Copper strip power annealing mechanism

Abstract

This invention discloses a copper strip electric annealing mechanism, comprising a heating section, a protective gas section, and a cooling tank section. The protective gas section includes a gas pipe and a first support, with the first support supporting the gas pipe. The gas pipe is inverted V-shaped, with an air inlet at its top end, a copper strip inlet at its left end, and its right end immersed in cooling water in the cooling tank section, with a copper strip outlet thereon. A branch air outlet is located on the upper side of the right end of the gas pipe. The heating section includes a first electrode wheel, a second electrode wheel, and a second support. The first electrode wheel is rotatably connected to the top end of the gas pipe, and the second support is located outside the copper strip inlet of the gas pipe. The second electrode wheel is rotatably connected to the second support. This invention provides a copper strip electric annealing mechanism that effectively prevents oxidation of the copper strip during the annealing process, improving surface quality and product reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to solder strip preparation and processing technology, and more specifically, to a copper strip electric annealing mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Copper strip, as the core material for solder strip preparation, relies on the annealing process for optimizing its mechanical properties. In existing technologies, copper strip annealing equipment mainly consists of a heating mechanism, a protective gas mechanism, and a cooling tank. During annealing, the heating mechanism first applies heat to the copper strip to reach a specific temperature; subsequently, the heated copper strip moves towards the cooling tank via the protective gas mechanism. The protective gas mechanism continuously introduces inert gases such as nitrogen to create a protective atmosphere, preventing the high-temperature copper strip from contacting air and undergoing oxidation. It also extends the residence time of the copper strip at high temperatures to promote uniform strengthening of the material's internal structure. Finally, the copper strip is immersed in the cooling water of the cooling tank for rapid cooling, completing the annealing process before proceeding to subsequent steps.

[0003] However, existing equipment has significant drawbacks: the heating mechanism and the protective gas mechanism are physically separated, causing the copper strip to be exposed to air during the transition phase after leaving the heating zone and before entering the protective gas coverage area. This makes the high-temperature copper strip highly susceptible to surface defects due to brief oxidation. Furthermore, an unavoidable gap exists between the copper strip outlet of the protective gas mechanism and the liquid surface of the cooling pool. Outside air can seep into the protective gas mechanism from the cooling pool side through this gap, disrupting the continuity of the protective gas and causing secondary oxidation of the copper strip within the mechanism. These oxidation problems not only reduce the surface quality of the copper strip but also affect the stability of its mechanical properties, becoming a key bottleneck restricting the efficiency of solder strip preparation and product reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a copper strip electric annealing mechanism, which has the advantages of effectively preventing the oxidation of copper strip during the annealing process, improving surface quality and product reliability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A copper strip electric annealing mechanism includes a heating section, a protective gas section, and a cooling tank section; The protective gas section includes a gas pipe and a first support. The first support supports the gas pipe, which is inverted V-shaped. An air inlet is provided at the top of the gas pipe, a copper strip inlet is provided at the left end of the gas pipe, and the right end of the gas pipe is immersed in the cooling water in the cooling pool and is provided with a copper strip outlet. A branch air port is provided on the upper side of the right end of the gas pipe. The heating element includes a first electrode wheel, a second electrode wheel, and a second support. The first electrode wheel is rotatably connected to the top of the trachea, and the second support is located outside the copper strip inlet of the trachea. The second electrode wheel is rotatably connected to the second support. During annealing, the first and second pole wheels are energized, which heats the copper strip between the first and second pole wheels. Dry nitrogen gas is introduced into the air inlet of the gas tube. Part of the nitrogen gas overflows from the copper strip inlet, and the other part overflows through the branch port, carrying away the water vapor in the right end of the gas tube.

[0006] Furthermore, a regulating valve is installed on the air outlet to balance the air output ratio between the copper strip inlet and the air outlet.

[0007] Furthermore, the regulating valve includes a guide rail and a baffle. The guide rail is fixedly connected to the opposite sides of the upper end of the air port, and the edge of the baffle slides in cooperation with the guide rail. The sliding baffle controls the opening area of ​​the air port.

[0008] Furthermore, the copper inlet of the trachea is narrowed.

[0009] Furthermore, the distance between the copper belt inlet of the trachea and the second pole wheel is d1, 5cm. <d1<10cm。

[0010] Furthermore, the distance from the lowest point of the air inlet to the surface of the cooling water is d2.5cm. <d2<10cm。

[0011] Furthermore, an inspection port is provided on the side of the top of the trachea, and a cover plate can be detachably installed on the inspection port.

[0012] Furthermore, the cooling pool section includes a pool body and a reversing wheel. The pool body is used to hold cooling water, and the reversing wheel is rotatably connected in the pool body. After the copper strip output from the copper strip outlet enters the cooling water, it passes through the reversing wheel and leaves the cooling water upward.

[0013] Through the above improvements, the copper strip electric annealing mechanism of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. By placing the heating element inside the protective gas chamber, the copper strip is kept in a protective gas environment during the heating process, thus preventing oxidation caused by contact with air during heating.

[0014] 2. The right end of the protective gas pipe is directly immersed in the cooling water in the cooling pool, and water vapor is discharged through the branch port, further isolating the external air from entering the protective gas section, thereby reducing the risk of oxidation of the copper strip during the annealing process and ensuring the annealing quality of the copper strip.

[0015] 3. During annealing, some nitrogen gas overflows through the branch port and carries away any water vapor that may be generated in the right end of the gas tube, preventing water vapor from diffusing inward along the gas tube and condensing on the tube wall, thereby preventing condensed water from dripping onto the copper strip and affecting the quality of the copper strip. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the annealing mechanism in an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the annealing mechanism in an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In traditional copper strip annealing equipment, the heating mechanism and the protective gas mechanism are separate during the heating process, which may cause the copper strip to oxidize prematurely before entering the protective gas mechanism. Furthermore, a gap exists between the copper strip outlet of the protective gas mechanism and the cooling tank, allowing outside air to easily enter the protective gas mechanism, further increasing the risk of copper strip oxidation and affecting the annealing quality.

[0021] In this regard, such as Figures 1 to 3 This application proposes a copper strip electric annealing mechanism, including a heating section, a protective gas section, and a cooling pool section; The protective gas section includes an air pipe 3 and a first support 4. The first support 4 supports the air pipe 3. The air pipe 3 is inverted V-shaped. An air inlet 5 is provided at the top of the air pipe 3. A copper strip inlet 6 is provided at the left end of the air pipe 3. The right end of the air pipe 3 is immersed in the cooling water in the cooling pool and is provided with a copper strip outlet 7. A branch air port 8 is provided on the upper side of the right end of the air pipe 3. The heating element includes a first pole wheel 9, a second pole wheel 10 and a second support 11. The first pole wheel 9 is rotatably connected to the top end of the air pipe 3. The second support 11 is disposed outside the copper strip inlet 6 of the air pipe 3. The second pole wheel 10 is rotatably connected to the second support 11. During annealing, the first electrode 9 and the second electrode 10 are energized, so that the copper strip is heated between the first electrode 9 and the second electrode 10. Dry nitrogen is introduced into the air inlet 5 of the gas pipe 3. Part of the nitrogen overflows from the copper strip inlet 6, and the other part overflows through the branch air outlet 8, taking away the water vapor in the right end of the gas pipe 3.

[0022] Specifically, this embodiment provides a copper strip electric annealing mechanism, which structurally includes a heating section, a protective gas section, and a cooling tank section. These components are integrated together to form a continuous annealing process path.

[0023] The protective gas section includes a gas pipe 3 and a first support 4. The first support 4 supports the gas pipe 3, ensuring its stability and position. The first support 4 is made of metal profile and the gas pipe 3 is fixed to it by clamps or welding. An air inlet 5 is provided at the top of the gas pipe 3 for introducing protective gas. The air inlet 5 can be a simple pipe interface, connected to the gas source via a hose. A copper strip inlet 6 is provided at the left end of the gas pipe 3 for the copper strip to enter the protective gas section. The right end of the gas pipe 3 is immersed in the cooling water in the cooling pool section and is provided with a copper strip outlet 7 for the copper strip to leave the protective gas section and enter the cooling water. The cooling water provides a liquid barrier to prevent outside air from entering the gas pipe 3 through the copper strip outlet 7; in addition, a branch air port 8 is provided on the upper right side of the gas pipe 3.

[0024] The heating element includes a first electrode wheel 9, a second electrode wheel 10, and a second support 11. The first electrode wheel 9 is rotatably connected to the top end of the air pipe 3. The second support 11 is located outside the copper strip inlet 6 of the air pipe 3, and the second electrode wheel 10 is rotatably connected to the second support 11. The first electrode wheel 9 and the second electrode wheel 10 can be made of conductive materials, such as copper alloy or graphite, and are connected to the air pipe 3 or the second support 11 via bearings, allowing them to rotate freely. The second support 11 is an independent support structure, fixed to the ground by bolts, used to support the second electrode wheel 10.

[0025] During the annealing process, the first electrode wheel 9 and the second electrode wheel 10 are energized. Current flows through the copper strip, heating it between the two electrodes. Simultaneously, dry nitrogen gas is introduced through the inlet 5 of the gas pipe 3. A portion of the nitrogen gas overflows from the copper strip inlet 6, forming an air curtain to prevent external air from entering. Another portion overflows through the branch outlet 8, carrying away any moisture that may be generated inside the right end of the gas pipe 3, preventing moisture from diffusing inwards along the pipe and condensing on the pipe wall, thus preventing condensate from dripping onto the copper strip and affecting its quality. The energization is achieved by connecting a power cord to the conductive brushes of the electrode wheels. The nitrogen flow rate is controlled by a flow meter. The forward propulsion of the copper strip is provided by the winding mechanism at the end.

[0026] In this embodiment, the copper strip electric annealing mechanism, by placing the heating unit within the protective gas unit, ensures that the copper strip is in a protective gas environment during heating, preventing oxidation caused by contact with air. Simultaneously, the right end of the protective gas pipe 3 is directly immersed in the cooling water of the cooling pool, and water vapor is discharged through the branch port 8, further isolating external air from entering the protective gas unit. This reduces the risk of oxidation of the copper strip during annealing and ensures the annealing quality. Finally, a portion of nitrogen gas overflows through the branch port 8, carrying away any water vapor that may be generated within the right end of the gas pipe 3, preventing water vapor from diffusing inwards along the pipe 3 and condensing on the pipe wall, thus preventing condensate from dripping onto the copper strip and affecting its quality.

[0027] In one embodiment, a regulating valve is provided on the above-mentioned air outlet 8 to balance the air output ratio between the copper strip inlet 6 and the air outlet 8.

[0028] Specifically, the vent 8 is an opening located on the upper right side of the vent 3. Its main function is to serve as one of the exhaust channels for the protective gas (nitrogen) to exhaust water vapor that may be generated inside the vent 3, especially near the cooling water area, in order to maintain a dry and inert atmosphere inside the vent 3.

[0029] A regulating valve is a device used to control the flow rate of fluid. In this embodiment, the regulating valve is installed on the gas port 8, and its function is to precisely control the flow rate of nitrogen gas discharged from the gas port 8. The regulating valve can be implemented in various forms; for example, it can be a manually or automatically controlled valve that adjusts the gas flow cross-sectional area by changing the valve opening, thereby changing the gas discharge volume. No particular limitation is made here.

[0030] With the above-described configuration, a regulating valve is installed on the branch port 8, allowing operators to flexibly adjust the amount of nitrogen discharged from the branch port 8 according to actual needs. This ensures a precise balance in the nitrogen output ratio between the copper strip inlet 6 and the branch port 8. When the protective gas pressure at the copper strip inlet 6 is insufficient, the opening of the branch port 8 can be reduced to increase the positive pressure at the copper strip inlet 6, effectively preventing external air from entering; conversely, when more efficient water vapor discharge is required, the opening of the branch port 8 can be appropriately increased. This adjustability ensures that the gas pipe 3 maintains an optimal inert protective atmosphere throughout the entire annealing process, effectively preventing the copper strip from oxidizing at high temperatures, efficiently discharging water vapor, and avoiding excessive consumption of protective gas, thereby improving annealing quality and production efficiency.

[0031] In one embodiment, the regulating valve includes a guide rail 12 and a baffle 13. The guide rail 12 is fixedly connected to opposite sides of the upper end of the air port 8, and the edge of the baffle 13 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 12. By sliding the baffle 13, the opening area of ​​the air port 8 can be controlled.

[0032] Specifically, the guide rail 12 is a structural component used to guide the linear movement of the baffle 13. It forms one or a pair of parallel channels or protrusions, providing a stable path for the movement of the baffle 13. The baffle 13 is a movable plate-like component whose size and shape match the opening of the air vent 8 and is designed to slide smoothly along the guide rail 12. By sliding the baffle 13 manually or mechanically, it can partially or completely cover the opening of the air vent 8, thereby achieving continuous adjustment of the opening area.

[0033] Through the above-described configuration, the regulating valve structure using guide rail 12 and baffle 13 allows for continuous and precise adjustment of the opening area of ​​the branch port 8. When the operator slides the baffle 13, it moves smoothly under the guidance of guide rail 12, thereby gradually changing the effective ventilation area of ​​the branch port 8. This precise adjustment capability allows the operator to flexibly balance the gas output ratio between the copper strip inlet 6 and the branch port 8 according to actual annealing requirements. By precisely controlling the amount of nitrogen overflowing from the branch port 8, moisture in the right end of the gas pipe 3 can be more effectively removed, significantly reducing the risk of oxidation of the copper strip during cooling and ensuring the surface quality of the annealed copper strip.

[0034] In one embodiment, the copper strip inlet 6 of the trachea 3 is designed as a constricted structure.

[0035] By designing the copper strip inlet 6 of the gas pipe 3 as a constricted section, the amount of nitrogen escaping from the inlet 6 can be effectively limited, forming a more stable gas curtain or gas seal. This helps to establish and maintain a positive pressure nitrogen environment at the inlet when the copper strip enters the gas pipe 3, thereby significantly reducing the possibility of external air and moisture entering the annealing zone through this inlet. This constricted structure, in conjunction with the protective airflow inside the gas pipe 3, ensures that the copper strip is adequately protected before entering the heating zone, effectively preventing oxidation of the copper strip during annealing, thus improving the surface quality and product yield of the annealed copper strip.

[0036] In one embodiment, the distance between the copper strip inlet 6 of the trachea 3 and the second pole wheel 10 is d1, and this distance d1 is limited to between 5cm and 10cm, i.e., 5cm. <d1<10cm。

[0037] Specifically, the copper strip is heated by the first electrode wheel 9 and the second electrode wheel 10. That is, the copper strip starts to heat up after passing through the second electrode wheel 10. The distance d1 between the copper strip inlet 6 of the trachea 3 and the second electrode wheel 10 is controlled within the range of 5cm to 10cm so that the copper strip can enter the trachea 3 as soon as possible and prevent oxidation outside the copper strip inlet 6.

[0038] In one embodiment, the distance from the lowest point of the air inlet 8 to the surface of the cooling water is d2, and 5cm. <d2<10cm。

[0039] Specifically, the distance d2 between the lowest point of the vent 8 and the surface of the cooling water refers to the vertical distance between the lowest point of the vent 8 and the surface of the cooling water in the cooling pool. If this distance is too small, cooling water may splash into or even backflow into the vent pipe 3 due to surface fluctuations or airflow disturbances, causing the copper strip to become damp or equipment malfunction. If this distance is too large, the vent 8 may not be able to effectively capture and discharge the water vapor generated by evaporation from the surface of the cooling water, causing water vapor to accumulate inside the vent pipe 3 and affecting the annealing effect. Therefore, the distance d2 is limited to the range of 5cm to 10cm to achieve the best water vapor discharge effect and operational safety by precisely controlling the relative position between the vent 8 and the surface of the cooling water.

[0040] With the above settings, the distance d2 between the lowest end of the air inlet 8 and the surface of the cooling water is precisely controlled within the range of 5cm to 10cm. The air inlet 8 can form a stable airflow channel, so that the dry nitrogen gas introduced from the air inlet 5 can efficiently carry the water vapor generated by the evaporation of the cooling water surface out of the air pipe 3 when it flows over the cooling pool section. This ensures that the copper strip is always in a dry protective atmosphere during the cooling process, avoiding oxidation or surface defects caused by water vapor condensation.

[0041] In one embodiment, an inspection port is provided on the top side of the trachea 3, and a cover plate 14 is detachably installed on the inspection port.

[0042] Specifically, the inspection port refers to an opening in the wall of the tracheal tube 3 for personnel or tools to enter for inspection, maintenance, cleaning, repair, and copper strip insertion. The cover plate 14 is a component used to seal the inspection port, maintaining the airtightness of the tracheal tube 3 in non-maintenance states to prevent leakage of protective gas or entry of external impurities. The cover plate 14 is designed for detachable installation, allowing for quick and convenient removal when needed. The cover plate 14 can be installed using various methods such as bolt fixing, snap-fit ​​connection, or quick-locking mechanism to achieve rapid disassembly and reliable installation. To ensure a good seal, a sealing gasket is typically placed between the cover plate 14 and the inspection port; for example, a high-temperature resistant, corrosion-resistant rubber, fluororubber, or metal gasket is used to adapt to the working environment of the annealing mechanism.

[0043] With the above configuration, during the operation of the copper strip electric annealing mechanism, when it is necessary to inspect, maintain, or troubleshoot the interior of the gas pipe 3, especially the first electrode wheel 9 and its vicinity, operators do not need to disassemble the entire equipment on a large scale. They can simply remove the cover plate 14 located on the side of the top of the gas pipe 3, and then manually access the interior through the inspection port. This design greatly simplifies the maintenance process, significantly reduces equipment downtime, and lowers the complexity and cost of maintenance work. Simultaneously, the removable cover plate 14 reliably seals the inspection port under normal operating conditions, effectively preventing leakage of protective gases (such as dry nitrogen), ensuring an oxygen-free environment inside the gas pipe 3, thereby guaranteeing the annealing quality of the copper strip and preventing oxidation. This solution improves equipment maintainability while also ensuring production efficiency and product quality.

[0044] In one embodiment, the cooling pool section includes a pool body 15 and a reversing wheel 16. The pool body 15 is used to hold cooling water, and the reversing wheel 16 is rotatably connected in the pool body 15. After the copper strip output from the copper strip outlet 7 enters the cooling water, it passes through the reversing wheel 16 and leaves the cooling water upward.

[0045] Specifically, the pool body 15 is the main structure of the cooling pool section, serving as a container for holding cooling water. The reversing wheel 16 is a guiding device used to change the direction of movement of the copper strip. In the cooling pool section, its function is to guide the copper strip to move along a preset path in the cooling water, ensuring that the copper strip can pass through the cooling area smoothly and orderly, and finally leave the cooling water. The reversing wheel 16 is rotatably connected to the pool body 15, and its shaft can be supported by bearings to ensure flexible rotation and reduce frictional resistance.

[0046] With the above configuration, a tank body 15 and a reversing wheel 16 are installed in the cooling tank section. After the copper strip exits from the copper strip outlet 7 of the air pipe 3, it can be effectively guided by the reversing wheel 16, allowing it to run smoothly in the cooling water along a preset path. The tank body 15 provides a stable container space for the cooling water, while the reversing wheel 16 ensures the immersion path and outlet direction of the copper strip in the cooling water. This structure avoids problems such as entanglement, folding, or uneven cooling that may occur during the cooling process. At the same time, the design of the copper strip leaving the cooling water upwards after passing through the reversing wheel 16 facilitates the smooth extraction and subsequent processing of the copper strip, improving the operational stability and production efficiency of the entire annealing mechanism.

[0047] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A copper strip electric annealing mechanism, characterized in that, Includes a heating section, a protective gas section, and a cooling tank section; The protective gas section includes a gas pipe and a first support. The first support supports the gas pipe. The gas pipe is inverted V-shaped. An air inlet is provided at the top of the gas pipe. A copper strip inlet is provided at the left end of the gas pipe. The right end of the gas pipe is immersed in the cooling water in the cooling pool and is provided with a copper strip outlet. A branch air port is provided on the upper side of the right end of the gas pipe. The heating element includes a first pole wheel, a second pole wheel, and a second support. The first pole wheel is rotatably connected to the top of the air tube, and the second support is disposed outside the copper strip inlet of the air tube. The second pole wheel is rotatably connected to the second support. During annealing, the first and second pole wheels are energized, which heats the copper strip between the first and second pole wheels. Dry nitrogen gas is introduced into the air inlet of the gas tube. Part of the nitrogen gas overflows from the copper strip inlet, and the other part overflows through the branch port, carrying away the water vapor in the right end of the gas tube.

2. The copper strip electric annealing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A regulating valve is installed on the air inlet to balance the air output ratio between the copper strip inlet and the air outlet.

3. The copper strip electric annealing mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The regulating valve includes a guide rail and a baffle. The guide rail is fixedly connected to the opposite sides of the upper end of the air inlet. The edge of the baffle slides in cooperation with the guide rail. By sliding the baffle, the opening area of ​​the air inlet can be controlled.

4. The copper strip electric annealing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The copper strip inlet of the trachea is narrowed.

5. The copper strip electric annealing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the copper inlet of the trachea and the second pole wheel is d1.5cm. <d1<10cm。 6. The copper strip electric annealing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance from the lowest point of the air inlet to the surface of the cooling water is d2.5cm. <d2<10cm。 7. The copper strip electric annealing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top side of the trachea is provided with an inspection port, and a cover plate can be detachably installed on the inspection port.

8. The copper strip electric annealing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling pool section includes a pool body and a reversing wheel. The pool body is used to hold cooling water, and the reversing wheel is rotatably connected in the pool body. After the copper strip output from the copper strip outlet enters the cooling water, it passes through the reversing wheel and leaves the cooling water upward.

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