Electrolytic bath

Abstract

This electrolytic cell is provided with a plurality of cells, each cell having a pair of electrodes, a pair of partition walls, and a pair of frames that support the electrodes and the partition walls, the plurality of cells being a laminate in which one electrode and one partition wall are laminated so as to be alternately arranged, the electrolytic cell having: a first inlet through which raw water flows into a first treatment space in which the first electrode is housed; a second inlet through which the raw water flows into a second treatment space in which the second electrode is housed; a first outlet through which the treated water that has passed through the first treatment space flows out; a second outlet through which the treated water that has passed through the second treatment space flows out; a first inflow path facing the first inflow port; a second inflow path facing the second inflow port; a first outflow path facing the first outflow port; and a second outflow path that faces the second outflow port, and is provided with a buffer inflow path that is connected to the first inflow path and the second inflow path in the stacking direction of the stacked body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electrolytic cells. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an electrolytic water generating device which includes an electrolytic cell having an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by a partition wall and generates electrolytic hydrogen water by electrolyzing raw water introduced into the electrolytic cell (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The electrolytic cell of the electrolytic water generating device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a bipolar electrolytic cell composed of a plurality of stacked units.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent document: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-195596 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, when raw water flows through a plurality of cells, internal pressure and flow rate distribution occur, and thus the flow rate variation between cells increases, which may reduce electrolysis performance.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide an electrolytic cell with improved electrolytic performance.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the electrolytic cell of the present invention is an electrolytic cell having a plurality of units for electrolyzing water, each unit having a pair of electrodes, a pair of partition walls and a pair of frames supporting the electrodes and the partition walls, the plurality of units being a stacked body formed by stacking one electrode and one partition wall in an alternating arrangement, and having: a first inlet for allowing raw water to flow into a first treatment space for accommodating a first electrode; a second inlet for allowing raw water to flow into a second treatment space for accommodating a second electrode; a first outlet for allowing treated water that has passed through the first treatment space to flow out; a second outlet for allowing treated water that has passed through the second treatment space to flow out; a first inlet path facing the first inlet; a second inlet path facing the second inlet; a first outflow path facing the first outflow path; and a second outflow path facing the second outflow path, the electrolytic cell is also provided with a buffer inflow path, which is connected to the first inflow path and the second inflow path in the stacking direction of the stacked body.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the electrolytic cell of the present invention, the electrolytic performance can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a front view of the electrolytic cell in embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the electrolytic cell in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the electrolytic cell in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the laminated body in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a unit constituting the laminated body in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a unit constituting the laminated body in the embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9 It is an exploded perspective view of the unit in the embodiment.

[0023] Fig.10 It is an exploded perspective view of the unit in the embodiment.

[0024] Fig.11 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal cross section of the laminated body according to the embodiment.

[0025] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing a longitudinal section including a first inlet port and a second outlet port of the electrolytic cell according to the embodiment.

[0026] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing a longitudinal section including a second inlet port and a first outlet port of the electrolytic cell according to the embodiment.

[0027] Fig.14 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing, in enlarged form, the first inflow passage and the first inflow port and their surroundings in the embodiment.

[0028] Fig.15 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing, in enlarged form, the second inflow passage and the second inflow port and their surroundings in the embodiment.

[0029] Fig.16It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the end structure of a frame forming a first inlet in the embodiment.

[0030] Fig.17 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the end structure of the frame forming the second inlet in the embodiment.

[0031] Fig.18 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing, in enlarged form, the first outflow port and the first outflow passage and their surroundings in the embodiment.

[0032] Fig.19 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing, in enlarged form, the second outflow port and the periphery of the second outflow channel in the embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 20 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the end structure of a frame forming a first outflow port in the embodiment.

[0034] Fig.21 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the end structure of the frame forming the second outflow port in the embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 22 This is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the end structure of a frame forming an inlet according to Modification 1.

[0036] Fig.23 This is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an electrolytic cell according to Modification 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electrolytic cell is provided, which has a plurality of units for electrolyzing water, wherein each unit has a pair of electrodes, a pair of partition walls, and a pair of frames supporting the electrodes and the partition walls, and the plurality of units are a stacked body formed by stacking one of the electrodes and one of the partition walls in an alternating manner, and the electrolytic cell has: a first inlet for allowing raw water to flow into a first treatment space accommodating a first electrode; a second inlet for allowing raw water to flow into a second treatment space accommodating a second electrode; a first outlet for allowing treated water that has passed through the first treatment space to flow out; a second outlet for allowing treated water that has passed through the second treatment space to flow out; a first inlet path facing the first inlet; a second inlet path facing the second inlet; a first outflow path facing the first outflow path; and a second outflow path facing the second outflow path, and the electrolytic cell is further provided with a buffer inflow path connected to the first inflow path and the second inflow path in the stacking direction of the stacked body.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electrolytic cell of the first aspect, wherein the buffer inlet path includes: a first buffer inlet path connected to the first inlet path in the stacking direction; and a second buffer inlet path connected to the second inlet path in the stacking direction.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolytic cell according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the stacked body further comprises: a first buffer outflow path connected to the first outflow path in the stacking direction; and a second buffer outflow path connected to the second outflow path in the stacking direction.

[0040] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolytic cell as described in the third aspect, wherein the electrolytic cell further comprises: a first shell having the buffer inlet path; and a second shell having the first buffer outlet path and the second buffer outlet path, wherein the first shell and the second shell are mounted on the stack.

[0041] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electrolytic cell according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first case is attached to a first main surface of the stacked body, and the second case is attached to a second main surface of the stacked body that faces the first main surface.

[0042] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an electrolytic cell as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects is provided, wherein a first direction from the first inlet toward the first outlet and a second direction from the second inlet toward the second outlet intersect with each other when viewed along the stacking direction.

[0043] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electrolytic cell according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first inflow path, the second inflow path, the first outflow path, and the second outflow path extend along the stacking direction, respectively.

[0044] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolytic cell according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the end of the electrode at the inlet of the stack is located closer to the center of the stack than the end of the frame constituting the inlet.

[0045] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an electrolytic cell as described in any one of the first to eighth aspects is provided, wherein the electrolytic cell also includes an inlet port communicating with the buffer inlet path, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the buffer inlet path is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal flow path of the inlet port.

[0046] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolytic cell as described in any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the inlet has a plurality of inlets spaced apart in the stacking direction, and the ends of the frame constituting the plurality of inlets have: a first end having a first R-shape; and a second end located on the downstream side of the first end and having a second R-shape, the radius of curvature of the first R-shape being greater than the radius of curvature of the second R-shape.

[0047] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolytic cell as described in any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the inlet has a plurality of inlets spaced apart in the stacking direction, and the end of the frame constituting the plurality of inlets has: a first end having a first inclined surface; and a second end located on the downstream side of the first end and having a second inclined surface, and an inclination angle of the first inclined surface is greater than an inclination angle of the second inclined surface.

[0048] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electrolytic cell according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein an obstacle is inserted into a region on the downstream side of the first inflow path or the second inflow path of the stacked body.

[0049] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0050] (Implementation Method)

[0051] Figure 1 to Figure 5 Each of them is a diagram showing the electrolytic cell 2 in the embodiment. Figure 1 , Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of the electrolytic cell 2, Figure 3 is a front view of the electrolytic cell 2, Figure 4 , Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the electrolytic cell 2.

[0052] Figure 1 to Figure 5 The electrolytic cell 2 shown is an electrolytic water generating device for generating alkaline water and hydrogen water (treated water) by electrolyzing raw water such as hard water. Hard water is defined as water having a hardness of 120 mg / L or more, for example. Figure 1 to Figure 5 The electrolytic cell 2 shown in particular has a plurality of cells 34 ( Figure 6 to Figure 8 ) is a so-called bipolar electrolytic cell consisting of a stacked body 4 stacked in the stacking direction ST.

[0053] Figure 1 to Figure 3 The electrolytic cell 2 shown includes a stacked body 4 , a first case 6 attached to the stacked body 4 , and a second case 8 .

[0054] The stacked body 4 is composed of a plurality of units 34 ( Figure 6 to Figure 8) and has a plurality of flow paths inside, and has a built-in anode chamber / cathode chamber (processing spaces S1 and S2 described later) for electrolyzing raw water. A first shell 6 and a second shell 8 are arranged on both sides of the stack 4.

[0055] The shells 6 and 8 are components that protect the stack 4 and form a flow path that communicates with the inside of the stack 4. The first shell 6 is attached to the first main surface 4A ( Figure 4 ), the second housing 8 is mounted on the second main surface 4B of the stacked body 4 ( Figure 5 ).

[0056] The first housing 6 has a first inflow port 10 and a second inflow port 12 as two ports for allowing raw water to flow into the stack 4. Similarly, the second housing 8 has a first outflow port 14 and a second outflow port 16 as two ports for allowing treated water (alkaline water / acidic water) generated by electrolysis to flow out to the outside.

[0057] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the raw water (arrow A1) flowing in from the first inlet port 10 is electrolyzed into alkaline water or acidic water when passing through the interior of the stack 4, and flows out from the first outflow port 14 (arrow A2). Similarly, the raw water (arrow B1) flowing in from the second inlet port 12 is electrolyzed into acidic water or alkaline water when passing through the internal flow path of the stack 4, and flows out from the second outflow port 16 (arrow B2).

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, a first direction A3 from the first inflow port 10 toward the first outflow port 14 and a second direction B3 from the second inflow port 12 toward the second outflow port 16 intersect each other.

[0059] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the stacked body 4 has a first inflow path 18, a second inflow path 20, a first outflow path 22, and a second outflow path 24 as internal flow paths.

[0060] The first inflow passage 18 is a passage connected to the first inflow port 10 and allows the raw water flowing in from the first inflow port 10 to pass through the treatment space of the stack 4. The first inflow passage 18 is connected to the first outflow passage 22 through the treatment space of the stack 4.

[0061] The second inflow path 20 is a flow path connected to the second inflow port 12, and allows the raw water flowing in from the second inflow port 12 to pass through the treatment space of the stack 4. The second inflow path 20 is connected to the second outflow path 24 through the treatment space of the stack 4.

[0062] like Figure 5As shown, the first housing 6 has a first buffer inflow path 26 and a second buffer inflow path 28 as internal flow paths. The first buffer inflow path 26 is a flow path that communicates with the first inflow port 10, and is communicated with the first inflow path 18 of the stacked body 4 when the stacked body 4 and the first housing 6 are installed. The second buffer inflow path 28 is a flow path that communicates with the second inflow port 12, and is communicated with the second inflow path 20 of the stacked body 4 when the stacked body 4 and the first housing 6 are installed.

[0063] The first buffer inflow passage 26 has a larger flow passage cross-sectional area than the internal flow passage of the first inflow port 10 and functions as a buffer space. Similarly, the second buffer inflow passage 28 has a larger flow passage cross-sectional area than the internal flow passage of the second inflow port 12 and functions as a buffer space.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the second housing 8 has a first buffer outflow path 30 and a second buffer outflow path 32 as internal flow paths. The first buffer outflow path 30 is a flow path connected to the first outflow port 14, and is connected to the first outflow path 22 of the stacked body 4 when the stacked body 4 and the second housing 8 are installed. The second buffer outflow path 32 is a flow path connected to the second outflow port 16, and is connected to the second outflow path 24 of the stacked body 4 when the stacked body 4 and the second housing 8 are installed.

[0065] The first buffer outflow passage 30 has a larger flow passage cross-sectional area than the internal flow passage of the first outflow port 14 and functions as a buffer space, and the second buffer outflow passage 32 has a larger flow passage cross-sectional area than the internal flow passage of the second outflow port 16 and functions as a buffer space.

[0066] By providing a buffer space (buffer inflow paths 26, 28) on the upstream side and a buffer space (buffer outflow paths 30, 32) on the downstream side relative to the processing space of the stack 4, the entire internal flow path of the stack 4 can be rectified, and a substantially constant amount of water can be easily made to flow into and out of each unit 34. As a result, the deviation of the flow rate between the plurality of units 34 can be reduced, the flow rate of water flowing inside the stack 4 can be made uniform, and the electric field performance of the electrolytic cell 2 can be improved.

[0067] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the stacked body 4 . Figure 7 , Figure 8 3 is a perspective view showing one unit 34 constituting the stacked body 4. As described above, the stacked body 4 is constituted by stacking a plurality of units 34 in the stacking direction ST, and in this embodiment, an example is shown in which there are five units 34. The present invention is not limited to such a case, and the number of units 34 can be any number as long as it is a plurality.

[0068] A plurality of first terminal portions 38 and a plurality of second terminal portions 40 are exposed on one side surface 36 of the stacked body 4. The first terminal portion 38 is a first electrode 46 ( Fig. 9 , Fig.10 ) has a terminal, and the second terminal portion 40 is a second electrode 48 ( Fig. 9 , Fig.10 ) terminals. A component for applying voltage (not shown) is connected to the first terminal portion 38 and the second terminal portion 40, respectively, and positive and negative reverse voltages are applied to them. The electrode to which the positive voltage is applied among the first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48 functions as an anode, and the electrode to which the negative voltage is applied functions as a cathode.

[0069] Here, use Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , the internal structure of unit 34 is explained. Fig. 9 , Fig.10 It is an exploded perspective view of unit 34.

[0070] One cell 34 includes a first frame 42 , a second frame 44 , a first electrode 46 , a second electrode 48 , a first partition wall 47 , and a second partition wall 49 .

[0071] The first electrode 46, the first frame 42, the second electrode 48, and the second frame 44 are stacked and mounted in this order in the stacking direction ST. Figure 7 , Figure 8 A unit 34 is shown. Seals are provided at the locations where the frames 42, 44 and the electrodes 46, 48 contact each other.

[0072] The frames 42 and 44 are members that respectively support the electrodes 46 and 48 and the partition walls 47 and 49. The frames 42 and 44 respectively support the partition walls 47 and 49 on the inner sides and support one of the electrodes 46 and 48 while sandwiching it.

[0073] The first electrode 46 is an electrode having the first terminal portion 38, and is supported by being sandwiched between the first frame 42 and the second frame 44. The second electrode 48 is an electrode having the second terminal portion 40, and is supported by being sandwiched between the first frame 42 and the second frame 44.

[0074] The first partition wall 47 is a wall portion installed on the inner side of the first frame 42, and is disposed between the adjacent first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48. The second partition wall 49 is a wall portion installed on the inner side of the second frame 44, and is disposed between the adjacent first electrode 46 and the second electrode 48. The partition walls 47 and 49 both have the function of isolating the first processing space S1 where the first electrode 46 is disposed and the second processing space S2 where the second electrode 48 is disposed, and are composed of ion exchange membranes to allow cations and anions to pass through.

[0075] By stacking the plurality of units 34 along the stacking direction ST, a stacked body 4 is formed in which first processing spaces S1 for accommodating first electrodes 46 and second processing spaces S2 for accommodating second electrodes 48 (ie, anode chambers and cathode chambers) are alternately arranged.

[0076] Fig.11 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal cross section of the stacked body 4 .

[0077] exist Fig.11 In the stacked body 4 shown in FIG. 1 , one of the electrodes 46, 48 and one of the partition walls 47, 49 are alternately arranged along the stacking direction ST, and the first processing space S1 and the second processing space S2 are also alternately arranged and isolated from each other by the partition walls 47, 49. In such a structure, water flows in the processing spaces S1 and S2. Fig.11 The water flows above the paper surface (see arrows A3 and B3), and electrolysis is performed while flowing in the processing spaces S1 and S2. Alkaline water is generated in one processing space, and acidic water is generated in the other processing space, and is transported upward as processed water.

[0078] return Fig. 9 , Fig.10 In the first processing space S1, an obliquely upward flow path (arrow A3) is formed from the first inflow path 18 toward the first outflow path 22. In the second processing space S2, an obliquely upward flow path (arrow B3) is formed from the second inflow path 20 toward the second outflow path 24.

[0079] Next, use Figure 12 to Figure 21 , the details of the internal flow path of the stacked body 4 will be described.

[0080] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing a longitudinal section of the electrolytic cell 2 including the first inlet port 10 and the second outlet port 16 . Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing a longitudinal section of the electrolytic cell 2 including the second inlet port 12 and the first outlet port 14 .

[0081] exist Fig.12, the first inlet port 10 and the second outlet port 16 are shown in the same cross section, but the first inlet port 10 and the second outlet port 16 are not connected to each other. Fig.13 , the second inflow port 12 and the first outflow port 14 are shown in the same cross section, but the second inflow port 12 and the first outflow port 14 are not communicated with each other. Fig.12 The first inflow port 10 is shown with Fig.13 The first outflow port 14 shown is connected to Fig.13 The second inflow port 12 is shown with Fig.12 The second outflow port 16 is shown in communication.

[0082] like Fig.12 As shown, the internal flow path 10A of the first inlet port 10 extends in the height direction H of the electrolytic cell 2, communicates with the first buffer inlet path 26, and is connected to the first inlet path 18 along the stacking direction ST of the stack 4. The first inlet path 18 faces the plurality of first inlet ports 50 inside the stack 4.

[0083] like Fig.13 As shown, the internal flow path 12A of the second inlet port 12 extends in the height direction H of the electrolytic cell 2, communicates with the second buffer inlet path 28, and is connected to the second inlet path 20 along the stacking direction ST of the stack 4. The second inlet path 20 faces the plurality of second inlets 52 inside the stack 4.

[0084] Fig.14 Yes Fig.12 The schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view is an enlarged view of the first inflow passage 18 and the periphery of the plurality of first inflow ports 50 shown.

[0085] like Fig.14 As shown, the first inlet 50 facing the first inlet path 18 is an opening for allowing the raw water flowing in the first inlet path 18 to flow into the first processing space S1 above, and a plurality of first inlet ports 50 are arranged at intervals in the stacking direction ST. The first processing space S1 functions as an anode chamber or a cathode chamber depending on the positive or negative voltage applied to the first electrode 46.

[0086] Fig.15 Yes Fig.13 The second inflow passage 20 and the second inflow ports 52 are shown in a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the periphery thereof in an enlarged manner.

[0087] like Fig.15 As shown, the second inlet 52 facing the second inlet 20 is an opening for allowing the raw water flowing in the second inlet 20 to flow into the second processing space S2 above, and a plurality of the second inlet 52 are arranged at intervals in the stacking direction ST. The second processing space S2 functions as an anode chamber or a cathode chamber depending on the positive or negative voltage applied to the second electrode 48.

[0088] Fig.16 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the end structure of frames 42 and 44 constituting the first inlet 50 . Fig.17 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the end structure of the frames 42 and 44 constituting the second inlet 52 .

[0089] like Fig.16 As shown, the first frame 42 has an end 60 at a position facing the first inflow path 18, and the second frame 44 has an end 62 at a position facing the first inflow path 18. A first inflow port 50 is formed between the two ends 60 and 62, and a plurality of first inflow ports 50 are formed along the flow direction W of water.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the end portion 60 has an inclined surface 60A inclined with respect to the stacking direction ST, and the end portion 62 has a gently curved R-shaped shape 62A. By forming the first inlet 50 with the inclined surface 60A and the R-shaped shape 62A, the flow of water from the first inlet path 18 to the first inlet 50 becomes smooth. By changing the inclination angle of the inclined surface 60A and the curvature of the R-shaped shape 62A, the ease with which water flows to the first inlet 50 can also be adjusted.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the end 46A of the first electrode 46 in the first inlet 50 is arranged at a position closer to the center of the stack 4 (see arrow C1) than the ends 61 and 62 of the frames 42 and 44 constituting the first inlet 50. Due to such a positional relationship, even if the area of ​​the first electrode 46 is increased, when water flows from the first inlet path 18 to the first inlet 50, the first electrode 46 is unlikely to hinder the flow of water.

[0092] like Fig.17 As shown, the first frame 42 has an end 64 at a position facing the second inflow path 20, and the second frame 44 has an end 66 at a position facing the second inflow path 20. A second inflow port 52 is formed between the two ends 64 and 66, and a plurality of second inflow ports 52 are formed along the flow direction W of water.

[0093] In this embodiment, the end portion 64 has a gently curved R-shaped surface 64A, and the end portion 66 has an inclined surface 66A inclined relative to the stacking direction ST. The second inlet 52 is formed by the R-shaped surface 64A and the inclined surface 66A, which has the same effect as the inclined surface 60A and the R-shaped surface 62A forming the first inlet 50.

[0094] Similarly, the end 48A of the second electrode 48 in the second inlet 52 is arranged closer to the center of the stacked body 4 than the ends 64 and 66 of the frames 42 and 44 constituting the second inlet 52 (see arrow C2 ).

[0095] return Fig.12 , including a second outflow port 16 in the same longitudinal section as the first inflow port 10. Fig.13 As shown, the same longitudinal section as the second inlet port 12 contains the first outlet port 14 .

[0096] like Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of first outlets 68 are provided above the second inlet 52. The plurality of first outlets 68 are not connected to the second inlet 52, so as to form an inclined flow path inside the stack 34, through the first processing space S1 and the second inlet 52. Fig.12 The plurality of first outlets 68 face the first outlet passage 22 and are connected to the first buffer outlet passage 30 and the internal passage 14A of the first outlet port 14 through the first outlet passage 22 along the stacking direction ST.

[0097] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of second outlets 70 are provided above the first inlet 50. The plurality of second outlets 70 are not connected to the first inlet 50, and form an inclined flow path inside the stack 34, through the second processing space S2 and the first inlet 50. Fig.13 The second inlet 52 is shown in communication. The plurality of second outlets 70 face the second outlet passage 24 and are connected to the second buffer outlet passage 32 and the internal passage 16A of the second outlet port 16 through the second outlet passage 24 along the stacking direction ST.

[0098] Fig.18 Yes Fig.13 The diagram is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the enlarged view of the periphery of the plurality of first outlet ports 68 and the first outlet passage 22. Fig.18 As shown, the first outflow port 68 facing the first outflow channel 22 is an opening for allowing the treated water passing through the first treatment space S1 to flow into the first outflow channel 22, and a plurality of first outflow ports 68 are arranged at intervals in the stacking direction ST.

[0099] Fig.19 Yes Fig.12 The plurality of second outlets 70 and the periphery of the second outlet passage 24 are shown in a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view enlarged. Fig.19 As shown, the second outflow port 70 facing the second outflow channel 24 is an opening for allowing the treated water passing through the second treatment space S2 to flow into the second outflow channel 24, and a plurality of second outflow ports 70 are arranged at intervals in the stacking direction ST.

[0100] Fig. 20 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the end structure of the frames 42 and 44 forming the first outflow port 68 .

[0101] like Fig. 20 As shown, the first frame 42 has an end 72 at a position facing the first outflow path 22, and the second frame 44 has an end 74 at a position facing the first outflow path 22. A first outflow port 68 is formed between the two end portions 72 and 74. In the present embodiment, the end portion 72 has an inclined surface 72A inclined relative to the stacking direction ST, and the end portion 74 of the second frame 44 has a gently curved R-shaped surface 74A.

[0102] Fig.21 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the end structure of the frames 42 and 44 forming the second outflow port 70 .

[0103] like Fig.21 As shown, the first frame 42 has an end 76 at a position facing the second outflow path 24, and the second frame 44 has an end 78 at a position facing the second outflow path 24. A second outflow port 70 is formed between the two end portions 76 and 78. In the present embodiment, the end portion 76 has a gently curved R-shaped surface 76A, and the end portion 78 of the second frame 44 has an inclined surface 78A inclined relative to the stacking direction ST.

[0104] By changing the inclination angles of the inclined surfaces 72A and 78A and the curvatures of the R-shaped shapes 74A and 76A, the flow rate of water flowing from the outflow ports 68 and 70 to the outflow paths 22 and 24 can be adjusted.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the end 46B of the first electrode 46 at the first outlet 68 is arranged at a position closer to the center of the stack 4 than the ends 72, 74 of the frames 42, 44 constituting the first outlet 68 (see arrow C3). Similarly, the end 48B of the second electrode 48 at the second outlet 70 is arranged at a position closer to the center of the stack 4 than the ends 76, 78 of the frames 42, 44 constituting the second outlet 70 (see arrow C4).

[0106] In the drive with Figure 12 to Figure 21 In the case of the electrolytic cell 2 of the structure shown in the figure, raw water is flowed in from a raw water source (not shown) through the inflow ports 10 and 12, while a positive or negative voltage is applied to the first electrode 46 through the first terminal portion 38, and a negative or positive voltage is applied to the second electrode 48 through the second terminal portion 40. As a result, the first processing space S1 containing the first electrode 46 functions as an anode chamber or a cathode chamber, and the second processing space S2 containing the second electrode 48 functions as a cathode chamber or an anode chamber, and the raw water is electrolyzed in the processing spaces S1 and S2, respectively, to generate alkaline water or acidic water as treated water. The generated treated water is ejected to the outside from the outflow ports 14 and 16, respectively.

[0107] like Fig.12 , Fig.13 As shown, the raw water flowing in from the inlet ports 10 and 12 flows through the internal flow paths 10A and 12A and then flows to the buffer inlet paths 26 and 28. By allowing the raw water to flow in the buffer inlet paths 26 and 28 having a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the internal flow paths 10A and 12A, the flow of the raw water can be rectified before electrolysis is performed in the treatment spaces S1 and S2. Thus, even when a plurality of inlet ports 50 and 52 are provided along the flow direction of the water, the flow rate flowing in the upstream side and the downstream side is unlikely to deviate. Thus, the deviation of the flow rate in the plurality of units 34 can be suppressed, and the electrolysis performance of the electrolytic cell 2 can be improved.

[0108] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in addition to providing the buffer inflow passages 26 and 28 on the upstream side of the processing spaces S1 and S2, buffer outflow passages 30 and 32 are also provided on the downstream side of the processing spaces S1 and S2. Thus, the entire internal flow path of the stack 4 can be rectified, the deviation of the flow rate between the plurality of units 34 can be further suppressed, and the electrolytic performance of the electrolytic cell 2 can be further improved.

[0109] The buffer inflow passages 26 and 28 as the buffer flow passages on the upstream side only need to have a larger flow passage cross-sectional area than the internal flow passages 10A and 12A of the inflow ports 10 and 12, respectively. Similarly, the buffer outflow passages 30 and 32 as the buffer flow passages on the downstream side only need to have a larger flow passage cross-sectional area than the internal flow passages 14A and 16A of the outflow ports 14 and 16, respectively. The buffer inflow passages 26 and 28 of the present embodiment have flow passage cross-sectional areas substantially the same as the inflow passages 18 and 20, respectively, but they may also have different flow passage cross-sectional areas. Similarly, the buffer outflow passages 30 and 32 have flow passage cross-sectional areas substantially the same as the outflow passages 22 and 24, respectively, but they may also have different flow passage cross-sectional areas.

[0110] (Function and Effect)

[0111] As described above, the electrolytic cell 2 of the present embodiment is an electrolytic cell having a plurality of cells 34 for electrolyzing water, each cell 34 having a pair of electrodes 46, 48, a pair of partition walls 47, 49, and a pair of frames 42, 44 for supporting the electrodes 46, 48 and the partition walls 47, 49. The plurality of cells 34 is a stacked body 4 in which one of the electrodes 46, 48 and one of the partition walls 47, 49 are alternately arranged. The plurality of cells 34 have a first inlet 50 for allowing raw water to flow into the first treatment space S1 housing the first electrode 46, a second inlet 52 for allowing raw water to flow into the second treatment space S2 housing the second electrode 48, a first outlet 68 for allowing treated water that has passed through the first treatment space S1 to flow out, and a second outlet 70 for allowing treated water that has passed through the second treatment space S2 to flow out. The plurality of units 34 further include a first inflow path 18 facing the first inflow port 50, a second inflow path 20 facing the second inflow port 52, a first outflow path 22 facing the first outflow port 68, and a second outflow path 24 facing the second outflow port 70. In this structure, buffer inflow paths 26 and 28 connected to the first inflow path 18 and the second inflow path 20 in the stacking direction ST of the stack 4 are also provided.

[0112] According to such a configuration, by providing the buffer inflow paths 26 and 28 functioning as buffer spaces, the flow path of water can be rectified on the upstream side of the processing spaces S1 and S2. This can reduce the variation in flow rate between the plurality of units 34 and improve the electrolytic performance of the electrolytic cell 2.

[0113] In the electrolytic cell 2 of the present embodiment, the buffer inflow paths 26 and 28 include: a first buffer inflow path 26 connected to the first inflow path 18 in the stacking direction ST; and a second buffer inflow path 28 connected to the second inflow path 20 in the stacking direction ST. According to such a structure, by dividing the buffer inflow paths 26 and 28 into two, the first inflow path 18 and the second inflow path 20 can be rectified independently, and the flow rate can be further uniformed.

[0114] In addition, in the electrolytic cell 2 of the present embodiment, the stacked body 4 further includes: a first buffer outflow path 30 connected to the first outflow path 22 in the stacking direction ST; and a second buffer outflow path 32 connected to the second outflow path 24 in the stacking direction ST. According to such a structure, by providing the buffer outflow paths 30 and 32 in addition to the buffer inflow paths 26 and 28, rectification can be performed on both the upstream and downstream sides of the processing spaces S1 and S2, and the deviation of the flow rate between the units 34 can be further reduced, and the electrolytic performance of the electrolytic cell 2 can be further improved.

[0115] In addition, the electrolytic cell 2 of the present embodiment further includes: a first shell 6 having buffer inflow paths 26, 28; and a second shell 8 having buffer outflow paths 30, 32, and the first shell 6 and the second shell 8 are attached to the stacked body 4. According to such a structure, the buffer flow path can be constructed by using the shells 6, 8, and the electrolytic cell 2 can be protected.

[0116] In the electrolytic cell 2 of the present embodiment, the first case 6 is attached to the first main surface 4A of the stack 4, and the second case 8 is attached to the second main surface 4B of the stack 4 that is opposite to the first main surface 4A. With such a structure, the electrolytic cell 2 can be protected by the two cases 6 and 8 in a well-balanced manner.

[0117] In addition, in the electrolytic cell 2 of the present embodiment, the first direction A3 from the first inlet 50 toward the first outlet 68 and the second direction B3 from the second inlet 52 toward the second outlet 70 intersect each other when viewed along the stacking direction ST. According to such a structure, compared with a case where the first direction A3 and the second direction B3 do not intersect, the area of ​​the electrodes 46 and 48 is increased and water is easily flowed over the entire surface of the electrodes, which contributes to the improvement of electrolysis performance.

[0118] In addition, in the electrolytic cell 2 of the present embodiment, the first inflow path 18, the second inflow path 20, the first outflow path 22, and the second outflow path 24 extend in the stacking direction ST. According to such a structure, since the first inflow path 18, the second inflow path 20, the first outflow path 22, the second outflow path 24, and the buffer inflow paths 26, 28 / buffer outflow paths 30, 32 all extend in the stacking direction ST, it is easier to rectify the water flowing inside the stack 4, resulting in an improvement in the electrolysis performance.

[0119] In the electrolytic cell 2 of the present embodiment, the ends 46A and 48A of the electrodes 46 and 48 in the inlets 50 and 52 of the stack 4 are located closer to the center of the stack 4 than the ends 60, 62, 64 and 66 of the frames 42 and 44 constituting the inlets 50 and 52. According to such a structure, although the area of ​​the electrodes 46 and 48 is increased, the flow of water flowing from the inlets 50 and 52 into the processing spaces S1 and S2 can be less likely to be hindered by making the ends 46A and 48A of the electrodes 46 and 48 closer to the center than the ends 60, 62, 64 and 66 of the frames 42 and 44. Thus, a decrease in the flow rate can be suppressed.

[0120] In addition, the electrolytic cell 2 of the present embodiment further includes inflow ports 10 and 12 connected to buffer inflow paths 26 and 28, and the cross-sectional areas of the buffer inflow paths 26 and 28 are larger than the cross-sectional areas of the internal flow paths 10A and 12A of the inflow ports 10 and 12. According to such a structure, the rectifying effect of the buffer inflow paths 26 and 28 can be improved, and the flow rate can be made uniform.

[0121] The above-mentioned embodiments are cited to illustrate the invention of the present disclosure, but the invention of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the buffer inflow paths 26 and 28 are connected to the inflow paths 18 and 20, respectively, is described, but it is not limited to such a case. For example, a common buffer inflow path connected to both the inflow paths 18 and 20 may also be provided. In this case, the inflow ports 10 and 12 may also be merged into one common inflow port. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the buffer inflow paths 26 and 28 and the buffer outflow paths 30 and 32 are separately provided is described, but it is not limited to such a case, and the buffer outflow paths 30 and 32 may be omitted and only the buffer inflow paths 26 and 28 may be provided.

[0122] In addition, in the above embodiment, if Fig.16 , Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the shape of each end portion 60, 62 of the frame 42, 44 constituting the inlet 50, 52 is the same when there are a plurality of inlet ports 50, 52 along the water flow direction W, but the invention is not limited to such a case. Fig. 22 As in the modified example shown, the shape of the frame end is changed along the flow direction W of water.

[0123] Fig. 22 This is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the end structure of frames 42 and 44 forming the first inlet 50 according to Modification 1.

[0124] exist Fig. 22 In the modification example 1 shown, the frames 42 and 44 have ends 60 and 62 on the upstream side and ends 160 and 162 on the downstream side along the water flow direction W. The inclined surface 160A of the end 160 is set to have a shallower inclination angle with respect to the stacking direction ST than the inclined surface 60A of the end 60, and the R shape 162A of the end 162 is set to have a smaller curvature radius than the R shape 62A of the end 62.

[0125] When there are a plurality of first inlets 50 along the water flow direction W, there is a tendency that the water pressure becomes higher and the flow rate becomes larger as the water flows toward the downstream side. Fig. 22 In the structure shown, water is less likely to flow into the first inlet 50 at the downstream ends 160 and 162 than at the upstream ends 60 and 62. Therefore, the flow rate variation of the plurality of first inlets 50 can be reduced, and the flow rate can be made uniform.

[0126] Fig. 22 The shapes of the ends 60, 62, 160, 162 shown can also be applied to the Fig.17The shapes of the ends 64 and 66 of the frames 42 and 44 of the second inlet 52 are shown. Fig. 20 , Fig.21 The ends 72, 74, 76, 78 of the frames 42, 44 of the outlets 68, 70 shown in the figure have an R-shaped curvature radius smaller at the downstream end than at the upstream end, thereby making the inclination angle of the inclined surface relative to the stacking direction ST shallower.

[0127] Furthermore, the shapes of the R shape and the inclined surface are not limited to being changed, and the shape of either one may be changed. That is, the shape of either one may be kept the same along the water flow direction W without changing the shape of the other one. In addition, the shapes of the R shape and the inclined surface may be changed at any position, for example, the shapes may be changed in stages.

[0128] according to Fig. 22 In the modification 1 shown, the inlet 50 has a plurality of inlet ports spaced apart in the stacking direction ST, and the ends 62, 162 of the frames 42, 44 constituting the plurality of inlet ports 50 have: a first end 62 having a first R shape 62A; and a second end 162 located on the downstream side of the first end 62 and having a second R shape 162A, wherein the curvature radius of the first R shape 62A is greater than the curvature radius of the second R shape 162A. Thus, uniformity of flow rate and improvement of electrolysis performance can be achieved.

[0129] In addition, according to Fig. 22 In the modification 1 shown, the inlet 50 has a plurality of inlet openings spaced apart in the stacking direction ST, and the ends 60, 160 of the frames 42, 44 constituting the plurality of inlet openings 50 have: a first end 60 having a first inclined surface 60A; and a second end 160 located on the downstream side of the first end 60 and having a second inclined surface 160A, wherein the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 60A is greater than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 160A. Thus, uniformity of flow rate and improvement of electrolysis performance can be achieved.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the case where no obstacles are arranged in the inflow paths 18, 20 and the outflow paths 22, 24 of the stacked body 4 is described, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. Fig.23 As in the illustrated modification, obstacles are disposed in the inflow paths 18 and 20 or the outflow paths 22 and 24 .

[0131] Fig.23 2 is a diagram schematically showing a longitudinal section of an electrolytic cell 200 according to Modification 2. Fig.23In the example shown, a first obstacle 202 is arranged in the inflow paths 18 and 20, and a second obstacle 204 is arranged in the outflow paths 22 and 24. The first obstacle 202 is arranged at a downstream position along the flow direction W1 of water in the inflow paths 18 and 20, and the second obstacle 204 is arranged at an upstream position along the flow direction W2 of water in the outflow paths 22 and 24. The first obstacle 202 has a tapered shape that tapers toward the direction opposite to the flow direction W1 of water, and the second obstacle 204 has a tapered shape that tapers toward the flow direction W2 of water.

[0132] By providing obstacles 202 and 204 at locations where the water pressure is high and the flow rate is high, water can easily flow to other locations, and the flow rate can be made uniform.

[0133] according to Fig.23 In the second modification shown, a first obstacle 202 is inserted in the downstream area of ​​the first inflow path 18 or the second inflow path 20 of the stack 4, and a second obstacle 204 is inserted in the upstream area of ​​the first outflow path 22 or the second outflow path 24 of the stack 4. This makes it possible to achieve uniform flow and improve electrolysis performance.

[0134] Furthermore, by appropriately combining the above-mentioned various modes, the effects possessed by each mode can be achieved.

[0135] The present invention is fully described in relation to the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, but various variations and modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included therein as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. In addition, the combination of elements in the embodiments and changes in order can be implemented without departing from the scope and concept of the present invention.

[0136] Possibility of industrial application

[0137] The present invention is applied to an electrolytic cell including a plurality of cells for electrolyzing water.

[0138] Description of Reference Numerals

[0139] 2: electrolytic cell; 4: stacked body; 6: first shell; 8: second shell; 10: first inflow port; 12: second inflow port; 14: first outflow port; 16: second outflow port; 18: first inflow path; 20: second inflow path; 22: first outflow path; 24: second outflow path; 26: first buffer inflow path; 28: second buffer inflow path; 30: first buffer outflow path; 32: second buffer outflow path; 34: unit; 42: first frame; 44: second frame; 46: first electrode; 47: first partition wall; 48: second electrode; 49: second partition wall; 50: first inflow port; 52: second inflow port; 68: first outflow port; 70: second outflow port; ST: stacking direction.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of units for electrolyzing water, wherein: Each cell has a pair of electrodes, a pair of partition walls, and a pair of frames supporting the electrodes and the partition walls. The plurality of units are stacked in a manner that one electrode and one partition wall are alternately arranged, and have: a first inlet for allowing raw water to flow into a first treatment space accommodating a first electrode; a second inlet for allowing raw water to flow into a second treatment space accommodating a second electrode; a first outflow port for allowing the treated water passing through the first treatment space to flow out; a second outflow port for allowing the treated water passing through the second treatment space to flow out; and a first inflow path facing the first inflow port; a second inflow passage facing the second inflow port; a first outflow passage facing the first outflow port; and a second outflow passage facing the second outflow port, The electrolytic cell is further provided with a buffer inflow path connected to the first inflow path and the second inflow path in the stacking direction of the stacked body.

2. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein The buffer inflow path includes: a first buffer inflow path connected to the first inflow path in the stacking direction; and a second buffer inflow path connected to the second inflow path in the stacking direction.

3. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein The stacked body further includes: a first buffer outflow passage connected to the first outflow passage in the stacking direction; and a second buffer outflow passage connected to the second outflow passage in the stacking direction.

4. The electrolytic cell according to claim 3, wherein: The electrolytic cell also has: A first housing having the buffer inflow path; and a second housing having the first buffer flow outlet and the second buffer flow outlet, The first housing and the second housing are attached to the stacked body.

5. The electrolytic cell according to claim 4, wherein The first housing is attached to a first main surface of the stacked body, and the second housing is attached to a second main surface of the stacked body that is opposite to the first main surface.

6. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein A first direction from the first inlet toward the first outlet and a second direction from the second inlet toward the second outlet intersect each other when viewed along the stacking direction.

7. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein The first inflow channel, the second inflow channel, the first outflow channel, and the second outflow channel extend along the stacking direction, respectively.

8. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein An end portion of the electrode at the inlet of the stacked body is located closer to the center of the stacked body than an end portion of the frame constituting the inlet.

9. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein: The electrolytic cell further comprises an inflow port communicating with the buffer inflow passage, A cross-sectional area of ​​the buffer inflow path is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​an internal flow path of the inflow port.

10. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet has a plurality of inlets spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction. The ends of the frame constituting the plurality of inlets include a first end having a first R shape and a second end located downstream of the first end and having a second R shape, wherein the first R shape has a larger curvature radius than the second R shape.

11. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet has a plurality of inlets spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction. The ends of the frame constituting the plurality of inlets include: a first end having a first inclined surface; and a second end located downstream of the first end and having a second inclined surface, wherein an inclination angle of the first inclined surface is greater than an inclination angle of the second inclined surface.

12. The electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein An obstacle is inserted into a region on the downstream side of the first inflow channel or the second inflow channel of the stacked body.

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