EP0922791A1 - Electroplating plant, electrode and support system therefor and electroplating process - Google Patents

Electroplating plant, electrode and support system therefor and electroplating process Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0922791A1
EP0922791A1 EP98402805A EP98402805A EP0922791A1 EP 0922791 A1 EP0922791 A1 EP 0922791A1 EP 98402805 A EP98402805 A EP 98402805A EP 98402805 A EP98402805 A EP 98402805A EP 0922791 A1 EP0922791 A1 EP 0922791A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrodes
support
bath
interface
bearing
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Granted
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EP98402805A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0922791B1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Gheeraert
Jean-Marie Vienne
Bernard Vandenbussche
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Sollac SA
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Sollac SA
Lorraine de Laminage Continu SA SOLLAC
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D7/00—Electroplating characterised by the article coated
    • C25D7/06—Wires; Strips; Foils
    • C25D7/0614—Strips or foils
    • C25D7/0635—In radial cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D17/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic coating
    • C25D17/005—Contacting devices
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D17/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic coating
    • C25D17/06—Suspending or supporting devices for articles to be coated

Definitions

  • the invention relates, in the bath of an electroplating installation, the support of the submerged electrodes and the supply of current to these electrodes, especially in the case of electrodes which are soluble anodes and consumables and must be interchangeable during plating.
  • An installation of this type is for example an installation electrogalvanizing of steel strips in an electrolytic bath based on chlorides.
  • soluble anodes of zinc or zinc alloy For electrogalvanizing in a chloride medium, generally soluble anodes of zinc or zinc alloy.
  • the electrodes 3 are formed by curved bars facing the roller 1 along the direction of travel of the strip and are grouped in sets of electrodes arranged side by side so as to form a portion of cylindrical generator partially enveloping the roller 1 in the electroplating bath, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
  • each support member 2, 4 is common to all the electrodes 3 of the same set; more specifically in the example given here, each support member 2, 4 is formed of an oriented beam transversely to the strip running path on which come lean all the electrodes 3 of a set and each electrode 3 is retained against this beam by means of an electrode hook 31.
  • the electrodes 3 are consumable (case of soluble anodes), their thickness varies (see Figure 3) depending on the level of wear and should be to be able to change them during plating as they are dissolution.
  • the electrodes 3 are made to slide. of the same clearance on the support members 2, 4 respectively in the directions A, B (see Figure 3), so as to remove a worn electrode at one end of the beam while leaving a place for a new electrode at the other end.
  • each electrode 3 only rests by simple support by its own weight on its support member 2, 4 at the level interface 6; the electrodes therefore rest freely on their organ support.
  • the support member also serves to supply all the electrodes of a set in electroplating electric current.
  • the pressure exerted at the interface 6 on the support member generally does not exceed 10 4 Pa, or 1 Newton per cm 2 of bearing surface.
  • this bearing force can even be less than 0.1 Newton per cm 2 of bearing surface (10 3 Pa).
  • bearing surface is meant the total area at the interface 6 between the electrode and the support member.
  • the object of the invention is to reduce the electrical contact losses at level of the interfaces 6 and of increasing the lifetime of the support members 2, 4 of the electrodes 3.
  • the invention therefore also relates to a support and supply member.
  • current for electrodeposition electrodes provided with a bearing surface, sliding and electrical contact with said electrodes, characterized in that said surface has grooves.
  • this support member mainly consists of graphite at the level of said surface.
  • the invention therefore also relates to an electrodeposition electrode intended to rest on a support member, provided with a support surface, sliding and electrical contact with said member, characterized in that said surface has grooves.
  • this electrode consists essentially of zinc or zinc alloy.
  • the invention also relates to a method of electrodeposition in the installation according to the invention, characterized in that, during the electrodeposition operation and at the level of said interface, the bearing force of said electrodes immersed on said organs support is less than 1 Newton per cm 2 of support surface and bearing surface, or even less than 0.1 Newton per cm 2 .
  • a support member 2 of electrode 3 is shown in FIG. 7.
  • the contact surface 6B of the support member has grooves 7; a groove detail 7 is shown in Figure 7A; these grooves 7 are never closed, even when electrodes 3 are in support on the surface 6B; so they lead into the bath when the installation is in operation.
  • the width and density of the grooves 7 is adapted to that the total area of the grooves does not represent more than 30% of the area bearing 6B.
  • the present invention also relates to the case where the grooves are made on the bearing surface 6A of the electrode.
  • the present invention also relates to the more general case where the interface 6 is adapted, at the support surface 6A from electrodes and / or of the bearing surface 6B of the support member 2, 4, to spare, in the interface 6, grooves 7 opening into said bath.
  • the electroplating installation includes a support interface (6) having grooves (7) opening into the bath.
  • the invention applies to all types of electroplating installation where the electrical contact between the electrodes and their supporting members is immersed in the bath, the essential means of the invention residing in the presence of grooves opening into the bath at the electrical contact interface 6.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
  • Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)
  • Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)

Abstract

The support surface (6B) of the support component has grooves (7) emerging in the plating bath. A support component (2) for feeding current to the electrodes in an electroplating process has a support surface (6B), sliding and in electrical contact with the electrodes (3). The support surface (6B) of the support component has grooves (7) emerging in the plating bath. Independent claims are also included for : the utilization of this support component, the electrode incorporating this component, the electroplating installation using the electrode and the associated electroplating process.

Description

L'invention concerne, dans le bain d'une installation d'électrodéposition, l'appui des électrodes immergées et l'amenée de courant à ces électrodes, notamment dans le cas d'électrodes qui sont des anodes solubles et consommables et doivent pouvoir être interchangées en cours d'électrodéposition.The invention relates, in the bath of an electroplating installation, the support of the submerged electrodes and the supply of current to these electrodes, especially in the case of electrodes which are soluble anodes and consumables and must be interchangeable during plating.

Une installation de ce type est par exemple une installation d'électrozingage de bandes d'acier dans un bain électrolytique à base de chlorures.An installation of this type is for example an installation electrogalvanizing of steel strips in an electrolytic bath based on chlorides.

Comme installation d'électrozingage de bande, on utilise couramment des cellules dites radiales qui comportent (en se référant aux figures 1 à 6):

  • des moyens de défilement de la bande à revêtir dans le bain, comprenant par exemple un rouleau de support de bande 1 au moins partiellement immergé sous le niveau du bain 5,
  • des électrodes immergées 3 reposant sur des organes d'appui 2, 4 servant à la fois de support et d'amenée de courant auxdites électrodes,
  • des moyens pour faire circuler un courant électrique entre la bande à revêtir servant de cathode et les électrodes servant d'anodes via lesdits organes d'appui 2, 4.
As an electro-galvanizing strip installation, so-called radial cells are commonly used which include (with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6):
  • means for running the strip to be coated in the bath, comprising for example a strip support roller 1 at least partially submerged below the level of the bath 5,
  • immersed electrodes 3 resting on support members 2, 4 serving both to support and to supply current to said electrodes,
  • means for circulating an electric current between the strip to be coated serving as cathode and the electrodes serving as anodes via said support members 2, 4.

Pour l'électrozingage en milieu chlorure, on utilise généralement des anodes solubles en zinc ou alliage de zinc.For electrogalvanizing in a chloride medium, generally soluble anodes of zinc or zinc alloy.

Les électrodes 3 (ou anodes solubles) sont formées de barres courbes orientées face au rouleau 1 le long de la direction de défilement de la bande et sont groupées en jeux d'électrodes disposées côte à côte de manière à former une portion de génératrice cylindrique enveloppant partiellement le rouleau 1 dans le bain d'électrodéposition, comme illustré aux figures 1 et 2.The electrodes 3 (or soluble anodes) are formed by curved bars facing the roller 1 along the direction of travel of the strip and are grouped in sets of electrodes arranged side by side so as to form a portion of cylindrical generator partially enveloping the roller 1 in the electroplating bath, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Les flèches représentées à la figure 4 indiquent un exemple de circulation du courant électrique d'électrodéposition.The arrows shown in Figure 4 indicate an example of traffic electrical current from electroplating.

Comme illustré aux figures 1 à 3, chaque organe d'appui 2, 4 est commun à toutes les électrodes 3 d'un même jeu ; plus précisément dans l'exemple donné ici, chaque organe d'appui 2, 4 est formé d'une poutre orientée transversalement au chemin de défilement de bande sur laquelle viennent s'appuyer toutes les électrodes 3 d'un jeu et chaque électrode 3 est retenue contre cette poutre par l'intermédiaire d'un crochet 31 d'électrode.As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, each support member 2, 4 is common to all the electrodes 3 of the same set; more specifically in the example given here, each support member 2, 4 is formed of an oriented beam transversely to the strip running path on which come lean all the electrodes 3 of a set and each electrode 3 is retained against this beam by means of an electrode hook 31.

Le contact mécanique et électrique entre une électrode 3 et son organe d'appui 2, 4 définit une interface 6 entre une surface d'appui 6A de l'électrode et une surface portante 6B correspondante de l'organe d'appui (voir figures 5 et 6).Mechanical and electrical contact between an electrode 3 and its member support 2, 4 defines an interface 6 between a support surface 6A of the electrode and a corresponding bearing surface 6B of the support member (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

Comme les électrodes 3 sont consommables (cas des anodes solubles), leur épaisseur varie (voir figure 3) en fonction du niveau d'usure et il convient de pouvoir les changer en cours d'électrodéposition au fur et à mesure de leur dissolution.As the electrodes 3 are consumable (case of soluble anodes), their thickness varies (see Figure 3) depending on the level of wear and should be to be able to change them during plating as they are dissolution.

A cet effet, en cours d'électrodéposition, on fait coulisser les électrodes 3 d'un même jeu sur les organes d'appui 2, 4 respectivement dans les directions A, B (voir figure 3), de manière à enlever une électrode usée à une extrémité de la poutre toute en ménageant un emplacement pour une nouvelle électrode à l'autre extrémité.To this end, during electrodeposition, the electrodes 3 are made to slide. of the same clearance on the support members 2, 4 respectively in the directions A, B (see Figure 3), so as to remove a worn electrode at one end of the beam while leaving a place for a new electrode at the other end.

Ainsi, pour permettre ce coulissement, chaque électrode 3 ne repose que par simple appui par son poids propre sur son organe d'appui 2, 4 au niveau de l'interface 6 ; les électrodes reposent donc librement sur leur organe d'appui.Thus, to allow this sliding, each electrode 3 only rests by simple support by its own weight on its support member 2, 4 at the level interface 6; the electrodes therefore rest freely on their organ support.

L'organe d'appui sert également à alimenter toutes les électrodes d'un jeu en courant électrique d'électrodéposition.The support member also serves to supply all the electrodes of a set in electroplating electric current.

Or, on a constaté que la résistance électrique de contact au niveau de l'interface 6 provoquait des pertes énergétiques importantes.However, it has been found that the electrical contact resistance at interface 6 caused significant energy losses.

Compte tenu du poids de chaque électrode 3, la pression exercée au niveau de l'interface 6 sur l'organe d'appui ne dépasse généralement pas 104 Pa, soit 1 Newton par cm2 de surface portante.Given the weight of each electrode 3, the pressure exerted at the interface 6 on the support member generally does not exceed 10 4 Pa, or 1 Newton per cm 2 of bearing surface.

En cours d'électrodéposition, du fait notamment de la circulation du bain dans l'installation, cette force d'appui peut même être inférieure à 0,1 Newton par cm2 de surface portante (103 Pa). During electrodeposition, in particular due to the circulation of the bath in the installation, this bearing force can even be less than 0.1 Newton per cm 2 of bearing surface (10 3 Pa).

On entend par surface portante la surface totale au niveau de l'interface 6 entre l'électrode et l'organe d'appui.By bearing surface is meant the total area at the interface 6 between the electrode and the support member.

Les pertes énergétiques dues à la résistance de contact au niveau l'interface 6 deviennent particulièrement importantes quand la densité de courant dépasse 0,025 A/mm2 au niveau de cet interface, notamment lorsque cette pression d'appui est inférieure 104 Pa, a fortiori lorsqu'elle est inférieure à 103 Pa ; il semble que cette augmentation des pertes provienne d'un léger soulèvement des anodes sous l'effet du courant électrique (comme schématisé à la figure 6), obligeant le courant électrique d'alimentation des électrodes à transiter par le bain inséré au niveau de l'interface et provoquant à cet endroit des dégagements gazeux (voir les bulles représentées à la figure 6), par exemple des dégagements de chlore.The energy losses due to the contact resistance at the interface 6 become particularly high when the current density exceeds 0.025 A / mm2 at this interface, in particular when this contact pressure is lower than 10 4 Pa, a fortiori when 'it is less than 10 3 Pa; it seems that this increase in losses comes from a slight lifting of the anodes under the effect of the electric current (as shown diagrammatically in Figure 6), forcing the electric current supplying the electrodes to pass through the bath inserted at the level of the 'interface and causing gas emissions at this location (see bubbles shown in Figure 6), for example chlorine emissions.

Les poutres qui servent d'organe d'appui 2, 4 sont généralement en graphite imprégné de résine ; ce matériau s'use et se dégrade alors sous l'effet de deux phénomènes :

  • l'usure provoquée par le frottement des électrodes coulissant sur la poutre,
  • la fissuration par échauffement et/ou dégagement gazeux provoqués par les pertes électriques de contact précédemment décrites.
The beams which serve as a support member 2, 4 are generally made of graphite impregnated with resin; this material wears out and degrades under the effect of two phenomena:
  • wear caused by the friction of the electrodes sliding on the beam,
  • cracking by heating and / or gassing caused by the electrical contact losses described above.

Or un matériau à base de graphite qui résiste bien à l'usure résiste en général d'autant moins bien à la fissuration et vice-versa ; il est donc difficile de trouver un bon compromis dans le choix du matériau graphité et il reste nécessaire, quel que soit ce choix, de remplacer régulièrement ces poutres, ce qui représente un handicap économique important.Now a graphite-based material which resists wear well resists general all the less well at cracking and vice versa; so it's hard to find a good compromise in the choice of graphite material and it remains regardless of this choice, to regularly replace these beams, this which represents a significant economic handicap.

L'invention a pour but de diminuer les pertes électriques de contact au niveau des interfaces 6 et d'augmenter la durée de vie des organes d'appui 2, 4 des électrodes 3.The object of the invention is to reduce the electrical contact losses at level of the interfaces 6 and of increasing the lifetime of the support members 2, 4 of the electrodes 3.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une installation d'électrodéposition d'un revêtement sur la surface conductrice d'une pièce comprenant :

  • un bain d'électrodéposition,
  • des électrodes immergées dans ledit bain reposant sur au moins un organe d'appui servant à la fois de support et d'amenée de courant auxdites électrodes, et présentant, avec lesdites électrodes, une interface d'appui immergée dans ledit bain,
  • des moyens de guidage et/ou de maintien de ladite pièce dans le bain face auxdites électrodes,
  • des moyens pour faire circuler un courant électrique d'électrodéposition entre ladite surface à revêtir et lesdites électrodes via l'au moins un organe d'appui,
   caractérisée en ce que la surface d'appui des électrodes et/ou la surface portante dudit au moins un organe d'appui sont adaptées, au niveau de ladite interface, pour ménager, dans ladite interface, des rainures débouchant dans ledit bain.To this end, the subject of the invention is an installation for electrodeposition of a coating on the conductive surface of a part comprising:
  • an electroplating bath,
  • electrodes immersed in said bath resting on at least one support member serving both as a support and as a current supply to said electrodes, and having, with said electrodes, a support interface immersed in said bath,
  • means for guiding and / or holding said part in the bath opposite said electrodes,
  • means for circulating an electric plating current between said surface to be coated and said electrodes via the at least one support member,
characterized in that the bearing surface of the electrodes and / or the bearing surface of said at least one bearing member are adapted, at said interface, to provide, in said interface, grooves opening into said bath.

L'invention peut également présenter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • lesdites électrodes reposent librement sur ledit organe d'appui correspondant.
  • au niveau dudit interface, la force d'appui desdites électrodes immergées sur lesdits organes d'appui est inférieure à 1 Newton par cm2 de surface d'appui et de surface portante, voire même inférieure à 0,1 Newton par cm2.
  • l'installation comprend des moyens pour faire coulisser, en cours d'électrodéposition, lesdites électrodes sur ledit organe d'appui, par coulissement au niveau dudit interface.
  • lesdits moyens de guidage et de maintien sont constitués par des moyens de défilement de bande dans ledit bain,
  • lesdites électrodes sont formées de barres s'étendant le long dudit trajet de défilement dans ledit bain et sont groupées en au moins un jeu d'électrodes disposées côte à côte et face au chemin de défilement de ladite bande,
  • chacun desdits organes d'appui est formé par une poutre s'étendant transversalement auxdits moyens de défilement et supporte chaque électrode dudit jeu,
  • lesdits moyens de coulissement sont adaptés pour faire coulisser les électrodes dudit jeu sur ladite poutre correspondante.
  • lesdits moyens de défilement de bande comprennent un rouleau de support de bande au moins partiellement immergé,
  • lesdites électrodes présentent une courbure dont le rayon est proche de celui dudit rouleau de manière à ce que chaque jeu d'électrodes forme une portion de génératrice cylindrique enveloppant partiellement ledit rouleau dans le bain.
The invention may also have one or more of the following characteristics:
  • said electrodes rest freely on said corresponding support member.
  • at said interface, the bearing force of said immersed electrodes on said bearing members is less than 1 Newton per cm 2 of bearing surface and of bearing surface, or even less than 0.1 Newton per cm 2 .
  • the installation comprises means for sliding, during electrodeposition, said electrodes on said support member, by sliding at said interface.
  • said guiding and holding means consist of means for moving the strip through said bath,
  • said electrodes are formed from bars extending along said travel path in said bath and are grouped into at least one set of electrodes placed side by side and facing the travel path of said strip,
  • each of said support members is formed by a beam extending transversely to said scrolling means and supports each electrode of said set,
  • said sliding means are adapted to slide the electrodes of said set on said corresponding beam.
  • said tape running means comprise an at least partially submerged tape support roller,
  • said electrodes have a curvature whose radius is close to that of said roller so that each set of electrodes forms a portion of cylindrical generator partially enveloping said roller in the bath.

L'invention a donc également pour objet un organe d'appui et d'amenée de courant pour électrodes d'électrodéposition, dotée d'une surface d'appui, de coulissement et de contact électrique avec lesdites électrodes, caractérisée en ce que ladite surface présente des rainures.The invention therefore also relates to a support and supply member. current for electrodeposition electrodes, provided with a bearing surface, sliding and electrical contact with said electrodes, characterized in that said surface has grooves.

De préférence, cet organe d'appui est principalement constitué de graphite au niveau de ladite surface.Preferably, this support member mainly consists of graphite at the level of said surface.

L'invention a donc également pour objet une électrode d'électrodéposition destinée à reposer sur un organe d'appui, dotée d'une surface d'appui, de coulissement et de contact électrique avec ledit organe, caractérisée en ce que ladite surface présente des rainures.The invention therefore also relates to an electrodeposition electrode intended to rest on a support member, provided with a support surface, sliding and electrical contact with said member, characterized in that said surface has grooves.

De préférence, cette électrode est essentiellement constituée de zinc ou d'alliage de zinc.Preferably, this electrode consists essentially of zinc or zinc alloy.

L'invention a aussi pour objet un procédé d'électrodéposition dans l'installation selon l'invention, caractérisée en ce que, pendant l'opération d'électrodéposition et au niveau dudit interface, la force d'appui desdites électrodes immergées sur lesdits organes d'appui est inférieure à 1 Newton par cm2 de surface d'appui et de surface portante, voire inférieure à 0,1 Newton par cm2.The invention also relates to a method of electrodeposition in the installation according to the invention, characterized in that, during the electrodeposition operation and at the level of said interface, the bearing force of said electrodes immersed on said organs support is less than 1 Newton per cm 2 of support surface and bearing surface, or even less than 0.1 Newton per cm 2 .

Selon un mode particulier de mise en ouvre de ce procédé :

  • pendant l'opération d'électrodéposition, la densité du courant électrique amené par lesdits moyens de circulation de courant électrique, est supérieure ou égale à 0,025 A/mm2 au niveau dudit interface.
  • lesdites anodes sont solubilisées en cours d'électrodéposition.
  • ledit bain est à base de chlorures.
According to a particular mode of implementation of this process:
  • during the electrodeposition operation, the density of the electric current supplied by said electric current circulation means is greater than or equal to 0.025 A / mm 2 at said interface.
  • said anodes are dissolved during electrodeposition.
  • said bath is based on chlorides.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et en référence aux figures annexées sur lesquelles :

  • la figure 4 est une vue générale latérale d'une installation d'électrodéposition en continu de bande (cellule radiale), indiquant notamment la circulation du courant électrique (voir flèches) ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue latérale du rouleau support de bande et des électrodes de la cellule radiale de la figure 4 ;
  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective du rouleau support de bande de la figure 2 avec un jeu d'électrodes ;
  • la figure 3 est une coupe dans le plan de l'axe du rouleau de la figure 1, représentant deux jeux d'électrodes de part et d'autre du rouleau.
  • la figure 5 représente l'appui d'une électrode sur son organe d'appui au niveau de l'interface 6 et la figure 6 représente l'écartement des deux surfaces d'appui 6A, 6B susceptible de provoquer une augmentation de la résistance de contact.
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective de l'organe d'appui d'électrode de la figure 5 dont la surface d'appui présente des rainures selon l'invention, la partie repérée par un cercle A étant représentée plus en détail à la figure 7A.
  • la figure 8 est une représentation d'une surface d'appui d'électrode ou d'organe d'appui selon l'art antérieur (« surface plane ») ;
  • les figures 9 à 13 sont des représentations de surface d'appui d'électrode ou d'organe d'appui présentant des rainures selon plusieurs modes de réalisation de l'invention.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of nonlimiting example, and with reference to the appended figures in which:
  • Figure 4 is a general side view of a continuous strip electroplating installation (radial cell), indicating in particular the flow of electric current (see arrows);
  • Figure 2 is a side view of the tape support roller and electrodes of the radial cell of Figure 4;
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the tape support roller of Figure 2 with a set of electrodes;
  • Figure 3 is a section in the plane of the axis of the roller of Figure 1, showing two sets of electrodes on either side of the roller.
  • FIG. 5 represents the support of an electrode on its support member at the interface 6 and FIG. 6 represents the spacing of the two support surfaces 6A, 6B liable to cause an increase in the resistance of contact.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the electrode support member of FIG. 5, the support surface of which has grooves according to the invention, the part marked with a circle A being shown in more detail in the Figure 7A.
  • Figure 8 is a representation of an electrode support surface or support member according to the prior art ("flat surface");
  • Figures 9 to 13 are representations of the electrode support surface or support member having grooves according to several embodiments of the invention.

L'exemple non limitatif décrit ci-après concerne une installation d'électrodéposition du type de celle déjà décrite ci-dessus en référence aux figures 1 à 5.The nonlimiting example described below relates to an installation of electroplating of the type already described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

Un organe d'appui 2 d'électrode 3 est représenté à la figure 7.A support member 2 of electrode 3 is shown in FIG. 7.

Selon l'invention, la surface de contact 6B de l'organe d'appui présente des rainures 7 ; un détail de rainure 7 est représenté à la figure 7A ; ces rainures 7 ne sont jamais fermées, même lorsque des électrodes 3 sont en appui sur la surface 6B ; elles débouchent donc dans le bain d'électrodéposition quand l'installation est en fonctionnement.According to the invention, the contact surface 6B of the support member has grooves 7; a groove detail 7 is shown in Figure 7A; these grooves 7 are never closed, even when electrodes 3 are in support on the surface 6B; so they lead into the bath when the installation is in operation.

De préférence, la largeur et la densité des rainures 7 est adaptée pour que la surface totale des rainures ne représente pas plus de 30% de la surface portante 6B.Preferably, the width and density of the grooves 7 is adapted to that the total area of the grooves does not represent more than 30% of the area bearing 6B.

Typiquement, pour une surface 6B rectangulaire de dimensions 200 cm x 50 cm, on pratique des rainures 7 de largeur 1=0,5 mm équidistantes de d=3 cm, dont la direction fait de préférence un angle aigu α avec le petit côté du rectangle de la surface 6B.Typically, for a rectangular 6B surface of dimensions 200 cm x 50 cm, we make grooves 7 of width 1 = 0.5 mm equidistant from d = 3 cm, the direction of which preferably makes an acute angle α with the short side of the rectangle of the surface 6B.

D'autres types possibles de surfaces 6B dotées de rainures 7 selon l'invention sont représentées aux figures 9 à 13, par opposition à une surface d'appui plane et lisse de l'art antérieur représentée à la figure 8.Other possible types of surfaces 6B provided with grooves 7 according to the invention are shown in Figures 9 to 13, as opposed to a surface flat and smooth support of the prior art shown in Figure 8.

La présente invention concerne également le cas où les rainures sont pratiquées sur la surface d'appui 6A de l'électrode.The present invention also relates to the case where the grooves are made on the bearing surface 6A of the electrode.

La présente invention concerne également le cas plus général où l'interface 6 est adapté, au niveau de la surface d'appui 6A dès électrodes et/ou de la surface portante 6B de l'organe d'appui 2, 4, pour ménager, dans l'interface 6, des rainures 7 débouchant dans ledit bain.The present invention also relates to the more general case where the interface 6 is adapted, at the support surface 6A from electrodes and / or of the bearing surface 6B of the support member 2, 4, to spare, in the interface 6, grooves 7 opening into said bath.

Ainsi l'installation d'électrodéposition comporte une interface (6) d'appui comportant des rainures (7) débouchant dans le bain.Thus the electroplating installation includes a support interface (6) having grooves (7) opening into the bath.

On a alors constaté que, grâce à ces rainures 7 pratiquées dans l'interface 6 de contact et d'appui entre les électrodes 3 et les organes d'appui 2, 4, la résistance électrique de contact était fortement diminuée ainsi que les pertes électriques en découlant, notamment lorsque la densité de courant à cet interface dépasse 0,025 A/mm2.It was then found that, thanks to these grooves 7 made in the contact and support interface 6 between the electrodes 3 and the support members 2, 4, the electrical contact resistance was greatly reduced as well as the resulting electrical losses, especially when the current density at this interface exceeds 0.025 A / mm2.

Puisqu'on limite alors considérablement, même aux fortes densités de courant, l'échauffement et le dégagement gazeux à cette interface, le matériau de support et de contact d'électrode ne se fissure plus comme auparavant dans le cas de matériau à base de graphite ; on peut donc sans inconvénient utiliser des matériaux à base de graphite résistant beaucoup mieux à l'usure et améliorer d'autant la durée de vie des organes d'appui d'électrodes. Since we then limit considerably, even at high densities of current, heating and gas evolution at this interface, the material support and electrode contact no longer crack as before in the case of graphite-based material; so we can easily use graphite-based materials much more resistant to wear and correspondingly improve the service life of the electrode support members.

L'invention permet donc d'augmenter la durée de vie des organes d'appui 2, 4 d'électrodes, voire même, si besoin était, des électrodes 3 elles-mêmes.The invention therefore makes it possible to increase the life of the support members. 2, 4 of electrodes, or even, if necessary, of the electrodes 3 themselves.

L'invention s'applique à tous les types d'installation d'électrodéposition où le contact électrique entre les électrodes et leurs organes d'appui est immergé dans le bain, le moyen essentiel de l'invention résidant dans la présence de rainures débouchant dans le bain à l'interface 6 de contact électrique.The invention applies to all types of electroplating installation where the electrical contact between the electrodes and their supporting members is immersed in the bath, the essential means of the invention residing in the presence of grooves opening into the bath at the electrical contact interface 6.

De manière tout à fait surprenante, alors que la présence de rainures à cette interface diminue la surface réelle de contact électrique et augmente en conséquence la densité réelle de courant à cette interface, la résistance de contact diminue sensiblement (à force d'appui constante des électrodes contre l'organe d'appui).Surprisingly, while the presence of grooves in this interface decreases the actual electrical contact surface and increases in consequence the actual current density at this interface, the resistance of contact decreases appreciably (at constant pressing force of electrodes the supporting body).

Claims (19)

Organe (2, 4) d'appui et d'amenée de courant pour électrodes (3) d'électrodéposition, dotée d'une surface (6B) d'appui, de coulissement et de contact électrique avec lesdites électrodes (3) , caractérisé en ce que ladite surface (6B) présente des rainures (7).Support and current supply member (2, 4) for electrodes (3) of electroplating, provided with a surface (6B) for support, sliding and electrical contact with said electrodes (3), characterized in that said surface (6B) has grooves (7). Organe selon la revendication 1 caractérisée en ce qu'il est principalement constitué de graphite au niveau de ladite surface (6B).Body according to claim 1 characterized in that it is mainly consisting of graphite at the level of said surface (6B). Utilisation de l'organe (2, 4) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2 pour supporter des électrodes anodiques solubles immergées dans un bain d'électrodéposition, ladite surface (6B) étant, en cours d'électrodéposition, immergée dans ledit bain.Use of the member (2, 4) according to any one of Claims 1 to 2 for supporting soluble anode electrodes immersed in an electroplating bath, said surface (6B) being, in progress plating, immersed in said bath. Électrode d'électrodéposition (3) destinée à reposer sur un organe d'appui (2, 4), dotée d'une surface d'appui (6A), de coulissement et de contact électrique avec ledit organe (2, 4), caractérisée en ce que ladite surface (6A) présente des rainures.Electroplating electrode (3) intended to rest on an organ support (2, 4), provided with a support (6A), sliding and contact surface electric with said member (2, 4), characterized in that said surface (6A) has grooves. Électrode selon la revendication 4 caractérisée en ce qu'elle est essentiellement constituée de zinc ou d'alliage de zinc.Electrode according to claim 4 characterized in that it is essentially made of zinc or zinc alloy. Installation d'électrodéposition d'un revêtement sur la surface conductrice d'une pièce comprenant : un bain d'électrodéposition, des électrodes (3) immergées dans ledit bain reposant sur au moins un organe d'appui (2, 4) servant à la fois de support et d'amenée de courant auxdites électrodes (3), et présentant, avec lesdites électrodes (3), une interface (6) d'appui immergée dans ledit bain, des moyens de guidage et/ou de maintien de ladite pièce dans le bain face auxdites électrodes, des moyens pour faire circuler un courant électrique d'électrodéposition entre ladite surface à revêtir et lesdites électrodes (3) via l'au moins un organe d'appui (2, 4),    caractérisée en ce que la surface d'appui (6A) des électrodes (3) et/ou la surface portante (6B) dudit au moins un organe d'appui (2, 4) sont adaptées, au niveau de ladite interface (6), pour ménager, dans ladite interface (6), des rainures (7) débouchant dans ledit bain.Installation for electrodeposition of a coating on the conductive surface of a part comprising: an electroplating bath, electrodes (3) immersed in said bath resting on at least one support member (2, 4) serving both as a support and as a current supply to said electrodes (3), and having, with said electrodes (3) , a support interface (6) immersed in said bath, means for guiding and / or holding said part in the bath opposite said electrodes, means for circulating an electric electrodeposition current between said surface to be coated and said electrodes (3) via the at least one support member (2, 4), characterized in that the bearing surface (6A) of the electrodes (3) and / or the bearing surface (6B) of said at least one bearing member (2, 4) are adapted, at the level of said interface (6) , to provide, in said interface (6), grooves (7) opening into said bath. Installation selon la revendication 6 caractérisée en ce que lesdites électrodes (3) reposent librement sur ledit organe d'appui (2, 4) correspondant.Installation according to claim 6 characterized in that said electrodes (3) rest freely on said corresponding support member (2, 4). Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 7, caractérisée en ce que, au niveau dudit interface (6), la force d'appui desdites électrodes immergées (3) sur lesdits organes d'appui (2, 4) est inférieure à 1 Newton par cm2 de surface d'appui et de surface portante.Installation according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that, at said interface (6), the bearing force of said immersed electrodes (3) on said bearing members (2, 4) is less than 1 Newton per cm 2 of support surface and bearing surface. Installation selon la revendication 8 caractérisée en ce que ladite force d'appui est inférieure à 0,1 Newton par cm2.Installation according to claim 8 characterized in that said bearing force is less than 0.1 Newton per cm 2 . Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 9 caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend des moyens pour faire coulisser, en cours d'électrodéposition, lesdites électrodes (3) sur ledit organe d'appui (2, 4), par coulissement au niveau dudit interface (6).Installation according to any one of claims 6 to 9 characterized in that it comprises means for sliding, in progress electrodeposition, said electrodes (3) on said support member (2, 4), by sliding at said interface (6). Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 10 caractérisée en ce que ledit au moins un organe d'appui (2, 4) est conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2.Installation according to any one of claims 6 to 10 characterized in that said at least one support member (2, 4) conforms to any one of claims 1 to 2. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 10 caractérisée en ce que lesdites électrodes (3) sont conformes à l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 5. Installation according to any one of claims 6 to 10 characterized in that said electrodes (3) conform to one any of claims 4 to 5. Installation d'électrodéposition en continu d'une bande métallique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 12 caractérisée en ce que : lesdits moyens de guidage et de maintien sont constitués par des moyens de défilement de bande dans ledit bain, lesdites électrodes (3) sont formées de barres s'étendant le long dudit trajet de défilement dans ledit bain et sont groupées en au moins un jeu d'électrodes (3) disposées côte à côte et face au chemin de défilement de ladite bande, chacun desdits organes d'appui (2, 4) est formé par une poutre s'étendant transversalement auxdits moyens de défilement et supporte chaque électrode (3) dudit jeu, lesdits moyens de coulissement sont adaptés pour faire coulisser les électrodes (3) dudit jeu sur ladite poutre correspondante. Installation for continuous electrodeposition of a metal strip according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: said guiding and holding means consist of means for moving the strip through said bath, said electrodes (3) are formed of bars extending along said travel path in said bath and are grouped into at least one set of electrodes (3) arranged side by side and facing the travel path of said strip, each of said support members (2, 4) is formed by a beam extending transversely to said scrolling means and supports each electrode (3) of said set, said sliding means are adapted to slide the electrodes (3) of said set on said corresponding beam. Installation selon la revendication 13 caractérisée en ce que : lesdits moyens de défilement de bande comprennent un rouleau (1) de support de bande au moins partiellement immergé, lesdites électrodes (3) présentent une courbure dont le rayon est proche de celui dudit rouleau (1) de manière à ce que chaque jeu d'électrodes forme une portion de génératrice cylindrique enveloppant partiellement ledit rouleau (1) dans le bain. Installation according to claim 13 characterized in that: said strip running means comprise an at least partially submerged strip support roller (1), said electrodes (3) have a curvature whose radius is close to that of said roller (1) so that each set of electrodes forms a portion of cylindrical generator partially enveloping said roller (1) in the bath. Procédé d'électrodéposition de la surface conductrice d'une pièce dans une installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 12 ou de la surface d'une bande dans une installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 14, caractérisée en ce que, pendant l'opération d'électrodéposition et au niveau dudit interface (6), la force d'appui desdites électrodes immergées (3) sur lesdits organes d'appui (2, 4) est inférieure à 1 Newton par cm2 de surface d'appui et de surface portante.Method of electrodeposition of the conductive surface of a part in an installation according to any one of Claims 6 to 12 or of the surface of a strip in an installation according to any one of Claims 13 to 14, characterized in that that, during the electrodeposition operation and at said interface (6), the bearing force of said immersed electrodes (3) on said bearing members (2, 4) is less than 1 Newton per cm 2 of surface support and bearing surface. Procédé selon la revendication 15 caractérisé en ce que ladite force d'appui est inférieure à 0,1 Newton par cm2. A method according to claim 15 characterized in that said bearing force is less than 0.1 Newton per cm 2 . Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 15 à 16, caractérisé en ce que, pendant l'opération d'électrodéposition, la densité du courant électrique amené par lesdits moyens de circulation de courant électrique, est supérieure ou égale à 0,025 A/mm2 au niveau dudit interface (6).Method according to any one of Claims 15 to 16, characterized in that, during the electrodeposition operation, the density of the electric current supplied by said electric current circulation means is greater than or equal to 0.025 A / mm 2 at said interface (6). Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 15 à 17, caractérisé en ce que lesdites anodes (3) sont solubilisées en cours d'électrodéposition.Process according to any one of Claims 15 to 17, characterized in that said anodes (3) are dissolved during plating. Procédé selon la revendication 18 caractérisé en ce que ledit bain est à base de chlorures.A method according to claim 18 characterized in that said bath is based on chlorides.
EP98402805A 1997-12-03 1998-11-13 Electroplating plant,use of electrode and support system therefor and electroplating process Expired - Lifetime EP0922791B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR9715179A FR2771757B1 (en) 1997-12-03 1997-12-03 ELECTRODEPOSITION SYSTEM, ELECTRODE AND SUPPORTING MEMBER THEREFOR AND ELECTRODEPOSITION METHOD
FR9715179 1997-12-03

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FR2771757B1 (en) * 1997-12-03 1999-12-31 Lorraine Laminage ELECTRODEPOSITION SYSTEM, ELECTRODE AND SUPPORTING MEMBER THEREFOR AND ELECTRODEPOSITION METHOD

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EP0052384A1 (en) * 1980-11-15 1982-05-26 Metallgesellschaft Ag Disconnectible terminal contact for high current conductors in electrolytic apparatus
EP0140474A1 (en) * 1983-10-07 1985-05-08 Kawasaki Steel Corporation Counter flow device for electroplating apparatus

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DE2324834C2 (en) * 1973-05-17 1978-09-07 Dr. Eugen Duerrwaechter Doduco, 7530 Pforzheim Device for continuous selective strip electroplating
FR2653787B1 (en) * 1989-10-27 1992-02-14 Lorraine Laminage INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR ELECTROLYTIC COATING OF A METAL STRIP.
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US5685970A (en) * 1992-07-01 1997-11-11 Gould Electronics Inc. Method and apparatus for sequentially metalized polymeric films and products made thereby
FR2771757B1 (en) * 1997-12-03 1999-12-31 Lorraine Laminage ELECTRODEPOSITION SYSTEM, ELECTRODE AND SUPPORTING MEMBER THEREFOR AND ELECTRODEPOSITION METHOD

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0052384A1 (en) * 1980-11-15 1982-05-26 Metallgesellschaft Ag Disconnectible terminal contact for high current conductors in electrolytic apparatus
EP0140474A1 (en) * 1983-10-07 1985-05-08 Kawasaki Steel Corporation Counter flow device for electroplating apparatus

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FR2771757A1 (en) 1999-06-04
US6129820A (en) 2000-10-10
DE69811836D1 (en) 2003-04-10
US6334943B1 (en) 2002-01-01
JPH11229197A (en) 1999-08-24
ES2192313T3 (en) 2003-10-01
EP0922791B1 (en) 2003-03-05
DE69811836T2 (en) 2004-05-19
FR2771757B1 (en) 1999-12-31
ATE233835T1 (en) 2003-03-15

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