Anode structure for manufacture of metallic foil

摘要

An electrodeposition cell for electrodepositing metal onto a surface of a rotating drum (12) that is partially immersed in an electrolytic solution (16). The cell includes an anode (44) comprised of a main body portion (44A) and an anode extension portion (44B). The main anode body portion has an arcuate main anode body surface (46) having a radius of curvature slightly larger than the radius of curvature of the drum (12). The main anode body portion (44A) is totally immersed in the electrolytic solution adjacent the drum wherein a generally uniform gap (20) is formed therebetween. The anode extension portion (44B) has an anode extension surface facing the drum and at least one opening (48) extending therethrough. The anode extension portion (44B) is disposed within the electrolytic solution wherein a portion thereof extends above the electrolytic solution and the electrolytic solution can flow through the opening (48). A power source (70) is connected to the main anode body portion (44A) and the anode extension portion (44B) to produce a like potential on the anode body surface and the anode extension surface, wherein the main anode body portion (44A) produces a first current density on the drum in a zone where the drum and the main anode body portion are adjacent and the anode extension portion (44B) produces a second current density on the drum in a zone where the drum and the anode extension portion are adjacent. The second current density is equal to or less than the first current density. In alternative embodiments, the anode extension portion has a first zone comprised of a plurality of apertures through the extension portion, the size and spacing of the apertures being chosen to define an open, lattice-like structure. In one embodiment, a second zone of the extension portion has a plurality of larger apertures therethrough. In another embodiment, the extension portion is a sheet of expanded metal. <IMAGE>