Electrolytic cell self-cleaning device for electrolytic water machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to electrolytic water equipment technical field, specifically disclose a kind of self-cleaning device of electrolytic water machine, including electrolytic cell main body, multiple electrode plates are equipped in electrolytic cell main body, ion diaphragm is equipped between two adjacent groups of electrode plates, and acidic water production cavity and alkaline water production cavity are formed between the two sides of ion diaphragm and electrode plate, acidic water production cavity is provided with acidic water production outlet, and alkaline water production cavity is provided with alkaline water production outlet;The first flush port and the second flush port are symmetrically additionally arranged in the both ends of electrolytic cell main body, the first flush port is connected with acidic water production cavity and forms first counterflush passageway;The second flush port is connected with alkaline water production cavity and forms second counterflush passageway;Electrolytic cell main body bottom is equipped with waste water discharge port, and waste water discharge port is connected with acidic water production cavity, alkaline water production cavity respectively.The utility model is washed to water production cavity by counterflushing water flow efficiently, to solve the problem of acid and alkali water residue, to prolong electrolytic cell service life, and can be directly integrated in existing electrolytic water machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water electrolysis equipment technology, and in particular to a self-cleaning device for the electrolysis cell of a water electrolysis machine. Background Technology

[0002] An electrolyzer is a device that uses direct current to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen. It mainly consists of anode and cathode chambers. Oxygen is generated in the anode chamber, while hydrogen is produced in the cathode chamber. The core requirement of this equipment is the production of high-purity hydrogen, while also possessing characteristics such as low energy consumption, simple structure, convenient maintenance, long service life, and high material utilization. Electrolyzers are mainly classified into alkaline electrolyzers, proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMECs), and SOEC electrolyzers. Different electrolyzers produce hydrogen at different rates during the electrolysis of water. Compared to the other two types, proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMECs) have advantages such as fast start-up time, high current density, and high stack efficiency, and are therefore widely used in water dispensers.

[0003] Existing proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMECs) generally separate acidic and alkaline water using ion-exchange membranes. For example, patent publication number CN217808859U discloses an acid-alkaline water electrolyzer. The acid-alkaline water electrolyzer uses electrode plates in unit cells to work with ion-exchange membranes to electrolyze water and electrolyte to generate acidic and alkaline water. Its structure includes a closed upper shell and a lower shell, with several unit cells inside. The unit cells are separated into acidic water production chambers and alkaline water production chambers by ion-exchange membranes, and corresponding inlet, electrolyte inlet and outlet connectors are provided. However, when such electrolyzers are used in instant water dispensers, acidic and alkaline water tends to remain in the water production chamber after electrolysis. The residual acidic water adheres to the electrode plates and the inner wall of the chamber for a long time, which can lead to corrosion of the electrode plates and a decrease in the sealing performance of the chamber, significantly shortening the service life of the electrolyzer. Existing technologies lack effective cleaning structures for residual acidic and alkaline water inside the electrolyzer. Natural drainage alone cannot completely remove the residue in dead corners, and manual disassembly and cleaning is not only cumbersome but also easily damages the sealing performance of the electrolyzer. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to address the technical deficiencies mentioned in the background section, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a self-cleaning device for the electrolytic cell of an electrolyzer, so as to solve the problem of shortened service life of existing electrolyzers due to acid and alkaline water residue.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A self-cleaning device for an electrolyzer water electrolyzer includes an electrolyzer body. Multiple sets of electrode plates are disposed within the electrolyzer body. An ion-exchange membrane is provided between adjacent electrode plates. An acidic water-making chamber and an alkaline water-making chamber are formed between the two sides of the ion-exchange membrane and the electrode plates. The acidic water-making chamber has an acidic water-making outlet, and the alkaline water-making chamber has an alkaline water-making outlet. A first flushing port and a second flushing port are symmetrically added to both ends of the electrolyzer body. The first flushing port is connected to the acidic water-making chamber and forms a first counter-flushing channel; the second flushing port is connected to the alkaline water-making chamber and forms a second counter-flushing channel. A wastewater discharge port is provided at the bottom of the electrolyzer body, and the wastewater discharge port is connected to both the acidic and alkaline water-making chambers.

[0007] Preferably, the electrolytic cell body is provided with a clean water inlet and an electrolyte inlet on both sides, and the clean water inlet and the electrolyte inlet are respectively provided with a water inlet connector and an electrolyte inlet connector.

[0008] Preferably, a diversion component is connected between the outer side of the electrolytic cell body and the first flushing port and the second flushing port. The diversion component includes a main water inlet and at least two branch water outlets, which are respectively connected to the first flushing channel and the second flushing channel.

[0009] Preferably, the two outlets of the first flushing channel are located close to the electrode plates and ion membranes on both sides of the acidic water treatment chamber, respectively; the two outlets of the second flushing channel are located close to the electrode plates and ion membranes on both sides of the alkaline water treatment chamber, respectively.

[0010] Preferably, both the alkaline water treatment chamber and the acidic water treatment chamber are provided with V-shaped guide channels at their bottoms, with the inclined ends of the guide channels facing the wastewater discharge outlet.

[0011] Preferably, the wastewater discharge outlet includes an acidic wastewater outlet and an alkaline wastewater outlet, wherein the acidic wastewater outlet is connected to the acidic water treatment chamber; and the alkaline wastewater outlet is connected to the alkaline water treatment chamber.

[0012] Preferably, both the electrode plate and the ion separator are provided with a plurality of through holes, which are arranged through the electrode plate and the ion separator along the thickness direction.

[0013] Preferably, the electrode plate includes a negative electrode plate and a positive electrode plate, and each of the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate is provided with a terminal block at one end. The negative electrode plate is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply through the terminal block, and the positive electrode plate is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply through the terminal block.

[0014] In summary, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] This invention features a first and a second rinsing port symmetrically arranged at both ends of the electrolytic cell body, connected to the alkaline water outlet and the acidic water outlet respectively, forming a counter-flushing channel. The counter-flushing water flow formed by the counter-flushing channel creates turbulence in the water production chamber. Compared with traditional single-direction rinsing, this can more comprehensively cover the electrode plate surface, ion separator, and dead corners of the inner wall of the chamber, effectively avoiding electrode plate corrosion and chamber sealing failure caused by long-term acidic water residue. Furthermore, the bottom wastewater outlet connects to a dual-channel system, allowing the cleaned wastewater to be quickly discharged from the wastewater outlet, thereby thoroughly removing residual liquid, preventing corrosion damage to the electrolytic cell, and extending the service life of the electrolytic cell. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an overall assembly drawing of the self-cleaning device of the electrolytic cell in the water electrolyzer of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the self-cleaning device of the electrolytic cell in the water electrolyzer of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the internal structure of the self-cleaning device of the electrolytic cell in the water electrolyzer of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the self-cleaning device of the electrolytic cell in the water electrolyzer of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the AA plane;

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the BB plane;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode plate assembly of this utility model.

[0023] Explanation of the reference numerals in the figure:

[0024] 1. Electrolyte body; 101. Acidic water production chamber; 102. Alkaline water production chamber; 103. Acidic water production outlet; 104. Alkaline water production outlet; 105. Guide channel; 2. Electrode plate; 201. Negative electrode plate; 202. Positive electrode plate; 203. Terminal; 3. Ion separator; 301. Through hole; 4. First flushing port; 5. Second flushing port; 6. First flushing channel; 7. Second flushing channel; 8. Wastewater outlet; 801. Acidic wastewater outlet; 802. Alkaline wastewater outlet; 9. Clean water inlet; 10. Electrolyte inlet; 11. Diverter. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0026] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of this utility model, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, the use of terms such as "several" means one or more, with "multiple" meaning two or more. Terms like "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of terms like "first," "second," and "third" is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, the quantity of indicated technical features, or the sequential relationship between indicated technical features.

[0028] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-7 The present invention provides a more detailed description of an embodiment of a self-cleaning device for an electrolyzing water machine.

[0029] A self-cleaning device for the electrolyzing cell of a water electrolyzer, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the electrolytic cell body 1 includes multiple sets of electrode plates 2 inside the electrolytic cell body 1. An ion separator 3 is provided between two adjacent sets of electrode plates 2. An acidic water production chamber 101 and an alkaline water production chamber 102 are formed between the two sides of the ion separator 3 and the electrode plates 2. The acidic water production chamber 101 is provided with an acidic water production outlet 103, and the alkaline water production chamber 102 is provided with an alkaline water production outlet 104. A first flushing port 4 and a second flushing port 5 are symmetrically added at both ends of the electrolytic cell body 1. The first flushing port 4 is connected to the acidic water production chamber 101 to form a first flushing channel 6. The second flushing port 5 is connected to the alkaline water production chamber 102 to form a second flushing channel 7. A wastewater discharge port 8 is provided at the bottom of the electrolytic cell body 1. The wastewater discharge port 8 is connected to the acidic water production chamber 101 and the alkaline water production chamber 102 respectively.

[0030] Specifically, the main body 1 of the electrolytic cell is a rectangular closed shell, consisting of an upper shell and a lower shell connected by bolts. Acid- and alkali-resistant rubber sealing rings are provided at the joints. Multiple sets of electrode plates 2 and ion-exchange membranes 3 are arranged parallel to each other along the length of the interior. The electrode plates 2 include alternately arranged positive electrode plates 202 and negative electrode plates 201, made of titanium-based ruthenium-coated material. A cylindrical terminal 203 extends vertically from one end of each set of electrode plates 2, penetrating the upper shell and protruding outside the main body 1 of the electrolytic cell. The terminal 203 of the positive electrode plate 202 is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the terminal 203 of the negative electrode plate 201 is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply. The ion-exchange membrane 3 is a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane, which is located between adjacent positive electrode plates 202 and negative electrode plates 201. Its edge is sealed to the inner wall of the electrolytic cell body 1, dividing the space between the two adjacent electrode plates 2 into two independent cavities: the side closer to the positive electrode plate 202 is the acidic water production chamber 101, and the side closer to the negative electrode plate 201 is the alkaline water production chamber 102.

[0031] In this embodiment, as Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the first counter-current channel 6 and the second counter-current channel 7 are jointly formed by the through holes 301 on the electrode plate 2 and the ion separator 3, and the internal space of the cavity; wherein,

[0032] The first flushing channel 6 connects the first flushing port 4 with the acidic water production chamber 101. The positive electrode plate 202 and the ion separator 3 have concentric through holes corresponding to the position of the first flushing port 4. After the flushing water enters from the first flushing port 4, it is sprayed into the acidic water production chamber 101 through the through holes of the positive electrode plate 202 (near the side wall of the acidic water production chamber 101) and the through holes of the ion separator 3 (near the side of the acidic water production chamber 101), forming water flows in opposite directions.

[0033] The second flushing channel 7 connects the second flushing port 5 with the alkaline water production chamber 102. The negative electrode plate 201 and the ion separator 3 have concentric through holes corresponding to the position of the second flushing port 5. After the flushing water enters from the second flushing port 5, it is sprayed into the alkaline water production chamber 102 through the through holes of the negative electrode plate 201 (near the side wall of the alkaline water production chamber 102) and the through holes of the ion separator 3 (near the side of the alkaline water production chamber 102), forming a symmetrical flushing water flow.

[0034] Specifically, the cleaning principle of this device is as follows: When the electrolytic cell needs to be cleaned, cleaning water enters the electrolytic cell body from the first cleaning inlet and the second cleaning inlet, respectively, and is sprayed to both sides of the acidic water production chamber 101 through the first flushing channel 6, forming a flushing water flow to wash away the acidic residual water on the surface of the positive electrode plate 202 and the ion separator 3; at the same time, it is sprayed to both sides of the alkaline water production chamber 102 through the second flushing channel 7, forming a flushing water flow to wash away the alkaline residual water on the surface of the negative electrode plate 201 and the ion separator 3. Compared with traditional single-direction rinsing, it can more comprehensively cover the dead corners of the electrode plate 2 surface, the ion separator 3 and the inner wall of the chamber, effectively avoiding the problems of electrode plate 2 corrosion and chamber sealing failure caused by long-term acidic water residue; and the bottom wastewater outlet 8 is connected to the dual channels, so that the wastewater after cleaning can be quickly discharged from the wastewater outlet 8, thereby thoroughly removing residual liquid, avoiding corrosion damage to the electrolytic cell, and thus extending the service life of the electrolytic cell.

[0035] It should be noted that the self-cleaning device of the electrolyzed water machine disclosed in this embodiment is linked with the water dispenser control system. It can automatically start the cleaning program after water production is completed, without requiring manual disassembly or operation by the user, thus reducing maintenance difficulty. It is especially suitable for instant hot water dispensers in home and office settings. Furthermore, this electrolyzed cell cleaning device is based on the structural optimization of existing proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. The core of it lies in the combination of flushing and directional flow guidance and independent sewage discharge to solve the problem of acid and alkaline water residue in the electrolyzed cell. Its overall structure includes four parts: the main body of the electrolyzed cell 1, the flushing component, the flow guidance structure, and the sewage discharge component. Each part works in conjunction with the water production function module of the original electrolyzed cell (such as the electrode plate 2, the ion membrane 3, the inlet and outlet, etc.), which does not affect the normal electrolysis water production and can achieve efficient self-cleaning.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, a clean water inlet 9 and an electrolyte inlet 10 are provided on one side wall of the electrolytic cell body 1 along its width direction. They are connected to an external water source and an electrolyte storage tank respectively through pipes. Metal connectors with valves are installed at the interfaces, including a water inlet connector and an electrolyte inlet 10 connector. The top of the acidic water production chamber 101 is provided with an acidic water production outlet 103, and the top of the alkaline water production chamber 102 is provided with an alkaline water production outlet 104. Both are connected to the water tap of a water dispenser through pipes.

[0037] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, a diversion component 11 is connected between the outer side of the electrolytic cell body and the first flushing port 4 and the second flushing port 5. The diversion component 11 includes a main water inlet and at least two branch water outlets, which are respectively connected to the first counter-flushing channel 6 and the second counter-flushing channel 7.

[0038] Specifically, the diverter 11 is a three-way valve body made of brass, installed on the outside of the electrolytic cell body 1. It has a main inlet at the top, connected to an external high-pressure water pump, and two branch outlets at the bottom. The diameter of each branch outlet matches the rinsing port, and they are respectively sealed to the first rinsing port 4 and the second rinsing port 5 via high-pressure resistant hoses. The diverter 11 has a built-in solenoid valve, which can independently control the on / off state of the two branch outlets through the water dispenser's control system.

[0039] To guide the flushed wastewater to quickly converge at the discharge outlet, both the acidic water treatment chamber 101 and the alkaline water treatment chamber 102 are equipped with V-shaped guide channels 105 at their bottoms. The guide channels 105 are formed by an inward indentation from the bottom of the chamber, with an isosceles triangular cross-section and a length consistent with the length of the chamber. The inclined ends (two inclined sides) of the guide channels 105 are connected to the two side walls of the chamber, with their tips pointing towards the bottom center of the electrolytic cell body 1, i.e., the direction of the wastewater discharge outlet 8. The surface of the guide channels 105 is polished to reduce water flow resistance and ensure smooth flow of wastewater along the inclined surfaces. During wastewater discharge, the guide channels 105 utilize gravity to guide the wastewater to converge, and in conjunction with the independent acidic and alkaline wastewater outlets 802, secondary residue of the mixed wastewater after flushing is avoided within the chamber, further enhancing the cleaning effect.

[0040] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, wastewater outlet 8 is used to discharge the rinsed wastewater (including residual acid and alkaline water). Wastewater outlet 8 is located at the bottom center of the electrolytic cell body 1 and is divided into acidic wastewater outlet 801 and alkaline wastewater outlet 802, both of which are circular interfaces. They are respectively connected to the tips of the V-shaped guide channels 105 of the acidic water production chamber 101 and the alkaline water production chamber 102 through internal pipes. One-way valves are installed at both acidic wastewater outlet 801 and alkaline wastewater outlet 802 to prevent liquid leakage during water production. Externally, they are connected to the wastewater collection tank of the water dispenser or the sewer through pipes.

[0041] It is worth mentioning that the working process of this device is divided into normal water production mode and self-cleaning mode. The two modes are automatically switched by the water dispenser's control system (it can be set to start cleaning automatically after water production is completed, or to be manually triggered periodically).

[0042] In normal water production mode, the solenoid valve of the flushing component is closed, the diverter 11 stops supplying water, the self-cleaning device does not work, and the electrolytic cell produces water according to the original process: external water source enters the electrolytic cell through the clean water inlet 9, and electrolyte enters each water production chamber through the electrolyte inlet 10; after the power is turned on, a DC electric field is formed between the positive electrode plate 202 and the negative electrode plate 201, and water molecules decompose under the action of the electric field: acidic water production chamber 101 (positive electrode side) generates acidic water, which is discharged through the acidic water production outlet 103; alkaline water production chamber 102 (negative electrode side) generates alkaline water, which is discharged through the alkaline water production outlet 104; the ion separator 3 prevents acid and alkaline water from mixing, ensuring the purity of the output water.

[0043] In self-cleaning mode, after water production is completed, for example, after the user has filled their water container, the control system will start the self-cleaning program after a delay of 3-5 seconds. The specific steps are as follows:

[0044] Step 1: Start flushing water supply: Open the main inlet of the diverter 11 and the external high-pressure water pump pumps room temperature tap water into the diverter 11; at the same time, the solenoid valves of the two branch outlets open synchronously, and the water flows into the flushing channel through the first flushing port 4 and the second flushing port 5 respectively.

[0045] The second step is flushing: The water flowing into the first flushing channel 6 is sprayed through the through-holes 301 of the positive electrode plate 202 and the ion exchange membrane 3 onto the two side walls (near the electrode plate 2 and the ion exchange membrane 3) of the acidic water production chamber 101, forming a high-speed flushing water flow. Due to the opposite direction of the water flow, strong turbulence is generated in the middle of the chamber, flushing away the acidic water remaining on the surface of the electrode plate 2, the inner wall of the chamber, and the surface of the ion exchange membrane 3. The water flowing into the second flushing channel 7 is sprayed onto the two side walls of the alkaline water production chamber 102 in the same way to flush away the residual alkaline water.

[0046] Step 3: Wastewater collection and discharge: The rinsing water carrying residual liquid flows to the bottom of the cavity under the action of gravity, and is collected at the tip through the inclined surface of the V-shaped guide channel 105. Among them, acidic wastewater is collected to acidic wastewater outlet 801, and alkaline wastewater is collected to alkaline wastewater outlet 802. At this time, the one-way valve of wastewater outlet 8 is opened, and the wastewater is discharged to the external collection device through the pipeline.

[0047] Step 4, Program End: After rinsing for 10-15 seconds, the solenoid valve of the diverter 11 closes, the high-pressure water pump stops working, the check valve closes, the self-cleaning mode ends, and the device returns to standby mode.

[0048] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Identical components are represented by the same reference numerals. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape, and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning device for an electrolyzing cell in a water electrolyzer, comprising an electrolyzing cell body, characterized in that: The electrolytic cell body is equipped with multiple sets of electrode plates, and an ion separator is provided between two adjacent sets of electrode plates. An acidic water production chamber and an alkaline water production chamber are formed between the two sides of the ion separator and the electrode plates. The acidic water production chamber is provided with an acidic water production outlet, and the alkaline water production chamber is provided with an alkaline water production outlet. A first flushing port and a second flushing port are symmetrically added at both ends of the electrolytic cell body. The first flushing port is connected to the acidic water production chamber and forms a first flushing channel. The second flushing port is connected to the alkaline water production chamber and forms a second flushing channel. A wastewater discharge port is provided at the bottom of the electrolytic cell body, and the wastewater discharge port is connected to the acidic water production chamber and the alkaline water production chamber respectively.

2. The self-cleaning device for the electrolytic cell of the water electrolyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the electrolytic cell is provided with a clean water inlet and an electrolyte inlet on both sides, and the clean water inlet and the electrolyte inlet are respectively provided with a water inlet connector and an electrolyte inlet connector.

3. The self-cleaning device for the electrolytic cell of the water electrolyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that, A diversion component is connected between the outer side of the electrolytic cell body and the first and second flushing ports. The diversion component includes a main water inlet and at least two branch water outlets, which are respectively connected to the first flushing channel and the second flushing channel.

4. The self-cleaning device for the electrolytic cell of the water electrolyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two outlets of the first flushing channel are respectively close to the electrode plates and ion membranes on both sides of the acidic water production chamber; the two outlets of the second flushing channel are respectively close to the electrode plates and ion membranes on both sides of the alkaline water production chamber.

5. The self-cleaning device for the electrolytic cell of the water electrolyzer according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the alkaline water treatment chamber and the acidic water treatment chamber are equipped with V-shaped guide channels at their bottoms, with the inclined ends of the guide channels facing the wastewater discharge outlet.

6. The self-cleaning device for the electrolytic cell of the water electrolyzer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The wastewater discharge outlet includes an acidic wastewater outlet and an alkaline wastewater outlet. The acidic wastewater outlet is connected to the acidic water treatment chamber, and the alkaline wastewater outlet is connected to the alkaline water treatment chamber.

7. The self-cleaning device for the electrolytic cell of the water electrolyzer according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the electrode plate and the ion separator have several through holes, which are arranged to penetrate along the thickness direction of the electrode plate and the ion separator.

8. The self-cleaning device for the electrolytic cell of the water electrolyzer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrode plate includes a negative electrode plate and a positive electrode plate. Each of the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate has a terminal block at one end. The negative electrode plate is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply through the terminal block, and the positive electrode plate is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply through the terminal block.

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