EP1568258A1 - Device for the metallisation of printed forms which are equipped with electrically conductive tracks and associated metallisation method - Google Patents

Device for the metallisation of printed forms which are equipped with electrically conductive tracks and associated metallisation method

Info

Publication number
EP1568258A1
EP1568258A1 EP03786076A EP03786076A EP1568258A1 EP 1568258 A1 EP1568258 A1 EP 1568258A1 EP 03786076 A EP03786076 A EP 03786076A EP 03786076 A EP03786076 A EP 03786076A EP 1568258 A1 EP1568258 A1 EP 1568258A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bath
electrodes
potential
pattern
electrolytic
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03786076A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Christophe Mathieu
Jean-Jacques Mischler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FCI SA
Original Assignee
FCI SA
Framatome Connectors International SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FCI SA, Framatome Connectors International SAS filed Critical FCI SA
Publication of EP1568258A1 publication Critical patent/EP1568258A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
    • H05K3/22—Secondary treatment of printed circuits
    • H05K3/24—Reinforcing the conductive pattern
    • H05K3/241—Reinforcing the conductive pattern characterised by the electroplating method; means therefor, e.g. baths or apparatus
    • 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
    • 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
    • C25D7/0657—Conducting rolls
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K1/00—Printed circuits
    • H05K1/16—Printed circuits incorporating printed electric components, e.g. printed resistor, capacitor, inductor
    • H05K1/165—Printed circuits incorporating printed electric components, e.g. printed resistor, capacitor, inductor incorporating printed inductors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a metallization device for printed forms provided with electrically conductive tracks and an associated metallization method.
  • the invention relates more particularly to a device for metallizing a succession of patterns of electrically conductive tracks having a low electrical conductivity and printed on a dielectric support.
  • the pattern more particularly represents a planar antenna.
  • the invention also relates to the field of printed circuits obtained by any technique for printing electrically conductive tracks, such as for example a gravure, offset, screen printing, etc. technique.
  • a method of printing an electrically conductive ink or a gravure technique involves an engraved cylinder and a back pressure cylinder between which a thin dielectric support is placed to be printed.
  • the engraved cylinder is intended to partially bathe in a tank containing an electrically conductive ink while rotating around an axis of rotation of this same cylinder.
  • the back pressure cylinder is intended to press the dielectric support on the engraved cylinder while also turning around another axis of rotation of this cylinder.
  • the engraved cylinder and the back-pressure cylinder are intended to cooperate in such a way that the engraved cylinder prints tracks of ink which conduct electricity on the dielectric support.
  • This rotogravure technique is particularly interesting because it makes it possible to obtain precise conductive tracks.
  • the gravure printing technique also makes it possible to obtain conductive tracks of very small thickness (of the order of 1 ⁇ m for example).
  • the tracks obtained by the gravure technique however, have a high electrical resistance.
  • the electrolytic device comprises a cathode and a pair of anodes, the cathode being intended to be in contact with the conductive tracks and the pair of anodes being intended to be immersed in an electrolytic tank containing an electrolytic bath .
  • the cathode and the pair of anodes are connected to a negative potential and to a positive potential respectively by means of a DC voltage generator for carrying out the electrolytic metallic deposition on the conductive tracks.
  • this metallization technique has the drawback of obtaining a metallization which is disturbed by a low electrical conductivity of the printed conductive tracks obtained by the previously mentioned printing techniques. The consequence is a poor distribution of the thicknesses of metals deposited on the tracks. Sometimes even, the metallization process can stop.
  • the metallized printed circuits obtained by this metallization technique may not be sufficiently functional, which may be prohibitive for an effective emission or detection of electromagnetic signals from or by the printed circuit in relation to an integrated circuit of a smart card or an electronic label for example.
  • the invention provides a metallization device in which it is intended to position at least two first electrodes connected to a first potential, with two portions of opposite tracks of the same pattern, which pattern is intended to partially bathe in an electrolytic bath between these two first electrodes.
  • These first two electrodes are produced in such a way that they are separated from each other by a distance less than or equal to a dimension of a pattern, which dimension is measured relative to a direction of movement of the support in the bath. More specifically, the first two electrodes are separated from each other by a distance less than or equal to a length of a pattern measured along the support between the first two electrodes relative to the direction of movement of the support in the bath.
  • the positioning of these first two electrodes relative to each other makes it possible to metallize all the tracks of the same pattern by setting equipotential of these same tracks by means of these first electrodes in contact with the pattern.
  • These first two electrodes are connected to a first potential of polarity opposite to a second potential, which second potential is connected to a second electrode intended to supply the electrolytic bath at the second potential.
  • the subject of the invention is therefore a device for metallizing a dielectric support coated with patterns of electrically conductive tracks, and comprising
  • an electrolytic station - this electrolytic station comprises an electrolytic bath, first electrodes connected to a source of a first electrical potential, of a polarity opposite to that of a second electrical potential, the bath being subjected to the second electrical potential by one or more second electrodes of the electrolytic station, characterized in that - the dielectric support is bathed in the electrolytic bath in such a way that the tracks of the same pattern are connected in short circuit to the first potential and to the second potential, and
  • At least two first electrodes are connected to opposite pattern portions of the same pattern while the middle of this same pattern is bathed in the bath.
  • the invention also relates to a method of metallization of a dielectric support coated with patterns of electrically conductive tracks, characterized in that a - at least one pattern of conductive tracks is subjected to an electrolytic bath by bathing the dielectric support in this bath, and by connecting the short-circuited tracks to a source of a first electrical potential of a polarity opposite to that of a second potential to which the electrolytic bath is subjected, and b - is subjected by to at least two electrodes of the opposite pattern portions of the same pattern at the first potential while a middle of the pattern is bathed in the bath.
  • FIG. 2 A schematic representation of a dielectric support, according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 A schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the metallization device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 represents a device 1 for metallizing a dielectric support 2, according to the invention.
  • the dielectric support 2 can for example be a dielectric substrate made of PET, PVC, polycarbonate, ABS, paper, impregnated or not, epoxy glass, polyimide, LCP, etc.
  • This dielectric support 2 is formed by elements 3 (see FIG. 2) each coated with a pattern 4 of electrically conductive tracks.
  • Each of the patterns can be linked together by means of at least one connecting track such as 37.
  • the pattern 4 of conductive tracks can represent a planar antenna, as shown in FIG. 2, or a printed circuit of a completely different one. form.
  • a planar antenna can be integrated in a simple way in chip cards or electronic labels, the connection with the integrated circuit being able to be carried out by usual methods such as soldering of wires, mounting in flip-chip or the like.
  • a planar antenna, as shown in FIG. 2, is formed by a succession of concentric turns, each of the turns forming an electrically conductive track 30.
  • the pattern of conductive tracks can be obtained by a gravure technique using a photogravure station 5, FIG. 1.
  • the pattern of conductive tracks can be obtained by other techniques such as for example the screen printing technique, offset, as previously mentioned.
  • the gravure technique makes it possible to obtain a track 1 ⁇ m thick, therefore very fine and allowing a high density of track.
  • the metallization device 1 comprises an electrolytic station 6, this station 6 can be placed downstream of the gravure printing station 5.
  • This electrolytic station 6 comprises an electrolytic bath 7 for bathing the dielectric support 2.
  • This electrolytic station 6 also includes first electrodes and at least a second electrode.
  • the electrolytic station has five first electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 all connected together and a second electrode 13.
  • the first electrodes place the tracks in short circuit and, by making it possible to connect these tracks to a source of a first electrical potential 14, allow the tracks to be equipotential.
  • the second electrode makes it possible to subject the electrolytic bath 7 to a source of a second electrical potential 15.
  • the differences between the potentials are such that it can be said that the first electrodes are connected to the first potential 14 of opposite polarity to the second electrical potential 15 connecting the second electrode.
  • the first potential and the second potential are for example produced by a voltage rectifier 16 or by a voltage generator.
  • the electrolytic bath 7 may preferably be formed by a formulation based on copper sulphate in an acid medium, or by any other solution capable of releasing metals during electrolysis.
  • the polarity of the first electrodes and the polarity of the second electrode depends on the nature of the solution contained in the electrolytic bath.
  • the first electrodes are connected to the first potential 14 of negative polarity so as to attract copper ions to these first electrodes therefore to the tracks during electrolysis, while the second electrode is connected to the potential of positive polarity 15.
  • the first electrodes intended to be in contact with the tracks allow these tracks to then form cathodes intended to attract cations while the second electrode forms an anode intended to attract the anions.
  • the first electrodes are here arranged so that they are located outside the bath.
  • An electrolysis is then carried out between two first electrodes and the electrolytic bath, following the contact of at least one first electrode 8 (or 9) on the pattern 4 of conductive tracks, and following the immersion of at least part of this pattern of conductive tracks in the bath 7.
  • the first two electrodes 8 and 9 are separated from each other by a distance less than or equal to a length 21 of a pattern 4, the length 21 being measured along the support 2 or insulating sheet with respect to a direction of drive of the support, as represented by an arrow in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • at least two first electrodes 8 and 9 are connected to portions of opposite patterns 17 and 18 of the same pattern 4, FIG. 2.
  • a motif 4 comprises a first portion of motif 17 and a second portion of pattern 18, each of the portions or ends are opposite one another. These two opposite portions are separated by an intermediate pattern portion 19 or middle.
  • the first portion 17 of the pattern 4 is electrolysed first by connection to the electrode 8 and is immersed in the bath 7 while the second portion 18 of the pattern 4 is electrolyzed last.
  • the portion 18 is electrolyzed by means of the electrode 8
  • the portion 17 comes to be electrolyzed by the electrode 9.
  • the metallization device also comprises a drive means 22 for the sheet 2 and a succession of bath portions in which the sheet 2 enters and leaves. This succession of bath portions makes it possible to perfect the deposit of metal on the tracks as and as the pattern moves through the bath.
  • the drive means 22 can be formed by a series of first rollers such as 8 to 11 located outside the bath, and by a series of second rollers 26 located in the bath.
  • the drive means is formed by four second rollers such as 26.
  • the first rollers are metallic and form the first electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12
  • the second rollers are preferably insulating and ensure the immersion of the sheet between at least two first electrodes during the movement of the sheet. All these rollers can be supported by the same gantry (not shown).
  • the sheet 2 is driven by successive passage from a first roller to a second roller and so on.
  • the drive means could comprise a first series of first rollers 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and a second series of first rollers 27 mounted in correspondence bearing against the rollers of the first series of first rollers.
  • the first series of first rolls corresponds to the first rolls described above while the second series of first rollers is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1.
  • These two series of first rollers would allow a first face 24 and / or a second face 25 of the insulating sheet 2 printed to be subjected to electrolysis, the first face and the second face each being coated with at least one pattern of electrically conductive tracks.
  • the first series of first rollers would be arranged in such a way that the first face 24 would be in contact with these first rollers and the second series of second rollers would be produced in such a way that the second face 25 would be in contact with these latter first rollers.
  • the first rollers are supplied with the first potential 9 and the second rollers are preferably insulating.
  • the second rollers can also be supplied at the first potential as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1. It would then suffice to regularly replace these second rollers which, during electrolysis, may have gradually become covered with metal.
  • the rollers are motorized. However, only a few rollers can be motorized so that the sheet can move enough. The speed of rotation of the rollers is adjusted so that the total passage time is sufficient to form the desired thickness.
  • the metallization process of the insulating sheet 2 in order to obtain a dielectric support printed with patterns of electrically conductive tracks is obtained by carrying out the following steps. It is first planned to print by the gravure technique on the sheet of patterns of conductive tracks connected together or not. To do this, the gravure printing station 5 comprises, as previously mentioned, an engraved cylinder 31 and a back-pressure cylinder 32.
  • the engraved cylinder 31 comprises cells 33 intended to print conductive tracks on the support 2.
  • the cylinder etched and the back-pressure cylinder are placed in abutment against each other by means of the dielectric support.
  • the engraved cylinder and the counter-pressure cylinder rotate around their respective axes, while making it possible to obtain a precise impression of the tracks on the insulating sheet.
  • a doctor blade 34 is provided to obtain a precise impression of the tracks on the support. dielectric.
  • the doctor blade 34 then makes it possible to remove the excess ink situated outside the cells of the engraved cylinder before the counter-pressure cylinder prints the pattern of conductive tracks on the support pressed by the counter-pressure cylinder.
  • the conductive tracks are then subjected to the electrolytic bath 7 by bathing the dielectric support in this bath connected to the second electrical potential of positive polarity, and by connecting the short-circuited tracks to the source of the first electrical potential of polarity negative.
  • Continuity of electrolysis on the same pattern is ensured during the movement of the sheet between the rollers due to a prior adjustment of the distance between at least two first rollers corresponding to two first electrodes, which distance between these first two rollers is such that it corresponds to a length less than or equal to a length 21 of a pattern 4 of the support measured along the sheet 2 relative to the direction of movement of the support in the bath.
  • the rollers forming the first electrodes are also produced in such a way that they have a length measured with respect to a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the support in the bath at least equal to a width 38 of a pattern 4, which width of a pattern 4 is measured on the support with respect to the same direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the support in the bath. More specifically, the first rollers or first electrodes have a length making it possible to cover all the tracks with at least one and the same pattern 4 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the support in the bath. The first rollers or first electrodes could have a length depending on the number of patterns present on the support 2.
  • the electrolysis steps are repeated as many times as there are elements 3 immersed in the station 6, in particular because the distance between the first rollers 8 and 9, or 9 and 10, or 10 and 11, or 11 and 12, measured along the support 2, is less than or equal to the dimension of a pattern 4.
  • the steps are repeated in the same electrolytic bath since the rollers such as 26 bathe in the same bath.
  • the metallization device according to this variant comprises a series of three compartments, such as 28. These compartments are produced in such a way that they allow the passage of the dielectric support 2 through a slot.
  • Each compartment, according to the invention has a dimension less than a pattern 4.
  • the tracks 30 of each element of the support are connected to at least two first cylindrical electrodes 29 and 35. These first electrodes 29 and 35 are in contact with each tracks with pads located outside compartment 28. In one example, the pads can be replaced by rollers.
  • the electrodes 29 and 35 connected together are in contact with the portions 18 and 17 respectively.
  • a similar arrangement is suitable for the other compartments.
  • the contact with the bath is ensured during the passage of the support in each compartment by an electrode 36.
  • a sensor C of the level of the electrolytic bath can be placed so as to prevent a possible drop in level which could prevent the correct electrolysis of the patterns 4 , figure 1.
  • the printing step 5 and the electrolysis step 6 enabling the correct metallization to be achieved are preferably chained one after the other, so as to avoid the printing takeoffs which would inevitably result an intermediate packaging.
  • an adapter 39 can be provided for the speed of movement of sheet 2, which adapter can be placed between photogravure station 5 and electrolytic station 6, as shown very schematically in Figure 1.
  • the speed of movement of the sheet during the step of rotogravure printing is 50 to 100 meters per minute and the speed of movement of the sheet during the electrolysis step is 1 to 10 meters per minute.
  • the electrolysis step 6 making it possible to achieve correct metallization takes place at speeds of between 1 to 10 meters per minute.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Printed Wiring (AREA)
  • Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a printed circuit which is equipped with electrically conductive tracks and which can be obtained by means of gravure printing. Gravure printing can be used to obtain conductive tracks of a very small thickness, such that said tracks have a high electrical resistance. In order to reduce the electrical resistance of the tracks (30) thus obtained, the invention consists in connecting at least two first electrodes (9, 8) to opposite portions (17, 18) of the same track while the middle (19) of said track is immersed in an electrolytic bath (7). Moreover, the bath is connected to a second electrode (26) which is in turn connected to a second potential (15) having an opposite polarity to that of a first potential (14) connecting the first electrodes.

Description

Dispositif de métallisation de formes imprimées munies de pistes conductrices d'électricité et procédé de métallisation associé Device for metallization of printed forms provided with electrically conductive tracks and associated metallization method
L'invention concerne un dispositif de métallisation de formes imprimées munies de pistes conductrices de l'électricité et un procédé de métallisation associé. L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un dispositif de métallisation d'une succession de motifs de pistes conductrices de l'électricité présentant une faible conductivité électrique et imprimés sur un support diélectrique. Dans un exemple, le motif représente plus particulièrement une antenne planaire. L'invention concerne également le domaine des circuits imprimés obtenus par n'importe quelle technique d'impression de pistes conductrices d'électricité, comme par exemple par une technique d'héliogravure, d'offset, de sérigraphie, etc.The invention relates to a metallization device for printed forms provided with electrically conductive tracks and an associated metallization method. The invention relates more particularly to a device for metallizing a succession of patterns of electrically conductive tracks having a low electrical conductivity and printed on a dielectric support. In one example, the pattern more particularly represents a planar antenna. The invention also relates to the field of printed circuits obtained by any technique for printing electrically conductive tracks, such as for example a gravure, offset, screen printing, etc. technique.
Dans le document EP-A-0 839 667, D1 , il est connu un procédé d'impression d'une encre conductrice d'électricité ou technique d'héliogravure. Cette technique d'héliogravure fait intervenir un cylindre gravé et un cylindre de contre-pression entre lesquels est placé un support diélectrique mince pour y être imprimé. Le cylindre gravé est destiné à baigner partiellement dans un bac contenant une encre conductrice d'électricité tout en tournant autour d'un axe de rotation de ce même cylindre. Le cylindre de contre-pression est destiné à presser le support diélectrique sur le cylindre gravé en tournant également autour d'un autre axe de rotation de ce cylindre. Le cylindre gravé et le cylindre de contre-pression sont destinés à coopérer de telle manière que le cylindre gravé imprime des pistes d'encre conductrices d'électricité sur le support diélectrique.In document EP-A-0 839 667, D1, a method of printing an electrically conductive ink or a gravure technique is known. This gravure technique involves an engraved cylinder and a back pressure cylinder between which a thin dielectric support is placed to be printed. The engraved cylinder is intended to partially bathe in a tank containing an electrically conductive ink while rotating around an axis of rotation of this same cylinder. The back pressure cylinder is intended to press the dielectric support on the engraved cylinder while also turning around another axis of rotation of this cylinder. The engraved cylinder and the back-pressure cylinder are intended to cooperate in such a way that the engraved cylinder prints tracks of ink which conduct electricity on the dielectric support.
Cette technique d'héliogravure est particulièrement intéressante car elle permet d'obtenir des pistes conductrices précises. La technique d'héliogravure permet également d'obtenir des pistes conductrices de très faible épaisseur (de l'ordre de 1 μm par exemple). Les pistes obtenues par la technique d'héliogravure présentent cependant une résistance électrique élevée.This rotogravure technique is particularly interesting because it makes it possible to obtain precise conductive tracks. The gravure printing technique also makes it possible to obtain conductive tracks of very small thickness (of the order of 1 μm for example). The tracks obtained by the gravure technique, however, have a high electrical resistance.
Dans le document US-A-4 119 516, D2, il est décrit un appareil électrolytique permettant de déposer du métal sur les différentes pistes conductrices par une technique électrolytique. Cet appareil peut être utilisé à la suite de l'impression de circuit imprimé avec des pistes conductrices. L'appareil électrolytique, décrit dans le document D2, comporte une cathode et une paire d'anodes, la cathode étant destinée à être au contact des pistes conductrices et la paire d'anodes étant destinée à baigner dans une cuve électrolytique contenant un bain électrolytique. La cathode et la paire d'anodes sont reliées à un potentiel négatif et à un potentiel positif respectivement par l'intermédiaire d'un générateur de tension continue pour réaliser le dépôt métallique électrolytique sur les pistes conductrices.In document US-A-4 119 516, D2, there is described an electrolytic device making it possible to deposit metal on the various conductive tracks by an electrolytic technique. This device can be used following the printing of a printed circuit with conductive tracks. The electrolytic device, described in document D2, comprises a cathode and a pair of anodes, the cathode being intended to be in contact with the conductive tracks and the pair of anodes being intended to be immersed in an electrolytic tank containing an electrolytic bath . The cathode and the pair of anodes are connected to a negative potential and to a positive potential respectively by means of a DC voltage generator for carrying out the electrolytic metallic deposition on the conductive tracks.
Cependant, cette technique de métallisation présente l'inconvénient d'obtenir une métallisation qui est perturbée par une faible conductivité électrique des pistes conductrices imprimées obtenues par les techniques d'impression précédemment mentionnées. La conséquence en est une mauvaise répartition des épaisseurs de métaux déposées sur les pistes. Parfois même, il peut se produire un arrêt du processus de métallisation.However, this metallization technique has the drawback of obtaining a metallization which is disturbed by a low electrical conductivity of the printed conductive tracks obtained by the previously mentioned printing techniques. The consequence is a poor distribution of the thicknesses of metals deposited on the tracks. Sometimes even, the metallization process can stop.
De ce fait, les circuits imprimés métallisés obtenus par cette technique de métallisation peuvent ne pas être suffisamment fonctionnels, ce qui peut être rédhibitoire pour une émission ou une détection efficace de signaux électromagnétiques depuis ou par le circuit imprimé en relation avec un circuit intégré d'une carte à puce ou d'une étiquette électronique par exemple. Pour résoudre ce problème tout en conservant les mêmes techniques d'impression de pistes conductrices d'électricité, notamment une technique d'héliogravure, l'invention prévoit un dispositif de métallisation dans lequel il est prévu de positionner au moins deux premières électrodes reliées à un premier potentiel, à deux portions de pistes opposées d'un même motif, lequel motif est destiné à baigner partiellement dans un bain électrolytique entre ces deux premières électrodes. Ces deux premières électrodes sont réalisées de telle manière qu'elles sont séparées l'une de l'autre d'une distance inférieure ou égale à une dimension d'un motif, laquelle dimension est mesurée par rapport à un sens de déplacement du support dans le bain. Plus précisément, les deux premières électrodes sont séparées l'une de l'autre d'une distance inférieure ou égale à une longueur d'un motif mesurée le long du support entre les deux premières électrodes par rapport au sens de déplacement du support dans le bain. Le positionnement de ces deux premières électrodes l'une par rapport à l'autre permet d'assurer une métallisation de toutes les pistes d'un même motif par une mise en équipotentiel de ces même pistes par l'intermédiaire de ces premières électrodes au contact du motif. Ces deux premières électrodes sont reliées à un premier potentiel de polarité opposée à un deuxième potentiel, lequel deuxième potentiel est relié à une deuxième électrode destinée à alimenter le bain électrolytique au deuxième potentiel.As a result, the metallized printed circuits obtained by this metallization technique may not be sufficiently functional, which may be prohibitive for an effective emission or detection of electromagnetic signals from or by the printed circuit in relation to an integrated circuit of a smart card or an electronic label for example. To solve this problem while retaining the same techniques for printing electrically conductive tracks, in particular a gravure technique, the invention provides a metallization device in which it is intended to position at least two first electrodes connected to a first potential, with two portions of opposite tracks of the same pattern, which pattern is intended to partially bathe in an electrolytic bath between these two first electrodes. These first two electrodes are produced in such a way that they are separated from each other by a distance less than or equal to a dimension of a pattern, which dimension is measured relative to a direction of movement of the support in the bath. More specifically, the first two electrodes are separated from each other by a distance less than or equal to a length of a pattern measured along the support between the first two electrodes relative to the direction of movement of the support in the bath. The positioning of these first two electrodes relative to each other makes it possible to metallize all the tracks of the same pattern by setting equipotential of these same tracks by means of these first electrodes in contact with the pattern. These first two electrodes are connected to a first potential of polarity opposite to a second potential, which second potential is connected to a second electrode intended to supply the electrolytic bath at the second potential.
L'invention a donc pour objet un dispositif de métallisation d'un support diélectrique revêtu de motifs de pistes conductrices de l'électricité, et comportantThe subject of the invention is therefore a device for metallizing a dielectric support coated with patterns of electrically conductive tracks, and comprising
- un poste électrolytique, - ce poste électrolytique comporte un bain électrolytique, des premières électrodes reliées à une source d'un premier potentiel électrique, d'une polarité opposée à celle d'un deuxième potentiel électrique, le bain étant soumis au deuxième potentiel électrique par une ou plusieurs deuxièmes électrodes du poste électrolytique, caractérisé en ce que - le support diélectrique est baigné dans le bain électrolytique de telle manière que les pistes d'un même motif sont reliées en court-circuit au premier potentiel et au deuxième potentiel, et- an electrolytic station, - this electrolytic station comprises an electrolytic bath, first electrodes connected to a source of a first electrical potential, of a polarity opposite to that of a second electrical potential, the bath being subjected to the second electrical potential by one or more second electrodes of the electrolytic station, characterized in that - the dielectric support is bathed in the electrolytic bath in such a way that the tracks of the same pattern are connected in short circuit to the first potential and to the second potential, and
- au moins deux premières électrodes sont connectées à des portions de motif opposées d'un même motif alors que le milieu de ce même motif baigne dans le bain.- At least two first electrodes are connected to opposite pattern portions of the same pattern while the middle of this same pattern is bathed in the bath.
L'invention a également pour objet un procédé de métallisation d'un support diélectrique revêtu de motifs de pistes conductrices de l'électricité, caractérisé en ce que a - on soumet au moins un motif de pistes conductrices à un bain électrolytique en faisant baigner le support diélectrique dans ce bain, et en reliant les pistes en court-circuit à une source d'un premier potentiel électrique d'une polarité opposée à celle d'un deuxième potentiel auquel est soumis le bain électrolytique, et b - on soumet par au moins deux électrodes des portions de motif opposées d'un même motif au premier potentiel alors qu'un milieu du motif baigne dans le bain.The invention also relates to a method of metallization of a dielectric support coated with patterns of electrically conductive tracks, characterized in that a - at least one pattern of conductive tracks is subjected to an electrolytic bath by bathing the dielectric support in this bath, and by connecting the short-circuited tracks to a source of a first electrical potential of a polarity opposite to that of a second potential to which the electrolytic bath is subjected, and b - is subjected by to at least two electrodes of the opposite pattern portions of the same pattern at the first potential while a middle of the pattern is bathed in the bath.
L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui suit et à l'examen des figures qui l'accompagnent. Celles-ci ne sont présentées qu'à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif de l'invention. Les figures montrent : - Figure 1 : Une représentation schématique d'un dispositif de métallisation, selon l'invention;The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the figures which accompany it. These are presented for information only and in no way limit the invention. The figures show: - Figure 1: A schematic representation of a metallization according to the invention;
- Figure 2 : Une représentation schématique d'un support diélectrique, selon l'invention, et- Figure 2: A schematic representation of a dielectric support, according to the invention, and
- Figure 3 : Une représentation schématique d'une variante de réalisation du dispositif de métallisation, selon l'invention.- Figure 3: A schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the metallization device according to the invention.
La figure 1 représente un dispositif 1 de métallisation d'un support diélectrique 2, selon l'invention. Le support diélectrique 2 peut être par exemple un substrat diélectrique fabriqué en PET, PVC, polycarbonate, ABS, papier, imprégné ou non, verre époxy, polyimide, LCP, etc. Ce support diélectrique 2 est formé par des éléments 3 (voir figure 2) revêtus chacun d'un motif 4 de pistes conductrices de l'électricité. Chacun des motifs peut être relié entre eux par l'intermédiaire d'au moins une piste de liaison telle que 37. Le motif 4 de pistes conductrices peut représenter une antenne planaire, comme représentée figure 2, ou un circuit imprimé d'une toute autre forme. Une antenne planaire peut être intégrée de façon simple dans des cartes à puce ou des étiquettes électroniques, la liaison avec le circuit intégré pouvant s'effectuer par des procédés usuels tels que le soudage de fils, le montage en flip-chip ou analogue. Une antenne planaire, comme représentée figure 2, est formée par une succession de spires concentriques, chacune des spires formant une piste 30 conductrice d'électricité.FIG. 1 represents a device 1 for metallizing a dielectric support 2, according to the invention. The dielectric support 2 can for example be a dielectric substrate made of PET, PVC, polycarbonate, ABS, paper, impregnated or not, epoxy glass, polyimide, LCP, etc. This dielectric support 2 is formed by elements 3 (see FIG. 2) each coated with a pattern 4 of electrically conductive tracks. Each of the patterns can be linked together by means of at least one connecting track such as 37. The pattern 4 of conductive tracks can represent a planar antenna, as shown in FIG. 2, or a printed circuit of a completely different one. form. A planar antenna can be integrated in a simple way in chip cards or electronic labels, the connection with the integrated circuit being able to be carried out by usual methods such as soldering of wires, mounting in flip-chip or the like. A planar antenna, as shown in FIG. 2, is formed by a succession of concentric turns, each of the turns forming an electrically conductive track 30.
Le motif de piste conductrices peut être obtenu par une technique d'héliogravure faisant intervenir un poste d'héliogravure 5, figure 1. Ou bien, le motif de pistes conductrices peut être obtenu par d'autres techniques comme par exemple la technique de sérigraphie, de l'offset, comme précédemment mentionné. Dans un exemple, la technique d'héliogravure permet d'obtenir une piste de 1 μm d'épaisseur, donc très fine et autorisant une densité élevée de piste.The pattern of conductive tracks can be obtained by a gravure technique using a photogravure station 5, FIG. 1. Or, the pattern of conductive tracks can be obtained by other techniques such as for example the screen printing technique, offset, as previously mentioned. In one example, the gravure technique makes it possible to obtain a track 1 μm thick, therefore very fine and allowing a high density of track.
Selon l'invention, le dispositif de métallisation 1 comporte un poste électrolytique 6, ce poste 6 peut être placé en aval du poste d'héliogravure 5. Ce poste électrolytique 6 comporte un bain électrolytique 7 pour y faire baigner le support diélectrique 2. Ce poste électrolytique 6 comporte également des premières électrodes et au moins une deuxième électrode. Dans l'exemple préféré figure 1 , le poste électrolytique comporte cinq premières électrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12 toutes reliées entre elles et une deuxième électrode 13. Les premières électrodes placent les pistes en court- circuit et, en permettant de relier ces pistes à une source d'un premier potentiel électrique 14, permettent une mise en équipotentiel des pistes. La deuxième électrode permet de soumettre le bain électrolytique 7 à une source d'un deuxième potentiel électrique 15. Les différences entre les potentiels sont telles qu'on peut dire que les premières électrodes sont reliées au premier potentiel 14 de polarité opposée au deuxième potentiel électrique 15 reliant la deuxième électrode. Le premier potentiel et le deuxième potentiel sont par exemple produits par un redresseur de tension 16 ou par un générateur de tension. Le bain électrolytique 7 peut être formé de préférence par une formulation à base de sulfate de cuivre en milieu acide, ou par toute autre solution susceptible de libérer des métaux lors d'une électrolyse. La polarité des premières électrodes et la polarité de la deuxième électrode dépend de la nature de la solution contenue dans le bain électrolytique. Dans le cas d'une solution formée par du sulfate de cuivre, les premières électrodes sont reliées au premier potentiel 14 de polarité négative de manière à attirer des ions cuivreux vers ces premières électrodes donc vers les pistes lors de l'électrolyse, tandis que la deuxième électrode est reliée au potentiel de polarité positive 15. Ainsi, les premières électrodes destinées à être au contact des pistes permettent-elles à ces pistes de former alors des cathodes destinées à attirer les cations tandis que la deuxième électrode forme une anode destinée à attirer les anions.According to the invention, the metallization device 1 comprises an electrolytic station 6, this station 6 can be placed downstream of the gravure printing station 5. This electrolytic station 6 comprises an electrolytic bath 7 for bathing the dielectric support 2. This electrolytic station 6 also includes first electrodes and at least a second electrode. In the preferred example in FIG. 1, the electrolytic station has five first electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 all connected together and a second electrode 13. The first electrodes place the tracks in short circuit and, by making it possible to connect these tracks to a source of a first electrical potential 14, allow the tracks to be equipotential. The second electrode makes it possible to subject the electrolytic bath 7 to a source of a second electrical potential 15. The differences between the potentials are such that it can be said that the first electrodes are connected to the first potential 14 of opposite polarity to the second electrical potential 15 connecting the second electrode. The first potential and the second potential are for example produced by a voltage rectifier 16 or by a voltage generator. The electrolytic bath 7 may preferably be formed by a formulation based on copper sulphate in an acid medium, or by any other solution capable of releasing metals during electrolysis. The polarity of the first electrodes and the polarity of the second electrode depends on the nature of the solution contained in the electrolytic bath. In the case of a solution formed by copper sulphate, the first electrodes are connected to the first potential 14 of negative polarity so as to attract copper ions to these first electrodes therefore to the tracks during electrolysis, while the second electrode is connected to the potential of positive polarity 15. Thus, the first electrodes intended to be in contact with the tracks allow these tracks to then form cathodes intended to attract cations while the second electrode forms an anode intended to attract the anions.
Les premières électrodes sont ici disposées de telle manière qu'elles sont situées en dehors du bain. Une électrolyse est alors réalisée entre deux premières électrodes et le bain électrolytique, suite au contact d'au moins une première électrode 8 (ou 9) sur le motif 4 de pistes conductrices, et suite à l'immersion d'au moins une partie de ce motif de pistes conductrice dans le bain 7.The first electrodes are here arranged so that they are located outside the bath. An electrolysis is then carried out between two first electrodes and the electrolytic bath, following the contact of at least one first electrode 8 (or 9) on the pattern 4 of conductive tracks, and following the immersion of at least part of this pattern of conductive tracks in the bath 7.
Les deux premières électrodes 8 et 9 sont séparées l'une de l'autre d'une distance inférieure ou égale à une longueur 21 d'un motif 4, la longueur 21 étant mesurée le long du support 2 ou feuille isolante par rapport à un sens d'entraînement du support, comme représenté par une flèche figures 1 et 2. En particulier, au moins deux premières électrodes 8 et 9 sont connectées à des portions de motifs opposées 17 et 18 d'un même motif 4, figure 2. Un motif 4 comporte une première portion de motif 17 et une deuxième portion de motif 18, chacune des portions ou extrémités sont opposées l'une de l'autre. Ces deux portions opposées sont séparées par une portion de motif intermédiaire 19 ou milieu. Lors du déplacement du support 2, la première portion 17 du motif 4 est électrolysée en premier par connexion à l'électrode 8 et baigne dans le bain 7 tandis que la deuxième portion 18 du motif 4 est électrolysée en dernier. Lorsque la portion 18 est électrolysée par l'intermédiaire de l'électrode 8, la portion 17 vient à être électrolysée par l'électrode 9.The first two electrodes 8 and 9 are separated from each other by a distance less than or equal to a length 21 of a pattern 4, the length 21 being measured along the support 2 or insulating sheet with respect to a direction of drive of the support, as represented by an arrow in FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, at least two first electrodes 8 and 9 are connected to portions of opposite patterns 17 and 18 of the same pattern 4, FIG. 2. A motif 4 comprises a first portion of motif 17 and a second portion of pattern 18, each of the portions or ends are opposite one another. These two opposite portions are separated by an intermediate pattern portion 19 or middle. When the support 2 is moved, the first portion 17 of the pattern 4 is electrolysed first by connection to the electrode 8 and is immersed in the bath 7 while the second portion 18 of the pattern 4 is electrolyzed last. When the portion 18 is electrolyzed by means of the electrode 8, the portion 17 comes to be electrolyzed by the electrode 9.
Le dispositif de métallisation comporte également un moyen d'entraînement 22 de la feuille 2 et une succession de portions de bain dans lesquels entre et ressort la feuille 2. Cette succession de portions de bain permet de parfaire le dépôt de métal sur les pistes au fur et à mesure du déplacement du motif dans le bain.The metallization device also comprises a drive means 22 for the sheet 2 and a succession of bath portions in which the sheet 2 enters and leaves. This succession of bath portions makes it possible to perfect the deposit of metal on the tracks as and as the pattern moves through the bath.
Selon un premier mode préféré de l'invention représenté figure 1 , le moyen d'entraînement 22 peut être formé par une série de premiers rouleaux tels que 8 à 11 situés en dehors du bain, et par une série de deuxièmes rouleaux 26 situés dans le bain. Dans l'exemple figure 1 , le moyen d'entraînement est formé par quatre deuxième rouleaux tels que 26. Dans ce mode préféré de l'invention, les premiers rouleaux sont métalliques et forment les premières électrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 et 12. Les deuxièmes rouleaux sont de préférence isolants et assurent l'immersion de la feuille entre au moins deux premières électrodes au cours du déplacement de la feuille. Tous ces rouleaux peuvent être supportés par un même portique (non représenté). La feuille 2 est entraînée par passage successifs d'un premier rouleau à un deuxième rouleau et ainsi de suite. Ces passages successifs d'un premier rouleaux à un deuxième rouleaux et ainsi de suite permet de parfaire le dépôt métallique sur les pistes au fur et à mesure que le support se déplace dans le bain électrolytique. Si la feuille subit une tension trop importante susceptible de la déformer, ces rouleaux peuvent être montés sur roulements, et/ou motorisés de manière à diminuer la tension entre chacun des rouleaux.According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the drive means 22 can be formed by a series of first rollers such as 8 to 11 located outside the bath, and by a series of second rollers 26 located in the bath. In the example in FIG. 1, the drive means is formed by four second rollers such as 26. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the first rollers are metallic and form the first electrodes 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 The second rollers are preferably insulating and ensure the immersion of the sheet between at least two first electrodes during the movement of the sheet. All these rollers can be supported by the same gantry (not shown). The sheet 2 is driven by successive passage from a first roller to a second roller and so on. These successive passages from a first roller to a second roller and so on makes it possible to perfect the metallic deposit on the tracks as the support moves in the electrolytic bath. If the sheet is subjected to an excessive tension liable to deform it, these rollers can be mounted on bearings, and / or motorized so as to reduce the tension between each of the rollers.
Dans une variante, le moyen d'entraînement pourrait comporter une première série de premiers rouleaux 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12 et une deuxième série de premiers rouleaux 27 montés en correspondance en appui contre les rouleaux de la première série de premiers rouleaux. La première série de premiers rouleaux correspond aux premiers rouleaux précédemment décrits tandis que la deuxième série de premiers rouleaux est représentée en traits pointillés sur la figure 1. Ces deux séries de premiers rouleaux permettraient à une première face 24 et/ou à une deuxième face 25 de la feuille isolante 2 imprimée d'être soumise à l'électrolyse, la première face et la deuxième face étant chacune revêtue d'au moins un motif de pistes conductrices de l'électricité. La première série de premiers rouleaux serait disposée de telle manière que la première face 24 serait au contact de ces premiers rouleaux et la deuxième série de deuxièmes rouleaux serait réalisée de telle manière que la deuxième face 25 serait au contact des ces derniers premiers rouleaux.Alternatively, the drive means could comprise a first series of first rollers 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and a second series of first rollers 27 mounted in correspondence bearing against the rollers of the first series of first rollers. The first series of first rolls corresponds to the first rolls described above while the second series of first rollers is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1. These two series of first rollers would allow a first face 24 and / or a second face 25 of the insulating sheet 2 printed to be subjected to electrolysis, the first face and the second face each being coated with at least one pattern of electrically conductive tracks. The first series of first rollers would be arranged in such a way that the first face 24 would be in contact with these first rollers and the second series of second rollers would be produced in such a way that the second face 25 would be in contact with these latter first rollers.
Les premiers rouleaux sont alimentés au premier potentiel 9 et les deuxièmes rouleaux sont de préférence isolants. Les deuxièmes rouleaux peuvent également être alimentés au premier potentiel comme représentés en traits pointillés sur la figure 1. Il suffirait alors de remplacer régulièrement ces deuxièmes rouleaux qui au cours de l'électrolyse pourraient s'être progressivement recouverts de métal.The first rollers are supplied with the first potential 9 and the second rollers are preferably insulating. The second rollers can also be supplied at the first potential as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1. It would then suffice to regularly replace these second rollers which, during electrolysis, may have gradually become covered with metal.
Pour entraîner la feuille, les rouleaux sont motorisés. Cependant, seulement quelques rouleaux peuvent être motorisés de telle manière que la feuille puisse suffisamment se déplacer. La vitesse de rotation des rouleaux est réglée de telle manière que la durée totale de passage suffise à former l'épaisseur voulue.To drive the sheet, the rollers are motorized. However, only a few rollers can be motorized so that the sheet can move enough. The speed of rotation of the rollers is adjusted so that the total passage time is sufficient to form the desired thickness.
Le procédé de métallisation de la feuille isolante 2 en vue d'obtenir un support diélectrique imprimé avec des motifs de pistes conductrices de l'électricité est obtenu en réalisant les étapes suivantes. Il est d'abord prévu d'imprimer par la technique d'héliogravure sur la feuille des motifs de pistes conductrices reliés entre eux ou non. Pour ce faire, le poste d'héliogravure 5 comporte, comme précédemment mentionné, un cylindre gravé 31 et un cylindre de contre-pression 32. Le cylindre gravé 31 comporte des alvéoles 33 destinées à imprimer des pistes conductrices sur le support 2. Le cylindre gravé et le cylindre de contre-pression sont placés en appui l'un contre l'autre par l'intermédiaire du support diélectrique. Le cylindre gravé et le cylindre de contre-pression tournent autour de leur axe respectif, tout en permettant d'obtenir une impression des pistes précise sur la feuille isolante. Une racle 34 est prévue pour d'obtenir une impression des pistes précise sur le support diélectrique. La racle 34 permet alors d'enlever l'excès d'encre située en dehors des alvéoles du cylindre gravé avant que le cylindre de contre- pression n'imprime le motif de pistes conductrice sur le support pressé par le cylindre de contre-pression. Une fois imprimées, les pistes conductrices sont ensuite soumises au bain électrolytique 7 en faisant baigner le support diélectrique dans ce bain relié au deuxième potentiel électrique de polarité positive, et en reliant les pistes en court-circuit à la source du premier potentiel électrique de polarité négative. La continuité de l'électrolyse sur un même motif est assurée lors du déplacement de la feuille entre les rouleaux du fait d'un réglage préalable de la distance entre au moins deux premiers rouleaux correspondant à deux premières électrodes, laquelle distance entre ces deux premiers rouleaux est telle qu'elle corresponde à une longueur inférieure ou égale à une longueur 21 d'un motif 4 du support mesurée le long de la feuille 2 par rapport au sens de déplacement du support dans le bain.The metallization process of the insulating sheet 2 in order to obtain a dielectric support printed with patterns of electrically conductive tracks is obtained by carrying out the following steps. It is first planned to print by the gravure technique on the sheet of patterns of conductive tracks connected together or not. To do this, the gravure printing station 5 comprises, as previously mentioned, an engraved cylinder 31 and a back-pressure cylinder 32. The engraved cylinder 31 comprises cells 33 intended to print conductive tracks on the support 2. The cylinder etched and the back-pressure cylinder are placed in abutment against each other by means of the dielectric support. The engraved cylinder and the counter-pressure cylinder rotate around their respective axes, while making it possible to obtain a precise impression of the tracks on the insulating sheet. A doctor blade 34 is provided to obtain a precise impression of the tracks on the support. dielectric. The doctor blade 34 then makes it possible to remove the excess ink situated outside the cells of the engraved cylinder before the counter-pressure cylinder prints the pattern of conductive tracks on the support pressed by the counter-pressure cylinder. Once printed, the conductive tracks are then subjected to the electrolytic bath 7 by bathing the dielectric support in this bath connected to the second electrical potential of positive polarity, and by connecting the short-circuited tracks to the source of the first electrical potential of polarity negative. Continuity of electrolysis on the same pattern is ensured during the movement of the sheet between the rollers due to a prior adjustment of the distance between at least two first rollers corresponding to two first electrodes, which distance between these first two rollers is such that it corresponds to a length less than or equal to a length 21 of a pattern 4 of the support measured along the sheet 2 relative to the direction of movement of the support in the bath.
Les rouleaux formant les premières électrodes sont également réalisés de telle manière qu'ils comportent une longueur mesurée par rapport une direction perpendiculaire au sens de déplacement du support dans le bain au moins égale à une largeur 38 d'un motif 4, laquelle largeur d'un motif 4 est mesurée sur le support par rapport à une même direction perpendiculaire au sens de déplacement du support dans le bain. Plus précisément, les premiers rouleaux ou premières électrodes comportent une longueur permettant de couvrir toutes les pistes d'au moins un même motif 4 par rapport à une direction perpendiculaire au sens de déplacement du support dans le bain. Les premiers rouleaux ou premières électrodes pourraient comporter une longueur dépendante du nombre de motifs présents sur le support 2.The rollers forming the first electrodes are also produced in such a way that they have a length measured with respect to a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the support in the bath at least equal to a width 38 of a pattern 4, which width of a pattern 4 is measured on the support with respect to the same direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the support in the bath. More specifically, the first rollers or first electrodes have a length making it possible to cover all the tracks with at least one and the same pattern 4 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the support in the bath. The first rollers or first electrodes could have a length depending on the number of patterns present on the support 2.
Dans l'exemple, les étapes d'électrolyse sont réitérées autant de fois qu'il y a d'éléments 3 baignant dans le poste 6, en particulier parce que la distance entre les premiers rouleaux 8 et 9, ou 9 et 10, ou 10 et 1 1 , ou 11 et 12, mesurée le long du support 2, est inférieure ou égale à la dimension d'un d'un motif 4.In the example, the electrolysis steps are repeated as many times as there are elements 3 immersed in the station 6, in particular because the distance between the first rollers 8 and 9, or 9 and 10, or 10 and 11, or 11 and 12, measured along the support 2, is less than or equal to the dimension of a pattern 4.
Selon le mode préféré de l'invention figure 1 , les étapes sont réitérées dans un même bain électrolytique puisque les rouleaux tels que 26 baignent dans un même bain. En variante, il est possible d'utiliser une série de compartiments 28 comportant chacun un bain électrolytique, figure 4. Dans l'exemple, le dispositif de métallisation selon cette variante comporte une série de trois compartiments, tels que 28. Ces compartiments sont réalisés de telle manière qu'ils permettent le passage du support diélectrique 2 à travers une fente. Chaque compartiment, selon l'invention, a une dimension inférieure à à un motif 4. Les pistes 30 de chaque élément du support sont reliées à au moins deux premières électrodes cylindriques 29 et 35. Ces premières électrodes 29 et 35 sont en contact avec chacune des pistes par de patins situés en dehors du compartiment 28. Dans un exemple, les patins peuvent être remplacés par des rouleaux. Les électrodes 29 et 35 reliées entre elles sont au contact des portions 18 et 17 respectivement. Un montage similaire est adapté pour les autres compartiments. Le contact avec le bain est assuré lors du passage du support dans chaque compartiment par une électrode 36. Un capteur C du niveau du bain électrolytique peut être placé de manière à prévenir une éventuelle baisse de niveau qui pourrait empêcher l'électrolyse correcte des motifs 4, figure 1.According to the preferred embodiment of the invention in FIG. 1, the steps are repeated in the same electrolytic bath since the rollers such as 26 bathe in the same bath. As a variant, it is possible to use a series of compartments 28 each comprising an electrolytic bath, FIG. 4. In the example, the metallization device according to this variant comprises a series of three compartments, such as 28. These compartments are produced in such a way that they allow the passage of the dielectric support 2 through a slot. Each compartment, according to the invention, has a dimension less than a pattern 4. The tracks 30 of each element of the support are connected to at least two first cylindrical electrodes 29 and 35. These first electrodes 29 and 35 are in contact with each tracks with pads located outside compartment 28. In one example, the pads can be replaced by rollers. The electrodes 29 and 35 connected together are in contact with the portions 18 and 17 respectively. A similar arrangement is suitable for the other compartments. The contact with the bath is ensured during the passage of the support in each compartment by an electrode 36. A sensor C of the level of the electrolytic bath can be placed so as to prevent a possible drop in level which could prevent the correct electrolysis of the patterns 4 , figure 1.
L'étape d'impression 5 et l'étape d'électrolyse 6 permettant d'aboutir à la métallisation correcte sont de préférence enchaînées l'une à la suite de l'autre, de façon à éviter les décollages d'impression qui résulteraient immanquablement d'un emballage intermédiaire. La vitesse de déplacement de la feuille au cours de l'étape d'impression pouvant être différente de la vitesse de déplacement de la feuille au cours de l'étape d'électrolyse, il peut être prévu un adaptateur 39 de la vitesse de déplacement de la feuille 2, lequel adaptateur peut être placé entre le poste d'héliogravure 5 et le poste électrolytique 6, comme représenté très schématiquement sur la figure 1. Dans un exemple, la vitesse de déplacement de la feuille au cours de l'étape d'impression par héliogravure est de 50 à 100 mètres par minutes et la vitesse de déplacement de la feuille au cours de l'étape d'électrolyse est de 1 à 10 mètres par minute.The printing step 5 and the electrolysis step 6 enabling the correct metallization to be achieved are preferably chained one after the other, so as to avoid the printing takeoffs which would inevitably result an intermediate packaging. Since the speed of movement of the sheet during the printing step can be different from the speed of movement of the sheet during the electrolysis step, an adapter 39 can be provided for the speed of movement of sheet 2, which adapter can be placed between photogravure station 5 and electrolytic station 6, as shown very schematically in Figure 1. In one example, the speed of movement of the sheet during the step of rotogravure printing is 50 to 100 meters per minute and the speed of movement of the sheet during the electrolysis step is 1 to 10 meters per minute.
En pratique, l'étape d'électrolyse 6 permettant d'aboutir à la métallisation correcte se déroule à des vitesses comprises entre 1 à 10 mètres par minutes. In practice, the electrolysis step 6 making it possible to achieve correct metallization takes place at speeds of between 1 to 10 meters per minute.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 - Dispositif de métallisation (1) d'un support diélectrique (2) revêtu de motifs (4) de pistes conductrices de l'électricité, et comportant - un poste électrolytique (6),1 - metallization device (1) of a dielectric support (2) coated with patterns (4) of conductive tracks of electricity, and comprising - an electrolytic station (6),
- ce poste électrolytique comporte un bain électrolytique (7), des premières électrodes (8, 9, 10, 11 , 12) reliées à une source d'un premier potentiel électrique (14), d'une polarité opposée à celle d'un deuxième potentiel électrique (15), le bain étant soumis au deuxième potentiel électrique par une ou plusieurs deuxièmes électrodes (13) du poste électrolytique, caractérisé en ce que- This electrolytic station includes an electrolytic bath (7), first electrodes (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) connected to a source of a first electrical potential (14), of a polarity opposite to that of a second electrical potential (15), the bath being subjected to the second electrical potential by one or more second electrodes (13) of the electrolytic station, characterized in that
- le support diélectrique est baigné dans le bain électrolytique de telle manière que les pistes d'un même motif sont reliées en court-circuit au premier potentiel et au deuxième potentiel, et - au moins deux premières électrodes sont connectées à des portions de motif opposées (17, 18) d'un même motif alors que le milieu (14) de ce même motif baigne dans le bain.- the dielectric support is bathed in the electrolytic bath in such a way that the tracks of the same pattern are connected in short circuit to the first potential and to the second potential, and - at least two first electrodes are connected to opposite pattern portions (17, 18) of the same motif while the medium (14) of this same motif is bathed in the bath.
2 - Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that
- deux premières électrodes sont séparées l'une de l'autre d'une distance inférieure à une longueur (21) d'un motif (4), mesurée le long du support par rapport à un sens de déplacement du support dans le bain.- Two first electrodes are separated from each other by a distance less than a length (21) of a pattern (4), measured along the support relative to a direction of movement of the support in the bath.
3 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte3 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it comprises
- un moyen d'entraînement (22) du support diélectrique, et - une succession de portions de bain dans lesquelles entre et ressort le support.- A drive means (22) of the dielectric support, and - a succession of bath portions in which the support enters and leaves.
4 - Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte4 - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises
- une série de premiers rouleaux situés en dehors du bain, et une série de deuxièmes rouleaux situés dans le bain, - le support diélectrique passant alternativement d'un premier rouleau à un deuxième rouleau et réciproquement,- a series of first rollers situated outside the bath, and a series of second rollers situated in the bath, - the dielectric support passing alternately from a first roll to a second roll and vice versa,
- les premiers rouleaux étant alimentés au premier potentiel,- the first rollers being supplied at the first potential,
- les deuxièmes rouleaux étant de préférence isolants.- the second rollers preferably being insulating.
5 - Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les rouleaux sont motorisés. 6 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le bain d'électrolyte est une formulation à base de sulfate de cuivre en milieu acide.5 - Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the rollers are motorized. 6 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electrolyte bath is a formulation based on copper sulphate in an acid medium.
7 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6 caractérisé en ce que le support diélectrique est placé entre une première série de premières électrodes (8-12) et une deuxième série de première électrodes (27).7 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the dielectric support is placed between a first series of first electrodes (8-12) and a second series of first electrodes (27).
8 - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7 caractérisé en ce que chacun des motifs sont reliés entre eux par au moins une piste de liaison (37). 9 - Procédé de métallisation d'un support diélectrique (2) revêtu de motifs (4) de pistes conductrices de l'électricité, caractérisé en ce que a - on soumet au moins un motif de pistes conductrices à un bain électrolytique (7) en faisant baigner le support diélectrique dans ce bain, et en reliant les pistes en court-circuit à une source d'un premier potentiel électrique (14) d'une polarité opposée à celle d'un deuxième potentiel (15) auquel est soumis le bain électrolytique, et b - on soumet par au moins deux électrodes des portions de motif opposées (17, 18) d'un même motif au premier potentiel alors qu'un milieu (19) du motif baigne dans le bain. 10 - Procédé selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que8 - Device according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that each of the patterns are interconnected by at least one connecting track (37). 9 - Method for metallizing a dielectric support (2) coated with patterns (4) of electrically conductive tracks, characterized in that a - at least one pattern of conductive tracks is subjected to an electrolytic bath (7) in bathing the dielectric support in this bath, and by connecting the short-circuited tracks to a source of a first electrical potential (14) of a polarity opposite to that of a second potential (15) to which the bath is subjected electrolytic, and b - subjecting at least two electrodes opposite pattern portions (17, 18) of the same pattern to the first potential while a medium (19) of the pattern is in the bath. 10 - Method according to claim 9, characterized in that
- on réitère les étapes a et b.- steps a and b are repeated.
11 - Procédé selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que11 - Method according to claim 10, characterized in that
- pour la réitération, on utilise un même bain.- for reiteration, the same bath is used.
12 - Procédé selon l'une des revendications 9 à 11 , caractérisé en ce que le bain électrolytique est une formulation à base de sulfate de cuivre en milieu acide.12 - Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the electrolytic bath is a formulation based on copper sulphate in an acid medium.
13 - Procédé selon l'une des revendications 9 à 12, caractérisé en ce que13 - Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that
- les étapes a et b se succèdent dans le temps avec une vitesse comprise entre 1 à 10 mètres par minute. - steps a and b follow each other over time with a speed of between 1 to 10 meters per minute.
EP03786076A 2002-11-27 2003-11-27 Device for the metallisation of printed forms which are equipped with electrically conductive tracks and associated metallisation method Withdrawn EP1568258A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0214916 2002-11-27
FR0214916A FR2847761B1 (en) 2002-11-27 2002-11-27 METALLIZING DEVICE FOR PRINTED FORMS HAVING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE SLIDES AND METHOD FOR METALLIZING THE SAME
PCT/FR2003/050141 WO2004052062A1 (en) 2002-11-27 2003-11-27 Device for the metallisation of printed forms which are equipped with electrically conductive tracks and associated metallisation method

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EP1568258A1 true EP1568258A1 (en) 2005-08-31

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US (1) US20060151330A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1568258A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2006508249A (en)
CN (1) CN1745609A (en)
AU (1) AU2003295076A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2847761B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004052062A1 (en)

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CN102560585B (en) * 2012-03-01 2014-10-15 湖北盛友钻石材料有限公司 Method and device for manufacturing diamond wire saw
CN104032344B (en) * 2014-06-23 2017-02-01 浙江纺织服装职业技术学院 Silver chloride continuous electroplating equipment for silver-plated yarn
JP6422783B2 (en) * 2015-01-09 2018-11-14 シャープ株式会社 Loop antenna and method of manufacturing loop antenna
WO2021164474A1 (en) * 2020-02-20 2021-08-26 深圳市海瀚新能源技术有限公司 Coating conductive device, coating system and coating method for conductive film

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AU2003295076A1 (en) 2004-06-23
CN1745609A (en) 2006-03-08
WO2004052062A1 (en) 2004-06-17
FR2847761A1 (en) 2004-05-28
JP2006508249A (en) 2006-03-09
FR2847761B1 (en) 2005-02-04
US20060151330A1 (en) 2006-07-13

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