GB1056021A - Electrolytic production of copper plates - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:1056021/C6-C7/1> <PICT:1056021/C6-C7/2> <PICT:1056021/C6-C7/3> Cu is produced in the form of plates by electrolytically depositing it on an endless tape wound around driven rotating means, the tape's inner surface being maintained out of contact with the electrolyte and the electrolyte being agitated. Figs. 1 and 2 show an endless tape 1 having rubber or plastic lips 5 (Fig. 1) secured to its edges which prevent electrolyte from reaching the tape's inner surface. Beneath the tape is a reciprocatable ladder-shaped agitator 10, 11. Sliding contacts 6, Fig. 2, each comprising a roll of copper sheet wound on a tubular flexible steel support, connect the tape cathodically. A tank 4 is coated with Pb and is connected as anode. Cu bars or slabs 8 grooved at their upper surfaces may be placed on the floor of the anodically connected tank. Alternatively, a CuSo4 electrolyte may be used. Longitudinal plastic members 9 guide the lips of the tape and adjust the thickness of the Cu plating at the tape's edges; the lips also assist in finally detaching the plate. Reciprocatable or rotatable hard and soft brushes 13, 14 clean the deposited Cu; reciprocatable bodies 17 are spring pressed against the tape to harden the Cu; and rotary knives at 19 cut off lateral burrs from the plate. In a modification the electrolyte agitator comprises a moving chain system at the bottom of the tank. In a further modification Fig. 5 (not shown) the agitator comprises pivotably swingable blades or paddles 21. Fig. 6 shows an endless tape 26 with its support cylinders 24, 25 arranged one above the other. The tape's internal surface is coated with plastic material which contacts the electrolyte. The agitator comprises rigid rectilinear portions 30, constituted by spars and crosspieces connected to a flexible intermediate section 31.