APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC REPLACEMENT OF PLATE ELECTRODE IN ELECTROLYSIS OF METALS

摘要

An apparatus for automatically replacing anodes and cathodes disposed alternately in an electrolytic cell used for the electrolytic refining of a metal. The anodes are each formed with a pair of recesses on opposite edges of the upper end thereof, and a central cutout having a sufficient depth is formed between the recesses of the anodes. The apparatus comprises a pair of parallel rods engageable with the recesses of all the anodes and a plurality of clamping units adapted for clamping the cathodes on opposite sides of the upper end without engaging the anodes during clamping movement by virtue of the provision of the cutout in the anodes. Thus, the anodes and cathodes can be automatically loaded into and unloaded from the electrolytic cell while maintaining the predetermined inter-electrode distance required for the electrolysis of the metal.