.

[0012] Furthermore, the second air cylinder is equipped with a second air pipe connector, which is connected to a drying gas source to supply drying gas to the second air cylinder, and the drying gas is ejected from the third air pipe connector.

[0013] Furthermore, the length of the fourth airway is greater than the width of the copper foil strip.

[0014] The present invention also adopts the following technical solution: a water removal method, comprising the following steps:

[0015] Step S1: Rinse the copper foil strip formed by electrolysis with clean water;

[0016] Step S2: Remove the water from the surface of the copper foil strip by blowing air.

[0017] Step S3: Rinse the surface of the copper foil strip with pure water;

[0018] Step S4: Use an air knife device for dehydrating electrolytic copper foil strips to blow air and remove water from the surface of the copper foil strips.

[0019] Step S5: Dry the copper foil strip.

[0020] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The system employs a dual air knife assembly that works in tandem, with overlapping air jet zones to create a secondary, progressive dehydration process. By incorporating Bernoulli's principle, a high-speed airflow is used to create a low-pressure water vapor accumulation zone, preventing water vapor backflow interference. This, combined with a negative pressure frame, absorbs and diffuses water vapor in real time, reducing secondary water vapor adhesion and minimizing watermarks and salt spots that may appear after subsequent drying. This significantly improves the surface quality of the copper foil. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 3 This is an installation diagram of the second air cylinder in the embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 This is an installation diagram of the first air cylinder and the connecting block in the embodiment.

[0026] Reference numerals: Fixing plate 1, Groove 11, Pressure plate 111, First air knife assembly 2, First air chamber 21, First air pipe connector 22, Sealing plate 23, Frame 24, First air passage 241, Connecting block 3, First connecting block 31, Groove 1 311, Groove 2 312, Second connecting block 32, Groove 3 321, Groove 4 322, Second air passage 33, Notch 34, First air cylinder 4, Third air passage 41, Fourth air passage 42, First extension 43, Second air chamber 44, Second air knife assembly 5, Second air cylinder 51, Second extension 511, Second air pipe connector 52, Third air pipe connector 53, Negative pressure frame 6, Negative pressure chamber 61, Fourth air pipe connector 62, Fastener 7, Sealing gasket 8, Copper foil strip 9, First area P, Second area Q. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment discloses an air knife device for removing water from electrolytic copper foil strip, including two first air knife assemblies 2 and two second air knife assemblies 5 arranged vertically opposite each other. A copper foil strip 9 is conveyed between the two first air knife assemblies 2 and between the two second air knife assemblies 5. The copper foil strip 9 is very thin and is continuously conveyed in a back-to-foreign direction. After the copper foil strip 9 is washed with ordinary water and pure water, the surface moisture is blown off by the first air knife assemblies 2 and the second air knife assemblies 5 to reduce the amount of moisture entering the subsequent drying process. Residual moisture will cause watermarks to form after drying, affecting the quality.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the first air knife assembly 2 includes a sealing plate 23 and a frame 24. Both the sealing plate 23 and the frame 24 are elongated structures. The sealing plate 23 and the frame 24 are sealed together to form a first air chamber 21. The first air knife assembly 2 includes a first air pipe connector 22, which is connected to a drying air source through an air pipe to allow the drying gas to flow into the first air chamber 21. A pressure regulator is also installed in the pipeline to stabilize the flow rate.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the frame 24 is provided with a first air passage 241, which communicates with the first air chamber 21. Gas in the first air chamber 21 is discharged outward through the first air passage 241. Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the frame 24 is equipped with a connecting block 3. The connecting block 3 is a long strip structure. The connecting block 3 includes a first connecting block 31 and a second connecting block 32. The first connecting block 31 and the second connecting block 32 are detachably connected. Specifically, the first connecting block 31 and the second connecting block 32 are fixed by pressing them together with fasteners 7. The fasteners 7 are external hexagonal screws, which make it easy to insert tools into the device to disassemble it. If internal hexagonal screws were used, it would cause many inconveniences.

[0032] The connecting block 3 includes a second air passage 33, which is connected to the first air passage 241. Specifically, the first connecting block 31 is provided with a first groove 311, and the second connecting block 32 is provided with a second groove 312. The first groove 311 and the second groove 312 are joined together to form the second air passage 33.

[0033] A first air cylinder 4 is installed on the connecting block 3. The first air cylinder 4 has a cylindrical structure and is inserted between the first connecting block 31 and the second connecting block 32. The first connecting block 31 and the second connecting block 32 press the first air cylinder 4 tightly against each other. Specifically, the first connecting block 31 has a groove 321 and the second connecting block 32 has a groove 322. The first air cylinder 4 is inserted into the grooves 321 and 322 respectively, and a sealing gasket 8 is installed between the first air cylinder 4 and the wall of the groove 321 and the wall of the groove 322 to prevent gas from leaking from the outer periphery of the first air cylinder 4.

[0034] The first air cylinder 4 is provided with a third air passage 41, a second air chamber 44, and a fourth air passage 42. The fourth air passage 42 is the air outlet of the first air cylinder 4. The second air chamber 44 is connected to both the third air passage 41 and the fourth air passage 42. The third air passage 41 is connected to the second air passage 33 so that the gas is finally ejected from the fourth air passage 42. The fourth air passage 42 is an elongated channel with a length greater than the width of the copper foil strip 9. The connecting block 3 is provided with a notch 34 to allow the gas in the fourth air passage 42 to be ejected.

[0035] The first air cylinder 4 includes a first extension 43 located at one end of the axial direction. The first extension 43 extends out of the connecting block 3. With the fastener 7 loosened, the angle between the jet direction of the fourth air passage 42 and the transmission direction of the copper foil strip 9 can be adjusted by rotating the first extension 43.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the second air knife assembly 5 includes a second air cylinder 51, which is a cylindrical structure with a cavity inside. End caps are welded or fixedly connected to both axial ends of the second air cylinder 51 to form a seal. The second air cylinder 51 includes second extensions 511 at both axial ends, which are mounted on a fixed plate 1. The fixed plate 1 is symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. Specifically, the second extensions 511 pass through the fixed plate 1. The upper end of the fixed plate 1 has a groove 11 into which a pressure plate 111 is inserted. The upper end of the pressure plate 111 is connected to the upper end of the fixed plate 1 by screws, and the lower end of the pressure plate 111 presses against the second extensions 511 to restrict the circumferential position of the second air cylinder 51.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the second air cylinder 51 is equipped with a second air pipe connector 52 and a third air pipe connector 53. The second air pipe connector 52 is connected to an external drying gas source to supply drying gas to the second air cylinder 51, and the drying gas is ejected from the third air pipe connector 53.

[0038] The air-blown areas of the copper foil strip 9 include a first area P and a second area Q. The airflow from the third air connector 53 is directed towards the first area P, and the airflow from the fourth air passage 42 is directed towards the second area Q. The first area P is located behind the second area Q, and the two areas partially overlap. Simultaneously, the third air connector 53 is located on the side of the fourth air passage 42 furthest from the copper foil strip 9, and the airflow velocity from the third air connector 53 is greater than the airflow velocity from the fourth air passage 42. Figure 1 (The dashed line indicates the direction of airflow). Residual water on the copper foil strip 9 forms water vapor under the action of high-speed airflow. According to Bernoulli's principle, the airflow velocity from the third air connector 53 is greater than that from the fourth air channel 42, resulting in the lowest air pressure in the vicinity. The surrounding gas gathers along the direction of the airflow from the third air connector 53. Some of the water vapor formed by the impact of the residual water on the copper foil strip 9 diffuses to the surrounding area and also tends to gather towards the direction of the airflow from the third air connector 53. The airflow from the third air connector 53 creates a water vapor gathering effect and also acts as a barrier, reducing the flow of water vapor towards the airflow from the fourth air channel 42. This improves the dryness of the airflow from the fourth air channel 42, reducing the impact of the water vapor formed by the impact of the residual water on the airflow from the fourth air channel 42. This makes the second drying process of the copper foil strip 9 more effective. Therefore, it improves the water removal effect on the surface of the copper foil strip 9 and reduces the problem of watermarks left after subsequent drying.

[0039] Because the angle between the airflow ejected from the third air connector 53 and the conveying direction of the copper foil strip 9 is greater than the angle between the airflow ejected from the fourth air channel 42 and the conveying direction of the copper foil strip 9, although the airflow velocity from the third air connector 53 is greater than the airflow velocity from the fourth air channel 42, after encountering the copper foil strip 9 and being conveyed backward along the copper foil strip 9, the split velocity of the airflow ejected from the third air connector 53 in that direction is less than the split velocity of the airflow ejected from the fourth air channel 42. In actual use, the two airflow directions should be adjusted according to the actual situation to prevent residual water on the copper foil strip 9 from passing through its blown area. As described above, both the first air cylinder 4 and the second air cylinder 51 have a rotation adjustment function; the adjustment method will not be repeated here.

[0040] It also includes a negative pressure frame 6, which is located on the upper and lower sides of the copper foil strip 9. The negative pressure frame 6 is provided with a negative pressure chamber 61. The negative pressure chamber 61 is equipped with a fourth air pipe connector 62, and the fourth air pipe connector 62 is connected to a negative pressure generating device through an air pipe. The negative pressure chamber 61 is set close to the air-blown area of ​​the copper foil strip 9 (i.e., the first area P and the second area Q) to absorb water vapor in the air.

[0041] Example 2:

[0042] This embodiment discloses a water removal method using the air knife device for water removal from electrolytic copper foil belts as described in Embodiment 1, comprising the following steps:

[0043] Step S1: Rinse the copper foil strip 9 formed by electrolysis with clean water to remove residual electrolyte, additives and impurity ions on the surface.

[0044] Step S2: Remove the water from the surface of the copper foil strip 9 by blowing air.

[0045] Step S3: Rinse the surface of copper foil strip 9 with pure water. Since pure water does not contain metal ions and impurities such as calcium, magnesium, and chlorine, after being blown and dried by the air knife device, it will greatly reduce the formation of water stains, salt spots and oxidation defects on the surface of copper foil strip 9, which can ensure the cleanliness, flatness and electrical performance of the copper foil surface and meet the quality requirements of high-end applications such as PCB and lithium battery for copper foil.

[0046] Step S4: Use the air knife device for dehydrating electrolytic copper foil strips in Example 1 to dehydrate the surface of copper foil strip 9.

[0047] Step S5: Dry the copper foil strip 9.

[0048] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil, characterized in that, The device includes two first air knife assemblies (2) arranged vertically opposite each other and two second air knife assemblies (5) arranged vertically opposite each other. A copper foil strip (9) is transmitted between the two first air knife assemblies (2) and between the two second air knife assemblies (5). The first air knife assembly (2) includes a first air cylinder (4) and a fourth air channel (42) which is the air outlet of the first air cylinder (4). The second air knife assembly (5) includes a second air cylinder (51) and a third air pipe connector (53) installed on the second air cylinder (51). The third air pipe connector (53) is the air outlet of the second air cylinder (51) and is located on the side of the fourth air channel (42) away from the copper foil strip (9). The airflow velocity ejected from the third air pipe connector (53) is greater than the airflow velocity ejected from the fourth air channel (42).

2. The air knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a negative pressure frame (6), which is located on the upper and lower sides of the copper foil strip (9). The negative pressure frame (6) is provided with a negative pressure chamber (61), which is connected to a negative pressure generating device through an air pipe. The negative pressure chamber (61) is located near the air-blown area of ​​the copper foil strip (9).

3. The air knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air-blown area of ​​the copper foil strip (9) includes a first area P and a second area Q. The airflow ejected from the third air pipe connector (53) is directed towards the first area P, and the airflow ejected from the fourth air passage (42) is directed towards the second area Q. The first area P is located behind the second area Q.

4. The air knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes fixing plates (1) located on the left and right sides, the fixing plates (1) are equipped with the second air cylinder (51), the second air cylinder (51) includes a second extension (511) located at both ends of the axial direction, the second extension (511) passes through the fixing plate (1), the fixing plate (1) is detachably equipped with a pressure plate (111), the pressure plate (111) presses the second extension (511).

5. The air knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first air knife assembly (2) includes a first air chamber (21) and a connecting block (3). The first air chamber (21) is connected to an external air source to allow gas to pass through. The first air chamber (21) is connected to a first air passage (241). The connecting block (3) is provided with a second air passage (33). The first air passage (241) is connected to the second air passage (33). The first air cylinder (4) is provided with a third air passage (41) and a second air chamber (44). The second air chamber (44) is connected to the third air passage (41) and the fourth air passage (42) respectively. The third air passage (41) is connected to the second air passage (33).

6. The air knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting block (3) includes a first connecting block (31) and a second connecting block (32). The first air cylinder (4) is inserted between the first connecting block (31) and the second connecting block (32). The first connecting block (31) and the second connecting block (32) are detachably connected. The first connecting block (31) and the second connecting block (32) press the first air cylinder (4) against each other.

7. The air knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first air cylinder (4) includes a first extension (43) located at one axial end, the first extension (43) extending out of the connecting block (3).

8. The air knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second air cylinder (51) is equipped with a second air pipe connector (52), which is connected to an external dry air source to supply dry gas to the second air cylinder (51), and the dry gas is ejected from the third air pipe connector (53).

9. The air knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the fourth air passage (42) is greater than the width of the copper foil strip (9).

10. A method for removing water, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step S1: Rinse the copper foil strip (9) formed by electrolysis with clean water; Step S2: Remove the water from the surface of the copper foil strip (9) by blowing air. Step S3: Rinse the surface of the copper foil strip (9) with pure water; Step S4: Using the air knife device for dewatering electrolytic copper foil strip as described in any one of claims 1-9, the surface of the copper foil strip (9) is subjected to air blowing dewatering treatment; Step S5: Dry the copper foil strip (9).

Images