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 while being at least partially immersed in the electrolyte; a counter electrode disposed inside the electrolyzer and spaced apart from the drum; a side shield disposed on one axial end surface of the drum; and a cathode member having at least one portion disposed between the drum and the side shield.

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] Copper foil is a material widely used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs), secondary batteries, electronic components, etc., and is generally manufactured through an electrolytic plating method. This copper foil manufacturing device has a structure in which a rotary drum is placed inside an electrolytic bath in which an electrolyte is stored, and copper ions are electrochemically reduced on the outer surface of the drum to form a thin copper foil layer.

[0008] To ensure uniform copper deposition during the electroplating process, a sub-cathode may be additionally installed on the side of the drum in addition to the main cathode. The sub-cathode can play a role in ensuring product quality stability by correcting current distribution to minimize variations in copper foil thickness. However, during prolonged use of the electrolyte and repetitive operation, non-uniform current distribution may form on the surface of the sub-cathode, or deposition non-uniformity may occur depending on the electrolytic environment. Furthermore, frequent maintenance or replacement of the sub-cathode can lead to reduced work efficiency and increased management costs. Therefore, extending the lifespan of the sub-cathode and improving replacement stability are recognized as important technical challenges in the copper foil manufacturing process.

[0009] [Disclosure]

[0010] [Technical Problem] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus that can extend the replacement cycle and improve maintenance efficiency by improving the structure of the auxiliary cathode.

[0011] In addition, another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus capable of stably maintaining the quality of the copper foil by making the deposition of copper ions more uniform during the electrolysis process.

[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 an electrolyte to the electrolytic cell; a drum that rotates around 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 shield disposed on one side in the axial direction of the drum; and a cathode member disposed at least a portion of which is disposed between the drum and the side shield.

[0015] The above cathode member may include a fixed member coupled to the side shield; and a cathode tube coupled to the fixed member and extending in the radial direction of the drum.

[0016] The above fixing member can be coupled to the upper surface of the side shield.

[0017] The above-mentioned fixed member may protrude from the side shield in a direction toward the drum.

[0018] The above cathode tube may be U-shaped. At least a portion of the above cathode tube may be impregnated with the electrolyte. The above cathode tube may be spaced apart from the side shield.

[0019] The above-mentioned fixing member includes a hole, and the cathode tube can be inserted into the hole and fixed.

[0020] One corner of the above side shield may extend along the circumferential direction of the drum.

[0021] The above side shield may further include a receiving portion formed in an area corresponding to the axial direction of the drum.

[0022] The above cathode member may be positioned closer to the axis of the drum than to the edge along the radial direction of the drum.

[0023] The above cathode member may further include a coupling member and a supporting member.

[0024] [Advantageous Effects]

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a copper foil manufacturing apparatus can be provided that can extend the replacement cycle and improve maintenance efficiency by improving the structure of the auxiliary cathode.

[0026] In addition, another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus capable of stably maintaining the quality of the copper foil by making the deposition of copper ions more uniform during the electrolysis process.

[0027] 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.

[0028] [Description of Drawings]

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a drum and a side shield according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention from the front view.

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a cathode member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a cathode member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [Mode for Invention]

[0033] 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.

[0034] Specific terms used in this specification are for convenience of explanation only and are not intended to limit the exemplified embodiments.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 the appended claims, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When any layer is described in this specification 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.

[0038] 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 the specific value mentioned when defining the range.

[0039] 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 (Celsius).

[0040] 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).

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a drum (130) and a side shield (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 illustrates a cathode member (210) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrolytic cell (110) for receiving an electrolyte (300), a supply unit (120) for supplying the electrolyte (300) to the electrolytic cell (110), a drum (130) that rotates around an axis (135) and at least a portion of which is impregnated with the electrolyte (300), a counter electrode (140) spaced apart from the drum (130) within the electrolytic cell (110), a side shield (200) disposed on one side of the drum (130) in the direction of the axis (135), and a negative electrode member (210) disposed between the drum (130) and the side shield (200).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] In order to manufacture copper foil by separating the deposited metal thin film from the electrode, the copper foil manufacturing device (100) may further include a filling roll (310). The metal foil electrodeposited on the drum (130) can be transferred to the filling roll (310) according to the rotation of the drum (130). The filling roll (310) can supply the copper foil to the next process.

[0046] 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).

[0047] 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).

[0048] The above electrolyte (300) can be used to electrodeposit a copper thin film by contacting the drum (130) during the copper foil 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The drum (130) is installed to be rotatable around an axis (135) 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).

[0051] 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).

[0052] The copper foil manufacturing device (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 (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. 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, grain size control, and surface roughness improvement of the electrodeposition reaction. 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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 can be ensured.

[0055] Meanwhile, the electrolyte (300) can easily crystallize during the copper foil manufacturing process, and the generated electrolyte (300) crystals may adhere to the copper foil under the influence of the external environment, causing defects such as dents and holes. In particular, electrolyte crystals can easily occur in the corner regions of the drum (130). Specifically, electrolyte crystals can easily occur at one side corner of the drum (130) along the axial direction of the drum and at the other side corner of the drum (130).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, the side shield (200) may be positioned on one side in the axial direction (135) of the drum (130). The side shield (200) may prevent the axial direction (135) of the drum (130) from coming into contact with the electrolyte (300). The side shield (200) may be positioned on one side in the axial direction (135) of the drum (130). The side shield (200) may form a space between itself and the drum (130). The side shield (200) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the drum (130). The drum (130) may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the side shield (200) may be formed in a semicircular shape. One edge of the side shield (200) may extend along the circumferential direction of the drum (130).

[0057] Although not specifically illustrated, the side shield (200) may include one or more holes. The holes may penetrate the side shield (200). When the electrolyte (300) flowing between the drum (130) and the side shield (200) through the holes rises above a certain level, the electrolyte (300) may be discharged through the holes. The position (or height) of the holes can be adjusted to control the electrolyte (300) so that it does not rise above a certain level.

[0058] The side shield (200) may further include a wing portion (220). The wing portion (220) may be joined to the side shield (200) at an angle. One end of the wing portion (220) may be joined to the side shield (200), and the other end of the wing portion (220) may extend toward the drum (130).

[0059] The above side shield (200) may further include a receiving portion (230). The receiving portion (230) may be formed in an area corresponding to the direction of the axis (135) of the drum (130). Since the axis (135) of the drum (130) may be located in the receiving portion (230), the side shield (200) may be coupled while remaining fixed to the drum (130) even when the drum (130) rotates.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, when the copper foil manufacturing device (100) is operated, the electrolyte (300) contained in the electrolytic tank (110) can flow over the side shield (200) into the space between the drum (130) and the side shield (200). As described above, when the electrolyte (300) rises above a certain level, the electrolyte (300) can be discharged back into the electrolytic tank (110) through the hole in the side shield (200).

[0061] At least a portion of the above-mentioned cathode member (210) may be placed between the drum (130) and the side shield (200). Copper (Cu) ions may be deposited on the cathode member (210). By placing the side shield (200) on one side in the direction of the drum axis (135), the one side in the direction of the drum axis (135) may be prevented from coming into contact with the electrolyte (300). Nevertheless, the electrolyte (300) may flow and move between the side shield (200) and the drum (130) through the top of the side shield (200). In this case, the cathode member (210) may prevent copper ions from being deposited on one side in the direction of the drum axis (135).

[0062] The electrolyte (300) can be located in the space between the drum (130) and the side shield (200).

[0063] The above cathode member (210) may include a fixed member (211) and a cathode tube (215). The fixed member (211) may be coupled to the side shield (200). The fixed member (211) may be detachably coupled to the side shield (200). The cathode tube (215) may be coupled to the fixed member (211). The cathode tube (215) may be detachably coupled to the fixed member (211).

[0064] The above fixing member (211) may be fixed to the upper surface of the side shield (200). When the side shield (200) is formed in a semicircular shape, the curved surface may be formed parallel to the circumferential direction of the drum (130), and the flat surface may extend along the radial direction of the drum (130). The upper surface of the side shield (200) may refer to the flat surface of the side shield (200). Through this, at least a portion of the cathode tube (215) may be attached to the side shield (200) while impregnated with the electrolyte. Here, the electrolyte (300) impregnated with the cathode tube (215) may be the electrolyte (300) contained between the drum (130) and the side shield (200).

[0065] The fixed member (211) may protrude from the side shield (200) in a direction toward the drum (130). One end of the fixed member (211) may protrude toward the drum (130), and the cathode tube (215) may be coupled to the protruding portion. The cathode tube (215) may be spaced apart from the side shield (200).

[0066] The above-mentioned fixing member (211) may include a hole (2115), and the cathode tube (215) may be inserted into the hole (2115) and fixed. Referring to FIG. 4, the hole (2115) of the fixing member (211) may be formed in a protruding area of ​​the fixing member (211). The hole (2115) may be multiple. For example, the fixing member (211) may include a first hole and a second hole. The cathode tube (215) may be formed linearly and fixed through the first hole and the second hole.

[0067] The above cathode tube (215) can be formed in a U-shape. This increases the contact area between the cathode tube (215) and the electrolyte (300). As a result, copper ions can be deposited uniformly on the surface of the cathode tube (215) rather than randomly, which can extend the lifespan and replacement cycle. Additionally, the possibility of copper fragments being separated and re-entering the electrolyte (300) can be reduced.

[0068] Referring again to FIG. 4, the cathode member (210) may be positioned closer to the axis (135) of the drum (130) than to the edge along the radial direction of the drum (130). By positioning the cathode member (210) closer to the axis (135) of the drum (130), the length of the cathode tube (215) may be increased, and the contact area between the cathode tube (215) and the electrolyte (300) may be increased.

[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates a cathode member (210) according to another embodiment of the present invention. The cathode member (210) may further include a cover portion (213). The cover portion (213) may be in the shape of a plate with a side protruding toward the drum (130). The fixing member (211) may be coupled at a preset height of the cover portion (213). The cover portion (213) may be positioned between the cathode tube (215) and the side shield (200). The cathode member (210) may further include a coupling member (217) and a support member (219). The coupling member (217) may be positioned inside the cover portion. Both ends of the cover portion may protrude, and the coupling member (217) may be positioned between both ends of the cover portion. The cathode tube (215) may penetrate the coupling member (217). The above-mentioned coupling member (217) can easily control the position of the cathode tube (215) by adjusting the direction in which the cathode tube (215) extends. The above-mentioned support member (219) may be disposed inside the cover portion. The above-mentioned support member (219) may be coupled to the cover portion and disposed on the lower surface of the coupling member (217) to support the coupling member (217). The present invention may be implemented in various modified forms, and the scope of rights is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above-described content 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.

[0070] Explanation of drawing symbols

[0071] 100: Copper foil manufacturing device

[0072] 110: Jeonhae Jo

[0073] 120: Main amount part

[0074] 130: Drums

[0075] 140: Counter electrode

[0076] 200: Side Shield

[0077] 210: Cathode component

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 shield disposed on one side in the axial direction of the above drum; and A copper foil manufacturing apparatus comprising a cathode member, at least a portion thereof disposed between the drum and the side shield.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above cathode member is a fixed member coupled to the side shield; and A copper foil manufacturing apparatus comprising: a cathode tube coupled to the fixed member and extending in the radial direction of the drum.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned fixing member is a copper foil manufacturing device coupled to the upper surface of the side shield.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned fixing member is a copper foil manufacturing device that protrudes from the side shield in a direction toward the drum.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above cathode tube is a U-shaped copper foil manufacturing device.

6. In Paragraph 2, A copper foil manufacturing apparatus in which at least a portion of the above-mentioned cathode tube is impregnated with the above-mentioned electrolyte.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above cathode tube is a copper foil manufacturing device positioned spaced apart from the side shield.

8. In Paragraph 2, The above fixing member includes a hole, and A copper foil manufacturing device in which the above-mentioned cathode tube is inserted into a hole and fixed.

9. In Paragraph 1, One corner of the above-mentioned side shield is a copper foil manufacturing device extending along the circumferential direction of the above-mentioned drum.

10. In Paragraph 1, A copper foil manufacturing apparatus further comprising: a receiving portion formed in an area corresponding to the axial direction of the drum in the side shield. Claim 11] In Paragraph 1, A copper foil manufacturing apparatus in which the above-mentioned cathode member is positioned closer to the axis of the drum than to the edge along the radial direction of the drum.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned cathode member is a copper foil manufacturing apparatus further comprising a bonding member and a support member.

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