Electrolytic cell unit

Abstract

The utility model provides an electrolytic cell unit capable of preventing an anode or a current collector from collapsing towards an electrode chamber side. The electrolytic cell unit (2) is provided with electrode chambers (4) (an anode chamber (8), a cathode chamber (10)) for electrolyzing a liquid. The electrolytic cell unit (2) is provided with: an anode (14) disposed in the anode chamber (8); a collector (20) disposed in the cathode chamber (10); a partition wall (16) that partitions the anode chamber (8) and the cathode chamber (10); and a common flange (28) that defines both widthwise end portions and lower end portions of the anode chamber (8) and the cathode chamber (10). Both side end portions (16b) and lower end portions (16c) of the partition walls (16) in the width direction are bent toward the anode chamber (8) side and joined to the common flange (28), and both side end portions and / or lower end portions of the anodes (14) are supported by both side end portions (16b) or lower end portions (16c) of the partition walls (16) in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an electrolytic cell unit, and more specifically, to an electrolytic cell unit in which electrodes are supported on a partition wall. Background Technology

[0002] An electrolytic cell unit is a component of a bipolar electrolytic cell used for electrolyzing aqueous solutions of alkali metal hydroxides, such as potassium hydroxide. An electrolytic cell unit typically includes an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, which are separated by two partition walls. An anode is located in the anode chamber and is supported by ribs within the anode chamber. A current collector is located in the cathode chamber and is supported by ribs within the cathode chamber (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-177353 Utility Model Content

[0006] Problems to be solved by utility models

[0007] However, there is a situation where, due to pressure fluctuations within the electrolytic cell, the two sides or lower end of the anode or current collector collapses towards the electrode chamber side, losing its flatness. In this case, there is a possibility of localized increase in resistance, an increase in electrolytic voltage, or damage to the diaphragm. Here, "collapse" means that the position of at least one of the two sides and lower end of the anode or current collector shifts towards the electrode chamber side during operation compared to the position of its respective main portion in the state before the electrolytic cell unit began operation (initial state). Furthermore, even if the tips of the two sides or lower end of the anode or current collector are at the same position as the main portion of the anode or current collector in the depth direction, it also includes situations where, during operation, a localized depression or bend occurs towards the electrode chamber side, other than the tips of the anode or current collector. Moreover, it also includes situations where localized displacement of the two sides or lower end of the anode or current collector towards the electrode chamber side occurs.

[0008] The present invention addresses the issue of providing an electrolytic cell unit that prevents the anode or current collector from collapsing toward the electrode chamber side.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] According to this utility model, an electrolytic cell unit is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems. That is,

[0011] Provided is "an electrolytic cell unit comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, characterized in that,"

[0012] This electrolytic cell unit has the following features:

[0013] An anode, which is disposed in the anode chamber;

[0014] A current collector, which is disposed in the cathode chamber;

[0015] A partition wall dividing the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; and

[0016] A common flange defines the two ends and the lower end of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber in the width direction.

[0017] The two ends and the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction are bent toward the anode chamber side and joined to the common flange.

[0018] At least one of the two ends and the lower end of the anode in the width direction is supported by the two ends or the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction.

[0019] Preferably, the two ends and the lower end of the anode in the width direction are supported on the two ends and the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction.

[0020] Preferably, the common flange is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the cathode chamber and extends along the inner circumference of the common flange, and the two ends and the lower end of the current collector in the width direction are supported by the protrusion.

[0021] Preferably, the protrusion is capable of extending and retracting along the depth direction of the cathode chamber.

[0022] Furthermore, according to this utility model, an electrolytic cell unit is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems. That is,

[0023] Provided is "an electrolytic cell unit comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, characterized in that,"

[0024] This electrolytic cell unit has the following features:

[0025] An anode, which is disposed in the anode chamber;

[0026] A current collector, which is disposed in the cathode chamber;

[0027] A partition wall dividing the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; and

[0028] A common flange defines the two ends and the lower end of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber in the width direction.

[0029] The two ends and the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction are bent toward the cathode chamber side and joined to the common flange.

[0030] At least one of the two ends and the lower end of the current collector in the width direction is supported by the two ends or the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction.

[0031] Preferably, the two ends and the lower end of the current collector in the width direction are supported on the two ends and the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction.

[0032] Preferably, the common flange is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the anode chamber and extends along the inner circumference of the common flange, and the two ends and the lower end of the anode in the width direction are supported by the protrusion.

[0033] Preferably, the protrusion is capable of extending and retracting along the depth direction of the anode chamber.

[0034] Effects of the utility model

[0035] In the electrolytic cell unit of this invention, at least one of the two ends and the lower end of the anode or current collector in the width direction is supported on the two ends or the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction, thereby preventing the anode or current collector from collapsing toward the electrode chamber side and ensuring the flatness of the anode or current collector. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a front view of the first embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line III-III.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment, in which the anode's two ends and lower end are supported on the two ends and lower end of the partition wall in the width direction, and the current collector's two ends and lower end are supported on the protrusion in the width direction. (This cross-sectional view is equivalent to...) Figure 2 ).

[0040] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment, in which the anode's two ends and lower end are supported on the two ends and lower end of the partition wall in the width direction, and the current collector's two ends and lower end are supported on the protrusion in the width direction. (This cross-sectional view is equivalent to...) Figure 3 ).

[0041] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment, in which the two ends and the lower end of the current collector are supported on the two ends and the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction. (This cross-sectional view is equivalent to...) Figure 2 ).

[0042] Figure 7This is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment, in which the two ends and the lower end of the current collector are supported on the two ends and the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction. (This cross-sectional view is equivalent to...) Figure 3 ).

[0043] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment, in which the ends and bottom of the current collector are supported in the width direction by the ends and bottom of the partition wall, and the ends and bottom of the anode are supported in the width direction by the protrusion. (This cross-sectional view is equivalent to...) Figure 2 ).

[0044] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment, in which the ends and bottom of the current collector are supported in the width direction by the ends and bottom of the partition wall, and the ends and bottom of the anode are supported in the width direction by the protrusion. (This cross-sectional view is equivalent to...) Figure 3 ).

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0046] 2. Electrolytic cell unit; 4. Electrode chamber; 6. Gas-liquid separation chamber; 8. Anode chamber; 10. Cathode chamber; 14. Anode; 16. Partition wall; 18. First rib; 20. Current collector; 22. Second rib; 24. Buffer; 26. Cathode; 28. Common flange; 30. Side flange; 32. Lower flange; 34. Common frame; 36. Side frame; 38. Lower frame; 40. Anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber; 42. Cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber; 44. First flange; 46. Top plate; 48. Side wall; 50. Dividing plate; 52. Second flange; 54. Top plate; 56. Side wall; 58. Dividing plate; 60. First supply nozzle; 62. Second supply nozzle; 64. First discharge nozzle; 66. Second discharge nozzle; 68. Protrusion; 70. Side protrusion; 72. Lower protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0047] (First Embodiment)

[0048] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the electrolytic cell unit of this utility model will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0049] (Electrolytic Cell Unit 2)

[0050] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 To illustrate, the electrolytic cell unit 2 includes an electrode chamber 4 for electrolyzing liquids and a gas-liquid separation chamber 6 for separating the gas generated during electrolysis from the electrolyte (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0051] (Electrode Chamber 4)

[0052] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, electrode chamber 4 includes an anode chamber 8 and a cathode chamber 10 disposed adjacent to the anode chamber 8. The anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 are formed, for example, of nickel (Ni).

[0053] (Anode Chamber 8)

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the anode chamber 8 includes an anode 14, a partition wall 16 disposed at an open interval from the anode 14, and a plurality of first ribs 18 disposed between the anode 14 and the partition wall 16.

[0055] (Anode 14)

[0056] Although not shown, the rectangular plate-shaped anode 14 has multiple openings. The shape of the openings is arbitrary, such as a rhombus shape, a flat fan shape, a slit shape, etc. The multiple openings can be arranged in an alternating pattern.

[0057] Anode 14 has a width direction along the electrolytic cell unit 2 ( Figure 3 The main portion 14a extends in the direction indicated by the middle arrow X, and the side portions 14b include both ends of the main portion 14a in the width direction (X direction) (see reference). Figure 3 ), and the lower end portion 14c including the lower end of the main portion 14a (see reference 14a). Figure 2 ).

[0058] (Divider 16)

[0059] The partition wall 16 is in the depth direction of the electrolytic cell unit 2 ( Figure 2 The partition wall 16 is arranged at an open interval from the anode 14 in the direction indicated by the middle arrow Y. The partition wall 16 includes sections along the vertical direction of the electrolytic cell unit 2. Figure 2 The main portion 16a extends in the direction indicated by the middle arrow Z, and the side portions 16b bend towards the anode chamber 8 from both sides in the width direction (X direction) of the main portion 16a (see reference). Figure 3 ), and the lower end portion 16c that bends from the lower end of the main portion 16a toward the anode chamber 8 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0060] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in the first embodiment, the two ends 14b and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 in the width direction are supported on the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction. Here, support means that at least a portion of the anode 14 is in contact with either the two ends 16b or the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction. In addition, cases where it is fixed by means of welding, threading, etc. are also included.

[0061] Furthermore, it is permissible as long as at least one of the two ends 14b and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 in the width direction is supported on the two ends 16b or the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the anode 14, it is preferable that, as described above, the two ends 14b and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 in the width direction are supported on the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction.

[0062] The two ends 14b and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 in the width direction are bent toward the partition wall 16 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3 Alternatively, the side ends 14b and lower ends 14c of the anode 14 may be supported on the two ends 16b and lower ends 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction without bending either or all of the side ends 14b and lower ends 14c of the anode 14.

[0063] From the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the anode 14, it is preferable that the two side ends 14b and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 are continuously supported on the two side ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction over the entire area in the vertical direction and the width direction, respectively.

[0064] (1st rib, 18th rib)

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple first ribs 18 are provided at intervals in the width direction. Each first rib 18 extends in the vertical direction (Z direction). Each first rib 18 has a main portion 18a extending from the anode 14 toward the partition wall 16 in the depth direction and multiple connecting pieces 18b protruding from the end of the main portion 18a on the partition wall 16 side in the width direction. The end of the main portion 18a on the anode 14 side is connected to the anode 14, and each connecting piece 18b is connected to the main portion 16a of the partition wall 16.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, at the end of the partition wall 16 side of the main part 18a, a plurality of cuts 18c are provided at intervals in the vertical direction. The cuts 18c are located between adjacent connecting pieces 18b. Through the plurality of cuts 18c, the flow of liquid and gas in the width direction is ensured within the anode chamber 8.

[0067] (Cathode Chamber 10)

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cathode chamber 10 includes a current collector 20, a partition wall 16 disposed at an open interval from the current collector 20, and a plurality of second ribs 22 disposed between the current collector 20 and the partition wall 16.

[0069] (Current collector 20)

[0070] The rectangular plate-shaped current collector 20, like the anode 14, has multiple openings (not shown). The shape of the openings is arbitrary, such as a rhombus shape, a flat fan shape, a slit shape, etc. The multiple openings can be arranged in an alternating pattern.

[0071] When assembling an electrolytic cell by arranging multiple electrolytic cell units 2 along the depth direction and pressing them from both sides or one side of the depth direction, a cathode 26 is assembled on the outer surface of the current collector 20 through a metal buffer 24.

[0072] (2nd rib, 22nd rib)

[0073] Like the first rib 18, multiple second ribs 22 are provided at intervals in the width direction and extend along the vertical direction (Z direction). The multiple second ribs 22 are arranged in the width direction at positions corresponding to the multiple first ribs 18. Each second rib 22 has a main portion 22a extending from the current collector 20 toward the partition wall 16 in the depth direction and multiple connecting pieces 22b protruding in the width direction from the end of the main portion 22a on the partition wall 16 side. The end of the main portion 22a on the current collector 20 side is connected to the current collector 20, and each connecting piece 22b is connected to the main portion 16a of the partition wall 16.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, at the end of the main part 22a on the partition wall 16 side, a plurality of cuts 22c are provided at intervals in the vertical direction. The cuts 22c are located between adjacent connecting pieces 22b. Through the plurality of cuts 22c, the flow of liquid and gas in the width direction is ensured within the cathode chamber 10.

[0075] (Shared flange 28)

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrolytic cell unit 2 includes a common flange 28 at both ends and the lower end of the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 in the width direction. The common flange 28 includes side flanges 30 that engage with the two ends 16b of the partition wall 16 in the width direction and a lower flange 32 that engages with the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16. The common flange 28 is formed of nickel, for example.

[0077] (Side flange 30)

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the side flanges 30 extend vertically in a pair along the width direction at both ends of the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. (Refer to...) Figure 3To illustrate, the side flange 30 has sidewall portions 30a extending in the depth direction from both ends in the width direction of the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10, flange portions 30b extending outward in the width direction from the two top ends of the sidewall portions 30a, and protrusions 30c extending inward in the depth direction from the two top ends of the flange portions 30b. The two sidewall portions 30a of the side flange 30 are joined to the two ends 16b in the width direction of the partition wall 16 on the anode chamber 8 side. As a joining method, seam welding, TIG welding, or laser welding can be mentioned, but seam welding is preferred from the perspective of less strain and lower cost.

[0079] (lower flange 32)

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the lower flange 32 extends along the width direction at the lower ends of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. (Refer to...) Figure 2 To illustrate, the lower flange 32 has a bottom portion 32a extending in the depth direction from the lower ends of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10, a flange portion 32b extending upward, downward, and downward from the two top ends of the bottom portion 32a, and a protrusion 32c extending inward in the depth direction from the two top ends of the flange portion 32b. The bottom portion 32a of the lower flange 32 joins with the lower end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 on the anode chamber 8 side. As joining methods, seam welding, TIG welding, or laser welding can be mentioned, but seam welding is preferred from the perspective of less strain and lower cost.

[0081] (Shared Frame 34)

[0082] A common frame 34 is disposed inside the common flange 28. The common frame 34 is a hollow, rectangular cross-section. The common frame 34 includes side frames 36 (see reference). Figure 3 ) and lower frame 38 (refer to) Figure 2 The common frame 34 is formed of a suitable metal material such as stainless steel.

[0083] (Side frame 36)

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the side frame 36 is disposed inside the side flange 30 and extends in the vertical direction.

[0085] (Lower frame 38)

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower frame 38 is disposed inside the lower flange 32 and extends along the width direction. Two through holes (not shown) are provided in the lower frame 38, extending vertically.

[0087] (First supply nozzle 60, second supply nozzle 62)

[0088] A first supply nozzle 60 for supplying raw material liquid to the anode chamber 8 is fitted into a through hole in the lower frame 38 (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Additionally, a second supply nozzle 62 for supplying raw material liquid to the cathode chamber 10 is fitted into another through hole in the lower frame 38 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0089] (Gas-liquid separation chamber 6)

[0090] Reference Figure 2 To illustrate, the gas-liquid separation chamber 6 has an anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40 disposed above the anode chamber 8 and a cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42 disposed above the cathode chamber 10.

[0091] (Anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40)

[0092] The anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40 is defined by the upper end portion of the partition wall 16 and the first flange 44. The anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40 is formed of a metallic material such as nickel.

[0093] The first flange 44 includes a top plate 46 extending in the Y direction from the upper end of the partition wall 16, a side wall 48 extending downward from the top of the top plate 46, and a dividing plate 50 extending in the Y direction from the lower end of the side wall 48 toward the partition wall 16. Furthermore, although not shown, an upwardly projecting tab may be provided at the base end of the top plate 46 (the end on the side of the partition wall 16).

[0094] The dividing plate 50 is a component that divides the anode chamber 8 and the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40. The dividing plate 50 has through openings (not shown) that allow gas and electrolyte to pass from the anode chamber 8 to the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40. These through openings are located on the anode 14 side in the Y direction. Furthermore, multiple through openings are spaced apart in the X direction.

[0095] (Cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42)

[0096] The cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42 is defined by the upper end portion of the partition wall 16 and the second flange 52. The cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42 is formed of a metallic material such as nickel.

[0097] The second flange 52 includes a top plate 54 extending in the Y direction from the upper end of the partition wall 16, a side wall 56 extending downward from the top of the top plate 54, and a dividing plate 58 extending in the Y direction from the lower end of the side wall 56 toward the partition wall 16. In addition, although not shown, an upwardly projecting tab may also be provided at the base end of the top plate 54 (the end on the side of the partition wall 16).

[0098] (Division 58)

[0099] The partition plate 58 is a component that divides the cathode chamber 10 and the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42. The partition plate 58 has through openings (not shown) that allow electrolyte and gas to pass from the cathode chamber 10 to the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42. These through openings are located on the current collector 20 side in the Y direction. Furthermore, multiple through openings are spaced apart in the X direction.

[0100] (Exhaust nozzle)

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, the discharge nozzles of the electrolytic cell unit 2 include a first discharge nozzle 64 for discharging gas and electrolyte from the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40 and a second discharge nozzle 66 for discharging gas and electrolyte from the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42.

[0102] (Electrolytic cell)

[0103] When assembling the electrolytic cell, multiple electrolytic cell units 2 as described above are prepared and arranged along the depth direction with the anode 14 and cathode 26 facing each other. A diaphragm (not shown) is placed between the anode 14 and cathode 26. Then, the multiple electrolytic cell units 2 are pressed from both sides or one side along the depth direction using a hydraulic pressing device or the like. Additionally, flow path components such as hoses connecting the first and second supply nozzles 60 and 62 and the first and second discharge nozzles 64 and 66 are provided.

[0104] (electrolysis)

[0105] During electrolysis in the electrolytic cell, the raw material liquid is supplied to the anode chamber 8 via the first supply nozzle 60. Additionally, the raw material liquid is supplied to the cathode chamber 10 via the second supply nozzle 62. Then, a voltage is applied to the anode 14 and the cathode 26. At this time, gas is generated at the anode 14 and the cathode 26, producing an electrolyte containing numerous bubbles.

[0106] The bubble-containing electrolyte generated in the anode chamber 8 rises into the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40 after passing through the through opening of the dividing plate 50.

[0107] Similarly, the bubble-containing electrolyte generated in the cathode chamber 10 also rises to the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42 after passing through the through opening of the dividing plate 58.

[0108] When bubbles rise in the anode chamber 8 or cathode chamber 10, and the part of the dividing plate 50 or 58 that is not provided with an opening collides with the bubbles, the bubbles combine and split, resulting in a large pressure change in the electrolytic cell.

[0109] However, the two ends 14b of the anode 14 in the width direction are supported on the two ends 16b of the partition wall 16 in the width direction, and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 is supported on the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the anode 14 from collapsing toward the anode chamber 8 and to ensure the flatness of the anode 14.

[0110] As described above, in the electrolytic cell unit 2, the collapse of the anode 14 toward the anode chamber 8 can be prevented, ensuring the flatness of the anode 14, thus enabling the stable and continuous operation of the electrolytic cell unit 2.

[0111] (Second Implementation)

[0112] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A second embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit of this utility model will be described. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used as in the first embodiment for the same constituent elements, and descriptions are omitted.

[0113] Current collector 20 has along Figure 5 The main portion 20a extending in the width direction (X direction) indicated by the middle arrow X, and the side portions 20b including both ends of the main portion 20a in the width direction (X direction) (see reference). Figure 5 ), and the lower end portion 20c including the lower end of the main portion 20a (see reference ). Figure 4 ).

[0114] (68 protrusions)

[0115] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a protrusion 68 is provided on the common flange 28, protruding toward the cathode chamber 10 and extending along the inner circumference of the common flange 28. The protrusion 68 includes a side protrusion 70 (see reference) provided on the inner circumferential surface of the side flange 30. Figure 5 ) and the lower protrusion 72 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the lower flange 32 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0116] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the second embodiment, the two end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction are supported by the protrusion 68. That is, the two end portions 20b of the current collector 20 in the width direction are supported by the side protrusion 70 (see reference). Figure 5 The lower end 20c of the current collector 20 is supported by the lower protrusion 72 (see reference). Figure 4Therefore, even in the event of pressure fluctuations within the electrolytic cell unit 2, it is possible to prevent the current collector 20 from collapsing towards the cathode chamber 10, ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20. Here, support means that at least a portion of the current collector 20 is in contact with the protrusion 68. Additionally, this also includes cases where it is fixed using methods such as welding or threaded fastening.

[0117] Furthermore, it is permissible for at least one of the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction to be supported by the protrusion 68. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that, as described above, the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction are supported by the protrusion 68.

[0118] Alternatively, the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction may be supported on the protrusion 68 in a bent state, either or both of the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c in the width direction of the current collector 20.

[0119] From the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction are continuously supported on the protrusion 68 over the entire area in the vertical direction and the width direction, respectively.

[0120] Preferably, the protrusion 68 is extendable and retractable along the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. When the protrusion 68 is extendable and retractable along the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10, the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 36, and the inner surface of the flange portion 32c of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 38, are respectively in close contact.

[0121] The method for inserting the common frame 34 into the common flange 28 when the protrusion 68 can extend and retract along the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10 will be described. Before insertion of the common frame 34, the protrusion 68 of the common flange 28 is retracted along the depth direction. From this state, the common frame 34 is inserted while expanding the common flange 28 along the depth direction using a tool. If the tool is removed after the common frame 34 is fully inserted, the protrusion 68 retracts along the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10, resulting in the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 being in close contact with the outer surface of the side frame 36, and the inner surface of the flange portion 32b of the lower flange 32 being in close contact with the outer surface of the lower frame 38.

[0122] When multiple electrolytic cell units 2 are arranged along the depth direction and pressed from both sides or one side of the depth direction, the first flange 44 and the second flange 52 press against each other through a washer (not shown).

[0123] However, even though the first flange 44 and the second flange 52 are pressed against each other through a washer (not shown), the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured because the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 is in close contact with the outer surface of the side frame 36 and the inner surface of the flange portion 32b of the lower flange 32 is in close contact with the outer surface of the lower frame 38.

[0124] (Third Implementation)

[0125] Next, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A third embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit 2 of this utility model will be described. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as in the first embodiment, and descriptions are omitted.

[0126] The partition wall 16 has along Figure 6 The main portion 16a extending in the vertical direction (Z direction) indicated by the middle arrow Z, and the side portions 16b bending towards the cathode chamber 10 from both sides of the main portion 16a in the width direction (see reference). Figure 7 ), and the lower end portion 16c, which bends along the depth direction from the lower end of the main portion 16a toward the cathode chamber 10 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0127] Current collector 20 has along Figure 7 The main portion 20a extending in the width direction (X direction) indicated by the middle arrow X, and the side portions 20b including both ends of the main portion 20a in the width direction (X direction) (see reference). Figure 7 ), and the lower end portion 20c including the lower end of the main portion 20a (see reference ). Figure 6 ).

[0128] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the third embodiment, the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction are supported on the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction. Here, support means that at least a portion of the current collector 20 is in contact with either the two ends 16b or the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction. Additionally, cases where it is fixed by means of welding, threading, or other similar methods are also included.

[0129] Furthermore, it is permissible for at least one of the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction to be supported on the two ends 16b or the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that, as described above, the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction are supported on the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction.

[0130] The two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 are bent toward the partition wall 16 in the width direction (see reference). Figure 6 and Figure 7 Alternatively, the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction may be supported on the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction without bending any or all of the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction.

[0131] From the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction are continuously supported on the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction over the entire area in the vertical direction and the width direction, respectively.

[0132] In the third embodiment, even when a large pressure fluctuation occurs in the electrolytic cell, the flatness of the current collector 20 is ensured because the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction are supported by the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction.

[0133] (Fourth implementation)

[0134] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 A fourth embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit 2 of this utility model will be described. Furthermore, in this fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as in the first embodiment, and descriptions are omitted.

[0135] The partition wall 16 has along Figure 8 The main portion 16a extending in the vertical direction (Z direction) indicated by the middle arrow Z, and the side portions 16b bending towards the cathode chamber 10 from both sides of the main portion 16a in the width direction (see reference). Figure 9 ), and the lower end portion 16c, which bends along the depth direction from the lower end of the main portion 16a toward the cathode chamber 10 (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0136] Current collector 20 has along Figure 9 The main portion 20a extending in the width direction (X direction) indicated by the middle arrow X, and the side portions 20b including both ends of the main portion 20a in the width direction (X direction) (see reference). Figure 9 ), and the lower end portion 20c including the lower end of the main portion 20a (see reference ). Figure 8 ).

[0137] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, in the fourth embodiment, the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction are supported on the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction. Here, support means that at least a portion of the current collector 20 is in contact with either the two ends 16b or the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction. Additionally, cases where it is fixed by means of welding, threading, etc., are also included.

[0138] Furthermore, it is permissible for at least one of the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction to be supported on the two ends 16b or the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that, as described above, the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction are supported on the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction.

[0139] The two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 are bent toward the partition wall 16 in the width direction (see reference). Figure 8 and Figure 9 Alternatively, the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction may be supported on the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction without bending any or all of the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction.

[0140] From the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c of the current collector 20 in the width direction are continuously supported on the two ends 16b and the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction over the entire area in the vertical direction and the width direction, respectively.

[0141] In the fourth embodiment, even when a large pressure fluctuation occurs in the electrolytic cell, the current collector 20 is supported by the two ends 20b and the lower end 20c in the width direction of the partition wall 16, thus preventing the current collector 20 from collapsing toward the cathode chamber 10 and ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20.

[0142] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a protrusion 68 is provided on the common flange 28, protruding toward the anode chamber 8 and extending along the inner circumference of the common flange 28. The protrusion 68 includes a side protrusion 70 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the side flange 30 (see reference). Figure 9 ) and the lower protrusion 72 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the lower flange 32 (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0143] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, in the fourth embodiment, the two end portions 14b and the lower end portion 14c of the anode 14 in the width direction are supported by the protrusion 68. That is, the two end portions 14b of the anode 14 in the width direction are supported by the side protrusion 70 (see reference). Figure 9 The lower end 14c of the anode 14 is supported by the lower protrusion 72 (see reference). Figure 8 Therefore, even in the event of pressure fluctuations within the electrolytic cell, it is possible to prevent the anode 14 from collapsing towards the anode chamber 8, ensuring the flatness of the anode 14. Here, support means that at least a portion of the anode 14 is in contact with the protrusion 68. This also includes cases where it is fixed using methods such as welding or threaded fastening.

[0144] Furthermore, it is permissible for at least one of the two ends 14b and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 in the width direction to be supported by the protrusion 68, but from the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the anode 14, it is preferable that, as described above, the two ends 14b and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 in the width direction are supported by the protrusion 68.

[0145] Alternatively, the two ends 14b and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 in the width direction may be supported on the protrusion 68 in a bent state, either or both of the two ends 14b and the lower end 14c in the width direction of the anode 14.

[0146] From the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the anode 14, it is preferable that the two ends 14b and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 in the width direction are continuously supported by the protrusion 68 over the entire area in the vertical direction and the width direction, respectively.

[0147] Preferably, the protrusion 68 is capable of extending and retracting along the depth direction of the anode chamber 8. When the protrusion 68 is capable of extending and retracting along the depth direction of the anode chamber 8, the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 can be tightly attached to the outer surface of the side frame 36, and the inner surface of the flange portion 32b of the lower flange 32 can be tightly attached to the outer surface of the lower frame 38.

[0148] The method for inserting the common frame 34 into the common flange 28 when the protrusion 68 can extend and retract along the depth direction of the anode chamber 8 will be described. Before insertion of the common frame 34, the protrusion 68 of the common flange 28 is retracted along the depth direction. From this state, the common frame 34 is inserted while expanding the common flange 28 along the depth direction using a tool. If the tool is removed after the common frame 34 is fully inserted, the protrusion 68 retracts along the depth direction of the anode chamber 8, resulting in the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 being in close contact with the outer surface of the side frame 36, and the inner surface of the flange portion 32b of the lower flange 32 being in close contact with the outer surface of the lower frame 38.

[0149] When multiple electrolytic cell units 2 are arranged along the depth direction and pressed from both sides or one side of the depth direction, the first flange 44 and the second flange 52 press against each other through a washer (not shown).

[0150] However, even though the first flange 44 and the second flange 52 are pressed against each other through a washer (not shown), the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured because the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 is in close contact with the outer surface of the side frame 36 and the inner surface of the flange portion 32b of the lower flange 32 is in close contact with the outer surface of the lower frame 38.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell unit comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, characterized in that, This electrolytic cell unit has the following features: An anode, which is disposed in the anode chamber; A current collector, which is disposed in the cathode chamber; A partition wall dividing the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; and A common flange defines the two ends and the lower end of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber in the width direction. The two ends and the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction are bent toward the anode chamber side and joined to the common flange. At least one of the two ends and the lower end of the anode in the width direction is supported by the two ends or the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction.

2. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode is supported on both sides and the bottom of the partition wall in the width direction.

3. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The common flange is provided with a protrusion that projects toward the cathode chamber and extends along the inner circumference of the common flange. The two ends and the lower end of the current collector in the width direction are supported by the protrusion.

4. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion is capable of extending and retracting along the depth direction of the cathode chamber.

5. An electrolytic cell unit comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, characterized in that, This electrolytic cell unit has the following features: An anode, which is disposed in the anode chamber; A current collector, which is disposed in the cathode chamber; A partition wall dividing the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; and A common flange defines the two ends and the lower end of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber in the width direction. The two ends and the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction are bent toward the cathode chamber side and joined to the common flange. At least one of the two ends and the lower end of the current collector in the width direction is supported by the two ends or the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction.

6. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The two ends and the lower end of the current collector in the width direction are supported by the two ends and the lower end of the partition wall in the width direction.

7. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The common flange is provided with a protrusion that projects toward the anode chamber and extends along the inner circumference of the common flange. The anode is supported on both sides and the lower end in the width direction by the protrusion.

8. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The protrusion is capable of extending and retracting along the depth direction of the anode chamber.

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