Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
. 2181225
- STRIP TREATING APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for
treating a strip such as a steel strip, for example, a plating
apparatus, a cleaning apparatus and the like, and especially to a
strip treating apparatus in which homopolar electrodes as anodes or
cathodes are arranged so as to face to each other in a bath tank,
and a strip is travelled between these electrodes.
For the purpose of increasing production and improving
productivity in the above-described strip treating apparatus, it has
been required to decrease the distance between a strip and each of
electrodes such as anodes or cathodes, to stir a treating solution
such as a plating solution between the strip and each of the
electrodes such as anodes or cathodes, and to supply ions between
the strip and each of the electrodes such as anodes or cathodes. In
view of these circumstances, the applicant has developed an
apparatus in which insulators (stabilizers) are provided so as to be
projected face to face or in zigzags on opposite inner surfaces of
homopolar electrodes arranged so as to face to each other, and each
of these insulators is provided with a slant face inclined from a
side of the electrode toward the strip in a travelling direction of
the strip (Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. H3-20494
published on January 29, 1991 in the name of Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd.).
It became thus possible to extremely decrease the distance between
the homopolar electrodes so as to remarkably improve productivity
with the use of the strip treating
- 1 -
C'
~1912?5
apparatus.
However, the above-described strip treating apparatus
has involved problems, and has been required to be further
improved.
There is the first problem which relates to a mechanism
for adjusting the distance between the electrodes. In the
above-described strip treating apparatus, the distance between
the electrodes is extremely short. Use of the electrodes
stationarily arranged thus makes it impossible to pass a rope
between the electrodes, which is to be used for passing the strip
through the strip treating apparatus prior to the start thereof .
The connecting portion of the strips by means of a welding and so on
has a relatively large thickness. It has therefore been
considered at the time of development of the apparatus that the
above-mentioned connecting portion would be in contact with the
stabilizer to cause the breakage thereof. For these reasons,
there has been required a mechanism for opening and closing the
electrodes.
There have conventionally been provided an opening and
closing mechanism and operating members thereof, in which both of
the electrodes were openable against each other as shown in Fig.
13, in order to secure a space necessary for an operation of passing
a rope between the electrodes, which is to be used for passing the
strip through the strip treating apparatus prior to the start
thereof , and to prevent the welded portion of the strips from being
in contact with the stabilizer during travelling of the strip.
- 2 -
291225
A treating solution such as a plating solution (not shown)
is filled in a vertical-pass type bath tank 1 as shown in Fig. 13.
As electrodes 2, there may be used one of anodes and cathodes, or
electrodes which are changeable into anodes or cathodes. The
upper portions of the respective electrodes 2 are supported by
means of upper electrode-holders 3. On these upper
electrode-holderds 3, there are provided pneumatic cylinders 4 for
opening and closing the upper portions of the electrodes. The
lower portions of the respective electrodes 2 are supported by
means of lower electrode-holders 5. On these lower
electrode-holders 5, there are provided cams 6 for opening and
closing the lower portions of the electrodes. The opening or
closing of the electrodes is carried out by operating all of the
pair of pneumatic cylinders 4 and the pair of cams 6 for each
electrode.
Both of the electrodes are movable in this manner . There
has been a necessity of securing in the bath tank 1 a space
necessary for moving also the electrode arranged farthest from a
conducting drum 7, i.e., the electrode 2a arranged at the side of
the wall of the bath tank 1, and a large-sized bath tank has
therefore been required, leading to an increased cost. When the
strip treating apparatus was attempted to be mounted on the
conventional bath tank 1 in which there could not be prepared the
above-mentioned space, there has been a problem of necessity of
modifying the bath tank 1.
In addition, the operating members for the cams6 for
opening and closing the lower portions of the electrodes 2 have
necessarily been arranged so as to project outside from the side
- 3 -
~.21~1~~~
-gall of the bath tank 1, and more specifically, holes for these
operating members have necessarily been formed in the bath tank 1,
thus leading to a problem of leakage of the bath.
After a practical operation, it has been recognized that
a welded portion formed by lap-welding the strips each having a
thickness of 1.2 mm could pass through between the stabilizers
arranged apart from each other by a distance of 6 mm, without being
in contact with the stabilizers. It has also been recognized that
the opening and closing of the electrodes 2 was required only when
carrying out the operation of passing the rope between the
electrodes, which is to be used for passing the strip through the
strip treating apparatus prior to the start thereof. The above-
mentioned facts have been to confirm the solvability of the problems
described above, as well as the possibility of installing the strip
treating apparatus in a smaller space.
There is the second problem which relates to the stirring
of a treating solution such as a plating solution. According to the
above-described strip treating apparatus, a plurality of penetration
holes 9 are formed in the electrode 2 between the stabilizers 8 so
as to interconnect the inner and outer surfaces of the electrode 2
as shown in Fig. 14 (refer to Japanese Patent Publication
No. H6-13759 published on February 23, 1994 in the name of Toyo
Kohan Co., Ltd.). Since the strip treating apparatus has such a
construction, the travelling of the strip 10 between the electrodes
2,2 (the opposing electrode 2 not shown) causes to produce the
turbulence of the solution as shown in the form of arrows between
- 4 -
T
z~9~22~
~he stabilizers 8,8, resulting in circulation of the solution
between the inner surface side and the outer surface side of the
electrode 2 through the penetration holes 9. As a
- 4a -
C
2191225
result, the exhausted solution on the inner side of the electrode
is substituted by the fresh solution on the outer side of the
electrode.
According to this stirring method, a flow velocity of the
solution between the penetration holes is however decreased,
resulting in occurrence of a striped flow having an uniform
velocity. Such a striped flow with ununiform velocity causes a
chemical ununiformity of the bath. It may be possible to prevent
the occurrence of the striped flow by forming a vertical long slit
in the electrode along the travelling direction of the strip,
connecting both penetration holes. This method causes a problem
of decreased strength of the electrode. In order to solve this
problem, a dimension of the electrode is required to be increased.
There is the third problem which relates to the stability
of a level of a treating solution during the travelling of the strip
between the electrodes. When the strip treating apparatus is
operated under the condition that an extreme short distance
between the electrodes 2, 2 such as anodes or catncaes is
maintained as shown in Fig. 15(Fig. 15(a) is a plane view
illustrating the apparatus, with one electrode removed, in which a
part of the strip is cut off so as to facilitate the understanding
of the apparatus), the meniscus level between the electrodes
unstably varies due to the downward flow of the bath caused by the
travelling of the strip in the downward direction, and more
specifically, the meniscus level moves up and down as shown in
reference marks "p" and "q", leading to a plating irregularity
or a cleaning irregularity.
- 5 -
r 219122
In view of these circumstances, a solution supplying
apparatus 11 is provided above the electrodes 2 and a solution is
supplied between the electrodes therethrough, so as to prevent the
unstable moving of the meniscus level between the electrodes, as
shown in Fig. 16 (Fig. 16(a) is a plane view illustrating the
apparatus, with one electrode removed, in which a part of the strip
is cut off so as to facilitate the understanding of the apparatus).
In case of applying an electric current through a grid as in a
cleaning apparatus, voltage drop is small even when the meniscus
level is low. When the meniscus level becomes low and a distance
between a conductor roll and the meniscus level becomes long in the
plating apparatus, on the other hand, voltage drop becomes large,
requiring an excessive electric power. Accordingly, an increased
amount of solution is supplied between the electrodes 2,2 in order
to cause the meniscus level to move up to a high level.
There is thus required the solution supplying apparatus
11. Arrangement of such a solution supplying apparatus 11 above the
anodes or cathodes accompanying with many kinds of complicated
devices and pipes has however complicated a plating apparatus or a
cleaning apparatus. In addition, it has not been easy to supply the
solution between the electrodes 2,2 which are able to be arranged so
adjacently to each other by providing the stabilizers 8 on the
electrodes (refer to Fig. 16). In order to achieve the above-
mentioned supply of the solution, many kinds of other devices have
further been required to be added. As a result, the cost of the
plating apparatus or the cleaning apparatus has been increased and
maintenance works have also been complicated. These matters have
been important factors of prohibiting a spread of the plating
apparatus or the cleaning apparatus in which the electrodes 2,2 were
- 6 -
AUG, 14. 2000 6:38PM SWAHE~' OGILVY MTL 514 288 8389 N0, 7716 P, fi/26
able to be arranged so adjacently to each other by providing the
stabilizers 8 on the tlectrodes (,5apanese Patent Provisional
Publication No. H3-20494 identified hereinbeforey.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view o:~ tht foregoing, the first object of the present
invention is to provide a strip treating apparatus such as a plating
apparatus or a cleaning apparatus, which has an opening and closing
mechanism for electrodes, which is able to be secured to a small-
sized bath tank designed as a facility havi~xg the irreducible minimum
scale of a demand, or the conventional bath tank, and fn which
meChaniem a let~kage of a bath is prevented.
the second object of the present invention is to provide
the plating apparatus and the cleaning apparatus having tile above-
mentioned construction, in which prescribed Stabilizing members for
solution flow are provided on the electrodes to cause the solution
from the outer surface side of the electrode to flow uaifo~ly toward
the inner Surface aide of: the electrode i.n a direction at right
angles to the travelling direction of the atzip, so as to prevtnt tht
occurrence of the above-mentioned striped flow.
The third; object: of the present invention is to provide a
plate treating apparatus such as the plating' appa~r8tus or the
cleaning apparatus, in which a plating irstgularity or a cltaning
irrtgularity caused! by the unstable meniscu3 level betwten tht
electrodes can bt prevented by a simple construction without
providing the 3oluti.on supplying apparatus.
CA 02191225 2000-08-14
.219 9225
Therefore, in accordance with the present invention,
there is provided an apparatus for treating a strip, comprising
homopolar electrodes arranged so as to face to each other in a bath
tank, said strip being travelled between said electrodes to subject
said strip to any one of a plating treatment, a cleaning treatment
and another treatment, characterized in that:
insulators are provided so as to be projected on opposite
surfaces of said electrodes, and each of said insulators has a slant
face inclined from a side of each of said electrodes toward said
strip in a travelling direction of said strip;
one electrode of said homopolar electrodes arranged so as
to face to each other is stationarily secured to said bath tank; and
an opening and closing mechanism for adjusting a distance
between said electrodes is provided at an other electrode of said
homopolar electrodes arranged so as to face to each other.
When the homopolar electrodes are arranged vertically so
as to face to each other in the bath tank, all of the operating
members of the above-mentioned opening and closing mechanism are
preferably positioned above the surface of a bath in the bath tank.
The above-mentioned opening and closing mechanism may
comprise a pair of electrode holders positioned on both end portions
of the other electrode, frame-shaped followers provided at the both
end portions of the other electrode, cam shafts rotatably supported
on the electrode holders, cams secured to both end portions of the
cam shafts, and fitted into the frame-shaped followers, and
operating members provided at one end portions of the cam shafts.
_ g _
2191225
When the homopolar electrodes are arranged vertically so
as to face to each other in the bath thank, the above-mentioned
opening and closing mechanism may comprise a bus bar connected to an
upper end of the other electrode, upper electrode-holders positioned
on an upper end portion of the other electrode, a sliding system for
slidably supporting the bus bar on the upper electrode-holders, and
a linear-type actuator for sliding the bus bar on the sliding
system.
Also in accordance with the present invention, there is
provided an apparatus for treating a strip, comprising homopolar
electrodes arranged so as to face to each other in a bath tank, said
strip being travelled between said electrodes to subject said strip
to any one of a plating treatment, a cleaning treatment and another
treatment, characterized in that:
stabilizers are provided on opposite surfaces of said
electrodes, said stabilizers each having a slant face inclined from
a side of each of said electrodes toward said strip in a travelling
direction of said strip;
a plurality of penetration holes are formed in each of
said electrodes on an upstream side and a downstream side of each of
said stabilizers in a travelling direction of said strip to
interconnect inner and outer surfaces of each of said electrodes
with each other
stabilizing members for solution flow are provided so as
to face said penetration holes on both of said upstream side and
said downstream side of each of said stabilizers, or only on said
downstream side thereof;
9 -
219 122
a fluid-storing room is formed at a side of said
penetration holes of each of said stabilizing members for solution
flow: and
a slit-shaped hole is formed in each of said stabilizing
members for solution flow so as to extend in a direction
intersecting the travelling direction of said strip.
In the above-mentioned construction, it is preferable
that the stabilizers have a function of the stabilizing members for
solution flow, that the electrodes have denting portions, and the
stabilizing members for solution flow are secured in the portions,
and that the stabilizing members for solution flow is made of a
material having heat-resistance property and/or chemical-resistance
property.
It is preferable that mounting holes for connecting each
of the above-mentioned electrodes and the above-mentioned
stabilizing members for solution flow are formed in one of the each
of the electrodes and stabilizing members for solution flow, and
bolts are secured on an other of the each of the electrodes and the
stabilizing members for solution flow, the bolts being loosely
fitted into the mounting holes, thereby absorbing a difference in
expansion between the stabilizing members for solution flow and the
electrodes due to thermal expansion thereof.
In the above-mentioned construction, the electrodes may
be one of anodes or cathodes, or electrodes changeable into anodes
or cathodes.
Further in accordance with the present invention, there
is provided an apparatus for treating a strip, comprising homopolar
_. - 10 -
~ZZ~ 6tZ 4"
electrodes arranged so as to face to each other in a bath tank, said
strip being travelled between said electrodes to subject said strip
to any one of a plating treatment, a cleaning treatment and another
treatment, characterized in that:
an upper end of an electric discharging face of each of
said electrodes is located below a surface of a bath in said bath
tank.
In the above-mentioned construction, each of the
electrodes may be supported at the upper end thereof by means of a
bus bar covered with an insulating material, a portion of the bus
bar for supporting each of the electrodes may be formed into a bent-
shape, and the upper end of the electric discharging face of each of
the electrodes may be located below the surface of the bath in the
bath tank.
A function of the strip treating apparatus of the present
invention for attainment of the first object of the present
invention will be described hereafter. One electrode of homopolar
electrodes which are to be arranged so as to face to each other is
arranged at a prescribed position, and stationarily secured thereto.
The other electrode is movably arranged at a prescribed position,
and an opening and closing mechanism for the other electrode is
provided. When passing through a rope between the electrodes, which
is to be used for passing a strip through the strip treating
apparatus prior to the start thereof, the other electrode is only
opened to obtain a prescribed distance necessary for passing through
the rope between the electrodes. In this
- 11 -
191225
stage, the above-mentioned one electrode is stationarily secured
at the prescribed closed position. Since insulators
(stabilizers) are also provided on this electrode, the strip may
slide on the insulators without being in contact with this
electrode during the passing of the rope between the electrodes,
which is to be used for passing the stripth rough the strip treating
apparatus prior to the start thereof, thus preventing the contact
of the strip with the electrode. In this stage, the insulators
(the stabilizers ) are not damaged or broken, since the strip is not
tensed. The construction in which the electrode on the side of the
wall of the tank is designed as the stationary electrode, permits
the use of a small-sized bath tank, since there is no need of
preparing a space for moving the above-mentioned electrode, and
also permits the application of the strip treating apparatus to a
conventional bath tank which does not have such a space. Since the
opening and closing mechanism provided only for the other
electrode suffices, the cost of the opening and closing mechanism
can be reduced by half .
In case that the homopolar electrodes are arranged
vertically so as to face to each other in the bath tank, it is
possible to release the necessity of forming holes for operating
members of the opening and closing mechanism in the wall of the bath
tank and of arranging the above-mentioned operating members so as
to project outside from these holes, by arranging all of the
operating members of the opening and closing mechanism above the
surface of the bath in the bath tank, resulting in prevention of
leakage of the bath, and prevention of the damage of the operating
members caused by the immersion of the operating members in the
bath. The operating members mean portions which generate the
- 12 -
2191225
force for operating the opening and closing mechanism, they mean
portions to be operated by hands of an operator, if manually
operated, and they mean portions which generate the operating
force, i.e., operating portions of rotary-type actuators such as
rotary-type cylinders, linear-type actuators such as pneumatic
actuators, and the like, if automatically operated.
The opening and closing mechanism comprises camshafts
rotatably supported on a pair of electrode holders, having cams
secured thereto in respective positions of both end portions of the
other electrode, and having the operating members at the
respective end portions; and a pair of frame-shaped followers
which are respectively secured onto the both end portions of the
other electrode, and into which followers the cams of the cam
shafts are respectively fitted. According to tries cons~truczion,
it is possible to compose the opening and closing mechanism in a
small-size and in a simple construction. In addition, the both end
portions of the other electrode are moved so as to be opened or
closed by means of the cam shafts supported on the pair of electrode
holders, thus securing the opening and closing operation.
In case that the homopolar electrodes are arranged
vertically so as to face to each other in the bath tank, the opening
and closing mechanism comprises a sliding system provided between
upper electrode-holders and a bus bar for the other electrode, and
a linear-type actuator for sliding the other electrode on the
sliding system. According to this construction, it is possible to
move the other electrode in low friction, with the result that the
electrode can be moved by a small force, thus making it possible to
use small-sized actuators.
- 13 -
2991225
A function of the plating apparatus or the cleaning
apparatus of the present invention for attainment of the second
object of the present invention will be described hereafter. In
this apparatus, the solution on the upstream side relative to the
travelling direction of the strip between the stabilizers is kept
in the negative pressure condition, because a part of the solution
accompanies with the running strip in the travelling direction
thereof. The part of the solution kept in the negative pressure
condition constitutes a suction side of the solution. As a result,
the solution at the outer surface side of the electrode is sucked to
the inner surface side thereof through the penetration holes for
interconnecting the inner and outer surfaces of the electrode.
First, the thus sucked solution enters a fluid-storing room of each
of stabilizing members for solution flow, which is provided on the
suction side. Second, the pressure of the sucked solution is
uniformed in the fluid-storing room, and then, the solution flows
toward the strip through a slit-shaped hole.
In this stage, the solution from the slit-shaped hole has
a uniform flow, thus making it possible to carry out a plating
treatment or a cleaning treatment without causing any
irregularities.
On the other hand, the pressure of the solution on the
downstream side relative to the travelling direction of the strip
between the stabilizers becomes high, because of the blockage of
the flow of the solution by means of the stabilizer, thus
constituting a discharge side. As a result, the solution is
discharged toward the outside surface side of the electrode
- 14 -
291225
through the penetration holes for interconnecting the inner and
outer surfaces of the electrode.
Part of the solution flows along the inner surface of the
electrode toward the upstream side relative to the travelling
direction of the strip.
A turbulent flow is caused due to the existence of the
penetration holes. the stabilizing members for solution flow also
provided on the above-mentioned discharge side makes it possible
to cause a uniform flow on the discharge side.
The necessity of providing the stabilizing members for
solution flow on the discharge side depends on a distance between
the penetration holes , a diameter thereof , and the like .
The stabilizing members for solution flow secured to the
electrode causes decrease in area of the electric discharging face
of the electrode by the area thereof to which the stabilizing
members for solution flow are secured. The use of the stabilizers
having a function of the stabilizing members for solution flow
however makes it possible to prevent the above-mentioned decrease
in area of the electric discharging face of the electrode .
When the fluid-storing room is formed in cooperation with
the denting portion formed in the electrode, the length of the
projecting portion of the stabilizing member for solution flow
from the surface of the electrode can be decreased. The use of the
stabilizer having the function of the stabilizing member for
solution flow makes it possible to prevent the increase in length
- 15 -
191225
of the projecting portion of the stabilizer from the surface of the
electrode, with the result that a further small distance between
the electrodes can be maintained.
The stabilizing members for solution flow are made of a
material having a heat-resistance property and/or a
chemical-resistance property. This makes it possible to prevent
them from being deformed by heat and/or chemicals, leading to
maintenance of a proper function of the stabilizing members for
solution flow. It is also possible to prevent the contact of the
stabilizing members for solution flow with the strip due to the
deformation of them.
There are formed, in the electrodes or the stabilizing
members for solution flow, mounting holes for absorbing the
thermal expansion of the stabilizing members for solution flow,
which also has a function of holes for securing the stabilizing
members for solution flow. This makes it possible to prevent the
stabilizing members for solution flow from being deformed, even if
a material of them and a material of the electrodes are different
from each other (and there is a difference in thermal expansion
between them) , and if the stabilizing members for solution flow are
swelled, thus preventing the contact of them with the strip.
A function of the plating apparatus or the cleaning
apparatus of the present invention for attainment of the third
object of the present invention will be described hereafter. A
plating treatment or a cleaning treatment is carried out by moving
ions from the electric discharging face of the anode in the
solution, or depositing ions on the electric discharging face of
- 16 -
MAR. 12. 2001 4:58PM SWAI~EY OGILVY MTL 514 288 8389 , N0, 4481 P. 3/14
the cathode. Since the upper end of the electric
discharging face of Ghe anode ox cathode is located belGw the aurfaCe
of th,e bath in the bath tax~yc;, the electric discharging face is always
immersed in the solution, t.hu$ making iC pbssible to carry out the
plating treatment or the cleaning treatment without causing an.y
irregularities.
Therefore, in accordance with the present invention,
there iS provided an apparatus for treating a strip, comprising;
at least one pair of homopolar electrodes, arranged to
face each other in a bath tank; said strip being travelled between
said electrodes to sui~ject said strip to a tres,tment,
insulators provided so se to be projected on opposite
surfaces of said at least ox~e pair of hotnopolar electrodes, and each
of said insulators has a slant face inclined from a aide of each of
S2~id at least one pair of homopolar electrodes in a travelling
direCGion of said strip;
a firt electrode of said at least one pair of homopolar
electrodes being atatiOZiarily secured to said bath tank; aid
an opening and Closing mechanism being provided at a
second electrode of said at least one pair of homopolar electrodes
for adjusting a distance between saipl at least one pair of homopolar
electrodes;
said opening and closing mechanism being located above
said bath tank.
Also in accordance with the present invention, there is
provided an apparatus for treating a strip, comprieixt,g:
at least 4z7.e pair of homopolar electrodes, arranged to
face each other in a bath tank;
- 17 -
-_....._ ..~ ..~... CA 02191225 2001-03-12
aac~. 14. 2000 6:39PM SWAHEY aGILVY ~dTL 514 288 8389 Na, 7716 p, 8/26
stabiliaeras provided on opposite surfaces of said
glectrodas, said stabilizers each having a slant face inclined from
a side of each of said electrodes in a travelling direction of said
strip
a piuralit;y of penetration holca formed in each of said
electrodes on an upst~_eam side end a downstream side of each Of said
stabilixCrs in the travelling direction of said strip to
interconnect inner and outer surfaces of each of said electrodes
with each other]
stabilizing members for Solution flow provided so as to
face said penetration holes On both of said upstream side arid 981d
downstream side of each of said stabilisers, or only on said
downstream aide thereof;
a fluid-storing room formed at a side of said penetration
holes of each of said Stabilizing members for solution flow; and
a slit-shaped ho:Le formed in each of said stabilizing
members for solution flow so as to extend in a direction
intersecti~lcJ said trd~~elling direction of said strip.
Further in accordance with the present invention, there
is provided a strip treating apparatus comprising:
a tank with a stx~tionary electrode supported in a fixed
relationship to said tenkt
a movable electrode supported in said tank and movable
relative to said atat.ionary electrode;
said movable electrode being movable between a First
position and a second position;
acid movable electrode and said stationary electrode
defining a first Ch~~nnel therebetween when said movable electrode
is at said tir9t position:
- 18 -
CA 02191225 2000-08-14
AUG. 14, 2000 6:39PM SWABEY OGILVY ~fTL 514 288 B3B9 N0, 7716 P, 9/26
said movable electrode and said stationary electrode
defining tt second channel tharebetwlen when said movable electrode
is at said second position;
said second cha~rinel being wider than said first channel;
an actuator: mounted above aa~,d tank: and
said actuator connected to said movable electrod! to move
said movable electrode betweean Said first and second positions while
said stationary electrode r~lrnains i.n said fixed relationship to said
tank.
Still further in accordance with the present invention,
there is provided a strip treating apparatus comprising:
a tank for holding a strip treating solution:
first and ;second electrodes supported within said tank;
said first:, and second electrodes defining a channel
therebetween;
a first flow straiqhtet7lng member extending from an inner
surface Of said first electrode into acid channel:
said inner surface of said first electrode and an
interiox surface of ;aid first flow straightening member defining a
plenum chamber;
said first electrode including at least one inlet
aperture extending from an otter surface of said first elOCtrode
into said plenum chamber:
a front f:ece of said first flaw straightening member
having a slit Communicating said plenum Chamber with said channel:
and
said first electrode including at least one outlet
aperture extending from said inner surface to said outer surface
such that movement of a strip of material in said channel causes
Said Strip treating solution to Circulate from said outer sur.tace of
- 19 -
CA 02191225 2000-08-14
AUO, 14, 2000 6:39PM SWAHEY OGILVY MTL 514 288 8389 N0, 7916 P, 1D/26
said first electrode through said at least one inlet aperture into
said plenum chamber, :from 98_~d plenum chamber through said slit into
said channel. and froin Said channel through said at least one outlet
aperture to said outer° surface of said first el~Ctrode_
Still further iri aCCOrdariCe with the present invention,
there is provided a strip tret~ting apparatus comprising:
a tank for hplding a treating solution:
at least cane electrode having an upper inactive portion
and a lower active portion;
said tank together with said 0.t least one electrode
having ari operation level to which acid tank is filled with said
txeating solution for treating a strip of material:
said operation level fluctuating betwe~ri ~ minimum level
and a maxilAUm level during a feeding of said strip of material into
said tank;
ari electrically insulating layer on an outer surface of
only s8id upper inactive portion, thereby defining a transitional
line between said upp~r inactive portion and said lower active
portion;
said ugper inactive portion being Supported at a fixed
height relative to said tank and supporting said lower active
portion ire said tank= and
said transitional like of said at least one electrode
being below Said operation :Level of said tank such that said lower
activ~ portion of s9-~d at least one eleCtrOde i3 always below said
minimum level during said :feeding of said strip of material into
said tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having tans generally described the nature of the
inventl0n, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
- 19a -
CA 02191225 2000-08-14
AvU. 14. 2000 6:46PM SWABEY OGILVY MTL 514 288 8389 Na, 7716 p. 11/26
showing by way of illustration a preferred Cmbodimerit thereof, and in
whlCh:
Fig. 1(~) is a perspective view illustrating the strip
treating apparatus o' the first embodiment of the present invention
for detraining the first object of thG pxesent invention;
Fig. 1(b) is a top plan view illustrating the f~.tting
condition of the cam into the frame-shaped follower 9hvwn in Fig.
1 (a)
Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the modified
embodiment of the strip treating apparatus as shown in Fig. lad
Fi$. 3 is et perspective view illustrating the strip
treating appar8tus of the second embodiment of the present invention,
for attaining the fizst object of the present invention:
Fig. 4 is an enlarged front view illustrating the opening
and Closing m~Gh~nism of the modified embodiment of the strip
tre8ting appardt~s as shown in Fig. 3:
Fig, 5 (a) 1s a perspective view illustrating the anode or
Cathode Of the first embodim.ant of the prCSCnt inventions
Fig. 5(b) is a per9ptGtive view illustrating the
stabilizing member fc~r Solution flow shown in fig. 5(a);
Fig. 5(G) is a cross-Sectional view of the stabilizing
member for solution flow shown in Fig. 5(b);
Fig. 5(d) is a top plan view, partially in section, of the
stabilizing trietC~ber for 901h.tion flow and anode or cathod0 shown in
Fig. 5 (t~)
Fig. 5(e) is a front elevataonal view of the anode or
cathode shown in Fig. 5(a);
Fig. 6 i~ a perspective view illustrating the anode or
Cathode from the inside thereof of the strip tr~teting apparatus of
- 19b-
CA 02191225 2000-08-14
AUG. 14. 2000 6:46PM SWABEY OGILVY D4TL 514 288 8389 N0, 7716 P. 12/26
the second embodiment of the present invention, for attairiit7g the
second object of the ;present invention;
Fig. 7 is a sectional view illustrating the stabilizer in
the strip treating apparatus of the third embodiment of the present
invention, for attaining the second object of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view illustrating the stabilizer in
the strip treating apparatus of the fourth embodiment of the pre9ent
i;ivention, for attaining the second object of the pre$trit inventions
Fig. 9 is a sectional view illustrating the stabilizer is
the strip treating apparatus of the fifth embodiment of the present
invention, for attaining tk'~e second object of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a sectional view illustrating the stabilizer in
the strip tr~st~ting apparatus of the sixth embodiment of the present
invention, for attaining the second object of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a front elevational view, partially in section,
illustrating the anode or cathode from the outside thereof of the
strip treating apparatus o!: tht seventh embodiment of the present
invention, fox attaining the second object of the present invention:
Fig. 12 (a;1 id a front ~levat~.onal view, partially i11
section, showing the passage o! a strip by the anode or cathode of
the strip treating apparatus of the presarit invention;
Fig. 12(b) is a side ~lavat3,oaa1 view showing anodes or
cathodCa of the subject illvCrition disposed face to face:
Fig. 12(c? is a front elevational. view Ot the anode or
cathode shown in fig. 12(a?:
Fig. I2(d1 is a side el.evational view Of the anode or
cathode shown in Fig. 12(c);
Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrt~tiag the
conventional strip traatirig apparatus;
- 19c -
CA 02191225 2000-08-14
AUG, 14. 2000 6:46PM SWABEY OGILVY I~TL 514 288 8389 Na, 7?16 P. 13/26
Fic~. 14 is 8 sectional view illustrating the flowing
condition of the solution in the conventional plating or cleaning
apparatus;
Fig. 15(a) is a front elevatiorit~l view showing a
conventional anode or cathode in a plating or cleaning solution;
Fig. 15(b) is a side elevatiorial view showing passage of a
strip between conventional anodes or cathodes disposed face to face;
Fig. 16(a) is a front elevational view, partially in
atetion, showing the conventional anode or cathode of Fig. 15(a) with
a solution level regulator; .and
Fig. 16(b) is a side elevational view showing the
conv~tt~tional anodes or cathodes of Fig. 15(b) with solution level
regulatoxa.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION I~F THE :PREFERREb EMBQDIMENT
The embodiment of the strip treating apparatus of the
present invention for attaining the first object of the present
invention will be described hereafter with reference to th! drawings.
A plating solution (not shown) is stored in a vertical-pass type bath
tank 1, arid anodes 2,2 axe vertically arranged face to face in the
plating solution xo that the upper end portions 2d, 2d of the anodes
2,2 are located above the surface of the bath (not shown) in the bath
tank 1, as shown in Fig. 1(a). Insulators (steDilizers) arc provided
so as to bG pXOjected on the inner surface of each of the ileCtrodes
2. Each of the insul;~tors
- 7.9d -
CA 02191225 2000-08-14
X191225
has a slant face (not shown) inclined from the side of the electrode
toward the strip in the travelling direction of the strip ( i. e. , in
the downward direction in Fig . 1 ( a ) ) . A bus bar 2c is secured to
the upper end of the electrode 2. An electric current is supplied
through the bus bar 2c to the electrode .
One electrode 2a of the homopolar electrodes arranged so
as to face to each other is stationarily secured. More
specifically, upper electrode-holders 3 and lower
electrode-holders 5 are secured in the bath tank 1 so that bus bar
fitting portions 3a of the upper electrode-holders 3 and bus bar
fitting portions 5a of the lower electrode-holders 5 are placed at
the respective prescribed positions, the bus bars 2c respectively
provided at the upper and lower ends of the one electrode 2a are
fitted into the above-mentioned bus bar fitting portions 3a, 5a.
The one electrode 2a is arranged at a prescribed position and
stationarily secured thereto in this manner. The upper
electrode-holders 3 are arranged above the surface of the bath in
the bath tank 1. The one electrode 2a may be stationarily secured
in close proximity to the wall of the bath tank 1.
The upper bus bar 2c for the other electrode 2bis slidably
mounted on the upper electrode-holders 3. The other electrode 2b
is therefore openable and closable relative to the one electrode
2a. Stopper portions 3b, 5bfor limiting the sliding position of
the other electrode 2b under the closed condition are provided on
the upper and lower electrode-holders 3, 5, respectively. There
is provided an opening and closing mechanism 20 for the other
electrode 2b. More specifically, cam shafts 20a are rotatably
supported in the upper and lower pairs of electrode-holders 3, 5,
- 20 -
2~ 91225
respectively. Cams 20b are secured to the cam shafts 20a at
positions of the both end portions of the other electrode 2b.
Operating members 20c comprising manually operated levers are
fixed to the respective upper ends of the cam shafts 20a. The
operating members 20c are arranged above the surface of the bath in
the bath tank 1. Each of the cams 20b comprises a disc-shaped
eccentric cam as shown in Fig. 1(b). When the manually operated
lever 20c is turned to a position at right angle to the electrode,
the other electrode 2b is moved and urged against the stopper
portions 3b, 5b so as to set the other electrode in the closed
position. When the manually operated lever20c is turned to a
position parallel to the electrode, the other electrode 2b is moved
together with frame-shaped followers 20d described later so as to
set the other electrode in the opened position. The eccentricity
of the cam 20b is previously determined so as to secure a prescribed
distance between the electrodes, which permits the passing of a
rope between them by only moving the other electrode. The
frame-shaped followers 20d are provided at the both end portions of
the other electrode by securing these followers 20d to the bus bars
2c. Each of the frame-shaped followers 20d has a rectangular
space, and the short side of this rectangular space has a length
substantially identical to the longer diameter of the cam 20b so
that the cam 20b is fitted into the frame-shaped follower 20d.
When the eccentric cam 20b is turned, the frame-shaped follower 20d
follows the eccentric cam 20b to change its position.
A conducting drum 7 is arranged in the bottom portion of
the bath tank 1. The strip travelling between the pair of
electrodes 2, 2 is stretched over the conducting drum 7 so as to
change the travelling direction thereof .
- 21 -
291225
When there is conducted a work of passing through a rope
between the electrodes in the strip treating apparatus having the
above-described construction, prior to the start thereof, the
manually operated lever 20c is turned to a position parallel to the
electrode ( as shown by dotted lines in Fig . 1 ( b ) ) . As a result, the
frame-shaped followers at the both of the upper end portions and
the lower end portions of the other electrode move in the following
action of the turning of the eccentric cams, to cause the other
electrode to be set in the opened position. In this stage, the both
of the upper end portions and the lower end portions of the other
electrode are moved, thus ensuring the opening and closing. The
opening and closing operation can easily be conducted by only
turning the manually operated levers 20c arranged above the
surface of the bath in the bath tank. In this stage, the one
electrode is stationarily secured at the prescribed closed
position, as mentioned above. Since the insulators (the
stabilizers ) are provided on this electrode, the strip may slide on
the insulators without being in contact with this electrode during
the passing of the rope between the electrodes in the strip
treating apparatus prior to the start thereof, thus preventing the
contact of the strip with the electrode. In this stage, the
insulators (the stabilizers) are not damaged or broken, since the
strip is not tensed.
After the completion of the work of passing through the
rope between the electrodes in the strip treating apparatus prior
to the start thereof, the strip is stretched over the conducting
drum 7 so as to change the travelling direction thereof . Then, the
manually operated lever 20c is turned to a position at right angle
- 22 -
2191225
to the electrode (as shown by solid lines in Fig. 1(b)). As a
result, the frame-shaped followers 20d move in the following
action of the turning of the eccentric cams in a direction opposite
to that in the above-described opening operation, to cause the
other electrode to be set in the closed position. When the other
electrode is in contact with the stopper portions3b, 5b, the
cloding operation is completed. The closing condition of the
other electrode can be firmly maintained by urging the bus bars 2c
against the stopper portions 3b,5b by means of the eccentric cams
20b. Each of the manually operated levers has a prescribed length
so that it can be turned by a small force under the action of
leverage.
After the thus completion of the work of passing through
the rope between the electrodes in the strip treating apparatus
prior to the start thereof, the strip is subjected to the plating
treatment at a high current density.
In case of passing through the weld-connected portion of
the strips, which has a relatively large thickness, between the
electrodes, the other electrode 2b is again moved to its opened
position to pass through the above-mentioned weld-connected
portion between the electrodes, and then, the plating treatment is
carried out at a high current density in the same manner as
mentioned above, if necessary.
In the above-described embodiment, the manually operated
levers can be substituted by automatically operating means. A
rotary cylinder 20f for turning the cam shaft 20a is for example
provided at the upper end of each of the cam shafts 20a as shown in
- 23 -
291225
Fig. 2. In this case, the rotary cylinder 20f is arranged above the
surface of the bath in the bath tank 1, thus making it possible to
prevent the rotary cylinder 20f having electric circuits being
exposed to the treating solution such as a plating solution in the
bath tank 1.
Now, the second embodiment of the strip treating
apparatus of the present invention for attaining the first object
of the present invention will be described hereafter with
reference to Fig. 3.
In Fig. 3, the other electrode 2b is slidably arranged on
the upper electrode-holders 3 so as to be openable and closable. A
pneumatic cylinder 21f as the opening and closing mechanism is
fixed to each of the upper electrode-holders 3. More
specifically, the free end of the operating shaft 21a of each of the
pneumatic cylinders 21f is secured to each of the both end portions
of the upper bus bar 2c for the other electrode 2b. A vertical
shaft2lb is firmly connected to the middle portion of the operating
shaft 21a of each of the pneumatic cylinders 21f. The lower end
portion of each of the vertical shafts 21b is bent at right angles
to form a horizontal portion 21c . The free end of the horizontal
portion 21c of each of the vertical shafts 21b is secured to each of
the both end portions of the lower bus bar 2c for the other
electrode 2b. The above-mentioned pneumatic cylinders 21f serve
as automatically operating means. Stopper portions 3b, 5b for
limiting the sliding position of the other electrode 2b under the
closed condition are provided on the upper and lower
electrode-holders 3, 5, respectively.
- 24 -
219 ~ 225
In the above-described construction, when the pneumatic
cylinders 21f are operated to retract the operating shafts 21a
thereof, the other electrode 2b slides on the upper
electric-holders 3 so as to be in the opened position. In this
stage, the force is directly transmitted to the upper and lower end
portions of the other electrode 2b by the movement of the operating
shafts 21a, since the operating shafts 21a are connected to the
lower bus bar for the other electrode 2b through the vertical
shafts 21b. This makes it possible to smoothly open and close the
other electrode 2b without causing the undesirable swing of the
electrode 2b, even when the upper electrode-holders 3 have a
relatively large coefficient of friction with the result that
there may be easily caused the undesirable swing of the electrode
2b during the sliding thereof .
In the above-described embodiment, the frictional force
on the sliding face can be further decreased. There is provided a
sliding system as shown in Fig. 4, which comprises an LM guide
member 22a secured on the upper electrode-holder 3 between the
upper electrode-holder 3 and the upper bus bar 2c for the other
electrode 2b; and a fitting member 22b secured to the upper bus bar
2c, into which the above-mentioned LM guide member 22a is fitted.
The linear actuator 22c comprising the pneumatic cylinder is fixed
to the upper electrode-holders 3, and the free end of the operating
shaft 22d of the linear actuator 22c is secured to the upper bus bar
2c. Since the frictional force on the sliding face is small in the
above-mentioned construction, the other electrode can be opened or
closed by the operation of small-sized pneumatic cylinders. The
other electrode can be moved without swinging, resulting in relief
of the necessity of providing the vertical shafts for connecting
- 25 -
~i9~225
the operating shafts 22d with the lower portions of the other
electrode, thus simplifying the opening and closing mechanism.
The present invention is applied to the plating apparatus
in the above-described embodiment. The present invention can also
be applied to the other strip treating apparatus, for example, a
cleaning apparatus in which impurities adhered on the surface of
the strip are electrolytically removed in an alkaline treating
solution. In this case, the electrodes serve as a cathode.
Now, the embodiment of the strip treating apparatus of the
present invention for attaining the second object of the present
invention will be described hereafter with reference to the
drawings.
Electrodes 2 which serve as an anode or a cathode, are
arranged so as to face to each other in the bath tank ( not shown ) of
the plating or cleaning apparatus of the present invention as shown
in Fig. 5. Stabilizers 8 are arranged on the opposite surfaces of
these electrodes 2 ( one of them is only shown in Fig . 5 ( a ) ) .
Each of the stabilizers 8 has a slant face inclined from
the side of the electrode toward the strip in the travelling
direction "a~ of the strip. A proximate portion above the
stabilizer 8 and another proximate portion below the stabilizer 8
as shown in Figs. 5(a) and 5(e) constitute a suction side and a
discharge side of a solution, respectively. A plurality of
penetration holes 23, 24 which interconnect the inner and outer
surfaces of the electrode, are formed along the stabilizer 8 in the
electrode.
- 26 -
~2~9~'225
Stabilizing members for solution flow 25 are provided to
the inner surface of the electrode 1 on the suction side. Each of
the stabilizing members for solution flow 25 has a box-shape as
shown in Figs. 5(b), 5(c) and 5(d). The stabilizing member for
solution flow 25 covers the plurality of penetration holes 24
formed along the stabilizer on the suction side of the solution, so
as to form a fluid-storing room 25a in the stabilizing member for
solution flow 25.
The stabilizing member for solution flow 25 has a
slit-shaped hole 25b formed in the wall thereof at the side of the
strip. The slit-shaped hole 25b has a length identical to that of
the row of penetration holes 23, and is arranged at right angles to
the travelling direction of the strip. The stabilizing member for
solution flow 25 is projected from the surface of the electrode 2.
The stabilizing member for solution flow 25 is preferably be made
of an insulating material having heat-resistance property and
chemical-resistance property, taking into consideration the
possibility of the contact of them with the strip.
According to the plating or cleaning apparatus of the
present invention having the above-described construction, a
plating solution or a cleaning solution flows toward the inner
surface side of the electrode 2 through the penetration holes 23
from the outer surface side of the electrode 2. The pressure of the
solution is uniformed in the fluid-storing room 25a of the
stabilizing member for solution flow 25,and then, the solution
flows toward the strip through the slit-shaped hole 25b. In this
stage, the flow of the solution is converted into a uniform flow,
~':t. - 2 7 -
2~ 91225
thus making it possible to carry out a plating treatment or a
cleaning treatment without causing any irregularities. The
solution dammed up by the stabilizer 8 on the discharge side is
discharged toward the outer surface side of the electrode through
the penetration holes 24.
Part of the solution flows along the inner surface of the
electrode toward the upstream side relative to the travelling
direction of the strip.
Now, the second embodiment of the strip treating
apparatus of the present invention for attaining the second object
of the present invention will be described hereafter with
reference to Fig. 6. In addition to the components of the
above-described first embodiment of the present invention,
stabilizing members for solution flow 26 having the same shape as
in the first embodiment are also arranged on the discharge side
(i.e., the side of the penetration holes 24).Accordingly, the
solution dammed up by the stabilizer 8 flows into the fluid-storing
room 26a of the stabilizing member for solution flow 26 through the
slit-shaped hole 26b of the stabilizing member for solution flow
26. Although a stirring is caused in the fluid-storing room 26a,
such a stirring in the fluid-storing room 26a does not give an
adverse effect to the surface of the strip, thus making it possible
to prevent causing irregularities of the plating or cleaning in the
proximity of the discharge side. The influence of the stirring
caused on the discharge side on the irregularities of the plating
or cleaning is smaller than that of the stirring caused on the
suction side. The provision of the stabilizing member for
solution flow on the discharge side is therefore not so important
_ 28 _
2191225
as the provision thereof on the suction side. The stabilizing
member for solution flow on the discharge side may be omitted,
depending on a distance between the penetration holes , a diameter
thereof, and the like.
Now, the third embodiment of the strip treating apparatus
of the present invention for attaining the second object of the
present invention will be described hereafter with reference to
Fig. 7. Penetration holes 35 are formed in the electrode on the
suction side so as to face to a stabilizer 32. In addition, a
portion of the stabilizer 32, which faces to the penetration holes
35, serves as a stabilizing member for solution 37. More
specifically, the stabilizer 32 is provided with a denting portion
for the fluid-storing room 38 which faces to the penetration holes
35. A slit-shaped hole 39 is formed between the electrode 2 and the
upstream end of the stabilizer 32 relative to the travelling
direction "a" of the strip so that the slit-shaped hole 39
communicates with the fluid-storing room 38. Such a construction
in which the stabilizer also serves as a stabilizing member for
solution flow, prevents the decrease in area of the electric
discharging face of the electrode.
According to the fourth embodiment of the strip treating
apparatus of the present invention for attaining the second object
of the present invention, penetration holes 46 are formed in the
electrode on the discharge side so as to face to a stabilizer 42 as
shown in Fig.8. In addition, a stabilizing member for solution
flow 47 is formed in the stabilizer 42 so as to face to the
penetration holes 46. More specifically, the stabilizer 42 is
provided with a denting portion for the fluid-storing room 48 which
- 29 -
X2191225
faces to the penetration holes 46. A slit-shaped hole 49 is formed
between the electrode 2 and the downstream end of the stabilizer 42
relative to the travelling direction ~ of the strip so that the
slit-shaped hole 39 communicates with the fluid-storing room 38.
Now, the fifth embodiment of the strip treating apparatus
of the present invention for attaining the second object of the
present invention will be described hereafter with reference to
Fig. 9. A denting portion 51a is formed in the electrode 51 so as to
communicate with the penetration holes 55 on the suction side. A
stabilizer 52 having an L-sectional shape is arranged in the
denting portion 51a so as to form a fluid-storing room 58. A
slit-shaped hole 59 is formed between the electrode 51 and the
stabilizer 52. The construction in which the fluid-storing room
is formed in the stabilizer so that the stabilizer serves as a
stabilizing member for solution flow, leads to enlargement of the
stabilizer ( as in the first and second embodiments ) . Although the
stabilizer interferes with the decrease in a distance between the
electrodes in principle, it is possible to decrease the length of
the projecting portion of the stabilizer from the surface of the
electrode, by forming the denting portion in the electrode and
using same as a part of the fluid-storing room, thus permitting the
maintenance of the decreased distance between the electrodes.
According to the sixth embodiment of the strip treating
apparatus of the present invention for attaining the second object
of the present invention, there is formed in the electrode a
denting portion 61a which also extends to the position of the
penetration hole 66 on the discharge side as shown in Fig. 10. A
stabilizer 62 having a T-sectional shape is arranged in the
.;. _ 30 _
2191225
above-mentioned dentig portion 61a so as to form also a
fluid-storing room 68. A slit-shaped hole 69 is formed between the
electrode 61 and the stabilizer 62.
Now, the seventh embodiment of the strip treating
apparatus of the present invention for attaining the second object
of the present invention will be described hereafter with
reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a plane view illustrating the
electrode from the outside thereof. Securing shafts 42a for a
stabilizer 42 which has the same construction as shown in Fig. 8,
and also serves as a stabilizing member for solution flow, are
loosely fitted into oblong holes 71a which are formed in the
electrode 71 so that each of the major axes of the oblong holes 71a
is aligned with the longitudinal line of the stabilizer. Each of
the securing shafts 42a is fixed to a flange (not shown) which is
arranged on the outer surface side of the electrode 71 so as to be
slidable on the outer surface thereof. Such a securing method
permits the longitudinal expansion and contraction of the
stabilizer 42 caused by the change in temperature of the
stabilizer. The stabilizing member for solution flow (1.e., the
stabilizer serving as a stabilizing member for solution flow in
this embodiment)is made of a material different from that of the
electrode, there may occur the displacement in position between
the electrode and the stabilizing member for solution flow due to
the change in temperature thereof. In addition, the
above-mentioned stabilizing member for solution flow may absorb
the treating solution to cause the swelling thereof. In view of
these problems, there are formed in the electrode 71 the oblong
holes 71a (which also serve as holes for securing the stabilizing
member for solution flow) for absorbing the difference in
- 31 -
expansion between the stabilizing member for solution flow and the
electrode due to thermal expansion thereof so that the stabilizing
member for solution flow is movable at the connecting portions of
the stabilizing member for solution flow and the electrode, thus
preventing the stabilizing member for solution flow from being
subjected to the forcible deformation, and from being in contact
with the strip.
The stabilizing member for solution flow may be secured to
the electrode by forming holes in the corresponding portions of the
stabilizing member for solution flow and the electrode, and
fastening them by means of bolts passing through these holes and
nuts. In this case, there may be formed, in replacement of the
move-mentioned holes, holes for absorbing the difference in
expansion between the stabilizing member for solution flow and the
electrode due to thermal expansion thereof.
Now, the embodiment of the strip treating apparatus of the
present invention for attaining the third object of the present
invention will be described hereafter with reference to the
drawings.
Fig. 12(a) is a descriptive plane view illustrating the
strip treating apparatus, with one electrode removed, in which a
part of a strip is cut off so as to facilitate the understanding of
the apparatus . Fig . 12 ( b ) is a descriptive side view illustrating
the s ame apparatus . Fig . 12 ( c ) and 12 ( d ) are plane and s ide views
illustrating a bus bar and an electrode, respectively.
A treating solution such as a plating solution 80 is
- 32 -
2~9~225
received in a bath tank ( not shown ) , and electrodes 2 are arranged
so as to be face to each other in the bath tank, as shown in Figs .
12(a) and 12(b).
Stabilizers 8 are secured to the inner surface of each of
the electrodes 2 so as to project from the inner surface thereof, as
shown in Figs. 12(c) and 12(d). Each of the stabilizers 8 has a
slant face 8a inclined from the side of the electrode toward the
strip in the travelling direction of the strip. A bus bar 82 for
suspending the electrode 1 and supplying an electric current
thereto has at its suspending position a portion the surface of
which is electrically isolated with a prescribed insulating
material 83. This portion is bent downwardly into a U-shape. The
electrode 2 is suspended by this bent portion 84. The electrode is
not covered with the insulating material. The depth of the bent
portion 84 of the bus bar 82 is determined so that the upper end of
the electrode, i.e., the lowermost position "r" of the covered
portion of the bus bar 82 is located below the lowermost position "
q" of the surface of the solution which goes up and down between the
electrodes, when the electrode is suspended by the bus bar 82 in the
bath tank.
A conductor roll (not shown) is provided above the
electrodes 2. After coming into contact with the conductor roll,
the strip 10 is travelled downwardly between the opposite
electrodes 2, with the result that an electric power is supplied
between the bus bar 82 and the conductor roll.
In this construction, the travelling of the strip causes
the accompanying of the solution because of the short distance
- 33 -
2 ,~ g ~ 2 2 5
vetween the electrodes, and as a result, the surface level of the
solution goes down between the electrodes, and this surface level
varies between the uppermost position "p" and the lowermost position
"q". However, since the upper end "r" of the discharging face of
the electrode is arranged below the lowermost position "q" of the
surface level of the solution, the entire discharging face of the
electrode is always immersed into the solution, thus making it
possible to carry out the plating or cleaning treatment without
causing any irregularities.
Since the bus bar 82 having the insulated surface is bent
so that the bent portion thereof is arranged below the solution, and
the electrode is suspended downwardly by the bus bar, it is possible
to prevent the occurrence of defects such as scratches in the strip,
which may be caused by the contact of the strip with the electrode
in the position above the solution. In addition, the forming of the
bent portion of the bus bar makes it possible to decrease the
distance between the conductor roll and the surface level of the
solution, thus inhibiting the voltage drop so as to save the
electric energy.
According to the present invention, there is no need of
preparing a space for moving the one electrode, thus permitting the
use of a small-sized bath tank, and also permitting the application
of the strip treating apparatus provided with the stabilizers to a
conventional bath tank which does not have such a space, since only
the other electrode is designed to be openable and closable, and as
a result, there can be extended a field area to which the strip
treating apparatus can be applied. Since the opening and closing
- 34 -
2191225
mechanism provided only for the other electrode suffices, the cost
of the opening and closing mechanism can be reduced by half .
In case that the homopolar electrodes are arranged
vertically so as to face to each other in the bath tank, it is
possible to release the necessity of forming holes for operating
members of the opening and closing mechanism in the wall of the bath
tank and of arranging the above-mentioned operating members so as
to project outside from these holes, by arranging all of the
operating members of the opening and closing mechanism above the
surface of the bath in the bath tank, resulting in prevention of
leakage of the bath, and prevention of the damage of the operating
members caused by the immersion of the operating members in the
bath.
In the present invention, since the stabilizing members
for solution flow having the fluid-storing room and the
slit-shaped hole are provided, the solution flows through the
slit-shaped hole to come into contact with the strip, with the
result that the solution having a uniform laminar flow comes into
contact with the strip, thus making it possible to carry out the
plating or cleaning treatment without causing any irregularities.
In addition, since the apparatus of the present invention
has a construction in which the upper end of the discharging face of
the anode or cathode is arranged below the surface of the solution
in the bath tank, it is possible to carry out the plating or
cleaning treatment without causing any irregularities,
irrespective of the variation of the surface level of the solution.
Since the apparatus of the present invention has a simple
- 35 -
2;91225
construction, the present invention can very easily be worked at a
low cost, and the maintenance of the apparatus can also very easily
be performed, thus making it possible to cause the plating or
cleaning apparatus to become widespread, in which the anodes or
cathodes are arranged so as to be face to each other, and there are
provided on these electrodes projecting insulators each having the
slant face inclined from the side of the electrode toward the strip
in the travelling direction of the strip.
- 36 -
