Copper foil manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a copper foil manufacturing apparatus comprising: an electrolyzer for accommodating an electrolyte; a main liquid supply unit for supplying the electrolyte to the electrolyzer; a drum which rotates about a shaft thereof and is at least partially immersed in the electrolyte; a counter electrode disposed inside the electrolyzer and spaced apart from the drum; a side unit disposed along the rim of at least one of the two axial end surfaces of the drum; a sealing unit disposed between the drum and the side unit; and a blower unit for blowing air and having one end facing the gap between the drum and the side unit.

Description

[0001] [Invention Title]

[0002] Copper Foil Manufacturing Apparatus

[0003] [Technical Field]

[0004] The present invention relates to a copper foil manufacturing apparatus.

[0005] [Background Art]

[0006] In the copper foil manufacturing process, a drum is used for the electrodeposition of the electrolyte. Since the drum's rotation and the contact conditions of the electrolyte are directly linked to the quality of the copper foil, it is important to properly maintain the condition of the drum surface and surrounding areas.

[0007] In actual operating environments, the electrolyte may evaporate or crystallize at both corners and adhere to the surface of the drum. These electrolyte crystals can cause quality degradation, such as peeling failure, surface defects, and the occurrence of fine irregularities, and can reduce product yield.

[0008] Therefore, active research is being conducted on technologies to prevent the crystallization of the electrolyte at the corners of the drum and to maintain a stable surface state. [Disclosure]

[0009] [Technical Problem]

[0010] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus that can prevent defects from occurring on the product surface due to the crystallization of the electrolyte at both corners of the drum.

[0011] In addition, another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus that can improve product quality and yield by reducing the occurrence of defects caused by electrolyte crystals.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0013] [Technical Solution]

[0014] The copper foil manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises: an electrolytic cell for receiving an electrolyte; a liquid injection unit for supplying the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell; a drum that rotates about an axis and at least a portion of which is impregnated with the electrolyte; a counter electrode disposed spaced apart from the drum within the electrolytic cell; a side unit disposed along the edge of at least one side of which is disposed in the axial direction of the drum; a sealing unit disposed between the drum and the side unit; and a spraying unit disposed to spray air and have one end facing the spaced-apart space between the drum and the side unit.

[0015] The diameter of the injection unit at one end may be less than or equal to the distance between the drum and the side part along the axial direction.

[0016] The injection pressure of the injection part may be in the range of 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa. The side part may extend along the circumferential direction of the drum.

[0017] The sealing portion can be inserted between the drum and the side portion in a first area set along the circumferential direction of the drum.

[0018] The above injection unit can inject air toward the first area.

[0019] It may further include a cover portion spaced apart from the drum along the radial direction of the drum.

[0020] The above cover portion may extend along the circumferential direction of the drum. The above injection portion may be coupled to one side of the cover portion along the circumferential direction of the drum.

[0021] [Advantageous Effects]

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a copper foil manufacturing apparatus can be provided that prevents the occurrence of defects on the product surface by preventing the electrolyte from crystallizing at both corners of the drum.

[0023] In addition, according to one embodiment, the present invention can provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus capable of improving product quality and yield by reducing the occurrence of defects caused by electrolyte crystals.

[0024] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0025] [Description of Drawings]

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a side portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the top surface.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a part of a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] [Mode for Invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is merely illustrative and the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described illustratively.

[0033] Specific terms used in this specification are for convenience of explanation only and are not intended to limit the exemplified embodiments.

[0034] For example, expressions such as “identical” and “identical” indicate not only a strictly identical state, but also a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference in the degree to which the same function is obtained.

[0035] The use of terms such as 'first, second, third,' etc., attached to the components mentioned below is intended solely to avoid confusion regarding the components being referred to, and is unrelated to the order, importance, or master-subordinate relationship between the components. For example, an invention including only the second component without the first component can also be implemented.

[0036] The terms used in this specification are for the description of specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and in the appended claims, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In this specification, when any layer is described as being located "on" or "between" any other layer, this includes not only cases where any layer is in contact with another layer, but also cases where another layer or material, etc., exists between the two layers. Where in this specification a quantity, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as an enumeration of a range, a preferred range, a preferred upper limit, and a preferred lower limit, it should be understood that any pair of any upper range limit or preferred value and any lower range limit or preferred value, regardless of whether the range is disclosed separately, specifically discloses all ranges that may be formed. Where a range of numerical values ​​is mentioned in this specification, unless otherwise stated, for example, without limiting terms such as greater than, less than, the range is intended to include the endpoint value and all integers and fractions within that range. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to specific values ​​mentioned when defining a range.

[0038] Among the physical properties mentioned in this specification, if a specific temperature affects the property, that is, the property is measured at room temperature unless specifically otherwise specified. The term "room temperature" refers to a natural temperature that has not been heated or cooled, and may mean, for example, any temperature within the range of about 10 °C to 30 °C, about 23 °C, or about 25 °C. Furthermore, unless specifically otherwise specified, the unit of temperature in this specification is °C.

[0039] In addition, among the physical properties mentioned in this specification, if the measured pressure affects the physical property, unless specifically otherwise specified, the physical property is measured at atmospheric pressure, i.e., at an atmospheric pressure (about 1 atmosphere).

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a copper foil manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a side portion (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a copper foil manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a copper foil manufacturing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a copper foil manufacturing device (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 illustrates a part of a copper foil manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an electrolytic cell (110) for receiving an electrolyte (210), a supply portion (120) for supplying the electrolyte (210) to the electrolytic cell (110), a drum (130) that rotates about an axis (131) and at least a portion of which is impregnated with the electrolyte (210), a counter electrode (140) that is spaced apart from the drum (130) within the electrolytic cell (110), a side portion (310) that is positioned along the edge of at least one side of the two sides that are positioned in the direction of the axis (131) of the drum (130), a sealing portion (330) that is positioned between the drum (130) and the side portion (310), and a spray portion (320) that sprays air and is positioned such that one end is directed toward the spaced-apart space between the drum (130) and the side portion (310).

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the copper foil manufacturing device (100) may include two electrodes. The two electrodes may each be a drum (130) and a counter electrode (140). The drum (130) and the counter electrode (140) may have opposite polarities. For example, the drum (130) may be a negative electrode and the counter electrode (140) may be a positive electrode.

[0043] When current is applied, metal may be deposited on the surface of the negative electrode among the two electrodes. For example, the metal may be electrodeposited on the surface of the drum (130). The metal may be deposited in the form of a thin film. The deposited metal thin film may be separated from the electrode to manufacture a metal foil. The metal foil may be a copper foil (200). To manufacture the copper foil (200) by separating the deposited metal thin film from the electrode, the copper foil manufacturing device (100) may further include a filling roll (230). The metal foil electrodeposited on the drum (130) may be transferred to the filling roll (230) according to the rotation of the drum (130). The filling roll (230) may supply the copper foil (200) to the next process. The electrolytic cell (110) may contain an electrolyte (210). At least a portion of the drum (130) may be impregnated with the electrolyte (210). The inner surface of the electrolytic cell (110) may be formed to correspond to the shape of the drum (130). A counter electrode (140) may be disposed on the inner surface of the electrolytic cell (110). The drum (130) may be disposed facing the counter electrode (140) while spaced apart from the counter electrode (140). The counter electrode (140) may be formed in a semicircular shape and may be in a shape that surrounds the lower surface of the drum (130). The electrolyte (210) may flow between the counter electrode (140) and the drum (130).

[0044] The above electrolyte (210) can be supplied by the above injection unit (120). One end of the above injection unit (120) is located inside the electrolytic cell (110), and the above electrolyte (210) can be supplied between the counter electrode (140) and the drum (130).

[0045] The above electrolyte (210) can be used to electrodeposit a copper thin film by contacting the drum (130) during the copper foil (200) manufacturing process. The above electrolyte (210) may be an aqueous copper sulfate solution containing copper ions. The above electrolyte (210) may optionally further include organic additives to improve the stability and quality of the electrodeposition reaction.

[0046] The drum (130) is a rotating electrode for electrodepositing a copper thin film and can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The drum (130) can be made of a conductive material such as copper or stainless steel. The surface of the drum (130) can be formed flat to form a uniformly electrodeposited copper thin film.

[0047] The drum (130) is installed to be rotatable around a horizontal axis (131) and, while rotating, comes into contact with the electrolyte (210) to electrodeposit copper ions. At this time, the drum (130) can rotate while at least a portion of it is submerged in the electrolyte (210). Through this, a certain portion of the surface of the drum (130) comes into contact with copper ions in the electrolyte (210) to cause an electrochemical reaction, and a copper thin film can be continuously electrodeposited on the surface of the drum (130).

[0048] Additionally, the drum (130) is connected to a drive unit capable of controlling the rotational speed, which can ensure uniformity of the electrodeposition thickness or facilitate the removal of oxygen bubbles or impurities in the electrolyte (210).

[0049] The copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) may further include a power supply unit that applies voltage. The power supply unit may be configured to apply current between the drum (130) and the counter electrode (140) so that copper ions in the electrolyte (210) are reduced to the surface of the drum (130) and electrodeposited as a copper thin film. The power supply unit may be implemented as a DC power supply and may include a control unit capable of controlling voltage and current. The power supply unit may operate in a constant voltage or constant current mode within a set voltage range, thereby providing optimal electrochemical conditions for thickness uniformity of the electrodeposition reaction, control of grain size, and improvement of surface roughness. For example, during the electrodeposition process, the power supply unit may apply a DC voltage of 0.5V to 5V, and the current density may be 0.5 A / dm² 2 Up to 10 A / dm 2 It can be set as a range.

[0050] When power is applied, copper ions in the electrolyte (210) move to the drum (130) (cathode) to receive electrons and are reduced to copper metal, thereby electrodepositing a copper thin film on the surface of the drum (130). At the same time, an oxidation reaction occurs in the electrolyte (210) at the counter electrode (140) (anode), which may be an oxygen evolution reaction or, if the counter electrode (140) is a copper plate, a copper ion elution reaction. Through this electrochemical reaction, a copper thin film having a uniform thickness and an excellent crystal structure is formed on the surface of the drum (130).

[0051] The above power supply unit can monitor parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and electrodeposition time in real time during the electrodeposition process and adjust them as needed. As a result, process stability for producing high-quality copper foil (200) can be ensured.

[0052] Meanwhile, the electrolyte (210) can easily crystallize during the copper foil (200) manufacturing process, and the generated electrolyte (210) crystals may adhere to the copper foil (200) under the influence of the external environment, causing defects such as dents and holes. In particular, electrolyte (210) crystals can easily occur in the corner areas of the drum (130). Specifically, electrolyte (210) crystals can easily occur at one side corner of the drum (130) and the other side corner of the drum (130) along the axis (131) direction of the drum (130).

[0053] The above side portion (310) may cover the corner of at least one of the two sides arranged in the direction of the axis (131) of the drum (130). The above side portion (310) may be arranged spaced apart from the corner of the drum (130) in the direction of the axis (131) of the drum (130).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, the side portion (310) may extend along the circumferential direction of the drum (130). The side portion (310) may be in a shape that extends along the edge of the drum (130). The side portion (310) may be in the shape of a ring. A spaced-apart space may be continuously formed between the edge of the drum (130) and the side portion (310).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, the side portion (310) may include a first side portion (311) and a second side portion (315). The first side portion (311) may be positioned on one side of the drum (130) along the axis (131) direction of the drum (130). The second side portion (315) may be positioned on the other side of the drum (130) along the axis (131) direction of the drum (130).

[0056] The sealing portion (330) can prevent the copper foil (200) from being electrodeposited at the corner of the drum (130). To this end, the sealing portion (330) may be formed of an insulating material. The sealing portion (330) may be prevented from contacting the corner of the drum (130) to prevent the copper foil (200) from being electrodeposited.

[0057] The side portion (310) may be positioned along the edge of at least one of the two sides arranged in the direction of the axis (131) of the drum (130). The positions of the side portion (310) and the drum (130) may be fixed, and the sealing portion (330) may be positioned between the side portion (310) and the drum (130). The side portion (310) may rotate together with the drum (130).

[0058] Referring again to FIG. 1, the drum (130) rotates and the copper foil (200) can be electrodeposited on the surface of the drum (130).

[0059] The drum (130) may have a first region (135). The first region (135) refers to a circumferential section of the outer surface of the drum (130) that is exposed to air just before being impregnated with the electrolyte, based on the direction of rotation. That is, it refers to the point where the electrolyte begins to be impregnated in the electrodeposition process or an adjacent part thereof. The sealing part (330) may be inserted between the drum (130) and the side part (310) in the first region (135). After the sealing part (330) is inserted, the sealing part (330) may rotate together with the drum (130) and the side part (310). The drum (130) may be placed within the electrolytic cell (110), and a part of the drum (130) may be impregnated with the electrolyte (210). For example, the lower part of the drum (130) may be immersed in the electrolyte (210) and the upper part of the drum (130) may be exposed to air. As the drum (130) rotates, any area formed along the outer surface of the drum (130) may be exposed to air along the electrodeposition process path, then immersed in the electrolyte (210), and then exposed to air again. This allows the sealing part (330) to seal between the drum (130) and the side part (310) before being immersed in the electrolyte (210).

[0060] The injection unit (320) can inject air, and one end of the injection unit (320) can be positioned to face the spaced-apart space between the drum (130) and the side unit (310). The injection unit (320) can inject air toward the first area (135). Electrolyte (210) crystals can be removed by the injection unit (320). After the electrolyte (210) crystals are removed, the sealing unit (330) can be inserted between the drum (130) and the side unit (310). This can reduce defects such as dents and holes.

[0061] To improve the accuracy of the injection, the diameter of one end of the injection part (320) can be adjusted. The diameter of one end of the injection part (320) may be less than the distance between the drum (130) and the side part (310) along the direction of the axis (131). Specifically, the diameter of one end of the injection part (320) may be smaller than the distance between the drum (130) and the side part (310) along the direction of the axis (131). Referring to FIG. 3, the diameter of one end of the injection part (320) is formed to be smaller than the distance between the drum (130) and the side part (310) so that air can be injected between the drum (130) and the side part (310).

[0062] The injection pressure of the injection part (320) may be in the range of 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa. By controlling the injection pressure of the injection part (320) to be within the range of 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa, the electrolyte (210) crystals can be efficiently removed. Additionally, the electrolyte (210) may not flow down into the space between the drum (130) and the side part (310) and may not scatter to the surroundings.

[0063] The injection unit (320) may include a first injection unit (321) and a second injection unit (325). The first injection unit (321) and the second injection unit (325) may be positioned adjacent to one axial surface of the drum (130). The first injection unit (321) may be positioned to inject air between the drum and the first side unit (311). The second injection unit (325) may be positioned to inject air between the drum (130) and the second side unit (315).

[0064] The copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) of the present invention may further include a cover portion (150). The cover portion (150) may be spaced apart from the drum (130) along the radial direction of the drum (130). The cover portion (150) may extend along the circumferential direction of the drum (130). Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, one side of the cover portion (150) may extend adjacent to the first region (135).

[0065] The injection part (320) can be coupled to one side of the cover part (150) along the circumferential direction of the drum (130). The injection part (320) can inject air through the cover part (150). Through this, the injection part (320) can stably inject air into the first area (135). Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the injection part (320) coupled to one side of the cover part (150) is seen. After the electrolyte (210) crystals are removed by the injection part (320), the sealing part (330) can be inserted between the drum (130) and the side part (310).

[0066] The present invention may be modified and implemented in various forms, and the scope of rights is not limited to the embodiments described above. The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of the present invention, and other configurations may be further included within the scope of the present invention.

[0067] Explanation of drawing symbols

[0068] 100: Copper foil manufacturing device

[0069] 110: Jeonhae Jo

[0070] 120: Main amount part

[0071] 130: Drums

[0072] 140: Counter electrode

Claims

[CLAIMS]

1. Electrolytic cell for accommodating electrolyte; A liquid injection unit that supplies electrolyte to the above-mentioned electrolytic cell; A drum that rotates about an axis and at least a portion of which is impregnated with the electrolyte; a counter electrode disposed spaced apart from the drum within the electrolytic cell; A side portion disposed along the edge of at least one of the two sides disposed in the axial direction of the drum; A sealing portion disposed between the above drum and the above side portion; and A copper foil manufacturing apparatus comprising: a spraying unit that sprays air and is positioned so that one end is directed toward the spaced-apart space between the drum and the side part.

2. In Paragraph 1, A copper foil manufacturing device in which the diameter of one end of the injection part is less than or equal to the distance between the drum and the side part along the axial direction.

3. In Paragraph 1, A copper foil manufacturing apparatus in which the injection pressure of the above-mentioned injection part is within the range of 0.1 MPa to 0.3 MPa.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned side portion is a copper foil manufacturing device extending along the circumferential direction of the drum. Claim 5] In Paragraph 1, The above sealing part is a copper foil manufacturing device inserted between the drum and the side part in a first area pre-set along the circumferential direction of the drum.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above-described injection unit is a copper foil manufacturing device that injects air toward the first region. Claim 7] In Paragraph 1, A copper foil manufacturing apparatus further comprising a cover portion spaced apart from the drum along the radial direction of the drum.

8. In Article 7, The above cover portion is a copper foil manufacturing device extending along the circumferential direction of the drum.

9. In Article 7, A copper foil manufacturing device in which the above injection part is coupled to one side of the cover part along the circumferential direction of the drum.

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