Copper foil manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a copper foil manufacturing apparatus comprising: an electrolytic bath for accommodating an electrolyte; an injection part for supplying the electrolyte to the electrolytic bath; a drum which rotates about a shaft, and of which at least a portion is impregnated in the electrolyte; a counter electrode disposed to be spaced apart from the drum in the electrolytic bath; a side part disposed along an edge of at least one of two surfaces disposed in the axial direction of the drum; a sealing part of which at least a part is disposed between the drum and the side part; a first guide part for guiding the sealing part such that the sealing part is inserted between the drum and the side part; and a second guide part for guiding the sealing part such that the sealing part is separated from the drum.

Description

[0001] [DESCRIPTION]

[0002] [Invention Title]

[0003] Copper Foil Manufacturing Apparatus

[0004] [Technical Field]

[0005] The present invention relates to a copper foil manufacturing apparatus.

[0006] [Background Art]

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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]

[0010] [Technical Problem]

[0011] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus capable of improving deposition quality at both ends of the copper foil and suppressing tearing. However, the technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is not limited to the problem described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Technical Solution]

[0012] 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 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 at least a portion of which is disposed between the drum and the side portion; a first guide portion that guides the sealing portion so that the sealing portion is inserted between the drum and the side portion; and a second guide portion that guides the sealing portion so that the sealing portion is separated from the drum.

[0013] The above sealing part can be transported along a pre-set path.

[0014] The above-mentioned pre-set path may be formed so that the sealing part contacts the drum, the first guide part, and the second guide part, respectively.

[0015] The first guide part above may be positioned on one side of the drum where the outer surface of the drum enters the electrolytic cell.

[0016] The above-mentioned first guide part may include a first pulley and a second pulley.

[0017] The virtual axis of the first pulley and the virtual axis of the second pulley can be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0018] The virtual axis of the second pulley may be positioned parallel to the axis of the drum. The first guide portion may further include a stabilizer that presses the sealing portion in the direction of the drum.

[0019] The virtual axis of the above stabilizer may be positioned parallel to the virtual axis of the above second pulley. The above stabilizer may be positioned at the bottom of the above second pulley.

[0020] The second guide part above may be positioned on the other side of the drum where the outer surface of the drum is exposed to the outside of the electrolytic cell.

[0021] It further includes a filling roll spaced apart from the drum, and the second guide part may be positioned below the filling roll.

[0022] The virtual axis of the second guide part above can be positioned parallel to the axis of the drum.

[0023] The above sealing part may be a loop structure extending in a closed curve.

[0024] [Advantageous Effects]

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a copper foil manufacturing apparatus capable of improving deposition quality at both ends of the copper foil and suppressing tearing can be provided. 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.

[0026] [Description of Drawings]

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a drum, a side part, and a sealing part according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a sealing portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate a first guide part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a second guide part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Specific terms used in this specification are for convenience of explanation only and are not intended to limit the exemplified embodiments.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] In this specification, when any layer is described as being located "on" or "between" another arbitrary layer, this includes not only cases where any layer is in contact with another arbitrary layer, but also cases where another layer or material exists between the two layers.

[0037] 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 its endpoint value and all integers and fractions within that range. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific value mentioned when defining the 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, that is, at an atmospheric pressure (about 1 atmosphere).

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a drum, a side part, and a sealing part according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 illustrates a sealing part according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 illustrate a first guide part according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 illustrates a second guide part according to an embodiment of the present invention. A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrolytic tank (110) for receiving an electrolyte (300), a liquid injection part (120) for supplying the electrolyte (300) to the electrolytic tank (110), a drum (130) that rotates about an axis and at least a portion of which is impregnated with the electrolyte (300), and a counter electrode (140) that is spaced apart from the drum (130) within the electrolytic tank (110).

[0041] 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.

[0042] When current is applied, metal can be deposited on the surface of the negative electrode among the two electrodes. For example, the metal can be electrodeposited on the surface of the drum (130). The metal can be deposited in the form of a thin film. The deposited metal thin film can be separated from the electrode to produce a metal foil. The metal foil may be a copper foil (10).

[0043] The electrolytic cell (110) can accommodate an electrolyte (300). At least a portion of the drum (130) may be impregnated with the electrolyte (300). 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 placed on the inner surface of the electrolytic cell (110). The drum (130) may be positioned to face 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 form that surrounds the lower surface of the drum (130). The electrolyte (300) may flow between the counter electrode (140) and the drum (130).

[0044] The above electrolyte (300) 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 (300) can be supplied between the counter electrode (140) and the drum (130).

[0045] The above electrolyte (300) can be used to electrodeposit a copper thin film by contacting the drum (130) during the copper foil (10) manufacturing process. The above electrolyte (300) may be an aqueous copper sulfate solution containing copper ions. The above electrolyte (300) 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 about a horizontal axis and, while rotating, comes into contact with the electrolyte (300) to electrodeposit copper ions. At this time, the drum (130) can rotate while at least a portion of it is submerged in the electrolyte (300). Through this, a certain portion of the surface of the drum (130) comes into contact with copper ions in the electrolyte (300) 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 (300).

[0049] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention 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 (300) 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.

[0050] The power supply unit described above can operate in a constant voltage or constant current mode within a set voltage range, thereby providing optimal electrochemical conditions for thickness uniformity, grain size control, and surface roughness improvement of the electrodeposition reaction. For example, during the electrodeposition process, the power supply unit can apply a DC voltage of 0.5V to 5V, and the current density is 0.5 A / dm² 2 Up to 10 A / dm 2 It can be set as a range.

[0051] When power is applied, copper ions in the electrolyte (300) 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 (300) 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).

[0052] 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 (10) can be ensured.

[0053] Meanwhile, the electrolyte (300) can easily crystallize during the copper foil (10) manufacturing process, and the generated electrolyte (300) crystals may adhere to the copper foil (10) under the influence of the external environment, causing defects such as dents and holes. In particular, electrolyte (300) crystals can easily occur in the corner areas of the drum (130). Specifically, electrolyte (300) crystals can easily occur at one side corner of the drum (130) along the axis (135) direction of the drum and at the other side corner of the drum (130).

[0054] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a side portion (150) arranged along the edge of at least one of the two sides arranged in the direction of the axis (135) of the drum.

[0055] The above side portion (150) may cover the corner of at least one of the two sides arranged in the direction of the axis (135) of the drum. The above side portion (150) may be arranged spaced apart from the corner of the drum (130) in the direction of the axis (135) of the drum.

[0056] The side portion (150) may extend along the circumferential direction of the drum (130). The side portion (150) may be in a shape that extends along the edge of the drum (130). The side portion (150) may be in the shape of a loop. A spaced-apart space may be continuously formed between the edge of the drum (130) and the side portion (150).

[0057] The above side portion (150) may include a first side portion and a second side portion. The first side portion may be positioned on one side of the drum (130) along the axis (135) direction of the drum. The second side portion may be positioned on the other side of the drum (130) along the axis (135) direction of the drum.

[0058] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sealing portion (160) in which at least a portion is disposed between the drum (130) and the side portion (150) (Fig. 2).

[0059] The sealing portion (160) can prevent the copper foil (10) from being electrodeposited at the corner of the drum (130). To this end, the sealing portion (160) may be formed of an insulating material. The sealing portion (160) can be prevented from contacting the corner of the drum (130) to prevent the copper foil (10) from being electrodeposited.

[0060] The side portion (150) may be positioned along the edge of at least one of the two sides arranged in the direction of the axis (135) of the drum. The positions of the side portion (150) and the drum (130) are fixed, and the sealing portion (160) may be fixed between the side portion (150) and the drum (130). The side portion (150) may rotate together with the drum (130). Referring to FIG. 2, the sealing portion (160) may prevent the electrolyte (300) from flowing between the side portion (150) and the drum (130).

[0061] The drum (130) may be placed within the electrolytic cell (110), and a portion of the drum (130) may be impregnated with the electrolyte (300). For example, the lower part of the drum (130) may be impregnated with the electrolyte (300), and the upper part of the drum (130) may be exposed to air. As the drum (130) rotates, a region along the circumferential direction of the drum (130) may be exposed to air, then impregnated with the electrolyte (300), and then exposed to air again. At this time, the first region may be formed higher than the level of the electrolyte (300) in the electrolytic cell (110). This allows the sealing portion (160) to be inserted between the drum (130) and the side portion (150) before being impregnated with the electrolyte (300). After the sealing part (160) is inserted, the sealing part (160) can rotate together with the drum (130) and the side part (150).

[0062] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first guide portion (210) that guides the sealing portion (160) so that the sealing portion (160) is inserted between the drum (130) and the side portion (150). The sealing portion (160) may be inserted between the drum (130) and the side portion (150) after passing through the first guide portion (210). The outer surface of the drum (130) may enter the interior of the electrolytic cell (110) and subsequently be exposed to the exterior of the electrolytic cell (110) by rotating the drum (130) around the axis (135) of the drum. The first guide portion (210) may be disposed on one side of the drum (130) where the outer surface of the drum (130) enters the interior of the electrolytic cell (110). The sealing portion (160) is positioned between the drum (130) and the side portion (150) before the outer surface of the drum (130) comes into contact with the electrolyte (300), thereby preventing the electrolyte (300) from flowing between the drum (130) and the side portion (150).

[0063] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second guide portion (230) that guides the sealing portion (160) so that the sealing portion (160) is separated from the drum (130). The second guide portion (230) may be disposed on the other side of the drum (130) where the outer surface of the drum (130) is exposed to the outside of the electrolytic cell (110).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the sealing portion (160) may be a loop structure extending in a closed curve. The sealing portion (160) may be formed continuously and transported together with the drum (130) when the drum (130) rotates. The sealing portion (160) may be positioned between the drum (130) and the side portion (150) on one side of the drum (130), rotate together with the drum (130), and then be separated from the drum (130) on the other side of the drum (130) (see FIG. 1).

[0065] The sealing portion (160) may be transported along a predetermined path. The predetermined path may be formed so that the sealing portion (160) contacts the drum (130), the first guide portion (210), and the second guide portion (230), respectively. Meanwhile, a copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a roller portion (not shown), and the predetermined path may be formed so that the sealing portion (160) contacts the roller portion.

[0066] The first guide portion (210) may include a first pulley (211) and a second pulley (213). The sealing portion (160) may pass sequentially through the first pulley (211) and the second pulley (213) and be transferred to the drum (130). The sealing portion (160) may come into contact with the outer surface of each of the first pulley (211) and the second pulley (213).

[0067] FIG. 4 illustrates the first guide portion (210) as viewed from the front, and FIG. 5 illustrates the first guide portion (210) as viewed from the rear. The first pulley (211) and the second pulley (213) can be arranged considering the direction of travel of the sealing portion (160). Depending on the arrangement of the first pulley (211) and the second pulley (213), the direction of travel of the sealing portion (160) may be changed.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the virtual axis of the first pulley (211) and the virtual axis of the second pulley (213) can be positioned perpendicular to each other. For example, the sealing part (160) can enter the first pulley (211) in a horizontal direction and then pass through the second pulley (213) to be discharged in a vertical direction. In this way, by positioning the virtual axis of the first pulley (211) and the virtual axis of the second pulley (213) perpendicular to each other, the direction of travel of the sealing part (160) can be changed.

[0069] The virtual axis of the second pulley (213) can be positioned parallel to the axis (135) of the drum. By positioning the virtual axis of the second pulley (213) parallel to the axis (135) of the drum, the sealing part (160) can be inserted between the drum (130) and the side part (150) in accordance with the rotation of the drum (130).

[0070] The first guide portion (210) may further include a stabilizer (215). The stabilizer (215) may press the sealing portion (160) toward the drum (130). The imaginary axis of the stabilizer (215) may be positioned parallel to the imaginary axis of the second pulley (213). The stabilizer (215) may be positioned below the second pulley (213). This allows the sealing portion (160), separated from the second pulley (213), to be pressed by the stabilizer (215) when it enters between the drum (130) and the side portion (150).

[0071] Meanwhile, the first guide portion (210) may further include a body portion (217). The first pulley (211) and the second pulley (213) may be coupled to the body portion (217). The stabilizer (215) may be coupled to the body portion (217).

[0072] The first guide part (210) can change the position of the stabilizer (215) by rotating about the hinge axis (218) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The position of the stabilizer (215) can be changed to match the diameter and size of the drum (130) / side part (150). In order to ensure that the sealing part (160) is properly pressed, the stabilizer (215) in the changed position must be securely fixed so as not to move.

[0073] The first guide part (210) above may further include a nut (219) and a screw (220) for fixing the stabilizer (215). The nut (219) and the screw (220) can stably fix the stabilizer (215) by tightening or loosening.

[0074] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a filling roll (250) positioned spaced apart from the drum (130). The copper foil (10) may be wound onto the filling roll (250) after being unwound from the drum (130). The copper foil (10) may be transferred to a subsequent process via the filling roll (250). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the second guide portion (230) may be positioned below the filling roll (250). The second guide portion (230) may be a pulley. In the area where the copper foil (10) is separated from the drum (130), the sealing portion (160) may also be separated from the drum (130). The sealing part (160) separated from the drum (130) can be transported back toward the first guide part (210) after passing through the second guide part (230). The virtual axis of the second guide part (230) can be positioned parallel to the axis (135) of the drum. This allows the sealing part (160) to continue moving while being separated from the drum (130).

[0075] Referring again to FIG. 3, the sealing portion (160) is inserted between the drum (130) and the side portion (150) by the first guide portion (210) in the first area (A1) and can be separated from the drum (130) in the second area (A2).

[0076] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a washer part (270) (Fig. 7). The washer part (270) may be positioned in an area where the copper foil (10) is separated from the drum (130). A fluid (e.g., a cleaning liquid) may be sprayed into the interior of the washer part (270). The washer part (270) may include an opening that is open toward the drum (130). Through the opening, the fluid may be sprayed toward the drum (130) to wash away foreign substances on the surface of the drum (130). The second guide part (230) may be positioned between the washer part (270) and the peeling roll (250) along the circumferential direction of the drum (130).

[0077] 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 contents described above are merely examples of applying the principles of the present invention, and other configurations may be further included within the scope of the present invention.

[0078] Explanation of drawing symbols

[0079] 10: Copper foil

[0080] 100: Copper foil manufacturing device

[0081] 110: Jeonhae Jo

[0082] 120: Main amount part

[0083] 130: Drums

[0084] 135: Drum shaft

[0085] 140: Counter electrode

[0086] 150: Side section

[0087] 160: Sealing part

[0088] 210: 1st Guide Section

[0089] 211: The 1st Pulley

[0090] 213: Second Pully

[0091] 215: Stay Blur

[0092] 217: Body part

[0093] 218: Hinge axis

[0094] 219: Nut

[0095] 220: Screw

[0096] 230: 2nd Guide Section: Peeling Roll: Washer Section: Electrolyte

Claims

[CLAIMS]

1. Electrolytic cell for accommodating electrolyte; A liquid injection unit that supplies the electrolyte to the above 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 having at least a portion disposed between the drum and the side portion; a first guide portion guiding the sealing portion so that the sealing portion is inserted between the drum and the side portion; and A copper foil manufacturing apparatus comprising: a second guide part that guides the sealing part so that the sealing part is separated from the drum.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above sealing part is a copper foil manufacturing device that is transported along a preset path.

3. In Paragraph 2, A copper foil manufacturing apparatus in which the above-mentioned pre-set path is formed such that the sealing portion contacts the drum, the first guide portion, and the second guide portion, respectively.

4. A copper foil manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein the first guide part is disposed on one side of the drum where the outer surface of the drum enters the interior of the electrolytic cell.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first guide part is a copper foil manufacturing apparatus comprising a first pulley and a second pulley.

6. In Paragraph 5, A copper foil manufacturing device in which the virtual axis of the first pulley and the virtual axis of the second pulley are arranged perpendicularly to each other.

7. In Paragraph 5, A copper foil manufacturing device in which the virtual axis of the second pulley is arranged parallel to the axis of the drum.

8. In Paragraph 5, A copper foil manufacturing apparatus comprising a first guide part that further includes a stabilizer for pressing the sealing part in the direction of the drum.

9. In Paragraph 8, A copper foil manufacturing device in which the virtual axis of the above stabilizer is arranged parallel to the virtual axis of the above second pulley.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned stabilizer is a copper foil manufacturing device disposed below the second pulley. Claim 11] In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned second guide part is a copper foil manufacturing device disposed on the other side of the drum where the outer surface of the drum is exposed to the outside of the electrolytic cell.

12. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a filling roll disposed spaced apart from the drum above, and The above second guide part is a copper foil manufacturing device disposed below the above peeling roll.

13. In Paragraph 1, A copper foil manufacturing device in which the virtual axis of the second guide section is arranged parallel to the axis of the drum.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above sealing part is a copper foil manufacturing device having a loop structure extending in a closed curve.

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