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. The housing includes an inflow port and an outflow port. A flow channel between the inflow port and the outflow port is aligned with a second direction D2 orthogonal to 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 conductive film 5 is formed to be open at one end in a third direction D3 orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction D2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

[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 transported 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, in the process in which electrolysis products, such as ozone, generated at the interface between the conductive film and the electrode are transported downstream of the flow path, the electrolysis products move along the interface, causing the bubbles in the electrolysis products to become larger and not dissolve in the water.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration 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 electrolytic unit and a housing. The electrolytic unit is arranged such that a conductive film is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes, and electrolytically processes a liquid. The housing has the electrolytic unit arranged 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 electrolytic unit. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. The liquid supplied to the electrolytic unit flows in through the inlet. The electrolytic liquid generated in the electrolytic unit flows out through the outlet. A flow path between the inlet and the outlet is along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The conductive film has a through portion. The through portion penetrates the conductive film along the first direction. The conductive film is formed so that at least one end in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is open. Effect of the Invention

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

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electrolytic liquid generating device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the conductive film of the electrolytic liquid generating device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the electrolysis unit of the electrolytic liquid generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a main part of the electrolytic liquid generating device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing another main part of the above 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 a manufacturing process of the conductive film. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the conductive film of the electrolytic liquid generating apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a modified example of the conductive film of the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In addition, common elements in the embodiments described below are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions 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] Each figure described in this disclosure is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in each figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. Note that the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are merely examples, and are not intended to define the directions when the electrolytic liquid generating device 1 is used. Also, the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are merely indicated for the purpose of explanation, and do not have any substance.

[0012] In addition, "orthogonal (perpendicular)" in this disclosure does not only mean a state in which the angle between two things is strictly 90 degrees, but also includes a state in which two things intersect within a certain range of difference. In other words, the angle between two perpendicular things 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 things is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less.

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

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

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolytic liquid 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 a stacking direction of the electrolysis unit 3.

[0017] The conductive film 5 has a through portion 53. The through portion 53 penetrates the conductive film 5 along the first direction D1.

[0018] The electrolysis unit 3 is disposed in the housing 2. The housing 2 has an inlet 221 and an outlet 231.

[0019] 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 perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0020] Here, the conductive film 5 of the first embodiment is formed so as to have at least one end open in a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0021] According to the electrolytic liquid generating device 1 of the first embodiment, at least one end of the conductive film 5 is formed to be open, so that 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 electrolysis products, such as ozone, generated at the interface between the conductive film 5 and the electrode from moving along the interface between the conductive film 5 and the electrode, and it is possible to prevent the bubbles of the electrolysis products from becoming large.

[0022] (2)Details The detailed configuration of the electrolytic liquid generating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. In the following description, the stacking direction of the electrolytic 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.

[0023] 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 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.

[0024] (2.1) Electrolytic section The electrolysis unit 3 electrolyzes the liquid. More specifically, the electrolysis unit 3 generates ozone water as an electrolytic liquid by, for example, electrolysis of tap water as the liquid. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolysis unit 3 is disposed on the upper part of the elastic body 8 in a first direction D1, which is a lamination 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 disposed so as to be aligned in the first direction D1 and so that the thickness direction of each of the electrodes is along the first direction D1. In the first embodiment, one of the pair of electrodes is the first electrode 4, and the other of the pair of electrodes is the second electrode 6. In the first embodiment, the first electrode 4 is a cathode, and the second electrode 6 is an anode.

[0025] (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 in a plate shape having a thickness of about 0.3 mm using, for example, a titanium alloy. 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 recessed portion 45.

[0026] The base portion 41 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. More specifically, the base portion 41 is formed in a rectangular plate shape that is longer in the second direction D2 than in the third direction D3. The base portion 41 has a plurality of through holes 42 formed therein.

[0027] Each of the multiple through holes 42 penetrates the base 41 along the thickness direction (first direction D1) of the base 41. Each of the multiple through holes 42 is formed in a V shape when viewed from a plan view in the first direction D1. The multiple through holes 42 are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction (second direction D2) of the base 41.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the first electrode 4 can be further improved.

[0030] The electrode portion 44 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed in a plan view from 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). The 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. 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 so that the electrode portion 44 and the shaft portion 111 of the electrode pin 11 are flush with each other.

[0031] 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. The spring portion 43 is formed in a U-shape that opens toward the base portion 41 when viewed in a plan view from the first direction. The spring portion 43 connects one end of the base portion 41 and the electrode portion 44 so as to surround the electrode portion 44 between the spring portion 43 and the base portion 41.

[0032] (2.1.2) Conductive film In the first embodiment, the conductive film 5 is disposed so as to be placed on the second electrode 6. The conductive film 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 film 5 is formed in an elongated shape along the second direction D2. The conductive film 5 has a comb portion 50, a first connection portion 54, a first positioning portion 55, a second positioning portion 56, a second connection portion 57, and a third positioning portion 58.

[0033] The comb portion 50 is formed in a comb shape when viewed in a plan view from 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 portions 53.

[0034] The main piece 51 is formed in an elongated shape with the second direction D2 as the longitudinal direction. Each of the multiple protrusions 52 protrudes from one end of the main piece 51 in the third direction D3 (the right end in FIG. 2) along the third direction D3. That is, the main piece 51 of the first embodiment and each of the multiple protrusions 52 are perpendicular to each other. In the following description, among the multiple protrusions 52, the protrusion 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 protrusion 52A, and the protrusion 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 protrusion 52B.

[0035] 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 this disclosure, "equally spaced" does not have to be exactly the same interval, but may be within a specified range (specified distance ±10%). Similarly, "having equal length (or width)" does not have to be exactly the same length, but may be within a specified range (specified length ±10%).

[0036] Between two adjacent protruding pieces 52 in the second direction D2, a through portion 53 is formed. In the first embodiment, the main piece 51 and the multiple protruding pieces 52 form the edges of the multiple through portions 53. That is, the main piece 51 and the multiple protruding pieces 52 form the multiple through portions 53 arranged in the second direction D2. The through portion 53 in the first embodiment is a slit-shaped through portion with the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction. The through portion 53 in the first embodiment is 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-shaped shape having comb teeth. By making the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6 discontinuous in the second direction D2, it is possible to suppress the movement of ozone along the interface between the conductive film 5 and the second electrode 6, and it is possible to suppress the enlargement of ozone bubbles.

[0037] Since one end of the through-hole 53 of the conductive film 5 is formed 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 it is possible to prevent the ozone bubbles from becoming large.

[0038] In the second direction D2, the multiple through holes 53 are arranged at equal intervals. By arranging the open portions of the multiple 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 air bubbles.

[0039] The widths of the multiple 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 multiple through holes 53 in the second direction D2 equal, it is possible to reduce variation in the effect of suppressing the growth of air bubbles.

[0040] The through portions 53 have the same length L1 (see FIG. 3) in the third direction D3. The through portions 53 have the same length L1 in the third direction D3 as the protruding pieces 52.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The first connection portion 54 protrudes from one end (lower end in FIG. 2) of the comb portion 50 in the second direction D2 along the second direction D2. More specifically, the first connection portion 54 protrudes from one end (lower end in FIG. 2) of the main piece 51 and one end (lower end in FIG. 2) of the protruding piece 52A in the second direction D2 along the second direction D2. The first connection portion 54 is formed in a rectangular shape with the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction. The first connection portion 54 is formed between one end (right end in FIG. 2) of the main piece 51 and the center of the protruding piece 52A along the third direction D3. The first connection 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 connection 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 connection portion 54 in the second direction D2 is connected to the main piece 51 and the protrusion piece 52A.

[0043] The first positioning portion 55 is formed in a rectangular shape with the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction. The center of one end (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 (left end in FIG. 2) of the first positioning portion 55 in the third direction D3 is located outside the other end (left end in FIG. 2) of the main piece 51 in the third direction D3. In addition, a second end 552 (right end in FIG. 2) of the first positioning portion 55 in the third direction D3 is located inside the tip (right end in FIG. 2) of the protruding piece 52 in the third direction D3.

[0044] 4, a first end 551 of the first positioning portion 55 is in contact with an 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.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the conductive film 5 further has a recess 59. The recess 59 is formed by the protruding piece 52A, the first connection portion 54, and the first positioning portion 55. The recess 59 is recessed along the third direction D3. The 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The second positioning portion 56 is formed in a rectangular shape with the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction. 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 located outside the other end (left end in FIG. 2) of the main piece 51 in the third direction D3. In addition, a second end 562 (right end in FIG. 2) of the second positioning portion 56 in the third direction D3 is located inside 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.

[0048] 4, a first end 561 of the second positioning portion 56 is in contact with an 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.

[0049] 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 third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction. 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.

[0050] The third positioning portion 58 is formed in a rectangular shape with the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction. 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 located outside the tip (the right end in FIG. 2) of the protruding piece 52 in the third direction D3.

[0051] 4, the second end 582 of the third positioning portion 58 contacts 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 contacting the accommodating portion 212 of the case 2A.

[0052] (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 using silicon. As shown in FIG. 1, the second electrode 6 is formed in an elongated shape along the second direction D2.

[0053] (2.2) Power feeder In the first embodiment, the power supply body 7 is placed on the elastic body 8. The power supply body 7 is formed in a rectangular plate shape using titanium, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply body 7 includes a base portion 71, a spring portion 72, and an electrode portion 73.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 1, the base 71 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with the second direction D2 as the longitudinal direction. 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).

[0055] The electrode portion 73 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from a plane 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. The 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. 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 so that the electrode portion 73 and the shaft portion 111 of the electrode pin 11 are flush with each other.

[0056] The spring portion 72 has elasticity and connects one end of the base portion 71 and the electrode portion 73. The spring portion 72 is formed in a U-shape that opens toward the base portion 71 in a plan view from the first direction. 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 the spring portion 72 and the base portion 71.

[0057] (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 arranged such that its longitudinal direction is along a second direction D2 perpendicular to a first direction D1 which is the lamination 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The 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.

[0060] 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. That is, the elastic body 8 of the first embodiment functions as a positioning member for the electrolysis unit 3.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, the suppression protrusion 84 protrudes from one end (the left end in FIG. 6) of the main body 81 in the second direction D2 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 (the upper end in FIG. 6) of the suppression protrusion 84 in the first direction D1 is flush with the mounting surface 811 of the main body 81. The other end (the lower end in FIG. 6) of the suppression protrusion 84 in the first direction D1 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. That is, 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.

[0062] Here, 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. In addition, 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 plurality of 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.

[0063] 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. Also, a portion including the lower end of the second protrusion 85B 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 portion 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.

[0064] The two second convex portions 85A and 85B are disposed at both ends of the mounting surface 811 in the second direction D2. More specifically, the two second convex portions 85A and 85B are disposed on the outer side of the mounting surface 811 in the second direction D2. The two second convex portions 85A and 85B are disposed almost at the center in the third direction D3. However, it is not essential that the two second convex portions 85A and 85B are disposed at the center in the third direction D3. In other words, at least one of the two second convex portions 85A and 85B may be disposed at a position shifted from the center in the third direction D3. The second convex portion 85A is formed at one end (the upper end of FIG. 1) of the suppression convex portion 84 in the first direction D1. Each of the multiple second convex portions 85A and 85B protrudes along the first direction D1. In addition, in the first direction D1, the second convex portion 85A protrudes more than the second convex portion 85B. That is, one end (upper end in FIG. 6) of the second convex portion 85A in the first direction D1 is located higher than one end (upper end in FIG. 6) of the second convex portion 85B. In this way, by providing a plurality of second convex portions 85A, 85B, it is possible to position the electrolysis unit 3 in the second direction D2. That is, the elastic body 8 of the first embodiment functions as a positioning member for the electrolysis unit 3. The electrolysis unit 3 can be positioned by the elastic body 8, and an increase in the number of parts of the electrolytic liquid generating device 1 can be suppressed.

[0065] The second convex portion 85A (convex portion) is formed so as to be insertable into the concave 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 concave 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 the concave portion 59 and the second convex portion 85A can improve the positioning accuracy. Furthermore, since positioning in multiple directions is possible with one set of the concave portion 59 and the second convex portion 85A, the number of positioning parts, such as convex portions, can be reduced.

[0066] (2.4) Housing An electrolysis unit 3, a power supply body 7, and an elastic body 8 are disposed inside the housing 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the housing 2 includes a case 2A and a cover body 2B. The case 2A and the cover body 2B are formed of a non-conductive material such as an acrylic resin.

[0067] The case 2A includes a case body 21, a first connection portion 22, a second connection portion 23, an attachment portion 24, and a pair of pedestals 25A, 25B. The case body 21 is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape with one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 1) open. That is, the case body 21 has an opening 211. The case body 21 further has a storage portion 212. The electrolysis portion 3, the power supply body 7, and the elastic body 8 are stored in the storage portion 212 through the opening 211.

[0068] The pair of pedestals 25A, 25B are disposed on the bottom surface of the housing section 212 of the case body 21. The pedestal 25A is disposed at one end (the left end in FIG. 1) of the housing section 212 in the second direction D2, and the pedestal 25B is disposed 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 section 73 of the power feeder 7 is disposed adjacent to the pedestal 25A. Also, the electrode section 44 of the first electrode 4 is disposed adjacent to the pedestal 25B.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The base 25A of the first embodiment is formed with a suppression recess 252. The suppression recess 252 is formed from the upper surface of the base 25A (i.e., the surface facing the power supply body 7) toward the bottom surface of the accommodation section 212 along the first direction D1. The lower end of the suppression recess 252 in the first direction D1 is closer to the bottom surface of the accommodation section 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 toward the inside 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.

[0071] The base 25B of the first embodiment is formed with 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 storage section 212. The recess 253 is recessed inwardly of the base 25B along the second direction D2. A part of the second protrusion 85B of the elastic body 8, including the lower end thereof, is inserted into the recess 253.

[0072] The first connection part 22 is provided at one end (the lower end in FIG. 2) of the case body 21 in the second direction D2. The first connection part 22 has an inlet 221. The first connection part 22 is connected to a pipe through which tap water flows as the liquid. The tap water is introduced into the case body 21 through the inlet 221. That is, a liquid such as tap water to be supplied to the electrolysis unit 3 flows into the inlet 221.

[0073] 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 an inlet of a liquid outlet path. Ozone water as the electrolytic liquid generated in the electrolytic unit 3 is guided to the liquid outlet path through the outlet 231. That is, at the outlet 231, the electrolytic liquid such as ozone water generated in the electrolytic unit 3 flows out.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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 a rectangular plate shape with the second direction D2 as the longitudinal direction. The lid 2B holds the electrolysis unit 3 and the power supply body 7 between the elastic body 8 and the lid 2B in a state where the lid 2B is attached to the case 2A. At this time, the electrolysis unit 3 and the power supply body 7 receive an elastic force from the elastic body 8 toward the lid 2B along the first direction D1, and are in close contact with the elastic body 8 and the lid 2B due to this elastic force.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 1, the lid 2B has a plurality of through holes 27 (ten in the example of Fig. 1). The plurality of through holes 27 of the lid 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 through holes 241 overlap with each other. For example, the lid 2B and the case 2A are fixed together by fastening bolts passed through the corresponding through holes 27 and through holes 241 with nuts.

[0078] (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 to each other one-to-one. 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 screw portion 112 and the nut 15 are fitted. The electrode pin 11 fixed to the electrode portion 73 of the power supply body 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 screw portion 112 and the nut 15 are fitted. The pair of electrode pins 11 are fitted to the pair of nuts 15, and thus the electrolysis portion 3, the power supply body 7, and the elastic body 8 are fixed to the case 2A.

[0079] (2.6) Position of electrolytic section Fig. 3 is a plan view of the electrolysis unit 3 as viewed from a 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.

[0080] In the third direction D3, the length L1 of the through-hole 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-hole 53. Since 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-hole 53, the flow of ozone becomes smooth and it is possible to prevent the ozone bubbles from becoming large.

[0081] 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 disposed outside the second electrode 6. Therefore, outside the second electrode 6, 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. This makes it possible to further prevent the ozone bubbles from becoming large.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in a plan view from the first direction D1, a part of the through-hole 53 in the third direction D3 overlaps with the second electrode 6, and both ends of the through-hole 53 in the third direction D3 do not overlap with the second electrode 6. That is, in the third direction D3, the second electrode 6 is disposed so as to be contained between one end and the other end of the through-hole 53. 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, so that the flow of ozone becomes smoother and the enlargement of ozone bubbles can be more effectively suppressed.

[0083] 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 is a portion of the through hole 42 of the first electrode 4 that is 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, so that the flow of ozone becomes smoother and the enlargement of ozone bubbles can be further suppressed.

[0084] 3, in 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 of the conductive film 5 overlap. 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 portion 53 of the conductive film 5 and the through hole 42 of the first electrode 4, so that the flow of ozone becomes smoother and the size of ozone bubbles can be further suppressed.

[0085] (3) Method for manufacturing conductive film As shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the conductive film 5 of 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 fits 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 a rotation axis along the first direction D1. Also, the convex portion of the conductive film 5 can be inserted into the concave portion of another conductive film 5 inverted about a 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 a rotation axis along the first direction D1, which is the lamination direction of the electrolysis unit 3.

[0086] 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 conductive film 5 has a shape that allows another conductive film 5 that is flipped over about a rotation axis along the first direction D1 to fit into it, so that the amount of base material 100 used can be reduced when manufacturing the conductive film 5.

[0087] (4) Variations Modifications of the first embodiment are listed below.

[0088] The lengths of the multiple through portions 53 in the third direction D3 (see FIG. 2) do not have to be uniform. That is, the lengths of the multiple protruding pieces 52 in the third direction D3 do not have to be uniform.

[0089] The width of the multiple through holes 53 in the second direction D2 does not have to be uniform. Also, it is not essential that the multiple through holes 53 are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction D2.

[0090] It is not essential that the longitudinal direction of the through portion 53 is along the third direction D3, and the longitudinal direction of the through portion 53 may intersect with the third direction D3. In other words, it is not essential that the longitudinal direction of the multiple protruding pieces 52 is along the third direction D3, and the longitudinal direction of the multiple protruding pieces 52 may intersect with the third direction D3.

[0091] (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, instead of the conductive film 5, a conductive film 5B as shown in FIG.

[0092] The conductive film 5B has a base portion 50B, 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.

[0093] One end of the base portion 50B in the second direction D2 (see FIG. 2) is connected to the first connection portion 54. The other end of the base portion 50B in the second direction D2 is connected to the second positioning portion 56.

[0094] The base portion 50B has a main piece 51A and a plurality of protruding pieces 52C.

[0095] The main piece 51A is formed in an elongated shape along the second direction D2.

[0096] Two or more protruding pieces 52C included in the plurality of protruding pieces 52C protrude from one end of the main piece 51A in the third direction D3 along the third direction D3. Also, two or more protruding pieces 52C included in the plurality of protruding pieces 52C protrude from the other end of the main piece 51A in the third direction D3 along the third direction D3. The main piece 51A and the plurality of protruding pieces 52C form a plurality of through-holes 53B. The length L5 of the plurality of through-holes 53B in the third direction D3 is half the length L1 of the through-hole 53 in the first embodiment. That is, the conductive film 5 has both ends open in the third direction D3 and has a connecting portion in the middle. The connecting portion here is the main piece 51A. The plurality of protruding pieces 52C are connected by the main piece 51A.

[0097] According to the electrolytic liquid generating device 1 of the second embodiment, the openings of the through-holes 53 are disposed at both ends of the base 50B of the conductive film 5B in the third direction D3. This makes it possible to prevent the electrolysis product such as ozone from moving along the interface between the conductive film and the electrode at both ends of the conductive film 5B in the third direction D3, thereby making it possible to further prevent the bubbles of the electrolysis product from becoming large.

[0098] In the example of Figure 9, each of the multiple protrusions 52C is formed so as to intersect perpendicularly with the main piece 51A, but as shown in Figure 10, the multiple protrusions 52C may be formed so as to intersect diagonally with the main piece 51A.

[0099] (Modification) The lengths of the multiple through-portions 53A in the third direction D3 do not have to be uniform. The widths of the multiple through-portions 53A in the second direction D2 do not have to be uniform. Also, it is not essential that the multiple through-portions 53A are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction D2.

[0100] It is not essential that the longitudinal direction of the through portion 53A is aligned with the third direction D3, and the longitudinal direction of the through portion 53A may intersect with the third direction D3.

[0101] (summary) As is clear from the above-described embodiment, the electrolytic liquid generating device (1) according to the first aspect includes an electrolytic unit (3) and a housing (2). The electrolytic unit (3) is arranged such that a conductive film (5) is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes, and electrolyzes a liquid. The electrolytic unit (3) is arranged inside the housing (2). The pair of electrodes and the conductive film (5; 5B) are arranged to be aligned in a first direction (D1), which is a stacking direction of the electrolytic unit (3). The housing (2) has an inlet (221) and an outlet (231). The inlet (221) is where the liquid supplied to the electrolytic unit (3) flows in. The outlet (231) is where the electrolytic liquid generated in the electrolytic unit (3) flows out. A flow path between the inlet (221) and the outlet (231) is along a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1). The conductive film (5; 5B) has a through portion (53; 53B). The through portion (53; 53B) penetrates the conductive film (5; 5B) along the first direction (D1). The conductive film (5; 5B) is formed so that at least one end in a third direction (D3) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) is open.

[0102] According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the movement of electrolysis products such as ozone along the interface between the conductive film (5; 5A) and the electrode, and it is possible to suppress the growth of bubbles of the electrolysis products.

[0103] In the electrolytic liquid generation device (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the conductive film (5; 5B) has a plurality of through-holes (53; 53B). The plurality of through-holes (53; 53B) are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction (D2).

[0104] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce variation in the effect of suppressing the growth of air bubbles.

[0105] In the electrolytic liquid generating device (1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the conductive film (5; 5B) has a plurality of through-holes (53; 53B). The lengths of the plurality of through-holes (53; 53B) in the second direction (D2) are the same.

[0106] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce variation in the effect of suppressing the growth of air bubbles.

[0107] In the electrolytic liquid generation device (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the conductive film (5) has one end in the third direction (D3) open and the other end closed.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the interface between the conductive film (5) and the electrode is discontinuous in the second direction (D2), which makes it possible to suppress the electrolysis product from moving along the interface between the conductive film (5) and the electrode, and thus to suppress the growth of bubbles in the electrolysis product.

[0109] In the electrolytic liquid generation device (1) according to the fifth aspect, in the first aspect, the conductive film (5B) is open at both ends in the third direction (D3) and has a connecting portion (main piece 51A) in the middle.

[0110] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent electrolysis products such as ozone from moving along the interface between the conductive film (5B) and the electrode at both ends of the conductive film (5B) in the third direction (D3), thereby further preventing the bubbles of the electrolysis products from becoming larger.

[0111] In the electrolytic liquid generating device (1) according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, when viewed in a plan view from the first direction (D1), the blocked end of the through portion (53; 53B) is positioned outside one of the pair of electrodes.

[0112] According to this embodiment, outside the second electrode, ozone (electrolysis product) generated at the interface between the conductive film (5; 5B) and the second electrode can be prevented from moving along the interface between the conductive film (5; 5B) and the electrode.

[0113] In the electrolytic liquid generating apparatus (1) according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, one of the electrodes is an anode.

[0114] According to this embodiment, electrolysis products such as ozone generated at the interface between the anode and the conductive film (5; 5B) can be prevented from moving along the interface between the conductive film (5; 5B) and the electrode, and the bubbles of the electrolysis products can be prevented from becoming large.

[0115] The configurations other than those of the first embodiment are not essential to the electrolytic liquid production device (1) and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Electrolyte liquid generation device 2. Housing 221 Inlet 231 Outlet 26 Flow Path 3 Electrolytic section 5. Conductive film 5B Conductive film 51A Main piece (connection part) 53 Penetration 53B Penetration D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction 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; Equipped with 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 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; the conductive film has a through portion penetrating the conductive film along the first direction, the conductive film is formed so as to have at least one end open in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; Electrolyte liquid generation device.

2. the conductive film has a plurality of the through portions, The plurality of through portions are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 1 .

3. the conductive film has a plurality of the through portions, The lengths of the plurality of through portions in the second direction are the same.

3. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the conductive film has one end open in the third direction and the other end closed; The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 1 .

5. the conductive film is open at both ends in the third direction and has a connecting portion in an intermediate portion. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 1 .

6. When viewed from the first direction, a closed end of the through-hole is disposed outside one of the electrodes.

5. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 4.

7. The one electrode is an anode.

7. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 6.

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