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, the drum including a first region disposed inside the electrolyzer and a second region disposed outside the electrolyzer; and a counter electrode disposed inside the electrolyzer and spaced apart from the drum, wherein the apparatus further comprises a plate unit disposed in the second region and covering one axial end surface of the drum, and a suction unit coupled to the plate unit by penetrating one surface thereof.

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 using the electrolytic electrodeposition method, a technology is widely used to electrodeposit copper ions in the electrolyte into a copper foil by using a rotating drum as an electrode. This type of rotating drum electrodeposition device is utilized in manufacturing processes for secondary batteries, electronic components, etc., because it offers excellent uniformity of copper foil thickness and production efficiency.

[0008] However, in the above manufacturing process, there is a risk that acidic gases generated from the electrolyte may diffuse to the sides or top of the drum, oxidizing the drum surface or degrading the electrodeposition quality. Since such problems can lead to non-uniformity in the thickness of the electrolytic copper foil, surface defects, and reduced productivity, a technology is required that can effectively control the effects of acidic gases while maintaining the drum surface stably.

[0009] [Disclosure]

[0010] [Technical Problem]

[0011] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus capable of preventing oxidation of the drum caused by acidic gas generated during the electrolytic electrodeposition process.

[0012] In addition, another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus that can prevent quality degradation of the electrodeposited copper foil and reduce the occurrence of defects by suppressing oxidation of the drum surface.

[0013] 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.

[0014] [Technical Solution]

[0015] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment 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 about an axis while at least a portion of which is impregnated with the electrolyte; and a counter electrode disposed spaced apart from the drum within the electrolytic cell; wherein the drum comprises a first region disposed inside the electrolytic cell and a second region disposed outside the electrolytic cell, and comprises a plate unit covering one surface of the second region disposed in the axial direction of the drum; and a suction unit coupled by penetrating one surface of the plate unit.

[0016] One side of the plate portion may extend along the circumferential direction of the drum. One side of the plate portion may extend parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0017] The above plate portion may further include a fixed portion.

[0018] The above plate portion may include a hole.

[0019] The above plate portion may further include a cover portion covering the hole. The cover portion may be rotatably coupled to the plate portion. It may further include a side portion disposed along the edge of at least one of the two sides disposed in the axial direction of the drum.

[0020] The plate portion may be positioned on the outer side of the side portion in the axial direction of the drum. The distance between the side portion and the plate portion may be in the range of 4 cm to 6 cm.

[0021] The corner of the side portion may extend along the circumferential direction of the drum. Along the radial direction of the drum, the outer corner of the plate portion may be positioned inwardly to the outer corner of the side portion.

[0022] The above plate portion may include acid-resistant plastic.

[0023] [Advantageous Effects]

[0024] The present invention can provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus capable of preventing oxidation of the drum caused by acidic gas generated during the electrolytic electrodeposition process.

[0025] In addition, the present invention can provide a copper foil manufacturing apparatus that prevents quality degradation of the electrodeposited copper foil and reduces the occurrence of defects by suppressing oxidation of the drum surface.

[0026] 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.

[0027] [Description of Drawings]

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a plate portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates the use of a plate portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a copper foil manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view 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 any other 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 or 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 copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a plate portion (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the plate portion (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the copper foil manufacturing apparatus (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 (300), a supply unit (120) for supplying the electrolyte (300) to the electrolytic cell (110), a drum (130) that rotates about an axis (135) while 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 cell (110).

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a copper foil manufacturing device 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 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.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] Additionally, the drum (130) is connected to a driving unit capable of controlling the rotational speed, thereby ensuring uniformity of the electrodeposition thickness or facilitating the removal of oxygen bubbles or impurities in the electrolyte (300). A copper foil manufacturing device 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 power supply unit above monitors parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and electrodeposition time in real time during the electrodeposition process and can adjust them as needed. As a result, process stability for producing high-quality copper foil can be ensured. A copper foil manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a filling roll (310) positioned spaced apart from the drum. The copper foil can be wound onto the filling roll after being unwound from the drum. The copper foil can be transferred to a subsequent process via the filling roll (310).

[0053] Acidic gas (e.g., sulfuric acid) generated during the electroplating process can diffuse to the top of the drum (130). When the surface of the drum (130) is oxidized by the acidic gas, the quality of the copper foil may be degraded due to uneven thickness of the copper foil, surface defects, etc.

[0054] The copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) of the present invention may further include a plate portion (200). The plate portion (200) may cover one side disposed in the direction of the axis (135) of the drum (130). The drum (130) may include a first region (1301) disposed inside the electrolytic cell (110) and a second region (1305) disposed outside the electrolytic cell (110). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the electrolytic cell (110) may include an internal space in which the drum (130) is accommodated. With the drum (130) accommodated in the internal space, the drum (130) may rotate about the axis (135) of the drum (130). Here, the portion in which the drum (130) is accommodated in the internal space may be defined as the first region (1301). The portion of the drum (130) exposed outside the electrolytic cell (110) can be defined as a second region (1305). The plate portion (200) can cover the second region (1305). Specifically, the plate portion (200) can cover one side of the second region (1305) that is positioned in the direction of the axis (135) of the drum (130).

[0055] The copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) of the present invention may further include a suction part (210). The suction part (210) may be connected by penetrating one side of the plate part (200). The suction part (210) may be connected to a separate suction pipe (not shown). The suction part (210) may suck in an acidic gas moving to the upper part of the drum (130) between the drum (130) and the plate part (200).

[0056] The suction part (210) may be connected to the plate part (200) by a clamp or flange connection method. Of course, the method of connecting the suction part to the plate part (200) is not limited to this. In addition, the suction part (210) may be implemented in the form of a suction port, suction nozzle, suction duct, etc., and may be connected to a separate suction pipe to discharge acidic gas to the outside.

[0057] The plate portion (200) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the drum (130). Specifically, the plate portion (200) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the second region (1305). Referring to FIG. 2, one side of the plate portion (200) may extend along the circumferential direction of the drum (130). The other side of the plate portion (200) may extend parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0058] The plate portion (200) may include an acid-resistant plastic. The plate portion (200) may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyvinyl fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The plate portion (200) may be a transparent polycarbonate material. Polycarbonate may have chemical resistance to sulfuric acid solutions. This prevents damage and corrosion of the plate portion even if it is in long-term contact with the electrolyte. As described above, the drum (130) may rotate while contained inside the electrolytic cell (110). The plate portion (200) may be maintained in a fixed position without rotating. To this end, the plate portion (200) may further include a fixing portion (220). The fixing portion (220) may fix the plate portion (200) to the electrolytic cell (110). The fixing portion (220) may be fixed to a separate device.

[0059] The above fixing part (220) may be provided in multiple numbers. The above fixing part (220) may include a first fixing part (221) and a second fixing part (225). The first fixing part (221) may be coupled to the other side of the plate part (200) to fix the plate part (200) to the electrolytic cell (110). The first fixing part (221) may have a bent shape. The second fixing part (225) may be fixed to a separate device (e.g., a support device). The plate part (200) can be stably fixed by the first fixing part (221) and the second fixing part (225). The above fixing part (220) can fix the plate part (200) to the electrolytic tank (110) or a separate device by means such as bolt fastening, rivet fastening, welding, clamp fastening, or bracket fastening.

[0060] The plate portion (200) may further include a hole (230 in FIG. 3). A crystallized electrolyte (300) may be formed on the side of the drum (130). The crystallized electrolyte (300) may be removed by spraying a fluid (e.g., pure water) through the hole (230). The hole (230) may be positioned offset on one side of the plate portion (200).

[0061] The plate portion (200) may further include the cover portion (240). The cover portion (240) may cover the hole (230). The cover portion (240) may be rotatably coupled to the plate portion (200). The cover portion (240) may further include a handle portion (241). A user may grasp the handle portion (241) and move the cover portion (240) downward to open the hole (230). The hole (230) may be opened or closed by the cover portion (240). The cover portion (240) may be in the shape of a plate.

[0062] A copper foil manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a side portion (150). The side portion (150) may be arranged along the edge of at least one of the two sides arranged in the direction of the axis (135) of the drum (130).

[0063] 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 (130). 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 (130).

[0064] The edge of 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).

[0065] 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 (130). The second side portion may be positioned on the other side of the drum (130) along the axis (135) direction of the drum (130).

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the plate portion (200) may be positioned on the outside of the side portion (150) in the direction of the axis (135) of the drum (130). The plate portion (200) may be positioned spaced apart from the side portion (150) in the direction of the axis (135) of the drum (130). The distance between the side portion (150) and the plate portion (200) may be in the range of 4 cm to 6 cm. The distance between the side portion (150) and the plate portion (200) may be adjusted in order to improve production efficiency and efficiently remove acidic gases.

[0067] In order to discharge acidic gas to the outside through the suction part (210), external air must be introduced. If the distance between the side part (150) and the plate part (200) is within the range of 4 cm to 6 cm, the discharge of acidic gas can be facilitated by the difference in air pressure. Also, in this case, since the concentration of air flowing between the side part (150) and the plate part (200) is lower than the concentration of acidic gas, the intake of acidic gas at the suction part (210) can be facilitated. Along the radial direction of the drum (130), the outer edge of the plate part (200) may be positioned inwardly compared to the outer edge of the side part (150). As described above, the drum (130) can rotate around the axis (135) while a part of the drum (130) is contained inside the electrolytic cell (110). When the drum (130) rotates, the drum (130) and the side part (150) may be spaced apart from each other on the side where the drum (130) enters the electrolytic cell (110). Specifically, the distance (L2) between the drum (130) and the side part (150) on the side where the drum (130) enters the electrolytic cell (110) may be in the range of 4 cm to 6 cm.

[0068] Additionally, when the drum (130) rotates, the drum (130) and the side part (150) may be separated at the other side where the drum (130) is discharged outside the electrolytic cell (110). The distance (L3) between the drum (130) and the side part (150) at the other side where the drum (130) is discharged outside the electrolytic cell (110) may be within the range of 4 cm to 6 cm. Additionally, the upper part of the drum (130) may be separated from the side part (150). The highest area of ​​the drum (130) and the side part (150) may be separated by more than 4 cm.

[0069] 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.

[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

Claims

[CLAIMS]

1. Electrolytic cell for accommodating electrolyte; A liquid injection unit that supplies electrolyte to the above-mentioned electrolytic cell; A drum rotating about an axis with at least a portion impregnated in the above electrolyte; and A counter electrode disposed spaced apart from the drum within the electrolytic cell; comprising The drum comprises a first region disposed inside the electrolytic cell and a second region disposed outside the electrolytic cell, and A plate portion disposed in the second region and covering one axial surface of the drum; and A copper foil manufacturing apparatus comprising: a suction part coupled by penetrating one surface of the above-mentioned plate part.

2. In Paragraph 1, One side of the above plate portion is a copper foil manufacturing device extending along the circumferential direction of the drum.

3. In Paragraph 1, One side of the above-mentioned plate portion is a copper foil manufacturing device extending parallel to the horizontal direction. Claim 4] In Paragraph 1, The above plate portion is a copper foil manufacturing device further comprising a fixing portion.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above plate portion is a copper foil manufacturing device including a hole.

6. In Paragraph 5, A copper foil manufacturing apparatus comprising a plate portion that further includes a cover portion that covers the hole.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above cover portion further includes a handle portion, and A copper foil manufacturing device in which the handle portion is rotatably coupled to the cover portion. Claim 8] In Paragraph 1, A copper foil manufacturing apparatus further comprising: a side portion disposed along the edge of at least one of the two sides disposed in the axial direction of the drum.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above plate portion is a copper foil manufacturing device disposed on the outer side of the side portion in the axial direction of the drum.

10. In Paragraph 9, A copper foil manufacturing apparatus in which the separation distance between the above side part and the above plate part is within the range of 4 cm to 6 cm.

11. In Paragraph 8, The corner of the above-mentioned side portion is a copper foil manufacturing device extending along the circumferential direction of the drum.

12. In Paragraph 11, A copper foil manufacturing device in which the outer edge of the plate portion is positioned inwardly to the outer edge of the side portion along the radial direction of the drum.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above plate portion is a copper foil manufacturing device comprising acid-resistant plastic.

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