Anode-stiffening device and stiffening system that uses said device

Abstract

An anode 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 anode stiffening device comprising a rigid monolithic body of inclined side walls formed by symmetrical panels inclined towards the front portion of the device, configuring a V-shaped triangular 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 tightly receive the peripheral edge of at least one greater side of an anode, wherein the fit area and the rear portion of the device comprise a longitudinal extension of at least 50% of the length of the greater side of the anode where the device is installed, 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. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that there are fastening holes located in the fit area along the extension of said area, that allow fastening the anode housed in said fit area thanks to fastening means. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fit area projects from the joining of the inclined side 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 inclined side walls that facilitate the sliding regarding 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 fit area has a square or rectangular section. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fit area has beveled ends. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fit area is discontinuous along the front extension of the device offering openings that expose a greater surface of the anode. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that there are spacing elements located in one or both sides of the device, being an integral part of the device. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the spacing elements are located along the whole extension of the device. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the spacing elements are located at least in part of the extension of the device. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the spacing elements set a contact surface between anodes, keeping constant separation. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that its cross-section is variable, facilitating the circulation of the electrolytic means by widening the anode's exposure angle. 
     
     
         16 . 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, wherein said support is an integral part of the device. 
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fit area comprises a longitudinal extension of between 50% and 100% of said length. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the extension of the fit area comprises the whole length of the greater side of the anode where it is installed. 
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 1 , characterized in that it is totally manufactured in plastic. 
     
     
         20 . An anode-stiffening system comprising at least two stiffening device according to  claim 1  installed on both greater sides of an anode, making the anode stiff, as well as providing an equidistant separation between adjacent electrodes. 
     
     
         21 . The system according to  claim 20 , characterized in that it also comprises at least one central separating device longitudinally surrounding the anode, located at the central portion thereof. 
     
     
         22 . The system according to  claim 21 , characterized in that the at least one central separating device consists of a continuous ring surrounding both faces of the anode. 
     
     
         23 . The system according to  claim 21 , characterized in that the at least one central separating device consists of a ring sectioned in its lower portion, the sectioned ring surrounding both faces of the anode and leaving free the lower portion of the anode. 
     
     
         24 . The system according to  claim 21 , characterized in that the at least one central separating device comprises fastening holes, so that to be fastened to an anode.