Electrode-rigidifying device and rigidifying system using said device

Abstract

An electrode stiffening device that avoids the occurrence of short-circuits produced between anodes and cathodes during electrodepositing processes, wherein said device comprises a rigid monolithic body of side inclined walls configuring a triangular-shaped cross-section that is wider in its rear portion, where said side inclined walls join in the front portion of the device, forming a fit area arranged to receive the peripheral edge of an electrode tightly, preferably of an anode and making it stiff in its whole extension and separating it from the adjacent electrodes.

1 . An electrode stiffening device that avoids the occurrence of short-circuits produced between anodes and cathodes during electrodepositing processes, characterized in that it comprises a rigid monolithic body of inclined side walls configuring a triangular-shaped cross-section that is wider in its rear portion, wherein said inclined side walls join in the front portion of the device, forming a fit area arranged to receive the peripheral edge of an electrode tightly, preferably of an anode and making it stiff in its whole extension and separating it from the adjacent electrodes. 
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fit area extends along most of the front extension of the device, preferably along its whole extension. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that there are fastening holes preferably located in the fit area along the extension of said area that allows fastening the electrode housed in said fit area thanks to fastening means. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fastening area projects from the joining of the side inclined walls to the outside of the device. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fit area has a bore or groove located within the side walls of the device. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that at least one of its ends comprises inclined planes arranged over the side inclined walls that facilitate the sliding as to the adjacent electrodes. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6 , characterized in that both ends of the device have inclined planes arranged over the side walls of the device. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the side inclined walls define a cross-section in the form of “V” with an angle being equidistant to the cross symmetry axis of the device. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fit area has a square or rectangular section. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fit area has beveled ends. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fit area has is discontinuous along the front extension of the device offering openings that expose a greater surface of the electrode. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that there are separating elements located in one or both sides of the device, preferably being integral part of the device. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , characterized in that the separating elements locate along the whole extension of the device. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 12 , characterized in that the separating elements locate at least in part of the extension of the device, preferably at the center of said extension. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 12 , characterized in that the separating elements set a contact surface among devices, keeping constant separation. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that its cross-section is variable, facilitating the circulation of the electrolytic means by widening the electrode's exposure angle. 
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that it incorporates a triangular-shaped lower support with a flat base arranged to get in contact with the lower part of the electrolytic cell and inclined walls to favor the sliding of adjacent electrodes, where said support preferably becomes integral part of the device. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fit area comprises a longitudinal extension of at least 50% of the length of the greater side of the electrode where it is installed, preferably between 50% and 100% of said length. 
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 18 , characterized in that the extension of the fit area comprises the whole length of the greater side of the electrode where it is installed. 
     
     
         20 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that it is totally manufactured in plastic. 
     
     
         21 . An electrode-stiffening system preventing the occurrence of short-circuits produced between anodes and cathodes during electrodepositing processes, characterized in that it comprises,
 at least one stiffening device according to  claim 1  installed on the peripheral edge of an electrode, preferably on the side of an anode, making the electrode stiff, as well as providing an equidistant separation between adjacent electrodes.   
     
     
         22 . The system according to  claim 21 , characterized in that it comprises at least two stiffening devices installed on both sides of an electrode, preferably an anode. 
     
     
         23 . The system according to  claim 21 , characterized in that it also comprises at least one central separating device longitudinally surrounding the electrode, preferably in the central portion thereof. 
     
     
         24 . The system according to  claim 23 , characterized in that at least one central separating device consists in a continuous ring surrounding both faces of the electrode both in its upper portion and in its lower portion. 
     
     
         25 . The system according to  claim 23 , characterized in that at least one central separating device consists in a sectioned ring in its lower portion surrounding both faces of the electrode and leaving the lower portion free. 
     
     
         26 . The system according to  claim 23 , characterized in that at least one central separating device comprises fastening holes, so that to be fastened to an electrode.