Electrolytic cell unit

Abstract

To provide an electrolytic cell unit that prevents falling to an electrode chamber side of an anode or a current collector.SOLUTION: An electrolytic cell unit 2 includes an electrode chamber 4 (an anode chamber 8 and a cathode chamber 10) where the electrolysis of the liquid takes place. The electrolytic cell unit 2 also includes an anode 14 arranged in the anode chamber 8, a current collector 20 arranged in the cathode chamber 10, a partition wall 16 that separates the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10, and a common flange 28 that defines both lateral side edges and the lower edge of the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. The lateral side edges 16b and the lower edge 16c of the partition wall 16 are bent toward the anode chamber 8 and joined to the common flange 28, and at least one of the lateral side edges or the lower edge of the anode 14 is supported by the lateral side edges 16b or the lower edge 16c of the partition wall 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell unit, and more particularly to an electrolytic cell unit in which electrodes are supported by partition walls. [Background technology]

[0002] The electrolytic cell unit is a component of a depolarized electrolytic cell that electrolyzes an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, such as potassium hydroxide. The electrolytic cell unit generally includes an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. The anode chamber and the cathode chamber are separated by two partition walls. The anode chamber is provided with an anode, which is supported by ribs within the anode chamber. The cathode chamber is provided with a current collector, which is supported by ribs within the cathode chamber (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-177353 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, due to pressure fluctuations in the electrolytic cell, the side edges or bottom edges of the anode or current collector may sag toward the electrode chamber, causing a loss of flatness. This may result in a local increase in resistance, an increase in electrolysis voltage, or damage to the diaphragm. Here, "sagging" refers to a displacement of at least one of the side edges or bottom edges of the anode or current collector toward the electrode chamber during operation, compared to the position of the respective main parts in the state (initial state) before operation of the electrolytic cell unit. It also includes a case where, even if the tips of the side edges or bottom edges of the anode or current collector are in the same position as the main parts of the anode or current collector in the depth direction, a portion of the anode or current collector other than the tips becomes recessed or bent toward the electrode chamber during operation. It also includes a case where the side edges or bottom edges of the anode or current collector are locally displaced toward the electrode chamber.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolytic cell unit that prevents the anode or current collector from falling into the electrode chamber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided the following electrolytic cell unit that solves the above problems: "An electrolytic cell unit having an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, an anode disposed in the anode chamber; a current collector disposed in the cathode chamber; a partition wall that separates the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; a common flange that defines both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of the partition wall are bent toward the anode chamber and joined to the common flange, At least one of both widthwise side ends or a lower end of the anode is supported by both widthwise side ends or a lower end of the partition wall.

[0007] Preferably, both widthwise side edges and a lower end of the anode are supported by both widthwise side edges and a lower end of the partition wall.

[0008] It is preferable that the common flange is provided with protrusions that protrude toward the cathode chamber and extend along the inner periphery of the common flange, and that both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the current collector are supported by the protrusions.

[0009] The protrusion is preferably extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided the following electrolytic cell unit that solves the above problems: "An electrolytic cell unit having an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, an anode disposed in the anode chamber; a current collector disposed in the cathode chamber; a partition wall that separates the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; a common flange that defines both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of the partition wall are bent toward the cathode chamber and joined to the common flange, At least one of both widthwise side ends or a lower end of the current collector is supported by both widthwise side ends or a lower end of the partition wall.

[0011] Preferably, both widthwise side edges and a lower end of the current collector are supported by both widthwise side edges and a lower end of the partition walls.

[0012] It is preferable that the common flange is provided with protrusions that protrude toward the anode chamber and extend along the inner circumference of the common flange, and that both widthwise side ends and the lower end of the anode are supported by the protrusions.

[0013] The protrusion is preferably extendable in the depth direction of the anode chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In the electrolytic cell unit of the present invention, at least one of both widthwise side edges or a lower edge of the anode or the current collector is supported by both widthwise side edges or a lower edge of the partition wall, whereby sagging of the anode or the current collector towards the electrode chamber can be prevented and the flatness of the anode or the current collector can be ensured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of an electrolytic cell unit according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2 ) of a second embodiment in which both widthwise side edges and a lower end of an anode are supported by both widthwise side edges and a lower end of a partition wall, and both widthwise side edges and a lower end of a current collector are supported by protrusions. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3 ) of a second embodiment in which both widthwise side edges and a lower end of an anode are supported by both widthwise side edges and a lower end of a partition wall, and both widthwise side edges and a lower end of a current collector are supported by protrusions. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2) of a third embodiment in which both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of a current collector are supported by both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of a partition wall. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3) of a third embodiment in which both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of a current collector are supported by both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of a partition wall. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2 ) of a fourth embodiment in which both widthwise side edges and a lower end of a current collector are supported by both widthwise side edges and a lower end of partition walls, and both widthwise side edges and a lower end of an anode are supported by protrusions. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3 ) of a fourth embodiment in which both widthwise side edges and a lower end of a current collector are supported by both widthwise side edges and a lower end of partition walls, and both widthwise side edges and a lower end of an anode are supported by protrusions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] (First embodiment) Preferred embodiments of the electrolytic cell unit of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment will be described.

[0017] (Electrolyzer Unit 2) Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the electrolytic cell unit 2 comprises an electrode chamber 4 in which electrolysis of a liquid takes place, and a gas-liquid separation chamber 6 (see Figure 2) for separating the gas generated by the electrolysis from the electrolytic solution.

[0018] (Electrode chamber 4) 2 and 3, the electrode chamber 4 includes an anode chamber 8 and a cathode chamber 10 provided adjacent to the anode chamber 8. The anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 are formed of, for example, nickel (Ni).

[0019] (Anode chamber 8) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the anode chamber 8 includes an anode 14, a partition wall 16 spaced apart from the anode 14, and a plurality of first ribs 18 disposed between the anode 14 and the partition wall 16.

[0020] (Anode 14) Although not shown, a large number of openings are provided in the rectangular plate-shaped anode 14. The openings may have any shape, such as a diamond shape, a flat fan shape, or a slit shape. The large number of openings may be arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0021] The anode 14 has a main portion 14a extending in the width direction of the electrolytic cell unit 2 (the direction indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 3), side end portions 14b (see FIG. 3) including both side ends of the main portion 14a in the width direction (X direction), and a lower end portion 14c (see FIG. 2) including the lower end of the main portion 14a.

[0022] (bulkhead 16) Partition wall 16 is arranged at a distance from anode 14 in the depth direction of electrolytic cell unit 2 (the direction indicated by arrow Y in Fig. 2 ). Partition wall 16 has a main portion 16a extending in the up-down direction of electrolytic cell unit 2 (the direction indicated by arrow Z in Fig. 2 ), side end portions 16b (see Fig. 3 ) bent from both sides in the width direction (X direction) of main portion 16a toward anode chamber 8, and a bottom end portion 16c (see Fig. 2 ) bent from the bottom end of main portion 16a toward anode chamber 8.

[0023] 2 and 3 , in the first embodiment, both widthwise end portions 14b and a bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by both widthwise end portions 16b and a bottom end portion 16c of the partition wall 16. Here, being supported means that at least a part of the anode 14 is in contact with either one of the widthwise end portions 16b or the bottom end portion 16c of the partition wall 16. This also includes the case where the anode 14 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0024] It is sufficient that at least one of the widthwise side end portions 14 b and the lower end portion 14 c of the anode 14 is supported by the widthwise side end portions 16 b and the lower end portion 16 c of the partition wall 16. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring flatness of the anode 14, it is preferable that the widthwise side end portions 14 b and the lower end portion 14 c of the anode 14 are supported by the widthwise side end portions 16 b and the lower end portion 16 c of the partition wall 16, as described above.

[0025] Both width direction side end portions 14b and a lower end portion 14c of the anode 14 are bent toward the partition wall 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Alternatively, the side end portions 14b and the lower end portion 14c of the anode 14 may be supported by both width direction side end portions 16b and the lower end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 without bending any or all of the side end portions 14b and the lower end portion 14c of the anode 14.

[0026] From the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the anode 14, it is preferable that both side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by both side end portions 16b and the bottom end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 in the width direction over the entire area in the vertical and width directions, respectively.

[0027] (1st rib 18) 3, a plurality of first ribs 18 are provided at intervals in the width direction. Each first rib 18 extends in the up-down direction (Z direction). Each first rib 18 has a main portion 18a extending in the depth direction from the anode 14 toward the partition wall 16, and a plurality of joining pieces 18b protruding in the width direction from an end of the main portion 18a on the partition wall 16 side. An end of the main portion 18a on the anode 14 side is joined to the anode 14, and each joining piece 18b is joined to the main portion 16a of the partition wall 16.

[0028] 2, the end of the main portion 18a on the partition wall 16 side has a plurality of notches 18c spaced apart in the vertical direction. The notches 18c are located between adjacent joining pieces 18b. The plurality of notches 18c ensures the flow of liquid and gas in the width direction within the anode chamber 8.

[0029] (Cathode chamber 10) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cathode chamber 10 includes a current collector 20, a partition wall 16 spaced apart from the current collector 20, and a plurality of second ribs 22 disposed between the current collector 20 and the partition wall 16.

[0030] (current collector 20) Similar to the anode 14, the rectangular plate-shaped current collector 20 has a large number of openings (not shown). The openings may have any shape, such as a diamond shape, a flat fan shape, or a slit shape. The large number of openings may be arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0031] When a large number of electrolytic cell units 2 are lined up in the depth direction and pressed from both sides or one side in the depth direction to assemble the electrolytic cell, a cathode 26 is attached to the outer surface of the current collector 20 via a metal cushion material 24.

[0032] (Second rib 22) Like the first ribs 18, the second ribs 22 are provided in plurality at intervals in the width direction and extend in the up-down direction (Z direction). The second ribs 22 are arranged at positions in the width direction corresponding to the positions of the first ribs 18. The second ribs 22 have a main portion 22a extending in the depth direction from the current collector 20 toward the partition wall 16, and a plurality of joining pieces 22b protruding in the width direction from an end of the main portion 22a on the partition wall 16 side. An end of the main portion 22a on the current collector 20 side is joined to the current collector 20, and each joining piece 22b is joined to the main portion 16a of the partition wall 16.

[0033] 2, a plurality of notches 22c are provided at intervals in the vertical direction at the end of the partition wall 16 of the main portion 22a. The notches 22c are located between adjacent joining pieces 22b. The plurality of notches 22c ensures the flow of liquid and gas in the width direction within the cathode chamber 10.

[0034] (Common flange 28) 1 , the electrolytic cell unit 2 includes a common flange 28 that defines both widthwise side edges and the bottom edge of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. The common flange 28 includes side flanges 30 joined to both widthwise side edges 16 b of the partition wall 16, and a bottom flange 32 joined to the bottom edge 16 c of the partition wall 16. The common flange 28 is formed, for example, from nickel.

[0035] (Side flange 30) As shown in FIG. 1 , the side flanges 30 form a pair of left and right side flanges extending vertically at both widthwise end portions of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. Referring to FIG. 3 , the side flanges 30 have side wall portions 30a extending in the depth direction, flange portions 30b extending outward in the width direction from both ends of the side wall portions 30a, and protrusions 30c extending inward in the depth direction from both ends of the flange portions 30b at both widthwise end portions of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. The side wall portions 30a of the side flanges 30 are joined to both widthwise end portions 16b of the partition wall 16 on the anode chamber 8 side. Examples of joining methods include seam welding, TIG welding, and laser welding. However, seam welding is preferred due to its low distortion and low cost.

[0036] (Lower flange 32) As shown in Fig. 1, the lower flange 32 extends in the width direction at the lower ends of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. Referring to Fig. 2, the lower flange 32 has, at the lower ends of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10, a bottom surface portion 32a extending in the depth direction, flange portions 32b extending downward in the up-down direction from both ends of the bottom surface portion 32a, and protrusion portions 32c extending inward in the depth direction from both ends of the flange portion 32b. The bottom surface portion 32a of the lower flange 32 is joined to the lower end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 on the anode chamber 8 side. Examples of joining methods include seam welding, TIG welding, and laser welding. However, seam welding is preferred because of its low distortion and low cost.

[0037] (Common Frame 34) A common frame 34 is disposed inside the common flange 28. The common frame 34 is hollow and has a rectangular cross section. The common frame 34 includes side frames 36 (see FIG. 3) and a lower frame 38 (see FIG. 2). The common frame 34 is formed from an appropriate metal material such as stainless steel.

[0038] (Side frame 36) As shown in FIG. 3, the side frame 36 is disposed inside the side flange 30 and extends in the vertical direction.

[0039] (Lower frame 38) 2, the lower frame 38 is disposed inside the lower flange 32 and extends along the width direction. The lower frame 38 is provided with two through holes (not shown) that penetrate in the vertical direction.

[0040] (First supply nozzle 60, second supply nozzle 62) A first supply nozzle 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) for supplying the raw material liquid to the anode chamber 8 is attached to one of the through holes in the lower frame 38. A second supply nozzle 62 (see FIG. 1) for supplying the raw material liquid to the cathode chamber 10 is attached to the other through hole in the lower frame 38.

[0041] (Gas-liquid separation chamber 6) Referring to FIG. 2, the gas-liquid separation chamber 6 has an anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40 arranged above the anode chamber 8, and a cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42 arranged above the cathode chamber 10.

[0042] (Anode side gas-liquid separation chamber 40) The anode side gas-liquid separation chamber 40 is defined by the upper end portion of the partition wall 16 and a first flange 44. The anode side gas-liquid separation chamber 40 is formed from a metal material such as nickel.

[0043] The first flange 44 includes a top plate 46 extending in the Y direction from the upper end of the partition wall 16, a side wall 48 extending downward from the tip of the top plate 46, and a partition plate 50 extending in the Y direction from the lower end of the side wall 48 toward the partition wall 16. Although not shown, a protruding piece protruding upward may be provided at the base end of the top plate 46 (the end on the partition wall 16 side).

[0044] The partition plate 50 is a member that separates the anode chamber 8 from the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40. The partition plate 50 has a passage opening (not shown) that allows the gas and electrolyte to pass from the anode chamber 8 to the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40. The passage opening is positioned on the anode 14 side in the Y direction. A plurality of passage openings are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0045] (Cathode side gas-liquid separation chamber 42) The cathode side gas-liquid separation chamber 42 is defined by the upper end portion of the partition wall 16 and the second flange 52. The cathode side gas-liquid separation chamber 42 is formed from a metal material such as nickel.

[0046] The second flange 52 includes a top plate 54 extending in the Y direction from the upper end of the partition wall 16, a side wall 56 extending downward from the tip of the top plate 54, and a partition plate 58 extending in the Y direction from the lower end of the side wall 56 toward the partition wall 16. Although not shown, a protruding piece protruding upward may be provided at the base end of the top plate 54 (the end on the partition wall 16 side).

[0047] (Partition plate 58) The partition plate 58 is a member that separates the cathode chamber 10 from the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42. The partition plate 58 has a passage opening (not shown) formed therein that allows the electrolyte and gas to pass from the cathode chamber 10 to the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42. The passage opening is positioned on the current collector 20 side in the Y direction. A plurality of passage openings are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0048] (Discharge nozzle) As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge nozzles of the electrolytic cell unit 2 include a first discharge nozzle 64 for discharging the gas and electrolytic solution from the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40, and a second discharge nozzle 66 for discharging the gas and electrolytic solution from the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42.

[0049] (electrolytic cell) When assembling an electrolytic cell, a large number of the above-described electrolytic cell units 2 are prepared, lined up in the depth direction so that the anode 14 and the cathode 26 face each other, and a diaphragm (not shown) is placed between the anode 14 and the cathode 26. Then, the large number of electrolytic cell units 2 are pressed from both sides or one side in the depth direction using a hydraulic press or the like. In addition, flow path members such as hoses are connected to the first and second supply nozzles 60, 62 and the first and second discharge nozzles 64, 66.

[0050] (Electrolysis) When electrolysis is performed in the electrolytic cell, the raw liquid is supplied to the anode chamber 8 through the first supply nozzle 60. The raw liquid is also supplied to the cathode chamber 10 through the second supply nozzle 62. Then, a voltage is applied to the anode 14 and the cathode 26. This generates gas at the anode 14 and the cathode 26, producing an electrolytic solution containing numerous gas bubbles.

[0051] The gas bubble-containing electrolyte produced in the anode chamber 8 passes through the passage opening in the partition plate 50 and then rises to the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 40 .

[0052] Similarly, the gas bubble-containing electrolyte produced in the cathode chamber 10 also passes through the passage opening of the partition plate 58 and then rises into the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 42 .

[0053] When bubbles rise in the anode chamber 8 or the cathode chamber 10 and collide with parts of the partition plates 50 to 58 that do not have passage openings, the bubbles merge and split, causing large pressure fluctuations inside the electrolytic cell.

[0054] However, both width direction side ends 14b of the anode 14 are supported by both width direction side ends 16b of the partition wall 16, and the lower end 14c of the anode 14 is supported by the lower end 16c of the partition wall 16. This prevents the anode 14 from sagging toward the anode chamber 8 and ensures the flatness of the anode 14.

[0055] As described above, in the electrolytic cell unit 2, the anode 14 is prevented from sinking toward the anode chamber 8 and the flatness of the anode 14 is ensured, thereby enabling stable continuous operation of the electrolytic cell unit 2.

[0056] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0057] The current collector 20 has a main portion 20a extending in the width direction (X direction) indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 5, side end portions 20b (see FIG. 5) including both side ends of the main portion 20a in the width direction (X direction), and a lower end portion 20c (see FIG. 4) including the lower end of the main portion 20a.

[0058] (protrusion 68) 4 and 5, the common flange 28 is provided with a protrusion 68 that protrudes toward the cathode chamber 10 and extends along the inner periphery of the common flange 28. The protrusion 68 includes a side protrusion 70 (see FIG. 5) provided on the inner periphery of the side flange 30, and a lower protrusion 72 (see FIG. 4) provided on the inner periphery of the lower flange 32.

[0059] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the second embodiment, both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 68. That is, both widthwise side edges 20b of the current collector 20 are supported by the side protrusions 70 (see Figure 5), and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 is supported by the bottom protrusions 72 (see Figure 4). Therefore, even if pressure fluctuations occur in the electrolytic cell unit 2, the current collector 20 is prevented from sagging toward the cathode chamber 10, and the flatness of the current collector 20 can be ensured. Here, being supported means that at least a portion of the current collector 20 is in contact with the protrusions 68. This also includes cases where the current collector 20 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0060] It is sufficient that at least one of the widthwise side end portions 20b or the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 is supported by the protrusions 68. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 68, as described above.

[0061] In addition, the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 may be supported by the protrusions 68 with either or both of the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 bent.

[0062] In order to ensure the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 68 over the entire area in the vertical and widthwise directions, respectively.

[0063] The protrusion 68 is preferably extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. When the protrusion 68 is extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10, the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 36 can be brought into tight contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 32c of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 38, respectively.

[0064] A method of inserting the common frame 34 into the common flange 28 will be described below for the case where the protrusions 68 are extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. Before the common frame 34 is inserted, the protrusions 68 of the common flange 28 are contracted in the depth direction. From this state, the common frame 34 is inserted while expanding the common flange 28 in the depth direction using a jig. When the jig is removed after the common frame 34 is fully inserted, the protrusions 68 contract in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10, and the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 36 come into tight contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 32b of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 38, respectively.

[0065] When a large number of electrolytic cell units 2 are lined up in the depth direction and pressed from both sides or one side in the depth direction, the first flange 44 and the second flange 52 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown).

[0066] However, even if the first flange 44 and the second flange 52 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown), the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 36 are in close contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 32b of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 38, respectively, so the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured.

[0067] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0068] The partition wall 16 has a main portion 16a extending in the up-down direction (Z direction) indicated by arrow Z in FIG. 6, side end portions 16b (see FIG. 7) bent from both sides in the width direction of the main portion 16a toward the cathode chamber 10 side, and a bottom end portion 16c (see FIG. 6) bent in the depth direction from the bottom end of the main portion 16a toward the cathode chamber 10 side.

[0069] The current collector 20 has a main portion 20a extending in the width direction (X direction) indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 7, side end portions 20b (see FIG. 7) including both side ends of the main portion 20a in the width direction (X direction), and a lower end portion 20c (see FIG. 6) including the lower end of the main portion 20a.

[0070] 6 and 7 , in the third embodiment, both widthwise side end portions 20b and the bottom end portion 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by both widthwise side end portions 16b and the bottom end portion 16c of the partition walls 16. Here, being supported means that at least a part of the current collector 20 is in contact with either one of the widthwise side end portions 16b or the bottom end portion 16c of the partition walls 16. This also includes the case where the current collector 20 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0071] It is sufficient that at least one of the widthwise side end portions 20 b and the bottom end portion 20 c of the current collector 20 is supported by the widthwise side end portions 16 b and the bottom end portion 16 c of the partition wall 16. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that the widthwise side end portions 20 b and the bottom end portion 20 c of the current collector 20 are supported by the widthwise side end portions 16 b and the bottom end portion 16 c of the partition wall 16, as described above.

[0072] Both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are bent toward the partition wall 16 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Alternatively, both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 may be supported by both widthwise side edges 16b and the bottom edge 16c of the partition wall 16 without bending either or both of the both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20.

[0073] From the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that both widthwise side end portions 20b and the bottom end portion 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by both widthwise side end portions 16b and the bottom end portion 16c of the partition wall 16, respectively, over the entire area in the vertical and width directions.

[0074] In the third embodiment, even when a large pressure fluctuation occurs in the electrolytic cell, both widthwise side end portions 20 b and the lower end portion 20 c of the current collector 20 are supported by both widthwise side end portions 20 b and the lower end portion 16 c of the partition walls 16. This prevents the current collector 20 from sagging toward the cathode chamber 10, ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20.

[0075] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0076] The partition wall 16 has a main portion 16a extending in the up-down direction (Z direction) indicated by arrow Z in FIG. 8, side end portions 16b (see FIG. 9) bent from both sides in the width direction of the main portion 16a toward the cathode chamber 10 side, and a lower end portion 16c (see FIG. 8) bent in the depth direction from the lower end of the main portion 16a toward the cathode chamber 10 side.

[0077] The current collector 20 has a main portion 20a extending in the width direction (X direction) indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 9, side end portions 20b (see FIG. 9) including both side ends of the main portion 20a in the width direction (X direction), and a lower end portion 20c (see FIG. 8) including the lower end of the main portion 20a.

[0078] 8 and 9, in the fourth embodiment, both widthwise side end portions 20b and the bottom end portion 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by both widthwise side end portions 16b and the bottom end portion 16c of the partition walls 16. Here, being supported means that at least a part of the current collector 20 is in contact with either one of the widthwise side end portions 16b or the bottom end portion 16c of the partition walls 16. This also includes the case where the current collector 20 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0079] It is sufficient that at least one of the widthwise side end portions 20 b and the bottom end portion 20 c of the current collector 20 is supported by the widthwise side end portions 16 b and the bottom end portion 16 c of the partition wall 16. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that the widthwise side end portions 20 b and the bottom end portion 20 c of the current collector 20 are supported by the widthwise side end portions 16 b and the bottom end portion 16 c of the partition wall 16, as described above.

[0080] Both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are bent toward the partition wall 16 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Alternatively, both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 may be supported by both widthwise side edges 16b and the bottom edge 16c of the partition wall 16 without bending either or both of the both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20.

[0081] From the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that both widthwise side end portions 20b and the bottom end portion 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by both widthwise side end portions 16b and the bottom end portion 16c of the partition wall 16, respectively, over the entire area in the vertical and width directions.

[0082] In the fourth embodiment, even when a large pressure fluctuation occurs in the electrolytic cell, both widthwise side edges 20 b and the lower edge 20 c of the current collector 20 are supported by both widthwise side edges 20 b and the lower edge 16 c of the partition walls 16. This prevents the current collector 20 from sagging toward the cathode chamber 10, ensuring the flatness of the current collector 20.

[0083] 8 and 9, the common flange 28 is provided with a protrusion 68 that protrudes toward the anode chamber 8 and extends along the inner periphery of the common flange 28. The protrusion 68 includes a side protrusion 70 (see FIG. 9) provided on the inner periphery of the side flange 30, and a lower protrusion 72 (see FIG. 8) provided on the inner periphery of the lower flange 32.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , in the fourth embodiment, both widthwise end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by the protrusions 68. That is, both widthwise end portions 14b of the anode 14 are supported by the side protrusions 70 (see FIG. 9 ), and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 is supported by the bottom protrusions 72 (see FIG. 8 ). Therefore, even when pressure fluctuations occur in the electrolytic cell, the anode 14 is prevented from dropping toward the anode chamber 8, and the flatness of the anode 14 can be ensured. Here, being supported means that at least a portion of the anode 14 is in contact with the protrusions 68. This also includes the case where the anode 14 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0085] It is sufficient that at least one of the widthwise side end portions 14b or the lower end portion 14c of the anode 14 is supported by the protrusions 68. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the anode 14, it is preferable that the widthwise side end portions 14b and the lower end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by the protrusions 68, as described above.

[0086] Furthermore, both widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 may be supported by the protrusions 68 with either or both of the widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 bent.

[0087] In order to ensure the flatness of the anode 14, it is preferable that both widthwise side edges 14b and bottom edge 14c of the anode 14 are supported by the protrusions 68 over the entire area in the up-down and widthwise directions, respectively.

[0088] The protrusion 68 is preferably extendable in the depth direction of the anode chamber 8. When the protrusion 68 is extendable in the depth direction of the anode chamber 8, the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 36 can be brought into tight contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 32b of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 38, respectively.

[0089] A method of inserting the common frame 34 into the common flange 28 will be described below for the case where the protrusions 68 are extendable in the depth direction of the anode chamber 8. Before the common frame 34 is inserted, the protrusions 68 of the common flange 28 are contracted in the depth direction. From this state, the common frame 34 is inserted while expanding the common flange 28 in the depth direction using a jig. When the jig is removed after the common frame 34 is fully inserted, the protrusions 68 contract in the depth direction of the anode chamber 8, and the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 36 come into close contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 32b of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 38, respectively.

[0090] When a large number of electrolytic cell units 2 are lined up in the depth direction and pressed from both sides or one side in the depth direction, the first flange 44 and the second flange 52 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown).

[0091] However, even if the first flange 44 and the second flange 52 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown), the inner surface of the flange portion 30b of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 36 are in close contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 32b of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 38, respectively, so the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 2: Electrolyzer unit 4: Electrode chamber 6: Gas-liquid separation chamber 8:Anode chamber 10: Cathode chamber 14: Anode 16: Bulkhead 18: First Rib 20: Current collector 22: Second Rib 24: Cushioning material 26: Cathode 28: Common flange 30: Side flange 32: Lower flange 34: Common frame 36: Side frame 38: Lower frame 40:Anode side gas-liquid separation chamber 42: Cathode side gas-liquid separation chamber 44: First flange 46: Top plate 48: Side wall 50: Partition board 52: Second flange 54: Top plate 56: Side wall 58: Partition board 60: First supply nozzle 62: Second supply nozzle 64: First discharge nozzle 66: Second discharge nozzle 68: Protrusion 70: Side protrusion 72: Lower protrusion

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell unit comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, an anode disposed in the anode chamber; a current collector disposed in the cathode chamber; a partition wall that separates the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; a common flange that defines both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of the partition wall are bent toward the anode chamber and joined to the common flange, an electrolytic cell unit in which at least one of both widthwise side end portions or a lower end portion of the anode is supported by both widthwise side end portions or a lower end portion of the partition wall.

2. 2. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 1, wherein both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the anode are supported by both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the partition wall.

3. the common flange is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the cathode chamber and extends along an inner periphery of the common flange, 2. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 1, wherein both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of the current collector are supported by the protrusions.

4. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 3 , wherein the protrusion is extendable in a depth direction of the cathode chamber.

5. An electrolytic cell unit comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, an anode disposed in the anode chamber; a current collector disposed in the cathode chamber; a partition wall that separates the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; a common flange that defines both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of the partition wall are bent toward the cathode chamber and joined to the common flange, an electrolytic cell unit in which at least one of both widthwise side end portions or a lower end portion of the current collector is supported by both widthwise side end portions or a lower end portion of the partition wall;

6. 6. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 5, wherein both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the current collector are supported by both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the partition wall.

7. the common flange is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the anode chamber and extends along an inner periphery of the common flange, 6. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 5, wherein both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the anode are supported by the protrusions.

8. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 7 , wherein the protrusion is extendable in a depth direction of the anode chamber.

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