KR101076947B1 - Device and method for electrolytically treating electrically insulated structures - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for the electrolytic treatment of electrically conducting structures electrically insulated from each other on surfaces of strip-like material (1) comprises an arrangement consisting of contact electrodes (6) for the material and an electrolysis region in which counter electrodes (4) and the material are in contact with the treatment liquid. At least one of the contact electrodes is arranged outside of the electrolysis region and is not in contact with the treatment liquid. The contact electrode and the electrolysis region are arranged at a distance from each other so that small electrically conducting structures can be electrolytically treated. An independent claim is also included for a process for the electrolytic treatment of electrically conducting structures electrically insulated from each other on surfaces of strip-like material using the above device.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ELECTROLYTICALLY TREATING ELECTRICALLY INSULATED STRUCTURES}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for electrolytically treating electrically conductive structures that are electrically insulated from each other on a strip-shaped workpiece surface in a conveyor lined plating line.

In order to produce identification tags or price tags for articles, or chip cards (smart cards), plastics such as foils are used, on which conductive structures are required which are required for the desired electrical function.

Conventional methods use, for example, copper coated materials from which a desired metal pattern is produced using an etching process. In order to lower the cost of this method and allow for the fabrication of finer structures than can be achieved by the etching process, attempts have been made to fabricate metal structures using electrolytic deposition. Such known methods for manufacturing antenna coils are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,560,445. According to this publication, a metal structure is used to swell, etch, adjust a plastic material, deposit a catalytically active metal, print a mask in the form of a cathode image for sequential adsorption of catalytically active metal, and catalytically active Accelerating the composite and fabricating on the polyolefin membrane using a method sequence comprising performing electroless plating and electrolytic metal plating.

Processes for metal plating strips in particular comprise electroplating. For many years, so-called reel-to-reel processing equipment has been used for this purpose as plating lines with conveyors, through which materials are transported and contacted with the treatment liquid during transport. The tape is in electrical contact for electrolytic metal deposition. Contact electrodes serve this purpose. For the electrolytic treatment, it is possible to arrange two electrodes representing the contact electrode and the counter electrode in the treatment liquid in the processing line, or to arrange only the counter electrode.

DE 100 65 643 C2 discloses an apparatus for electroplating or electrolytically etching conductive strip-shaped workpieces in which both the contact roller and counter electrode, which function to establish electrical contact, are arranged in an electrolytic bath. This arrangement has a problem that the metal deposited on the contact roller may damage the sensitive foil because the contact roller is metal plated in the electrolytic bath.

In order to avoid or reduce the deposition of metal on the cathode in the electrolytic bath, WO 03/038158 A describes an electrical device that is already configured to challenge a substrate in reel-to-reel equipment for strips in which an anode and a rotating contact roller are located in the electrolytic bath. An electroplating apparatus for reinforcing a plated structure is disclosed. On the side pivoted towards the substrate, the contact roller is connected to the cathode of the direct current source and vice versa to the anode of the direct current source. This can be done by dividing the contact roller in a manner similar to that of the collector of the direct current motor. As a result, the metal deposited on the contact roller during one rotation of the roller in normal operation can be removed by changing the potential towards the anode. The main disadvantage of this method is that the alternating operation of metal plating and deplating is continued, resulting in large wear of the contact roller. This is because very complex and expensive coatings are used.

However, a fundamental disadvantage is that it can be electrolytically treated only on surfaces that are conductive relative to the entire area, and are not electrically insulated from each other and are not the preferred structures for producing antenna coils, for example.

DE 199 51 325 C2, therefore, discloses an apparatus and method for non-contact electrolytic treatment of electrically insulated electrically conductive structures with respect to one another on the surface of an electrically insulated foil material, wherein the material is brought into contact with the treatment liquid via a processing equipment. The conveyor is transported on the route. During transport, the material is guided past at least one electrode arrangement, each of which constitutes a cathode polarity and an anode polarity, which in turn contacts the treatment liquid. The current source allows current to flow through the electrode and the conductive structure. The electrodes are thereby shielded from each other in such a way that substantially no electrical current flows directly between the electrodes of two opposite polarities. A disadvantage of the aforementioned method is that the layer of deposited metal may only have a reduced coating thickness since the metal is deposited on the one hand as a result of the electrode device but at least partially dissolves on the other hand as the workpiece is guided past the cathode polarity. It is.

For previous electrode arrangements, US Pat. No. 6,309,517 discloses the entire surface of a flat workpiece, such as a printed circuit board, which allows the deposition of metal when the cathode contacts the outside of the electrolyte and the material contacts the cathode and the electrolyte. A plating apparatus for plating is disclosed. In order to make electrical contact outside of the electrolyte cell, a contact roller, brush or glide is used. The roller is sealed toward the electrolyte cell by a sealing roller. However, this device is not suitable for handling strip-shaped workpieces and insulating structures.

DE 100 65 649 A1 proposes an apparatus for the electrochemical reel-to-reel treatment of flexible strips with one conductive surface with a cathodic contact roller located outside the electrolyte. A special anode roller wound around the strip is rotatably disposed in the electrolyte. The anode roller has an ion-transmissive, electrically insulating layer that keeps the strips away from the anode at a distance and as small as possible. However, it is impossible to treat surfaces with structures that are insulated from one another.

As a result, the known methods do not allow for the electrical treatment of surfaces with small structures which are insulated from one another and deposited on workpieces in the form of foil strips in a strip processing line or on a conveyor line.

Accordingly, a problem underlying the present invention lies in solving the disadvantages of the known electrolyte treatment apparatus and method. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to find an apparatus and method that allows for continuous electrolytic treatment of small conductive structures that are insulated from each other on the surface of an electrically insulating foil material. Another object of the present invention is a foil mounted with a conductive structure of this type, for example as a part of a chip card for displaying, automatically identifying and dispensing an article at a distribution station, or as part of an electronic identification card for access control, for example. It is to find a method and apparatus that can be used to manufacture the material. Electronic components of this type are manufactured in very large scale at low cost. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that can be used to manufacture printed circuit foils having printed circuit foils in printed circuit technology and plain electronic circuits such as for small articles in the automotive industry or in telecommunications. It is to find.

The invention provides an apparatus according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 24. Preferred embodiments of the invention are cited in the dependent claims.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents and vice versa, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Be careful. For example, reference to a plurality of workpieces includes a singular workpiece, reference to "contact electrode" includes reference to two or more such contact electrodes, and reference to "electrolytic region" refers to two or more electrolytic regions. Include references to. Reference to the workpiece also includes foil strips, foil segments or panels, and the like.

The method and apparatus of the present invention delivers, in more detail, small conductive structures electrically insulated from one another to the surface of the workpiece in the form of an electrically insulating strip, and more particularly to the surface of a plastic strip (plastic foil) with conductive structures. To deal with. Structures of this type have dimensions of several centimeters, such as 2 to 5 cm.

The workpiece may be processed on either side (both sides) or on only one side. In the former case, appropriate facilities for carrying out the electrolytic treatment are provided on both sides, and in the latter case, only one side.

The method and apparatus of the present invention may also be used, for example, for metal plating or through plating holes in a workpiece. The electrically insulated structure on one side of the workpiece may be in contact with, for example, an electrically insulated structure installed on the other side or a semiconductor component such as a capacitor or a chip.

The apparatus of the present invention comprises at least one arrangement having at least one contact electrode and at least one electrolytic region for a workpiece. In the electrolytic region, at least one counter electrode and the workpiece are in contact with the treatment liquid. The contact electrode is prevented from contacting with the processing liquid. The contact electrode and the electrolytic region are spaced at a small distance such that a small conductive structure which is insulated from each other and treated on the workpiece surface in the form of an insulating foil strip can be electrolytically treated. Within the processing line, many such electrode arrangements can be arranged in series. Many of these types of processing lines may be connected in series.

The distance (distance) between the contact electrode and the electrolytic region is made as small as possible in consideration of the size of the insulated structure. In determining the spacing between the electrolytic region and the contact electrode, the spacing between the starting point of the electrolytic region and the position on the contact electrode that establishes sufficient contact with the workpiece is important. This interval should be minimized. For example, a 5 cm conductive structure should be chosen so that it can be electrolytically treated with good results.

This arrangement of the contact electrode and the electrolytic region allows for reliable metal plating even of small structures insulated from each other. The smaller the spacing between the contact electrode and the electrolytic region, the smaller the difference in coating thickness between the center region and the end region (viewed in the transport direction) of the structure, which is only at a certain distance of the transport path through the device of the present invention. This is due to the fact that the structure is in contact with the contact electrode while the structure is simultaneously located in the electrolytic region. If the spacing between the contact electrodes of the device is so small that the structure can be electrically contacted by at least one contact electrode when the workpiece is guided through the line, a layer with the same thickness in the end region and in the central region can be completed. . This is only possible when the structure is relatively large or the spacing between the contact spacings is small. It is an object of the present invention to construct a metal plated structure having dimensions of several centimeters so as to be uniformly viable, so that the spacing between contact electrodes should not exceed several centimeters.

Particularly preferred embodiments provide at least two contact electrodes, one of which is arranged on one side of the conveyance leading through the electrolytic region and the other on the other side of the conveyance. In order to achieve the advantages of a very uniform electrolytic treatment as described above, the conveying portion which guides through the electrolytic region may in this case be shortly selected such that the conductive structure is in continuous electrical contact with either of the contact electrodes. have.

In principle, a plurality of embodiments may be envisioned to carry out the principles described above. A first particularly preferred embodiment provides at least one treatment module and at least one counter electrode comprising a treatment liquid, through which the workpiece is guided in a horizontal conveying direction without changing the direction. In this case, the workpiece may be guided in the horizontal direction or in the vertical direction, and the inclined direction is also possible. Each of the processing modules includes at least one passage at the inlet side and at least one passage at the outlet side for the workpiece to enter and exit the processing module. In this embodiment, the contact electrode is disposed in the passage. The electrolytic region is located in the processing module. This embodiment achieves a very dense arrangement of the electrode and the electrolytic region to allow for the processing of very small structures. Many of these types of processing modules may be arranged in series.

In another 2nd embodiment, the at least 1 tank containing a process liquid and the at least 1 counter electrode are provided. The transport path through which the workpiece is guided is guided through the surface of the liquid into the tank and into the counter electrode in the treatment liquid, from which the tank flows out through the surface of the liquid. In this case, the contact electrode is disposed (very close to) the surface of the processing liquid without being in contact with the surface of the processing liquid. In this case, the closer the contact electrode and the counter electrode (the contact electrode on the outside of the processing liquid and the counter electrode in the processing liquid) to the surface of the processing liquid, the higher the possibility of electrolytically treating a very small structure. By this arrangement, the contact electrode can be arranged in more immediate proximity to the surface of the processing liquid at a point where the transfer path traverses the surface of the processing liquid in more detail. In addition, the above considerations apply. Placing the press roller or air knives in the transport path oriented approximately upward above the surface of the treatment liquid with little change in the direction in the horizontal direction removes the accompanying treatment liquid by the roller or the air knife to the tank. Can be returned.

However, the contact electrode must be spaced a minimum distance from the surface of the liquid so that the electrode does not come into contact with the treatment liquid.

In order to achieve as intensive electrolytic treatment as possible, the feed path of this embodiment passes through the surface of the treatment liquid into the tank, traverses the liquid, The tank can be passed through.

More specifically, the minimum size of the insulating structure to be treated is determined by the minimum spacing achieved between the contact electrode and the counter electrode. The minimum spacing depends in particular on the spatial dimension of the contact electrode as well as the distance separating the contact electrode from the electrolytic region. Therefore, it is desirable to configure the contact electrode as a roller or a plurality of reels arranged in a spaced apart relationship on the axis. The roller or reel has a very small diameter so that the distance between the longitudinal axis of the roller or reel electrode and the electrolytic region is It can be chosen very small. By such a compact arrangement that can be completed, the electrolytic treatment of a structure having a dimension of about 2 cm or less can be completed.

Attempts to reduce the minimum spacing between electrodes using as small as possible, for example round contact electrodes, are often undermined by the resulting mechanical instability of the contact electrodes, more particularly when elastic contact materials are used. This problem can be avoided anyway by using mechanically stable pinch rollers or reels that are arranged to fit against the contact electrodes, stabilizing them and in some cases pressing them slightly together. Instead of rollers and reels, devices such as brushes or conductive sponges that touch the surface of the workpiece can be used as contact electrodes.

The contact electrode is pressed against the surface of the workpiece by the application of gravity and / or spring force.

In adjusting the distance between the contact electrode and the surface of the liquid in the second embodiment, the contact electrode is not brought into contact with the treatment liquid. If the contact electrode is used as a cathode, for example in an electrolytic metal deposition process, the contact electrode must be protected against undesirable metallization. However, it has been found that the gap between the contact electrode and the surface of the treatment liquid cannot be kept substantially constant. As a result, difficulties may arise when adjusting this interval. This deviation in the spacing is due to a change in the surface height of the treatment liquid in the treatment tank, which change is caused, for example, by the air supplied to the tank. In addition, the liquid level may be lowered by the treatment liquid dragged out of the tank by evaporation or by a workpiece conveyed through the treatment liquid. On the other hand, the liquid level may also increase when the treatment liquid drawn out or replenished is returned to the tank.

In order to solve this problem, it is preferable to insert a partition member which allows the workpiece to pass through the area of the surface of the liquid between the contact electrode and the treatment liquid but protects the contact electrode from being wetted by the treatment liquid. In order for the workpiece to be guided into and out of the treatment liquid, this partition member must have a passage opening, such as a slot, through which the workpiece can be guided. Such a partition member may, for example, consist of a treatment liquid cover plate of a suitable shape in which such a slot is formed. In addition, two cover plates may be installed, the two cover plates being spaced close to each other to form a slot.

The electrode arrangement of the present invention may also be provided with a sealing member such as a sealing wall having a sealing lip and / or a scraper to hold the processing liquid in the processing tank. A compaction roller may also be present, which reliably guides the workpiece while holding the processing liquid, for example when removing the foil from the liquid. The sealing member of this type can be provided in both the processing module in the first embodiment of the present invention and the passage provided in the partition member in the second embodiment. The sealing means serve to keep the processing liquid as complete as possible in the electrolytic region and thus do not allow the remaining fluid to contact the contact electrode as much as possible. Many such compacting rollers (sealing rollers) can also be layered to seal each other during rotation.

If the treatment liquid cannot be reliably prevented from contacting the contact electrode, the treatment liquid exiting the electrolytic region and reaching the contact electrode can be removed by providing continuous or intermittent cleaning or spraying. In order to efficiently wash the treatment liquid from the contact electrode, the workpiece may be conveyed in a plane inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, for example, at an angle of at least 5 °, at most about 70 °, and preferably about 15 °. The cleaning liquid supplied to the contact electrode is quickly discharged to allow efficient removal of the processing liquid. In addition, the treatment liquid exiting the electrolytic region can also be removed by, for example, an air jet using an air knife.

When the contact electrode is configured to be a roller, when the work piece is processed on only one side, the work piece can be electrically contacted by a current-less roller (supporting roller) facing the contact roller. When the conductive pattern is formed on both sides, the contact rollers are provided on both sides of the work piece.

Preferably, the contact and counter electrodes are configured to be elongated in such a way as to extend over the entire effective width of the workpiece. For this purpose, it can be arranged in more detail approximately parallel to the transport path.

In the case of the second embodiment, a deflection roller can also be used to achieve electrical contact.

It may be desirable for the roller shaped contact electrodes to be made of an elastic conductive material. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to transmit very high currents on the surface of the workpiece and, on the other hand, to reduce the spacing between the contact electrode and the electrolytic region, which means that the contact surface between the electrode and the surface of the workpiece, which determines this spacing, This is because it is not a narrow and long area, as it is, but a wide area instead. Possible elastic contact materials are metal / plastic composite materials, and more particularly composite materials formed from elastic plastic materials with large amounts of conductive fillers. It consists of an elastomer and a conductive filler as a binder such as electrochemically stable raw rubber, silicone or other elastic plastic. The binder also includes a conductive adhesive that is not fully cured as used in the electronic manufacturing field. The conductive filler is mixed with this type of material during manufacture. In this way, a metal-plastic composite is obtained.

Fillers, also called inclusion ingredients, are preferably composed of powder, fibers, needles, cylinders, spheres, flakes, felts and other forms of metal. The amount of fillers relative to the total contact material amounts to 90% by weight. As the amount of filler increases, the elasticity of the metal-plastic composite decreases and the electrical conductivity increases. These two values are adjusted for the relevant application case. In addition, all conductive and electrochemically stable materials are suitable for use as fillers. Current fillers are, for example, titanium, niobium, platinum, gold, silver, special steels and electrocoals. Particles such as spheres made of platinum plating, silver plating or gold plating such as titanium, copper, aluminum or glass can be used, for example.

Even at high cathode current densities, the distance between the counter electrode and the workpiece transport path is adjusted to be as small as possible to achieve a uniform electrolytic treatment, for example a layer of metal of uniform thickness, thus working in the event that undesirable contact occurs. There is a possibility that an electric short circuit occurs between the piece and the counter electrode. In order to reliably remove this concern, the counter electrode may be provided with a soft, liquid permeable ion-permeable non-conductive coating (insulating layer). The spacing between the counter electrode and the workpiece can be minimized by contacting the surface of the workpiece with the counter electrode provided with an insulating coating near the surface of the workpiece.

If the coating on the counter electrode contacts the workpiece as the spacing between the counter electrode and the transfer path is adjusted so that it is guided through the electrode, the coating may be wedge fixed between the surface of the workpiece and the surface of each of the counter electrodes. It is desirable to have. To this end, in more detail, the coating protrudes beyond the gap formed by the counter electrode and the surface of the workpiece and thickens on the side of the cell wall in the opposite direction from the electrolytic region to protrude beyond the gap width to remain firmly outside of the cell wall. Can be.

In the latter embodiment, a lock chamber can also be installed in the processing module to prevent the treatment liquid from escaping from the electrolytic region, which chamber is placed immediately before or after the electrolytic region when viewed in the transport direction. do. As a result, another partition wall is installed in the processing module, which separates the electrolytic region from the lock chamber. Thus, the lock chamber is formed of a partition wall and a cell wall. In this embodiment, the lock chamber can be sealed to the outside by a sealing wall having the sealing lips described above.

In particular, in order to prevent the twisting of the thin workpiece, the counter electrode can be kept rotatable while its surface rotates at the same speed as the contact roller, for example. The counter electrode and the contact electrode, for example, can be motor driven while the workpiece is rolled on the anode, thus functioning as a conveying member. The counter electrode may be configured in other ways. It may be formed from a plate or an expanded metal plate. Various types of counter electrodes can be combined. In order to prevent active chemicals from depleting on the surface of the workpiece, fresh electrolyte can be supplied continuously from the inside of the counter electrode. Therefore, counter electrodes consisting of elongated metal plates are preferred. It is possible to work at high cathode current densities without burns occurring during electrolytic deposition.

In the case of electrolytic metal deposition, the contact electrode has the polarity of the cathode and the counter electrode has the polarity (anode) of the anode. Both soluble and insoluble anodes can be used as counter electrodes. In a second embodiment of the invention, for example, a round flood anode or anode roller may be used, which consists of an insoluble metal on which the workpiece is wound and rotated. The flood anode has a hollow space through which the treatment liquid is ejected so that the treatment liquid can be forcedly supplied under pressure through the opening of the anode shell. Therefore, fresh treatment liquid can be continuously and efficiently supplied to the treated surface of the workpiece. The dimensions of the anode are preferably the same as the dimensions of the workpiece.

When the apparatus according to the present invention is used for the electrolytic metal deposition of the first embodiment, the anode of the treatment liquid, for example, the flood anode, may be configured to be long and directed approximately in the normal direction to the workpiece. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the workpiece can be guided past a nonconductive, preferably soft, liquid and ionically permeable coating provided on the anode with no electrical shorts occurring. This arrangement is provided in the aforementioned processing module, which may be equipped with an anode as well as an electrolyte supply and discharge line. In order to seal the module against the leakage of the processing liquid, all sides are provided with walls, which walls have, for example, a passage opening for the workpiece, preferably a slot. These walls with slots are arranged on the inlet and outlet sides of the module and further include the sealing member described above. The sealing member prevents larger amounts of electrolyte from leaving the cell and prevents metal from depositing on the cathode contact element. The sealing member may for example form a sealing wall having a sealing lip contacting the workpiece without breaking the workpiece. The treatment liquid is prevented from leaving the module. When particularly sensitive foils are to be treated, the elastic sealing lips can be combined with the sealing rollers. The diameter of all the rollers should be kept as small as possible in the range between 30 and 45 mm and below to allow for the treatment of small conductive insulating structures. The lower limit of the diameter can be said to be the required mechanical stability for the roller being pressed against the workpiece.

In order to reliably provide a particularly compact configuration with a minimum space between the counter electrode and the contact electrode, the contact electrode and the counter electrode can be housed in a compact unit in a common carrier frame.

The device according to the invention is preferably a part of a strip processing line, each having at least one first and second storage facility, such as a storage drum, for storing the workpiece. This type of processing line also includes a conveying member for transporting the workpiece through the processing line from the at least one first storage facility to the at least one second storage facility. In addition, means may be provided for guiding the sensitive workpiece such as to change the position of the lateral guide roller and the transfer reel so as to maintain an accurate straight path. To this end, a sensor can be installed along the conveying path, which continuously registers the position of the outer edge of the workpiece and adjusts the means for conveying and / or guiding the foil when detecting an unacceptable deflection.

This device is more particularly suitable for depositing metals on thin workpieces in the form of strips, such as foils. This type of foil may for example consist of polyesters or polyolefins and their derivatives, more particularly polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The foil may have a different thickness, for example in the range between 15 and 200 μm. The PVC foil may have a thickness of up to 200 μm, depending on the application.

The claimed device can be used for producing coiled structures in more detail in plastic foil materials. This form coil shaped structure is used as an antenna used for contactless data transmission to a data carrier (smart card). Carriers with this type of antenna can, for example, maintain integrated circuits electrically wired with the antenna so that electrical pulses generated at the antenna are stored there or processed data received by the antenna as electrical signals.

Signal processing transforms the supplied data and, for example, takes into account other data already stored, so that the obtained data is stored and / or supplied to the antenna in turn. These data delivered by the antenna can be received at the receiving antenna so that the emitted data can be contrasted with the data received by the antenna of the data carrier, for example. This type of data carrier is used, for example, in commodity logistics and retail transactions, for example as a contactless recognizable price tag or tag, and also as a data carrier of an associated person, such as a ski pass, and as an identification card or access vehicle for access control. Can be.

A further application of foils with conductive metal structures is the manufacture of simple electrical circuits, for example small articles of automotive engineering or telecommunications, or watches. These materials can also be used for passive and active electromagnetic screens of the device or for screening grid materials for buildings as well as for apparel fabrics.

The data carrier can be made of a foil, such as a polyester foil, polyolefin foil or polyvinyl chloride foil, and can be made by electrolytically producing an electrical insulating structure thereon using the apparatus of the present invention. To this end, the foils fabricated to have metallized structures using the device are divided into separate foil segments corresponding to the size of each data carrier, according to the resulting structure patterns of the plurality of printed panels. The integrated circuit may be deposited on a foil segment and a metal structure electrically connected to the deposited integrated circuit. The bonding process can be used in more detail for this purpose. The integrated circuit may be deposited as a chip without a carrier, as well as deposited on a foil such as a TAB carrier and placed on a foil. Once the integrated circuits are electrically connected, the foil segments can be processed in the machined data carrier, which further stacks another foil to form a card with an antenna bonded therein.

More specifically, the electrically insulating structure on the data carrier can be manufactured in the following manner.

A strip form is preferred and a foil material having a thickness in the range of 20-50 μm and a width of 20 cm, 40 cm or 60 cm, for example, is provided in the storage drum with the foil wrapped around the storage drum.

First, the strip is provided with a structure to be produced, for example, because an activator varnish or activator paste is printed on the surface of the foil. To this end, the varnish or paste may comprise, for example, a noble metal component, more particularly a palladium component, preferably an organic palladium composite. Varnishes or pastes also include binders as well as additional current ingredients such as solvents, dyes and thixotropic agents. The varnish or paste is preferably printed by means of a roller on a foil conveyed past the roller, more particularly in an offset, gravure printing or lithographic printing process. To this end, the varnish or paste is conveyed from the reservoir onto the dispenser roller, from the dispenser roller to the printing roller and from the printing roller onto the foil. Excess varnish or excess paste is removed from the dispenser roller and printing roller using a suitable scraper. The printing roller can be applied, for example, with hard chromium. The foil is pressed against the printing roller by a smooth mating roller (“soft roller”) for efficient ink inking. In the station following the active printing station, the ink printed on the foil is dried. To this end, strip-shaped foil materials are formed, for example, of IR irradiators or hot air ductors or the activator varnish or binder of the activator paste is sensitively dried under the action of UV irradiation (preferably without solvent). Case is carried through a drying path with UV irradiators. These drying devices are preferably arranged in a drying tunnel through which the strip-like material is conveyed. After passing through the drying station, the strip-like material arrives at another strip storage facility, more specifically formed as a drum. In the process from the first storage drum where the material is released to the second storage drum where the material is recollected, the material is guided and pulled over the reel (reel-to-reel process).

Strip-shaped foils printed with an activator varnish or activator paste are first metal plated by non-electrodeposition metal deposition and then electrolytic metal plated to form a metal structure.

To this end, the foil printed with the active varnish or paste is unwound from the storage drum and guided through the various successive processing stations of the processing line, and the strip-like material is guided and pulled (reel-to-screw) over the (deflecting) reel. -Reel method). In principle, it is possible to transfer the strip-shaped material directly from the printing process to the wet chemical treatment without additional intermediate storage of the material.

The material printed in the first processing step is generally strong in aqueous solutions such as sodium boron hydride and the like, amino borane or hypophosphite such as dimethyl amino borane. Conveyed to a reduction reactor consisting of a reducing agent. In this reduction reactor, the oxidized noble metal contained in the varnish or paste is reduced to metallic noble metals such as metallic palladium. After reduction, the strip is fed to a washing station where the excess reduction reactor is water washed. Spray sinks are preferably used for this purpose. Next, an ultrathin layer of copper (0.2-0.5 mu m thick) is deposited on the activator structure as a non-deposition metal deposition. Copper deposition on the structure is initiated by the precious metal nuclei formed in the reduction reactor, and copper is not deposited in the non-printed region. Current baths containing not only formaldehyde but also tartarate, ethylene diamine tetraacetate or tetrakis- (propane-2-ol-yl) -ethylene diamine Can be used as a bath (copper bath). After copper plating, the strip form material is sent to a washing station where excess copper bath is removed by spray washing with water.

Next, strip-like material is supplied to the device of the present invention so that the conductive structure is selectively coated with additional copper. All known electrolytic copper plating baths include, for example, pyrophosphate, sulfonic acid, methane sulfonic acid, amido sulfuric acid or tetrafluoroboric acid. Can be used for electrolytic copper deposition. Particularly suitable baths are sulfuric acid baths comprising additives such as copper sulfate, sulfuric acid and small amounts of chlorine, as well as organic sulfur components, polyglycolether components and polyvinyl alcohol. The sulfuric acid bath is preferably operated at around room temperature at the highest cathode current density possible. If the rate at which the foil strip is conveyed through the device of the present invention is 1 m / min, then the cathode current density of 10 A / dm ² (active structure surface) may be adjusted so that copper is deposited at a rate of about 2 μm / min. Can be. By a line of about 2.5-7.5 m in length, a 5-15 μm thick layer of copper can be deposited in this way.

The electric current can be supplied in the form of direct current or pulsed current to the foil strip and the anode of the device according to the invention. The latter case is advantageous for generating current densities as high as possible, in which copper layers exhibiting good properties (such as high surface quality of gloss, lack of roughness, uniform coating thickness, good brittleness, conductivity) continue to be deposited under these conditions. Because it can be. For this purpose, it is preferred to use a so-called reverse pulse current, ie a pulse current with both cathode and anode current pulses. In principle, unipolar pulse currents are naturally preferred. Using reverse pulse current, the pulse height, angular pulse width and, if necessary, interpulse pause of the cathode and anode current pulses are also optimized to optimize deposition conditions.

Since electrolytic copper plating is carried out using an insoluble anode in the apparatus of the present invention, copper ions cannot be dissolved as a result of electrolytic dissolution of the copper anode. In order to maintain the concentration of copper ions in the deposition solution, the components of the redox system, more specifically Fe ^{2 +} and FeSO ₄ And Fe ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ Preferably, a Fe ²⁺ component such as is added to the bath. Fe ^{2 +} ions contained in the bath is oxidized in the insoluble anodes to form Fe ^{3 +} ions. Fe ^{3 +} ions are carried to the other tank containing the metallic copper pieces (recovery tower (regenerator tower)). In the recovery tower, the copper pieces are oxidized under the action of the Fe ^{3 +} ions to form Cu ^{2 +} ions and Fe ^{+ 2} ions. Since the two reactions (Fe ²⁺ by anode oxidation of the ions by forming the copper oxide convenience of Fe ^{3 +} ions Cu ^{2 +} ions in the formation) in progress at the same time, the concentration of copper ions in the deposition solution can be kept fairly constant have.

After the foil strip passes through the metal plating apparatus of the present invention, the material is guided back to the spray sink to wash away excess deposition. The strip material is then transferred to the device and contacted with passivation means for the purpose of preventing copper from discoloring. Prior to winding the foil material in strip form into another storage drum, the material is dried in a drying station. For this purpose, the apparatus used may be similar to that used for drying the activator varnish or activator paste.

In order to carry out the aforementioned method steps, the working station used is equipped with heating and cooling devices as well as devices for processing treatment liquids such as filler pumps, chemical dosing stations, as well as suitable guides and transport reels or rollers.

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a side cross-sectional view of a horizontal processing line according to two modifications of the first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a side cross-sectional view of a single processing module of the horizontal processing line in the first embodiment.

3 is a cross sectional view of a half of a single processing module of the horizontal processing line according to FIG. 1 when viewed in a conveying direction;

4 is a side cross-sectional view of a single module of a horizontal processing line according to another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a side cross-sectional view of a horizontal processing line according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a cross-sectional view through the horizontal processing line according to FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the horizontal processing line of FIG. 6.

8 is a side cross-sectional view of a horizontal processing line according to another modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a side cross-sectional view of a modification of the horizontal processing line of FIG. 8.

For the purposes of the drawings, it is assumed that a metal is deposited on the strip-shaped foil in the apparatus according to the invention and an anode applied as a counter electrode and cathode electrode of polarity is provided for this purpose. In addition, the apparatus can naturally be used to perform other cathode processing processes. Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention can of course be used to carry out the anode process, for example for anode etching, chromatizing or anodizing (eg anode electrolytic oxidation). In this case, the strip-shaped foil is anode polarity. The cathode is used as the counter electrode.

In the drawings to be described later, the same reference numerals have the same meanings.

1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention. The size of the device shown in the figures may be more closely matched to the actual size of the device in more detail. This means that in order for the electrically insulated structure having a dimension of several centimeters to be processed, the individual modules M of the apparatus have a length of several centimeters when viewed in the conveying direction. When viewed in the conveying direction, the length of a single module M is, for example, 4.5 cm. The length of the various modules (size L in FIG. 2) depends on the size of the structure of the foil strip 1. The width of the individual modules M depends on the width of the foil 1 to be processed. For example, for a foil strip 1 having a width of 60 cm to be processed in the apparatus, the individual modules M must also have a similar width. As a result, the module M is preferably a long processing device extending substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction (the conveying direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1) over the entire width of the foil 1.

The foil 1 is preferably provided in a strip shape which is wrapped around a reel (not shown) after being unwound from a reel not shown herein and conveyed through the apparatus of the present invention.

The processing module M is arranged along the conveying path of the foil 1 traveling through the apparatus so that the foil 1 is sequentially conveyed through the module M. The number of modules M depends on the processing time required in the individual modules M and is conveyed at high speed through the device according to the invention, for example with a foil strip 1 at a speed of 2 m / min. If a very thick copper layer is to be deposited, for example, on a layer of 5 μm thick, then about 110 cm with an active length of 4.5 cm if copper is deposited at a cathode current density of 10 A / dm 2 (2 μm Cu / min) It is required that the two modules M are arranged in rows with each other. The "active length" of the module M is interpreted as the length of the area in the module M where metal is deposited on the foil 1 transported through it.

The apparatus according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 consists of a collection tank 12 in which three processing modules M are arranged. The collection tank 12 consists of two vertical side walls and a tank bottom extending in parallel with the conveying path through which the foil strip 1 is conveyed, which walls respectively extend parallel to the conveying direction at the front and rear of the figure. The walls are also provided on two vertical end sides, which are slotted in the horizontal direction so that the foil strip 1 enters and exits the collection tank 12. This is shown in FIG. 1 on each of the left and right sides of the collection tank 12.

The foil strip 1 enters the collection tank 12 through the horizontal slot provided in the inlet wall of the left wall and is transported through the collection tank 12 in the horizontal direction and the horizontal orientation. The foil strip 1 can be guided perpendicular to the conveying direction in order to help liquid flow out from the surface of the foil strip 1 on the lateral boundary of the strip 1 oriented parallel to the conveying direction. . The foil is conveyed through three processing modules M arranged in rows in the conveying direction. After the foil strip 1 is conveyed through the last module M, it is discharged from the collection tank 12 through the horizontal outlet slot provided in the outlet wall.

The foil strip 1 proceeds into and is guided by the conveying means into the collecting tank. The conveying means are, for example, the contact roller 6 and the sealing roller 7, which will be described in more detail later if these rollers are motor driven. In addition to these rollers, other conveying means not shown may be provided, such as a conveying wheel fixed to a motor drive shaft extending over a conveying path substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction or conveying rollers arranged in the same manner. The transport wheel on the shaft can be distributed over the entire width of the foil strip 1 or can be arranged only in the boundary region of the foil strip 1, for example. In order to guide the strip 1 and to be exactly parallel to the conveying direction, the conveying means can also be slightly deviated from the conveying path or from the preferred axial direction perpendicular to the conveying direction to ensure the height guiding of the strip 1 in a straight line. . Sensors that continuously detect the exact position of the strip, not shown in the figure, allow to modify the orientation of the conveying and / or guide rollers in order to keep the foil on the same transport path continuously.

The treatment liquid exiting the treatment module M is accumulated in the lower portion of the collection tank 12. The liquid level of the collection tank 12 is indicated by reference numeral 15.

The individual modules M in the device can be configured identically or differently. In this case they are of the same configuration.

Each processing module M comprises a ceiling and a bottom disposed respectively up and down the carrying surface of the foil strip 1. The wall of the module M is indicated at 10. These two parts form the upper electrolytic cell 2 and the lower electrolytic cell 3 filled with the treatment liquid. These two parts are made according to the same principle. The two parts comprise an anode 4 which is oriented towards the carrying surface and arranged on both sides parallel to the carrying surface. In module M, the anode 4 is fixed to the module housing by an appropriate holder 5. On the face of the anode 4 located on this side when viewed from the carrying surface, an ion permeable coating (insulating layer) 13 is provided to prevent contact between the foil strip 1 and the anode 4. Without the coating 13, contact between the two can easily occur because the spacing between the anode 4 and the foil strip 1 is preferably chosen very small. This small spacing allows to significantly prevent uneven electrolytic treatment at different points on the electrically conductive structure, so that a relatively high current density is adjustable.

Within the module M is a processing liquid which is supplied to the internal spaces of the two parts of the module M via the electrolyte supply line 11. As a result, the strip 1 and the anode 4 located in the module M are in contact with the processing liquid such that currents flow between the anode 4 and the structure of the strip 1 which are electrically insulated from each other.

In order to electrically connect the mutually insulated structures, the foil strip 1 is electrically connected according to the invention on the outside of the electrolytic cells 2, 3. In order for the anode 4 to electrically connect the strip 1 very close to the area on the strip 1 which provides a large homogeneous electric field (electrolytic area), the structures on the foil 1 that are electrically insulated from each other are still or already present. It is located in the above-mentioned area and is electrically connected with the contact means. This allows for a continuous electrolytic treatment.

In the case shown in FIG. 1, the contact roller 6 is provided downstream and upstream of the left module M and the contact brush 14 is provided downstream and upstream of the right module M, these contact rollers and brushes. Is employed as the contact means and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction over the entire width of the conveying path.

The contact roller 6 may more particularly be a metal roller, for example a roller whose outer contact surface is made of special steel or copper or a roller having an electrically conductive elastic surface. In the latter case, the surface of the roller 6 may be provided with an elastic plastic coating which is electrically conductive, for example by insertion of metal particles.

The contact brush 14 may be, for example, a fiber made of copper or graphite fixed on a brush base. The fibers may additionally be electrically insulated from the fiber shaft.

A current source, not shown, is utilized to flow current from the contact roller 6 or contact brush 14 to the anode 4 via a structure and a treatment liquid that are electrically insulated from each other, the poles being contact It is in contact with the roller 6 or the contact brush 14 or with the anode 4.

In the case shown in FIG. 1, the strip 1 is electrically driven by the contact roller 6 or the contact brush 14 without the electrical contact roller 6 or the contact brush 14 contacting the processing liquid. Contact. For this purpose, the contact roller 6 and the contact brush 14 are located outside of the area of the module M containing the treatment liquid.

A sealing roller 7 is also provided, which significantly prevents the treatment liquid from discharging from the interior space of the module M and reaching the contact roller 6 or the contact brush 14. Here, when the contact roller 6 or the contact brush 14 is in contact with the processing liquid, metal may be deposited thereon. This is not desirable. The sealing roller 7 is preferably elastic and pressed against the surface of the foil strip 1. As a result, they fit tightly against the surface of the strip 1. Similar to the contact roller 6 and the contact brush 14, they are arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction and distributed over the entire width of the conveying path of the foil strip 1.

In addition, an elastic sealing wall 9 is provided to seal the module housing against treatment liquid discharge. For this purpose, the sealing wall 9 is preferably fixed against the cell wall 10 of the module housing to provide a liquid hermetic seal that presses against the sealing roller 7. When the sealing roller 7 is disposed downstream of the sealing wall 9 in the module M, the sealing wall is sealed by rotation of the sealing roller according to mechanical friction and static pressure of the liquid in the electrolytic cell. Pulled toward (7) to provide an effective sealing of the module M against leakage of the processing liquid into the liquid free space. In contrast, in the case of the sealing roller 7 and the sealing wall 9 disposed upstream, the sealing wall 9 is continuously lifted from the sealing roller 7 by the rotation of the sealing roller, thereby effectively sealing against liquid leakage. This cannot be provided. Thus, the auxiliary sealing roller 8 is additionally provided in the inlet region of the module M, which auxiliary roller is preferably configured to have an elastic surface similar to that of the sealing roller 7 so as to roll in the sealing roller 7. do. In this case, the sealing wall 9 fits against the auxiliary sealing roller 8 and effectively seals the module M against leakage of liquid.

On one side of the module M, which extends in a direction parallel to the conveying direction, a sealing lip (not shown) is provided to provide a seal against leakage of the processing liquid. Since there is no contact means for the electrically conductive structure in this region, efficient sealing is not absolutely necessary.

The ceiling of the module M is configured to be removable to introduce the foil into the device. Corresponding holding elements (not shown) mounted to the bottom of the module allow to securely hold the ceiling module portion during normal operation and are anchored tightly, for example using quick release wing nuts.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the module M of the collection tank 12 filled up to the bath surface height 15 with the treatment liquid flowing over the surface. The foil strip 1 enters the collection tank 12 through a horizontal slot in one end wall and is first in electrical contact with the contact brush 14 via both sides of the material. Current is supplied to the electrically conductive structure on the strip 1 via the brush 14. The brush 14 extends substantially over the entire width of the strip 1 so that the entire structure of the strip 1 can be supplied with current. It is important that all the structures are contacted by the brush fiber as it is guided through the brush 14. As the structures extend in the conveying direction, they are in electrical connection with the brush and at the same time located in the electric field of the anode 4 of the electrolytic cells 2, 3.

There is provided a sealing roller 7 disposed on both sides of the strip 1 in close proximity to the brush 14 and downstream thereof. The secondary sealing roller 8 is additionally rolled on the sealing roller 7 and the sealing wall 9 provides a sealing in abutting manner. The elastic sealing wall 9 is fixed to the cell wall 10 of the module M. The treatment liquid is supplied from the collection tank to the internal space of the module M via the electrolyte supply line 11, the pump and the pipeline (not shown). The excess treatment liquid returns to the collection tank via the electrolyte drain line 17 provided in the cell wall 10.

After going through the seal, the foil strip 1 enters the internal space of the module M exposed to the electric field of the anode 4 disposed above and below the carrying surface. The anode 4 is made of expanded metal, for example platinum-plated titanium. An ion permeable coating 13 is positioned between the carrying surface and the anode 4, which prevents electrical shorts resulting from contact of the electrically conductive structure and the anode 4.

After the foil strip 1 passes through the module M, it proceeds to pass through a pair of other sealing rollers 7 which prevent liquid from escaping from the module M. The sealing wall 9, fitted in contact with the sealing wall 7 and fixed to the cell end wall 10, additionally seals the interior space against leakage of liquid. When the strip passes through the sealing roller 7, it comes into contact with another contact roller 6. As a result, the structures which are electrically insulated from each other and which are no longer in contact with the contact brush 14 as they are transferred through the module M are again electrically connected.

3 is a cross-sectional view of half in the direction indicated by "A" in FIG. Therefore, reference is made to the components mentioned in the description of FIG. 1 and numbered correspondingly.

On either side of the foil strip 1 guided in the horizontal carrying surface, an ion permeable insulator directly attached to the anode 4 as well as the anode 4 mounted in the horizontal holding and mounted on the anode holding device 5. 13 is shown in module M, which is indicated by cell wall 10 in the cross section. The anode 4 and foil strip 1 form electrolytic cells 2, 3.

In addition, the horizontally mounted sealing roller 7 can be seen in the front view, which is mounted to the bearing 16 in either of the cell walls 10. Each contour of the sealing roller 7 is covered by the sealing wall 9 and shown in dashed lines. The sealing wall 9 extends toward the carrying surface and is fitted to abut against the sealing roller 7. They are secured to the cell end wall 10 to provide a liquid tight seal.

The treatment liquid is supplied from the collection tank 12 to the internal space of the module M via the electrolyte supply line 11 and the pump and pipeline (not shown), and overflows via the electrolyte discharge line 17. To do that. The overflowed liquid accumulates in the sump of the collection tank 12 (indicated by the bath surface height 15).

4 shows another preferred embodiment of the module M in the collection tank 12. The figure corresponds to the direction shown in FIG. 2.

In contrast to the module M shown in FIG. 2, the ionically permeable coating 13 is in direct contact with the foil strip 1 passing therethrough. The coating 13 simultaneously performs the function of sealing the internal space of the processing module M with respect to the contact brush 14. In order to prevent the treatment liquid from reaching the contact brush 14 directly through the coating 13, the internal space of the module M is bounded by an additional internal partition wall 24. In these internal partition walls 24, the coating 13 is fixed at the inlet and outlet sides for liquid tightness. The coating 13 may additionally be fixed to the cell wall 10 extending along the transport path. Since the workpiece 1 does not extend as far as the outermost region of the inner space of the module M, this additional fixing is not absolutely necessary.

Via the electrolyte supply line 11, the treatment liquid is conveyed to an anode 4 formed from a mesh drawn metal plate and traversed before being fed to the coating 13. Since the coating 13 is formed of a sponge-like or liquid absorbing material, they are saturated to form an electrolytic contact between the anode 4 and the strip material 1. The excess treatment liquid may be flowed back to the collection tank 12 in the transverse direction to the conveying direction.

Because of the capillary and compressive forces that the liquid is substantially retained inside the insulating coating 13 in the inlet and outlet regions of the inner partition 24, the risk of liquid exiting the module M is reduced. The remaining amount of liquid that can exit the processing module M is passed through the electrolyte discharge line 17 via a space formed by the cell wall 10 and the partition wall 24 of the module on the inlet and outlet sides. It is discharged downward into the sump container of 12). As a result, the sealing lip 23 causes almost no liquid in the contact brush 14. On the outlet side (downstream), two sealing lips 23 can be provided on the wall 10 of the processing module M, because of the forward movement of the strip 1 the module M at the outlet side rather than at the inlet area. Since the treatment liquid is easily discharged from, the sealing lip is fixed to the inner and outer cell walls 10 to prevent the treatment liquid from exiting the module M. As a result, the gap provided between the contact brush 14 (or optionally the contact roller 6) and the electrolytic cells 2, 3 is very small. In order to prevent the friction caused by the coating 13 from contacting the workpiece 1 to stretch the strip 1, a conveying roller 25 may be provided before or after each module M. In more detail, in order to regulate the pressure in the lower module cell 3, a control valve can be mounted into the pipeline of the discharge line 17, which is controlled by a sensor provided in the cells 2, 3. (2, 3) Constantly adjust the internal pressure.

Since the insulating coating 13 subsequently touches the foil strip 1 and interferes with the diffusion layer of the workpiece 1, this embodiment variant allows to adjust particularly high current densities.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view through the horizontal processing line according to the present invention of the second embodiment. The treatment line comprises a collection tank 12 in which three treatment modules M of the same structure are arranged. The processing module M is arranged along the conveying path side of the foil strip 1 through the apparatus, so that the foil strip 1 is in turn conveyed through the module M. The individual treatment module M actually comprises a contact roller 6, an anode 4 comprising an ion permeable insulator 13, an anode holder 5 and a treatment liquid (electrolyte). The treatment liquid is filled into the collection tank 12 to the extent of the bath surface height 15 placed under the contact roller 6.

The roller 6 has a foil strip 1 fed in a substantially horizontal direction from the deflection roller 18 which can be motorized to assist transport, similarly to the contact roller, into the first module M, The contact rollers 6 are arranged in such a manner that they move through the vertical direction and reach inside the processing liquid. Both sides of the foil strip 1 are electrically connected with two contact rollers 6. The anode 4 consists of a flood anode of insoluble metal, from which fresh electrolyte is continuously supplied for the deposition process. The flood anode transfers the foil strip 1 through the insulator 13, in which the foil strip is metal plated before exiting the electrolyte, again in contact with another contact reel 6 located above the bath surface height 15. do. After being turned by the other deflection reel 18, the foil strip 1 is conveyed through the second module M and after being turned over again by the third deflection reel 18, the third module M is turned over. Proceeds through. After proceeding through the third module M, the foil is pivoted again by the fourth deflection reel 18 before it is finally drawn out horizontally from the processing line.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of a detailed solution of two modules M of the horizontal processing line according to FIG. 5, with only half of each module M shown.

In this case, the device is characterized by a partition member 21 and a pinch roller 22 having additional element parts, namely a slot and a sealing lip 23 (shown in FIG. 7). These component parts are provided to protect the contact roller 6 from the processing liquid. The pinch roller 22 is provided to increase the mechanical stability of the contact roller 6, which is particularly thin. The pinch rollers 22, which are fitted directly against the contact rollers 6, can be pressed together when the rollers 6 are elastic, so that currents are well delivered even when the contact rollers 6 have a very small diameter. To be possible. This in turn leads to a further reduction in the distance between the anode 4 and the contact roller 6.

In a particular embodiment, the pinch roller 22 can also perform the function of the counter electrode. To this end, for example, there is a spiral coating deposited in a narrow strip shape on the conductive anode surface of the roller-shaped anode 4, although not shown in the figure. The spacing between the spiral helix remains exposed. The spring deposited coating is rolled on the contact rollers 6 to press against these workpieces 1. Thanks to the spiral shape, the screen effect of non-existing or only small area ionically permeable coatings on the pinch rollers 22 acting as anodes continues to exert their effects at different points of the workpiece 1, and they are unevenly coated. Prevent it. The same effect is obtained using a ring insulator mounted on the anode to be offset from one module to another.

In order to prevent the contact roller 6 from being metal plated by the splash of the processing liquid, the surface of the liquid is completely covered by the partition member 21 including a slot serving as a passage opening.

During the electrolytic treatment, the foil strip 1 passes through the schematically illustrated anode 4 comprising the insulator (not shown) of the first module M, which is in contact with the contact roller 6 substantially. . The foil strip 1 is in direct contact with the contact roller 6 through the slot of the partition member 21 from the inner space of the anode 4 without contacting the processing liquid on the outside of the anode 4, similar to FIG. 5. Supplied. As a result, the amount of treatment liquid accompanying is minimized. The foil strip 1 is then pivoted on the deflection roller 18 and conveyed to the second module M. The foil strip is thus electrically contacted again at the contact roller 6 and introduced into the anode 4 through the slot of the partition member 21 for further metallization.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic detail view of a detailed solution of module M of the horizontal processing line of FIG. 6.

The foil strip 1 passes between the contact rollers 6 spaced very close to the anode 4 and between the sealing lip 23 arranged in the slot of the partition member 21. It will be appreciated that the partition member 21 can effectively protect the contact roller 6 from the processing liquid. The sealing lip 23 thus prevents undesired liquid leakage resulting in, for example, a change in bath surface height.

8 shows a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a horizontal processing line in accordance with the present invention in another variation. The processing line consists of a collection tank 12 having three different modules M1, M2, M3, each characterized by various anode and cathode arrangements.

The processing module is arranged along the conveying path side of the foil strip 1 which is guided through the device so that the foil strip 1 can be passed sequentially through the individual modules starting at module M1. The deflection reel 18 is disposed before and between the modules.

The foil strip 1 is introduced into the module M1 by means of a deflection reel 18. The module M1 consists essentially of a pivotal anode roller 4 having an ion permeable insulator 13 and an anode 4 partially immersed into the processing liquid. The liquid surface height is indicated by reference numeral 15. The coating 13 between the anode roller 4 and the foil strip 1 is provided for insulation, so that the treatment liquid provided from the inner space of the roller 4 can be supplied. The module M1 also includes a cover cap 20 which protects the contact roller 6 from being wetted with the treatment liquid. In this cover cap 20, a single first contact roller 6 electrically insulated with respect to the anode 4 is arranged upstream of the anode 4 when viewed in the conveying direction of the foil strip 1, and the anode ( A second contact roller 4 electrically insulated with respect to 4) is arranged downstream of the anode 4. Preferably the module M1 is used when the foil strip 1 is plated with metal on only one side. The anode holder 5 and the contact roller 6 are integrated into one unit for a more compact structure.

After the metal plating is completed, the foil strip 1 is transferred from the module M1 to the second module M2 via the deflection reel 18. The module M2 has a pivotal anode roller 4 with an ion permeable insulator 13 and also an ion permeable insulator 13 which projects from the liquid surface height 15 and coincides with the orientation of the foil strip 1. It consists of a curved anode 4 '. Upstream and downstream of the anode arrangement are two identical contact arrangements arranged in the cover cap 20 so as to be electrically insulated with respect to the anode 4. These arrangements consist of the contact rollers 6 and the contact brushes 14 located on opposite sides of the contact rollers 6.

After the foil strip 1 is plated on both sides of the module M2, it is conveyed into the third module M3 via the deflection reel 18. A contact roller 6 is used in place of the contact brush 14, which is mounted on the same support arm as the anode 4 "and electrically insulated with respect to the anode. The shape of the curved anode 4" is clearly Coincides with the rotary anode (4). This module M3 constitutes a preferred embodiment when the use of the contact brush is excluded because the contact between the anode 4 "and the workpiece 1 is uniform and long at the anode 4 ', and thus is more uniform. Results in one coating On completion of the processing of the third module M3, the foil strip 1 is conveyed from the processing line via the deflection roller 18.

9 shows a cross-sectional side view of a variant of the horizontal processing line of FIG. 8.

The same modules M4, M5 are substantially similar to the module M3 shown in Fig. 9, and the lower curved anode 4 "is removed therefrom. The module has the foil strip 1 coated on both sides. In the modules M4 and M5, the contact roller 6 is mounted to the anode holder 5 in an electrically insulated manner.

The various embodiments shown may also be incorporated in other ways than described above. A sealing member having a sealing lip 23 shown in FIG. 7 can also be used in the variant shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The examples and embodiments shown herein are for the purpose of illustration only, and various modifications and changes as well as combinations of the features described in this application may be suggested to those skilled in the art. It should be included within the scope of the specification and appended claims. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited are hereby incorporated by reference.

Reference number

1: Work piece (foil strip)

2: upper electrolytic cell

3: bottom electrolytic cell

4: counter electrode, anode

5: counter electrode holder, anode holder

6: contact electrode, contact roller

7: sealing roller

8: secondary sealing roller

9: sealing wall

10: modular wall, cell wall

11: electrolyte supply line

12: collection tank

13: ion permeable insulation coating

14: contact brush

15: bath surface height

16: sealed roller bearing

17: electrolyte discharge line

18: deflection roller

19: bearing surface for the upper anode holder

20: cover cap

21: partition member

22: pinch roller

23: sealing lip

24: internal partition wall

25: drive roller

M, M1-M5: Processing Module

Claims (34)

An electrically conductive structure electrically insulated from each other on the surface of the work piece 1 by using a method comprising continuously transferring the work piece 1 in a conveying direction on a transport path, whereby the structure is electrolyzed. As an apparatus for electrolytic treatment, a) at least one electrolytic region, in each of which at least one counter electrode 4 and the workpiece 1 are to be in contact with the processing liquid and at least one electrolytic region At least one arrangement assigned to each and having an assembly of at least two electrodes 6, 14 for contacting the workpiece 1, respectively, wherein said at least two contact electrodes of each assembly ( At least one of 6, 14 is disposed on one side of each conveying part which guides through said one electrolytic region, and at least another one of said contact electrodes 6, 14 is disposed on the other side of said conveying part, b) the at least two contact electrodes 6, 14 of each assembly are disposed outside of the at least one electrolytic region so as not to contact the treatment liquid, The spacing between the at least two contact electrodes 6 and 14 of each assembly is made small, not exceeding several centimeters, so that when the workpiece is guided through the device, a small structure is permanently electrical by the at least one contact electrode. Electrolytic treatment of the electrically conductive structure, characterized in that in contact with. The device of claim 1, wherein an electrically conductive structure of 5 cm length can be electrolytically treated. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two contact electrodes (6, 14) are provided, at least one of which is arranged on one side of the electrolytic region and at least the other on the other side of the electrolytic region. Characterized in that the device. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrolytic region is short such that the conductive structure is in permanent electrical contact with one of the contact electrodes (6, 14). The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one processing module (M, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) comprising the processing liquid and the at least one counter electrode (4). The piece 1 passes through it and is conveyed in the horizontal conveying direction, and the at least one processing module M, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 is provided on the inlet side and the outlet side of the work piece ( 1) has at least one passage for entering and exiting the module and the at least one contact electrode (6, 14) is arranged in the passage. 3. The tank according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one tank (12) comprising said treatment liquid and said at least one counter electrode (4) and said transfer path via said treatment liquid surface. (12) Internally, to the at least one counter electrode (4) disposed in the treatment liquid, from which it reaches the outside of the tank (12) again via the surface of the treatment liquid, and the at least one contact electrode ( 6, 14) arranged on the surface of the treatment liquid. 7. The transfer path according to claim 6, wherein the transfer path is repeatedly passed into the tank (12) via the treatment liquid surface, through the treatment liquid, and through the treatment liquid surface and back out of the tank (12). A device characterized in that the direction is turned by the deflection means (18). 3. The partition member 21 according to claim 1, further comprising a partition member 21 having a passage for passage of the workpiece 1 and sealing members 7, 23, wherein the partition member 21 is at least one. Disposed between the contact electrodes 6, 14 and the treatment liquid, and the sealing members 7, 23 can prevent the treatment liquid from contacting the at least one contact electrode 6, 14. Apparatus, characterized in that arranged in. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the sealing member is selected from the group comprising a pressing roller (7), a sealing lip (23) and a scraper. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one contact electrode (6, 14) is fixed to the partition wall (24). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one contact electrode (6, 14) is selected from the group comprising a roller and a brush (14). 12. The roller (6) according to claim 11, characterized in that the roller (6) has a small diameter and the spacing between the longitudinal axis of the roller (6) and the at least one electrolytic region is small so that an electrically conductive structure of length 2 cm can be electrolytically treated. Device. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an electrically non-conductive ionically permeable coating (13) is arranged between the at least one counter electrode (4) and the workpiece (1). 14. The workpiece (1) according to claim 13, wherein the coating (13) is arranged adjacent to the conveying path such that the workpiece (1) is guided when the workpiece (1) is guided past the at least one counter electrode (4). Device in contact with the coating (13), acting as a seal. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport path is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that a cleaning facility is provided whereby the at least one contact electrode (6, 14) can be cleaned continuously or intermittently. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one counter electrode (4) and the at least one contact electrode (6, 14) are long, substantially parallel to the transport path and oriented perpendicular to the transport direction. Device characterized in that. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one contact electrode (6, 14) has a cathode polarity. 19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the at least one counter electrode (4) is an insoluble anode. 20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the anode (4) is a flood anode. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one contact electrode (6, 14) and the at least one counter electrode (4) are arranged in a common carrier frame (5). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one first storage facility and at least one second storage facility, respectively, for storing the workpiece (1). 23. The device of claim 22 further comprising transfer members 18, 25 for conveying the workpiece 1 through the device from the at least one first storage facility to the at least one second storage facility. Characterized in that the device. As a method of electrolytically treating an electrically conductive structure electrically insulated from each other on a surface of the work piece 1, a) continuously conveying the workpiece 1 in a conveying direction on a conveying path through at least one electrolytic region, b) bringing at least one counter electrode 4 and the workpiece 1 into contact with the processing liquid of the at least one electrolytic region; c) bringing the workpiece 1 into contact with an assembly of at least two contact electrodes 6, 14, each assembly being external to the at least one electrolytic region, one of the at least one electrolytic region. And at least one of the at least two contact electrodes 6, 14 of each assembly is disposed on one side of each carrier that guides through the one electrolytic region and at least the other of the contact electrodes 6, 14. Is disposed on the other side of the carrying unit, d) preventing the at least two contact electrodes 6, 14 of each assembly from contacting the treatment liquid, The spacing between the at least two contact electrodes 6 and 14 of each assembly is made small, not exceeding several centimeters, so that the small structure is permanently and electrically contacted by at least one contact electrode when the workpiece is guided. A method of electrolytically treating an electrically conductive structure, which is characterized by the above-mentioned. The method of claim 24, wherein an electrically conductive structure of 5 cm length can be electrolytically treated. 26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the workpiece (1) comes into contact with the contact electrodes (6, 14) first, then passes through the electrolytic region and comes in contact with the contact electrodes (6, 14) again. How to. 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the electrolytic region is selected shortly such that an electrically conductive structure makes constant electrical contact with one of the contact electrodes (6, 14) as it passes through the electrolytic region. 26. The horizontal conveying direction according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the workpiece 1 passes through at least one electrolytic region contained in each of the processing modules M, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5. Guided to the module (M, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) through at least one passageway located at its inlet side and at least one passageway located at its exit side. Through the module (M, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) and before entering the module (M, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) and the module (M, M1, M2, M3) The workpiece after exiting the module M, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 or after exiting the module M, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 And (1) is in electrical contact by at least one contact electrode (6, 14). 26. The at least one of claims 24 or 25, wherein the workpiece 1 is disposed in the treatment liquid inside the tank 12 via the surface of the treatment liquid contained in the tank 12. Guided to the counter electrode 4 and thereafter guided out of the tank 12 via the surface of the treatment liquid, before introduction into the treatment liquid and after exiting the treatment liquid or before introduction into the treatment liquid. Or after said work piece (1) is electrically contacted by at least one contact electrode (6, 14) after exiting said processing liquid. The work piece (1) according to claim 29, wherein the workpiece (1) is repeatedly guided into the tank (12) via the surface of the treatment liquid, and outside the tank (12) via the treatment liquid again via the surface. Guided by the deflection means (18). 26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that an electrically nonconductive ionically permeable coating (13) is mounted between the at least one counter electrode (4) and the workpiece (1). 32. The workpiece (1) according to claim 31, characterized in that the workpiece (1) is guided adjacently along the non-conductive ionically permeable coating (13) so that the ionically permeable coating (13) contacts the workpiece (1). How to. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the transport path is inclined with respect to the horizontal and the at least one contact electrode (6, 14) is washed continuously or intermittently. 26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein metal is deposited on the workpiece (1).

Images