Electrolytic liquid generating apparatus

Abstract

To prevent air bubbles of an electrolytic product from enlarging.SOLUTION: An electrolytic liquid generating apparatus includes an electrolytic part and a housing. The electrolytic part includes a conductive film 5 arranged interposing between a pair of electrodes and is configured to apply an electrolytic treatment to a liquid. The housing includes the electrolytic part arranged inside. The pair of electrodes and the conductive film 5 are aligned in a first direction being a lamination direction of the electrolytic part. A first electrode 4, being one of the pair of electrodes, includes a penetration hole 42. The penetration hole 42 is penetrating the first electrode 4 along the first direction. The conductive film 5 includes a penetration part 53. The penetration part 53 is penetrating the conductive film 5 along the first direction. The flow channel is aligned with a second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction. In a third direction D3 orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction D2, a length L1 of the penetration part 53 of the conductive film 5 is longer than a length L2 of the second electrode 6 being the other of the pair of electrodes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an electrolytic liquid generating device, and more particularly to an electrolytic liquid generating device including an electrolysis unit that electrolytically processes a liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an electrolytic liquid generating device that includes an electrolysis unit that electrolyzes a liquid and a housing in which the electrolysis unit is disposed. The electrolysis unit has a laminated body in which adjacent electrodes are stacked with a conductive film interposed between them. The housing has a flow path formed therein, through which the liquid flows in a direction that intersects with the stacking direction of the laminated body.

[0003] In the electrolytic liquid generating device of Patent Document 1, electrolysis products such as ozone contained in the electrolytic liquid are dissolved in water while being carried downstream of the flow path along the liquid flow direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-127500 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when electrolysis products such as ozone generated at the interface between the conductive film and the electrode are transported downstream in the flow path, the movement of the electrolysis products along the interface can cause bubbles in the electrolysis products to become larger and prevent them from dissolving in water.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an electrolytic liquid generating device that can suppress the growth of bubbles in the electrolysis product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electrolytic liquid generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an electrolysis unit and a housing. The electrolysis unit is arranged such that a conductive film is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes, and electrolyzes a liquid. The housing has the electrolysis unit disposed therein. The pair of electrodes and the conductive film are arranged to be aligned in a first direction, which is a stacking direction of the electrolysis unit. The first electrode, which is one of the pair of electrodes, has a through hole. The through hole penetrates the first electrode along the first direction. The conductive film has a penetration portion. The penetration portion penetrates the conductive film along the first direction. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. The liquid supplied to the electrolysis unit flows into the inlet. The electrolytic liquid generated in the electrolysis unit flows out of the outlet. A flow path between the inlet and the outlet is along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the length of the penetration portion of the conductive film is longer than the length of the second electrode, which is the other of the pair of electrodes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the electrolytic liquid production device according to the above aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent bubbles in the electrolysis product from becoming large. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electrolytic liquid generating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the conductive film of the electrolytic solution generating device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the electrolysis unit of the electrolytic liquid production device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a main part of the electrolytic liquid generating device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing another main part of the electrolytic liquid generating device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the elastic body of the electrolytic liquid generating device. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape of the conductive film of the above embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view for explaining the manufacturing process of the conductive film. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the conductive film of the electrolytic solution generating apparatus according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that common elements in the embodiments described below are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations of common elements may be omitted. The following embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications of the embodiment may be made depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, the embodiments (including modified examples) may be realized in appropriate combinations.

[0011] The drawings described in this disclosure are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that the arrows indicating the directions in the drawings are merely examples and are not intended to define the directions when using the electrolytic liquid production device 1. Furthermore, the arrows indicating the directions in the drawings are merely shown for the purpose of explanation and do not have any substance.

[0012] In this disclosure, "orthogonal (perpendicular)" refers not only to a state in which the angle between two objects is exactly 90 degrees, but also to a state in which two objects intersect within a certain range of difference. In other words, the angle between two objects that are perpendicular to each other falls within a certain range of difference from 90 degrees (for example, 10 degrees or less). In other words, "orthogonal" in this disclosure includes cases in which the angle between two objects is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) (1) Overview First, an overview of an electrolytic liquid production apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] The electrolytic liquid generation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment generates an electrolytic liquid by electrolyzing a liquid. In the first embodiment, as an example, the electrolytic liquid generation apparatus 1 is an ozone water generation apparatus that uses tap water supplied from a waterworks as the liquid and generates ozone water as the electrolytic liquid. The electrolytic liquid generation apparatus 1, which is an ozone water generation apparatus, generates ozone (an electrolytic product) by electrolyzing tap water, and dissolves the ozone in the tap water to generate ozone water. Ozone water is effective for sterilization, deodorization, decomposition of organic matter, and is therefore widely used in fields such as water treatment, sanitation, food, and medicine.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolytic solution generating device 1 of the first embodiment includes an electrolytic section 3 and a housing 2.

[0016] The electrolysis unit 3 electrolyzes the liquid. The electrolysis unit 3 has a pair of electrodes and a conductive film 5. The conductive film 5 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the pair of electrodes. The pair of electrodes and the conductive film 5 are disposed so as to be aligned in a first direction D1, which is the stacking direction of the electrolysis unit 3.

[0017] In the first embodiment, the first electrode 4, which is one of the pair of electrodes, has a through-hole 42. The through-hole 42 penetrates the first electrode 4 along the first direction D1.

[0018] The conductive film 5 has a through portion 53. The through portion 53 penetrates the conductive film 5 along the first direction D1.

[0019] The electrolysis unit 3 is disposed in the housing 2. The housing 2 has an inlet 221 and an outlet 231.

[0020] A liquid to be supplied to the electrolysis unit 3 flows into the inlet 221. An electrolytic liquid produced in the electrolysis unit 3 flows out from the outlet 231. A flow path 26 between the inlet 221 and the outlet 231 is aligned along a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0021] Here, as shown in Figure 3, in a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the length L1 of the through portion 53 of the conductive film 5 is longer than the outer length L2 of the second electrode 6, which is the other of the pair of electrodes.

[0022] According to the electrolytic liquid generation apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the length L1 of the through-holes 53 of the conductive film 5 in the third direction D3 is longer than the outer length L2 of the second electrode 6, and therefore ozone (electrolysis product) generated at the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 can pass through the through-holes 53. The ozone generated at the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 can move in the direction along the first direction D1 through the through-holes 53, which allows the ozone to flow smoothly and prevents ozone bubbles from becoming larger.

[0023] (2) Details The detailed configuration of the electrolytic liquid production apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the following description, the stacking direction of the electrolysis section 3 is defined as a first direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the housing 2 is defined as a second direction D2, and the short side direction (width direction) of the housing 2 is defined as a third direction D3.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the electrolytic liquid generating device 1 of embodiment 1 comprises a housing 2, an electrolysis section 3, a power supply body 7, an elastic body 8 (positioning member), a pair of electrode pins 11, a pair of O-rings 12, a pair of washers 13, a pair of spring washers 14, and a pair of nuts 15.

[0025] (2.1) Electrolytic section The electrolysis unit 3 electrolyzes a liquid. More specifically, the electrolysis unit 3 generates ozone water as an electrolytic liquid by electrolyzing tap water as the liquid, for example. As shown in FIG. 1 , the electrolysis unit 3 is disposed above the elastic body 8 in a first direction D1, which is the stacking direction of the electrolysis unit 3. The electrolysis unit 3 includes a pair of electrodes and a conductive film 5. The pair of electrodes and the conductive film 5 are arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and with their respective thickness directions aligned with the first direction D1. In the first embodiment, one of the pair of electrodes is a first electrode 4, and the other of the pair of electrodes is a second electrode 6. In the first embodiment, the first electrode 4 is a cathode, and the second electrode 6 is an anode.

[0026] (2.1.1) First electrode In the first embodiment, the first electrode 4 is disposed so as to be placed on the conductive film 5. The first electrode 4 is formed, for example, using a titanium alloy and has a plate shape with a thickness of about 0.3 mm. The first electrode 4 is formed in an elongated shape along the second direction D2. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first electrode 4 has a base portion 41, a plurality of through holes 42, a spring portion 43, an electrode portion 44, and a recess 45.

[0027] The base 41 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. More specifically, the base 41 is formed in a rectangular plate shape that is longer in the second direction D2 than in the third direction D3. The base 41 has a plurality of through holes 42 formed therein.

[0028] Each of the plurality of through holes 42 penetrates the base 41 along the thickness direction (first direction D1) of the base 41. Each of the plurality of through holes 42 is formed in a V shape when viewed from above in the first direction D1. The plurality of through holes 42 are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction (second direction D2) of the base 41.

[0029] A spring portion 43 is provided at one end (the right end in FIG. 1) of the base portion 41 in the second direction D2. A recess 45 is formed at the other end (the left end in FIG. 1) of the base portion 41 in the second direction D2, which is approximately in the center of the base portion 41 in the third direction D3. The recess 45 is formed such that the other end of the base portion 41 in the second direction D2 is recessed inward of the base portion 41.

[0030] 5, the second protrusion 85A of the elastic body 8 is inserted into the recess 45. By inserting the second protrusion 85A of the elastic body 8 into the recess 45, the first electrode 4 can be positioned in two mutually opposite directions included in the third direction D3 and in one of two mutually opposite directions included in the second direction D2. This makes it possible to further improve the positioning accuracy of the first electrode 4.

[0031] The electrode portion 44 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above in the first direction D1. The electrode portion 44 has a through hole 441. The through hole 441 penetrates the electrode portion 44 along the thickness direction (first direction D1). An electrode pin 11 is inserted into the through hole 441. In the first embodiment, the edge of the through hole 441 and the shaft portion 111 of the electrode pin 11 are welded or soldered together. Note that in the first embodiment, the edge of the through hole 441 and the shaft portion 111 of the electrode pin 11 are welded or soldered together so that the electrode portion 44 and the shaft portion 111 of the electrode pin 11 are flush with each other.

[0032] The spring portion 43 has elasticity and connects one end of the base portion 41 (the right end in FIG. 1 ) and the electrode portion 44. When viewed from above in the first direction, the spring portion 43 is formed in a U-shape that opens toward the base portion 41. The spring portion 43 connects the one end of the base portion 41 and the electrode portion 44 so as to surround the electrode portion 44 between itself and the base portion 41.

[0033] (2.1.2) Conductive film In the first embodiment, the conductive membrane 5 is disposed so as to be placed on the second electrode 6. The conductive membrane 5 is, for example, a proton conductive ion exchange filter having a thickness of about 100 to 200 μm. As shown in FIG. 2, the conductive membrane 5 is formed in an elongated shape along the second direction D2. The conductive membrane 5 has a comb portion 50, a first connecting portion 54, a first positioning portion 55, a second positioning portion 56, a second connecting portion 57, and a third positioning portion 58.

[0034] The comb portion 50 is formed in a comb shape when viewed from above in the first direction D1. The comb portion 50 has a main piece 51, a plurality of (25 in the example of FIG. 2) protruding pieces 52, and a plurality of (24 in the example of FIG. 2) through-holes 53.

[0035] The main piece 51 is formed in an elongated shape with the second direction D2 as its longitudinal direction. Each of the multiple protruding pieces 52 protrudes along the third direction D3 from one end of the main piece 51 in the third direction D3 (the right end in FIG. 2). That is, the main piece 51 of the first embodiment and each of the multiple protruding pieces 52 are perpendicular to each other. In the following description, the protruding piece 52 protruding from one end of the main piece 51 in the second direction D2 (the lower end in FIG. 2) may be referred to as the protruding piece 52A, and the protruding piece 52 protruding from the other end of the main piece 51 in the second direction D2 (the upper end in FIG. 2) may be referred to as the protruding piece 52B.

[0036] The multiple protrusions 52 are arranged at equal intervals along the second direction D2. The multiple protrusions 52 have the same width in the second direction D2. The multiple protrusions 52 have the same length in the third direction D3. In the present disclosure, "equally spaced" does not have to be exactly the same interval, but may be within a specified range (a specified distance ±10%). Similarly, "having equal lengths (or widths)" does not have to be exactly the same length, but may be within a specified range (a specified length ±10%).

[0037] A through-hole 53 is formed between two adjacent protruding pieces 52 in the second direction D2. In the first embodiment, the main piece 51 and the multiple protruding pieces 52 form edges of the multiple through-holes 53. That is, the main piece 51 and the multiple protruding pieces 52 form multiple through-holes 53 aligned in the second direction D2. The through-holes 53 in the first embodiment are slit-shaped through-holes with the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction. The through-holes 53 in the first embodiment are formed so that one end in the third direction D3 is open. Therefore, the conductive film 5 in the first embodiment is formed so that one end in the third direction D3 is open and the other end is closed. That is, the conductive film 5 has a comb-like shape with comb teeth. The discontinuity of the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 in the second direction D2 can prevent ozone from moving along the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6, thereby preventing ozone bubbles from becoming larger.

[0038] By forming one end of the through-hole 53 of the conductive film 5 to be open, the interface between the conductive film 5 and the electrode is discontinuous in the second direction D2. In other words, the interface between the conductive film 5 and the electrode is divided in the second direction D2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ozone (electrolysis product) generated at the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 from moving along the interface between the conductive film 5 and the electrode, and to prevent ozone bubbles from becoming larger.

[0039] The plurality of through holes 53 are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction D2. By arranging the open portions of the plurality of through holes 53 at equal intervals in the second direction D2, it is possible to reduce variation in the effect of suppressing the growth of bubbles.

[0040] The widths of the plurality of through holes 53 in the second direction D2 are equal. Furthermore, the widths of the through holes 53 and the widths of the protruding pieces 52 are equal in the second direction D2. By making the widths of the plurality of through holes 53 in the second direction D2 equal, it is possible to reduce variation in the effect of suppressing the growth of bubbles.

[0041] The length L1 (see FIG. 3) of the through portions 53 in the third direction D3 is equal to the length of the protruding piece 52 in the third direction D3.

[0042] In addition, the relationship between the main piece 51, the multiple protrusions 52, and the multiple through holes 53 can also be said to be such that the main piece 51 and the multiple protrusions 52 are formed by forming multiple through holes 53 that penetrate the base along the thickness direction of the base (first direction D1) on a rectangular base whose longitudinal direction is the second direction D2.

[0043] The first connecting portion 54 protrudes along the second direction D2 from one end of the comb portion 50 in the second direction D2 (the lower end in FIG. 2). More specifically, the first connecting portion 54 protrudes along the second direction D2 from one end of the main piece 51 in the second direction D2 (the lower end in FIG. 2) and one end of the protruding piece 52A in the second direction D2 (the lower end in FIG. 2). The first connecting portion 54 is formed in a rectangular shape with the third direction D3 as its longitudinal direction. The first connecting portion 54 is formed along the third direction D3, extending between one end of the main piece 51 (the right end in FIG. 2) and the center of the protruding piece 52A. The first connecting portion 54 connects the main piece 51 and the protruding piece 52A to the first positioning portion 55. One end (lower end in Figure 2) of the first connecting portion 54 in the second direction D2 is connected to the first positioning portion 55, and the other end (upper end in Figure 2) of the first connecting portion 54 in the second direction D2 is connected to the main piece 51 and the protruding piece 52A.

[0044] The first positioning portion 55 is formed in a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction aligned with the third direction D3. The center of one end (the upper end in FIG. 2) of the first positioning portion 55 in the second direction D2 is connected to the first connecting portion 54. A first end 551 (the left end in FIG. 2) of the first positioning portion 55 in the third direction D3 is located outward from the other end (the left end in FIG. 2) of the main piece 51 in the third direction D3. Furthermore, a second end 552 (the right end in FIG. 2) of the first positioning portion 55 in the third direction D3 is located inward from the tip (the right end in FIG. 2) of the protruding piece 52 in the third direction D3.

[0045] 4, a first end 551 of the first positioning portion 55 is in contact with the inner wall of the accommodating portion 212 of the case 2A of the housing 2. The conductive film 5 is positioned by the housing 2 as a result of the first end 551 of the first positioning portion 55 being in contact with the accommodating portion 212 of the case 2A.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the conductive film 5 further has a recess 59. The recess 59 is formed by the protrusion 52A, the first connection portion 54, and the first positioning portion 55. The recess 59 is recessed along the third direction D3. A second protrusion 85A (see FIG. 4) of the elastic body 8 is inserted into the recess 59. By inserting the second protrusion 85A of the elastic body 8 into the recess 59, the conductive film 5 can be positioned in two mutually opposite directions included in the second direction D2 and in one of two mutually opposite directions included in the third direction D3.

[0047] As described above, the conductive film 5 is positioned by the elastic body 8 and the housing 2. By positioning the conductive film 5 by the elastic body 8 and the housing 2, the positioning accuracy of the conductive film 5 can be further improved.

[0048] The second positioning portion 56 is formed in a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction aligned with the third direction D3. One end (lower end in FIG. 2) of the second positioning portion 56 in the second direction D2 is connected to the other end (upper end in FIG. 2) of the comb portion 50 in the second direction D2. More specifically, one end (lower end in FIG. 2) of the second positioning portion 56 in the second direction D2 is connected to the other end (upper end in FIG. 2) of the main piece 51 in the second direction D2. A first end 561 (left end in FIG. 2) of the second positioning portion 56 in the third direction D3 is positioned outward from the other end (left end in FIG. 2) of the main piece 51 in the third direction D3. Furthermore, a second end 562 (right end in FIG. 2) of the second positioning portion 56 in the third direction D3 is positioned inward from the tip (right end in FIG. 2) of the protruding piece 52 in the third direction D3. The second end 562 of the second positioning portion 56 in the third direction D3 is a conductive film convex portion.

[0049] 4, a first end 561 of the second positioning portion 56 is in contact with the inner wall of the accommodating portion 212 of the case 2A of the housing 2. The conductive film 5 is positioned by the housing 2 as a result of the first end 561 of the second positioning portion 56 being in contact with the accommodating portion 212 of the case 2A.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 2, the second connection portion 57 protrudes along the second direction D2 from the center of the other end (upper end in Fig. 2) of the second positioning portion 56 in the second direction D2. The second connection portion 57 is formed in a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction of the second direction D3. The second connection portion 57 connects the second positioning portion 56 and the third positioning portion 58. One end (lower end in Fig. 2) of the second connection portion 57 in the second direction D2 is connected to the second positioning portion 56, and the other end (upper end in Fig. 2) of the second connection portion 57 in the second direction D2 is connected to the third positioning portion 58.

[0051] The third positioning portion 58 is formed in a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction aligned with the third direction D3. One end (the left end in FIG. 2) of the third positioning portion 58 in the third direction D3 is connected to the other end (the upper end in FIG. 2) of the second connecting portion 57 in the second direction D2. A first end 581 (the left end in FIG. 2) of the third positioning portion 58 in the third direction D3 is flush with one end (the left end in FIG. 2) of the second connecting portion 57 in the third direction D3. A second end 582 (the right end in FIG. 2) of the third positioning portion 58 in the third direction D3 is positioned outward of the tip (the right end in FIG. 2) of the protruding piece 52 in the third direction D3.

[0052] 4, the second end 582 of the third positioning portion 58 is in contact with the inner wall of the accommodating portion 212 of the case 2A of the housing 2. The conductive film 5 is positioned by the housing 2 as a result of the second end 582 of the third positioning portion 58 being in contact with the accommodating portion 212 of the case 2A.

[0053] (2.1.3) Second electrode In the first embodiment, the second electrode 6 is disposed so as to be placed on the power supply body 7. The second electrode 6 is formed, for example, by forming a conductive diamond film on a conductive substrate made of silicon. As shown in FIG. 1, the second electrode 6 is formed in an elongated shape along the second direction D2.

[0054] (2.2) Power feeder In the first embodiment, the power supply element 7 is placed on an elastic body 8. The power supply element 7 is formed into a rectangular plate shape using, for example, titanium. As shown in FIG. 1 , the power supply element 7 includes a base portion 71, a spring portion 72, and an electrode portion 73.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 1, the base 71 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with the longitudinal direction in the second direction D2. Specifically, the base 71 has the same size as the second electrode 6 in a plan view from the first direction D1. The base 71 is disposed between the second electrode 6 and the elastic body 8 in the first direction D1. A spring portion 72 is provided at one end of the base 71 in the second direction D2 (the left end in Fig. 1).

[0056] The electrode portion 73 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above in the first direction D1. The electrode portion 73 has a through hole 731. The through hole 731 penetrates the electrode portion 73 along the thickness direction (first direction D1) of the electrode portion 73. An electrode pin 11 is inserted into the through hole 731. In the first embodiment, the edge of the through hole 731 and the shaft portion 111 of the electrode pin 11 are welded or soldered together. Note that in the first embodiment, the edge of the through hole 731 and the shaft portion 111 of the electrode pin 11 are welded or soldered together so that the electrode portion 73 and the shaft portion 111 of the electrode pin 11 are flush with each other.

[0057] The spring portion 72 has elasticity and connects one end of the base portion 71 and the electrode portion 73. When viewed from above in the first direction, the spring portion 72 is formed in a U-shape that opens toward the base portion 71. The spring portion 72 connects one end of the base portion 71 and the electrode portion 73 so as to surround the electrode portion 73 between itself and the base portion 71.

[0058] (2.3) Elastic Body In the first embodiment, the elastic body 8 is placed on the bottom surface of the storage section 212 of the case 2A. The elastic body 8 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape using an elastic material such as rubber. As shown in FIG. 1, the elastic body 8 is placed so that its longitudinal direction is along a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to a first direction D1 that is the stacking direction of the electrolysis section 3. The elastic body 8 includes a main body 81, a plurality of (nine in the example of FIG. 1) hollow sections 82, a plurality of (six in the example of FIG. 1) first convex sections 83, a suppression convex section 84, and a plurality of (two in the example of FIG. 1) second convex sections 85A, 85B.

[0059] The main body 81 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the second direction D2 as the longitudinal direction. The main body 81 has a mounting surface 811 on which the electrolysis unit 3 is placed. The mounting surface 811 is formed in a rectangular shape with the second direction D2 as the longitudinal direction when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0060] A plurality of hollow portions 82 are formed in the main body 81. Each of the plurality of hollow portions 82 is formed along a first direction D1. The plurality of hollow portions 82 are lined up along a second direction D2, which is the longitudinal direction of the main body 81. The shapes of the plurality of hollow portions 82 may be the same or different.

[0061] The multiple first protrusions 83 are arranged at both ends of the mounting surface 811 of the main body 81 in the third direction D3. More specifically, three of the six first protrusions 83 are arranged at equal intervals along the second direction D2 at one end of the mounting surface 811 in the third direction D3. The remaining three of the six first protrusions 83 are arranged at equal intervals along the second direction D2 at the other end of the mounting surface 811 in the third direction D3. Furthermore, the six first protrusions 83 are arranged outside the mounting surface 811 in the third direction D3. Each of the multiple first protrusions 83 protrudes along the first direction D1. In this way, by providing the multiple first protrusions 83, it is possible to position the electrolysis unit 3 in the third direction D3. In other words, the elastic body 8 of embodiment 1 functions as a positioning member for the electrolysis unit 3.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, the suppression protrusion 84 protrudes from one end of the main body 81 in the second direction D2 (the left end in FIG. 6) along the second direction D2. The suppression protrusion 84 of the first embodiment is disposed in the center in the third direction D3. The suppression protrusion 84 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. One end of the suppression protrusion 84 in the first direction D1 (the upper end in FIG. 6) is flush with the mounting surface 811 of the main body 81. The other end of the suppression protrusion 84 in the first direction D1 (the lower end in FIG. 6) is located near the bottom surface 812 of the main body 81. The lower end of the suppression protrusion 84 in the first direction D1 is located lower than the lower end of the first protrusion 83 and the lower end of the second protrusion 85B. In other words, the lower end of the suppression protrusion 84 is closer to the bottom surface 812 of the main body 81 in the first direction D1 than the lower end of the first protrusion 83 and the lower end of the second protrusion 85B.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1 , the elastic body 8 and the housing 2 have a suppression mechanism 9 that suppresses the elastic body 8 from being attached to the housing 2 in the opposite direction in the second direction D2. The suppression mechanism 9 has a suppression recess 252 and a suppression protrusion 84. One of the elastic body 8 and the housing 2 has one of the suppression recess 252 and the suppression protrusion 84. The other of the elastic body 8 and the housing 2 has the other of the suppression recess 252 and the suppression protrusion 84. In the first embodiment, the elastic body 8 has the suppression protrusion 84, and the housing 2 has the suppression recess 252. However, the elastic body 8 may have the suppression recess, and the housing 2 may have the suppression protrusion. Furthermore, the elastic body 8 and the housing 2 may have a plurality of suppression mechanisms 9. However, when the elastic body 8 and the housing 2 have a plurality of suppression mechanisms 9, the multiple suppression mechanisms 9 are arranged so as to suppress the elastic body 8 from being attached to the housing 2 in the opposite direction in the second direction D2.

[0064] When the elastic body 8 is attached to the housing 2 in the correct orientation in the second direction D2, the suppression protrusion 84 is inserted into the suppression recess 252. Furthermore, a portion of the second protrusion 85B, including its lower end, is inserted into the recess 253 of the housing 2. On the other hand, when the elastic body 8 is attached to the housing 2 in the opposite orientation in the second direction D2, the suppression protrusion 84 interferes with the inner wall (e.g., the recess 253) of the accommodating section 212 of the housing 2. When the elastic body 8 is attached to the housing 2 in the opposite orientation, the suppression protrusion 84 interferes with the housing 2, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the positioning member from being attached to the housing 2 in the opposite orientation.

[0065] The two second protrusions 85A, 85B are arranged at both ends of the mounting surface 811 in the second direction D2. More specifically, the two second protrusions 85A, 85B are arranged on the outer sides of the mounting surface 811 in the second direction D2. The two second protrusions 85A, 85B are also arranged approximately in the center in the third direction D3. However, it is not essential that the two second protrusions 85A, 85B be arranged in the center in the third direction D3. In other words, at least one of the two second protrusions 85A, 85B may be arranged in a position shifted from the center in the third direction D3. The second protrusion 85A is formed at one end (the upper end in FIG. 1 ) of the suppression protrusion 84 in the first direction D1. Each of the multiple second protrusions 85A, 85B protrudes along the first direction D1. In addition, the second protrusion 85A protrudes more than the second protrusion 85B in the first direction D1. In other words, one end of the second protrusion 85A in the first direction D1 (the upper end in FIG. 6) is located higher than one end of the second protrusion 85B (the upper end in FIG. 6). In this way, by providing multiple second protrusions 85A, 85B, it is possible to position the electrolysis unit 3 in the second direction D2. In other words, the elastic body 8 of embodiment 1 functions as a positioning member for the electrolysis unit 3. The electrolysis unit 3 can be positioned using the elastic body 8, and an increase in the number of parts of the electrolytic liquid production device 1 can be suppressed.

[0066] The second convex portion 85A (convex portion) is formed so as to be insertable into the recessed portion 59 (see FIG. 4) of the conductive film 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the second convex portion 85A of the elastic body 8 is inserted into the recessed portion 59 of the conductive film 5, and thereby the conductive film 5 is positioned by the elastic body 8. Positioning the electrolysis unit 3 with one set of recessed portion 59 and second convex portion 85A can improve positioning accuracy. Furthermore, because positioning in multiple directions is possible with one set of recessed portion 59 and second convex portion 85A, the number of positioning portions, such as convex portions, can be reduced.

[0067] (2.4) Housing The housing 2 contains an electrolysis unit 3, a power supply 7, and an elastic body 8. As shown in Fig. 1, the housing 2 includes a case 2A and a cover 2B. The case 2A and the cover 2B are made of a non-conductive material such as acrylic resin.

[0068] The case 2A includes a case body 21, a first connecting portion 22, a second connecting portion 23, an attachment portion 24, and a pair of pedestals 25A and 25B. The case body 21 is formed in the shape of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped with one surface (the top surface in FIG. 1) open. That is, the case body 21 has an opening 211. The case body 21 also has a storage portion 212. The electrolysis unit 3, the power supply element 7, and the elastic body 8 are stored in the storage portion 212 through the opening 211.

[0069] The pair of pedestals 25A, 25B are arranged on the bottom surface of the housing section 212 of the case body 21. The pedestal 25A is arranged at one end (the left end in FIG. 1) of the housing section 212 in the second direction D2, and the pedestal 25B is arranged at the other end (the right end in FIG. 1) of the housing section 212 in the second direction D2. The pair of pedestals 25A, 25B are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the first direction D1, the electrode portion 73 of the power feeder 7 is installed adjacent to the pedestal 25A. Furthermore, the electrode portion 44 of the first electrode 4 is installed adjacent to the pedestal 25B.

[0070] A pair of through holes 251 are formed in the pair of pedestals 25A, 25B and the case body 21. The through hole 251 formed in the pedestal 25A penetrates the pedestal 25A and the bottom of the case body 21 along the first direction D1. The through hole 251 formed in the pedestal 25B penetrates the pedestal 25B and the bottom of the case body 21 along the first direction D1. The pair of through holes 251 are aligned along the second direction D2. A corresponding electrode pin 11 of the pair of electrode pins 11 is passed through each of the pair of through holes 251.

[0071] The base 25A of the first embodiment is formed with a suppression recess 252. The suppression recess 252 is formed along the first direction D1 from the upper surface of the base 25A (i.e., the surface facing the power supply 7) toward the bottom surface of the accommodation portion 212. The lower end of the suppression recess 252 in the first direction D1 is closer to the bottom surface of the accommodation portion 212 than the lower end of the recess 253. The suppression recess 252 may be formed to penetrate the base 25A along the first direction D1. The suppression recess 252 is recessed inward of the base 25A along the second direction D2. The suppression protrusion 84 of the elastic body 8 is inserted into the suppression recess 252.

[0072] The base 25B of the first embodiment has a recess 253. The recess 253 is formed along the first direction D1 from the upper surface of the base 25B toward the bottom surface of the accommodation portion 212. The recess 253 is recessed inward of the base 25B along the second direction D2. A portion of the second protrusion 85B of the elastic body 8, including the lower end thereof, is inserted into the recess 253.

[0073] The first connector 22 is provided at one end (the lower end in FIG. 2) of the case body 21 in the second direction D2. The first connector 22 has an inlet 221. The first connector 22 is connected to a pipe through which tap water, which serves as the liquid, flows. The tap water is introduced into the case body 21 through the inlet 221. That is, the liquid, such as tap water, to be supplied to the electrolysis unit 3 flows into the inlet 221.

[0074] The second connection part 23 is provided at the other end (upper end in FIG. 2) of the case body 21 in the second direction D2. The second connection part 23 has an outlet 231. The second connection part 23 is connected to the inlet of the liquid outlet path. The ozone water as the electrolytic liquid produced in the electrolysis part 3 is guided to the liquid outlet path through the outlet 231. That is, the electrolytic liquid such as ozone water produced in the electrolysis part 3 flows out from the outlet 231.

[0075] A liquid flow path 26 is formed in the storage portion 212 of the case body 21 between the inlet 221 and the outlet 231. The flow path 26 is formed along the second direction D2. That is, in the storage portion 212 of the case body 21, the liquid basically flows along the second direction D2.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 1, the mounting portion 24 is formed so as to protrude along the second direction D2 from the entire area of ​​both ends of the case body 21 in the second direction D2. The mounting portion 24 is formed in a plate shape. The mounting portion 24 has a plurality of through holes 241 (ten in the example of Fig. 1). The through holes 241 penetrate the mounting portion 24 along the thickness direction of the mounting portion 24 (first direction D1).

[0077] The lid 2B is attached to the case 2A so as to close the opening 211 of the case 2A. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 2B is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with the second direction D2 as the longitudinal direction. When the lid 2B is attached to the case 2A, the lid 2B holds the electrolysis unit 3 and the power supply 7 between itself and the elastic body 8. At this time, the electrolysis unit 3 and the power supply 7 receive an elastic force from the elastic body 8 that acts toward the lid 2B along the first direction D1, and this elastic force causes the electrolysis unit 3 and the power supply 7 to be in close contact with the elastic body 8 and the lid 2B.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 2B has a plurality of through holes 27 (ten in the example of FIG. 1). The plurality of through holes 27 of the cover 2B correspond one-to-one to the plurality of through holes 241 of the case 2A. In a plan view from the first direction D1, the corresponding through holes 27 and 241 overlap. For example, the cover 2B and the case 2A are fixed together by fastening bolts passed through the corresponding through holes 27 and 241 with nuts.

[0079] (2.5) Other configurations The pair of electrode pins 11, the pair of O-rings 12, the pair of washers 13, the pair of spring washers 14, and the pair of nuts 15 correspond one-to-one to each other. For example, the electrode pin 11 fixed to the electrode portion 44 of the first electrode 4 passes through the through-hole 251 formed in the base 25B of the case 2A, the O-ring 12, the washer 13, and the spring washer 14 in that order, and finally the threaded portion 112 is fitted into the nut 15. Similarly, the electrode pin 11 fixed to the electrode portion 73 of the power supply 7 passes through the through-hole 251 formed in the base 25A of the case 2A, the O-ring 12, the washer 13, and the spring washer 14 in that order, and finally the threaded portion 112 is fitted into the nut 15. The pair of electrode pins 11 are fitted into the pair of nuts 15, thereby fixing the electrolysis unit 3, the power supply 7, and the elastic body 8 to the case 2A.

[0080] (2.6) Positional relationship of electrolysis unit Fig. 3 is a plan view of the electrolysis unit 3 as viewed from the first direction D1. The two-dot chain line in Fig. 3 indicates the first electrode 4, the solid line in Fig. 3 indicates the conductive film 5, and the dot-hatched area in Fig. 3 indicates the second electrode 6.

[0081] In the third direction D3, the length L1 of the through-holes 53 of the conductive film 5 is longer than the outer length L2 of the second electrode 6. Therefore, ozone (electrolysis product) generated at the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 can pass through the through-holes 53. The ozone generated at the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 can move in the direction along the first direction D1 through the through-holes 53, which smooths the flow of ozone and prevents ozone bubbles from becoming larger.

[0082] 3, in a plan view from the first direction D1, both ends of the through-hole 53 of the conductive film 5 in the third direction D3, i.e., the closed end and the open end of the through-hole 53, are located outside the second electrode 6. Therefore, outside the second electrode 6, ozone (electrolysis product) generated at the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 can be prevented from moving along the interface between the conductive film 5 and the electrode. This further prevents ozone bubbles from becoming larger.

[0083] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in a plan view from the first direction D1, a portion of the through-hole 53 in the third direction D3 overlaps with the second electrode 6, but both ends of the through-hole 53 in the third direction D3 do not overlap with the second electrode 6. In other words, the second electrode 6 is disposed so as to be contained between one end and the other end of the through-hole 53 in the third direction D3. Therefore, electrolysis products such as ozone generated at the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 can pass through the through-hole 53 immediately after leaving the interface, which allows the ozone to flow more smoothly and further prevents the ozone bubbles from becoming larger.

[0084] 3, in the third direction D3, the length L2 of the second electrode 6 is shorter than the length L3 of the through hole 42 of the first electrode 4. That is, in the third direction D3 of the first embodiment, there are portions of the through hole 42 of the first electrode 4 that are not blocked by the second electrode 6. Therefore, electrolysis products such as ozone generated at the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 can pass through the through hole 42 of the first electrode 4, which allows the ozone to flow more smoothly and further prevents the ozone bubbles from becoming larger.

[0085] 3, in plan view from the first direction D1, there is a portion R1 where the through-hole 42 of the first electrode 4 overlaps with the through-section 53 of the conductive film 5. Therefore, electrolysis products such as ozone generated at the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 can pass through the through-section 53 of the conductive film 5 and the through-hole 42 of the first electrode 4, which allows the ozone to flow more smoothly and further prevents the ozone bubbles from becoming larger.

[0086] (3) Method for manufacturing conductive film As shown in FIG. 7 , the shape of the conductive film 5 in the first embodiment is such that another conductive film 5 rotated 180 degrees (i.e., inverted) about a rotation axis along the first direction D1 can fit into it. In other words, the outer shape of the convex portion of the conductive film 5 matches the outer shape of the corresponding concave portion of the conductive film 5. That is, the concave portion of the conductive film 5 can be inserted into the convex portion of another conductive film 5 inverted about the rotation axis along the first direction D1. Furthermore, the convex portion of the conductive film 5 can be inserted into the concave portion of another conductive film 5 inverted about the rotation axis along the first direction D1. For example, the second end 562 (conductive film convex portion) of the second positioning portion 56 can be inserted into the concave portion 59 when the conductive film 5 is inverted about the rotation axis along the first direction D1, which is the stacking direction of the electrolysis unit 3.

[0087] For example, the conductive film 5 is manufactured by cutting the conductive film 5 from a base material 100 as shown in Fig. 8. In the example of Fig. 8, the conductive film 5 is manufactured by cutting the base material 100 at the portion indicated by the two-dot chain line. The shape of the conductive film 5 is such that another conductive film 5 flipped around a rotation axis along the first direction D1 fits into it, and therefore the amount of base material 100 used can be reduced when manufacturing the conductive film 5.

[0088] (4) Variations Modifications of the first embodiment are listed below.

[0089] The lengths of the plurality of through portions 53 in the third direction D3 do not have to be uniform, that is, the lengths of the plurality of protruding pieces 52 in the third direction D3 do not have to be uniform.

[0090] The width of the plurality of through holes 53 in the second direction D2 does not have to be uniform. Also, it is not essential that the plurality of through holes 53 be arranged at equal intervals in the second direction D2.

[0091] The longitudinal direction of the through portion 53 does not necessarily have to be along the third direction D3, and the longitudinal direction of the through portion 53 may intersect with the third direction D3. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the multiple protruding pieces 52 does not necessarily have to be along the third direction D3, and the longitudinal direction of the multiple protruding pieces 52 may intersect with the third direction D3.

[0092] (Embodiment 2) The electrolytic liquid generation apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the electrolytic liquid generation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that it is provided with a conductive film 5A as shown in FIG.

[0093] The conductive film 5A has a base portion 50A, a first connecting portion 54, a first positioning portion 55, a second positioning portion 56, a second connecting portion 57, and a third positioning portion 58.

[0094] The base 50A is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with the second direction D2 as its longitudinal direction. One end of the base 50A in the second direction D2 (the lower end in FIG. 9) is connected to the first connecting portion 54. The other end of the base 50A in the second direction D2 (the upper end in FIG. 9) is connected to the second positioning portion 56.

[0095] The base 50A has a plurality of through-holes 53A. The edges of the through-holes 53A are closed. That is, unlike the through-holes 53 of the first embodiment, the through-holes 53A of the second embodiment do not have an open end in the third direction D3. The through-holes 53A of the second embodiment are formed in an elongated shape with the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction. The length L4 of each of the plurality of through-holes 53A in the third direction D3 is the same as the length L1 of the through-holes 53 of the second embodiment.

[0096] According to the electrolytic liquid generation apparatus 1 of the first modification, the length L4 of the through-hole 53A of the conductive film 5A in the third direction D3 is longer than the outer length L2 of the second electrode 6, and therefore ozone (electrolysis product) generated at the interface between the conductive film 5A and the second electrode 6 can pass through the through-hole 53A. The ozone generated at the interface between the conductive film 5A and the second electrode 6 can move in the direction along the third direction D3 through the through-hole 53A, which smooths the flow of ozone and prevents ozone bubbles from becoming larger.

[0097] (Variation) The lengths of the multiple through holes 53A in the third direction D3 do not have to be uniform. Furthermore, the widths of the multiple through holes 53A in the second direction D2 do not have to be uniform. Furthermore, it is not essential that the multiple through holes 53A be arranged at equal intervals in the second direction D2.

[0098] The longitudinal direction of the through portion 53A does not necessarily have to be along the third direction D3, and the longitudinal direction of the through portion 53A may intersect with the third direction D3.

[0099] (summary) As is clear from the above-described embodiment, the electrolytic liquid generating device (1) according to the first aspect includes an electrolysis unit (3) and a housing (2). The electrolysis unit (3) is arranged such that a conductive film (5) is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes, and electrolyzes a liquid. The housing (2) has the electrolysis unit (3) disposed therein. The pair of electrodes and the conductive film (5; 5A) are arranged to be aligned in a first direction (D1), which is the stacking direction of the electrolysis unit (3). The first electrode (4), which is one of the pair of electrodes, has a through hole (42). The through hole (42) penetrates the first electrode (4) along the first direction (D1). The conductive film (5; 5A) has a through portion (53; 53A). The through portion (53; 53A) penetrates the conductive film (5) along the first direction (D1). The housing (2) has an inlet (221) and an outlet (231). A liquid to be supplied to the electrolysis unit (3) flows into the inlet (221). The electrolytic liquid produced in the electrolysis unit (3) flows out of the outlet (231). A flow path (26) between the inlet (221) and the outlet (231) is aligned along a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1). In a third direction (D3) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2), the length (L1; L4) of the through-ports (53; 53A) of the conductive film (5; 5A) is longer than the length (L2) of the second electrode (6), which is the other of the pair of electrodes.

[0100] According to this aspect, the flow of electrolysis products such as ozone is smooth, and it is possible to prevent bubbles in the electrolysis products from becoming large.

[0101] In the electrolytic liquid generation device (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the length (L2) of the second electrode (6) in the third direction (D3) is shorter than the length (L3) of the through hole (42) of the first electrode (4).

[0102] According to this embodiment, the flow of the electrolysis product becomes smoother, and the ozone bubbles can be further prevented from becoming large.

[0103] In the electrolytic liquid generation device (1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the first electrode (4) is a cathode and the second electrode (6) is an anode.

[0104] According to this embodiment, electrolysis products such as ozone generated at the interface between the anode and the conductive film (5; 5A) can pass through the through-holes (42) of the cathode, allowing the electrolysis products to flow more smoothly and further preventing the ozone bubbles from becoming larger.

[0105] In the electrolytic liquid generation device (1) according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the second electrode (6) is arranged so as to be contained between one end and the other end of the through portion (53; 53A) in the third direction (D3) when viewed in a plan view from the first direction (D1).

[0106] According to this embodiment, the electrolysis products, such as ozone, generated at the interface between the conductive film (5; 5A) and the second electrode (6) flow more smoothly, and the bubbles of the electrolysis products can be further prevented from becoming large.

[0107] In the electrolytic liquid generation device (1) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, when viewed in a plan view from the first direction (D1), there is a portion (R1) where the through hole (42) of the first electrode (4) and the through portion (53; 53A) of the conductive film (5; 5A) overlap.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the flow of the electrolysis product becomes smoother, and the ozone bubbles can be further prevented from becoming large.

[0109] The configurations other than those of the first embodiment are not essential for the electrolytic liquid production device (1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1 Electrolyte liquid generation device 2. Housing 221 Inlet 231 Outlet 26 Flow path 3 Electrolytic section 4 1st electrode 42 Through hole 5 Conductive film 5A conductive film 53 Penetration 53A Penetration 6 Second electrode D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction L1 length L2 length L3 length L4 length R1 part

Claims

1. an electrolysis unit that is disposed so that a conductive film is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes and that performs electrolysis on a liquid; A housing in which the electrolysis unit is disposed, The pair of electrodes and the conductive film are arranged to be aligned in a first direction which is a stacking direction of the electrolysis unit, a first electrode which is one of the pair of electrodes has a through hole penetrating the first electrode along the first direction; the conductive film has a through portion penetrating the conductive film along the first direction, The housing includes: an inlet through which the liquid to be supplied to the electrolysis unit flows; an outlet through which the electrolytic liquid generated in the electrolysis unit flows out; having a flow path between the inlet and the outlet extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; In a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, a length of the through portion of the conductive film is longer than a length of a second electrode which is the other of the pair of electrodes. Electrolyte liquid generator.

2. In the third direction, the length of the second electrode is shorter than the length of the through hole of the first electrode. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 1 .

3. The first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 1 .

4. When viewed in a plan view from the first direction, the second electrode is disposed between one end and the other end of the through portion in the third direction. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 1 .

5. When viewed from the first direction, there is a portion where the through hole of the first electrode and the through portion of the conductive film overlap with each other. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 1 .

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