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 liquid electrolysis 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 16 that separates the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10, and a flange 28 that defines both side ends in the width direction and the lower end of the anode chamber 8. The flange 28 is provided with a protrusion 34 that projects toward the anode chamber 8 and extends along the inner circumference of the flange 28, and at least one of the side ends 14b or the lower end 14c of the anode 14 in the width direction is supported by the protrusion 34.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 protrusions extending along the inner periphery of a flange. [Background technology]

[0002] The electrolytic cell unit is a component of a repolarized electrolytic cell for electrolyzing an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution such as saline solution, or an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution 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 a partition wall. 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 can lead to a local increase in resistance, an increase in electrolysis voltage, or damage to the membrane (an ion exchange membrane in the case of electrolysis of an alkali metal chloride solution, such as sodium chloride, or a diaphragm in the case of electrolysis of an alkali metal hydroxide, such as potassium hydroxide). Here, "sagging" refers to the 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 their respective main parts in the initial state before operation of the electrolytic cell unit. It also includes cases where the tip of the side edge or bottom edge of the anode or current collector is in the same position as the main part of the anode or current collector in the depth direction, but where a portion of the anode or current collector other than the tip is recessed or bent toward the electrode chamber during operation. It also includes cases where the side edge or bottom edge of the anode or current collector is locally displaced toward the electrode chamber during operation of the electrolytic cell unit.

[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; flanges defining both widthwise end portions and a bottom end portion of the anode chamber; the flange is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the anode chamber and extends along an inner periphery of the flange, At least one of both widthwise side ends or a lower end of the anode is supported by the protrusion.

[0007] Preferably, both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of the anode are supported by the projections.

[0008] The protrusion may be extendable and contractible in the depth direction of the anode chamber.

[0009] The flanges preferably define both widthwise side edges and lower edges of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber.

[0010] It is preferable that both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the partition wall are bent toward the cathode chamber and joined to the flange, and 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.

[0011] The flange is provided with additional protrusions that protrude toward the cathode chamber and extend along the inner periphery of the flange, and both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the current collector are conveniently supported by the additional protrusions.

[0012] The additional protrusion may be extendable and contractible in the depth direction of the cathode chamber.

[0013] 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 cathode disposed in the cathode chamber; a partition wall that separates the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; flanges defining both widthwise end portions and a lower end portion of the cathode chamber, the flange is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the cathode chamber and extends along an inner periphery of the flange, At least one of both widthwise side edges or a lower edge of the current collector is supported by the protrusions.

[0014] Preferably, both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of the current collector are supported by the protrusions.

[0015] The protrusion may be extendable and contractible in the depth direction of the cathode chamber.

[0016] The flanges preferably define both widthwise side edges and lower edges of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber.

[0017] It is desirable that both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of the partition wall are bent toward the anode chamber and joined to the flange, and both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of the anode are supported by both widthwise side end portions and a lower end portion of the partition wall.

[0018] The flange is provided with additional protrusions that protrude toward the anode chamber and extend along the inner circumference of the flange, and it is convenient that both widthwise side ends and the lower end of the anode are supported by the additional protrusions.

[0019] The additional protrusion may be extendable and contractible in the depth direction of the anode chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] In the electrolytic cell unit of the present invention, at least one of the widthwise side end portions or the lower end portion of the anode or current collector is supported by the protrusion extending along the inner periphery of the flange, which prevents the anode or current collector from sinking into the electrode chamber and ensures the flatness of the anode or current collector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [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 edge of an anode are supported by protrusions, and 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. [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 edge of an anode are supported by protrusions, and 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. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2) of a third embodiment in which both widthwise end portions and the lower end portion of the anode are supported by protrusions, and both widthwise end portions and the lower end portion of the current collector are supported by additional protrusions. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3) of a third embodiment in which both widthwise side ends and the bottom end of the anode are supported by protrusions, and both widthwise side ends and the bottom end of the current collector are supported by additional protrusions. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2) of a fourth embodiment in which the electrolytic cell unit has two partition walls and both widthwise side edges and the lower edge of the anode are supported by protrusions. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3) of a fourth embodiment in which the electrolytic cell unit has two partition walls and both widthwise side edges and the lower edge of the anode are supported by protrusions. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2) of a fifth embodiment in which both widthwise side edges and the bottom edge of the current collector are supported by protrusions. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3) of a fifth embodiment in which both widthwise side edges and the bottom edge of the current collector are supported by protrusions. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2 ) of a sixth embodiment in which both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of a current collector are supported by protrusions, and both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of an anode are supported by both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of a partition wall. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3 ) of a sixth embodiment in which both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of a current collector are supported by protrusions, and both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of an anode are supported by both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of a partition wall. [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2) of a seventh embodiment in which both widthwise side ends and the bottom end of the current collector are supported by protrusions, and both widthwise side ends and the bottom end of the anode are supported by additional protrusions. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3) of a seventh embodiment in which both widthwise side ends and the bottom end of the current collector are supported by protrusions, and both widthwise side ends and the bottom end of the anode are supported by additional protrusions. [Figure 16] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2) of an eighth embodiment in which the electrolytic cell unit has two partition walls, and both widthwise side edges and the bottom edge of the current collector are supported by protrusions. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3) of an eighth embodiment in which the electrolytic cell unit has two partition walls, and both widthwise side edges and the lower edge of the current collector are supported by protrusions. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 2 ) of a ninth embodiment in which the electrolytic cell unit has two partition walls, both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the anode are supported by protrusions, and both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the current collector are supported by additional protrusions. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 3 ) of a ninth embodiment in which the electrolytic cell unit has two partition walls, both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of the anode are supported by protrusions, and both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of the current collector are supported by additional protrusions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] (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.

[0023] (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.

[0024] (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. When the electrolytic cell unit 2 is used for the electrolysis of alkali metal hydroxides, the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 are formed of, for example, nickel (Ni).

[0025] (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.

[0026] (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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] (bulkhead 16) The partition wall 16 is disposed at a distance from the anode 14 in the depth direction of the electrolytic cell unit 2 (the direction indicated by arrow Y in FIG. 2 ). The partition wall 16 has a main portion 16a extending in the up-down direction of the 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 the main portion 16a toward the cathode chamber 10, and a bottom end portion 16c (see FIG. 2 ) bent from the bottom end of the main portion 16a toward the cathode chamber 10. The side end portion 16b and the bottom end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 may also be bent toward the anode chamber 8.

[0029] (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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] (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.

[0032] (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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] (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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] (Flange 28) 1, the electrolytic cell unit 2 is provided with flanges 28 that define both widthwise ends and the bottom end of the anode chamber 8. The flanges 28 include side flanges 30 that define both widthwise ends of the anode chamber 8, and a bottom flange 32 that defines the bottom end of the anode chamber 8. The flanges 28 are formed, for example, from nickel.

[0037] The flanges 28 preferably define both widthwise side edges and the bottom edge of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 .

[0038] (Side flange 30) As shown in FIG. 1 , the side flanges 30 extend vertically in pairs on the left and right sides 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 portion 30a, and protrusions 30c extending inward in the depth direction from both ends of the flange portion 30b at both widthwise end portions of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. The both side wall portions 30a of the side flanges 30 are joined to both widthwise end portions 16b of the partition wall 16 on the cathode chamber 10 side. Although not shown, when the side end portions 16b of the partition wall 16 are bent toward the anode chamber 8 side, the both 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.

[0039] The side end portion 16b and the side wall portion 30a can be joined by seam welding, TIG welding, laser welding, or the like, but seam welding is preferred because it causes less distortion and is low cost.

[0040] (Lower flange 32) As shown in Fig. 1, the lower flange 32 extends along the width direction at the lower end of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. Referring to Fig. 2, the lower flange 32 has, at the lower end 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 protrusions 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 cathode chamber 10 side. Although not shown, when the lower end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 is bent toward the anode chamber 8 side, both side wall portions 32a of the lower flange 32 are joined to the lower end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 on the anode chamber 8 side.

[0041] The lower end 16c and the side wall 30a can be joined by seam welding, TIG welding, laser welding, or the like, but seam welding is preferred because it causes less distortion and is less costly.

[0042] (protrusion 34) 2 and 3, flange 28 is provided with protrusions 34 that protrude toward anode chamber 8 and extend along the inner periphery of flange 28. Protrusions 34 include side protrusions 36 (see FIG. 3) provided on the inner periphery of side flange 30 and lower protrusions 38 (see FIG. 2) provided on the inner periphery of lower flange 32.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, both widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by the protrusions 34. That is, both widthwise side end portions 14b of the anode 14 are supported by the side protrusions 36 (see Figure 3), and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 is supported by the bottom protrusions 38 (see Figure 2). 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 34. This also includes the case where the anode 14 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0044] 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 34. 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 34, as described above.

[0045] Furthermore, both widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of anode 14 may be supported by protrusions 34 with either or both of widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of anode 14 bent.

[0046] In order to ensure the flatness of the anode 14, it is preferable that both side end portions 14b and bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by the protrusions 34 over the entire area in the vertical and width directions, respectively.

[0047] It is preferable that the protrusion 34 be extendable in the depth direction of the anode chamber 8. The reason for this will be described later.

[0048] (Frame 40) A frame 40 is disposed inside the flange 28. The frame 40 is hollow and has a rectangular cross section. The frame 40 includes a side frame 42 (see FIG. 3) and a lower frame 44 (see FIG. 2). The frame 40 is formed from an appropriate metal material such as stainless steel.

[0049] (Side frame 42) As shown in FIG. 3, the side frame 42 is disposed inside the side flange 30 and extends in the vertical direction.

[0050] (Lower frame 44) 2, the lower frame 44 is disposed inside the lower flange 32 and extends along the width direction. The lower frame 44 is provided with two through holes (not shown) that penetrate in the vertical direction.

[0051] Furthermore, if the protrusion 34 is expandable and contractible 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 42 can be brought 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 44, respectively.

[0052] A method of inserting the frame 40 into the flange 28 when the protrusions 34 are extendable in the depth direction of the anode chamber 8 will be described. Before the frame 40 is inserted, the protrusions 34 on the flange 28 are contracted in the depth direction. From this state, the frame 40 is inserted while expanding the flange 28 in the depth direction using a jig. When the jig is removed after the frame 40 is fully inserted, the protrusions 34 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 42 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 44, respectively. Because of this state, when the protrusions 34 are extendable in the depth direction of the anode chamber 8, the flatness of the side flanges 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured even 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, as described below.

[0053] (First supply nozzle 46, second supply nozzle 48) A first supply nozzle 46 (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 44. A second supply nozzle 48 (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 44.

[0054] (Gas-liquid separation chamber 6) Referring to FIG. 2, the gas-liquid separation chamber 6 has an anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 50 arranged above the anode chamber 8, and a cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 52 arranged above the cathode chamber 10.

[0055] (Anode side gas-liquid separation chamber 50) The anode side gas-liquid separation chamber 50 is defined by the upper end portion of the partition wall 16 and a first flange 54. The anode side gas-liquid separation chamber 50 is formed from a metal material such as nickel.

[0056] The first flange 54 includes a top plate 56 extending in the Y direction from the upper end of the partition wall 16, a side wall 58 extending downward from the tip of the top plate 56, and a partition plate 60 extending in the Y direction from the lower end of the side wall 58 toward the partition wall 16. Although not shown, a protruding piece protruding upward may be provided at the base end of the top plate 56 (the end on the partition wall 16 side).

[0057] The partition plate 60 is a member that separates the anode chamber 8 from the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 50. The partition plate 60 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 50. 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.

[0058] (Cathode side gas-liquid separation chamber 52) The cathode side gas-liquid separation chamber 52 is defined by the upper end portion of the partition wall 16 and the second flange 62. The cathode side gas-liquid separation chamber 52 is formed from a metal material such as nickel.

[0059] The second flange 62 includes a top plate 64 extending in the Y direction from the upper end of the partition wall 16, a side wall 66 extending downward from the tip of the top plate 64, and a partition plate 68 extending in the Y direction from the lower end of the side wall 66 toward the partition wall 16. Although not shown, a protruding piece protruding upward may be provided at the base end (the end on the partition wall 16 side) of the top plate 64.

[0060] The partition plate 68 is a member that separates the cathode chamber 10 from the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 52. The partition plate 68 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 52. 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.

[0061] (Discharge nozzle) As shown in FIG. 1 , the discharge nozzles of the electrolytic cell unit 2 include a first discharge nozzle 70 for discharging the gas and electrolytic solution from the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 50, and a second discharge nozzle 72 for discharging the gas and electrolytic solution from the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 52.

[0062] (electrolytic cell) When assembling an electrolytic cell, a large number of the above-described electrolytic cell units 2 are prepared and 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 46, 48 and the first and second discharge nozzles 70, 72.

[0063] Furthermore, 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 in this manner, the first flange 54 and the second flange 62 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown). However, if the protrusion 34 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 42 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 44, respectively, thereby ensuring the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32.

[0064] (Electrolysis) When electrolysis is performed in the electrolytic cell, the raw liquid is supplied to the anode chamber 8 through the first supply nozzle 46. The raw liquid is also supplied to the cathode chamber 10 through the second supply nozzle 48. 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.

[0065] The gas bubble-containing electrolyte produced in the anode chamber 8 passes through the passage opening in the partition plate 60 and then rises to the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 50 .

[0066] Similarly, the gas bubble-containing electrolyte produced in the cathode chamber 10 also passes through the passage opening of the partition plate 68 and then rises into the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 52 .

[0067] When bubbles rise in the anode chamber 8 or the cathode chamber 10 and collide with parts of the partition plates 60 to 68 that do not have passage openings, the bubbles merge and split, causing large pressure fluctuations inside the electrolytic cell.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] (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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 4 and 5, in the second 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 portions 16c of the partition walls 16. Here, being supported means that at least a part of the current collector 20 is in contact with both widthwise side end portions 16b or the bottom end portions 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.

[0073] It is sufficient that at least one of the side end portions 20 b and the bottom end portion 20 c of the current collector 20 is supported by both widthwise 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 both widthwise end portions 20 b and the bottom end portion 20 c of the current collector 20 are supported by both widthwise end portions 16 b and the bottom end portion 16 c of the partition wall 16, as described above.

[0074] Both widthwise side edges 20b and a bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are bent toward the partition wall 16 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Alternatively, the side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 may be supported by the side edges 16b and the bottom edge 16c of the partition wall 16 without bending either or both of the side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20.

[0075] 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.

[0076] In the second embodiment, even when a large pressure fluctuation occurs in the electrolytic cell, both widthwise side end portions 20 b and the bottom end portion 20 c of the current collector 20 are supported by both widthwise side end portions 16 b and the bottom 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.

[0077] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] (Additional protrusion 74) 6 and 7, the flange 28 is provided with additional protrusions 74 that protrude toward the cathode chamber 10 and extend along the inner periphery of the flange 28. The additional protrusions 74 include side additional protrusions 76 (see FIG. 7) provided on the inner periphery of the side flange 30, and lower additional protrusions 78 (see FIG. 6) provided on the inner periphery of the lower flange 32.

[0080] As shown in Figures 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 the additional protrusions 74. That is, both widthwise side end portions 20b of the current collector 20 are supported by the side additional protrusions 76 (see Figure 7), and the bottom end portion 20c of the current collector 20 is supported by the bottom additional protrusions 78 (see Figure 6). 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 additional protrusions 74. This also includes cases where the current collector 20 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0081] 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 additional protrusions 74. 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 additional protrusions 74, as described above.

[0082] In addition, the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 may be supported by the additional protrusions 74 with either or all of the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 bent.

[0083] 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 additional protrusions 74 over the entire area in the vertical and width directions, respectively.

[0084] The additional protrusion 74 is preferably extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. When the additional protrusion 74 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 42 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 44, respectively.

[0085] A method of inserting the frame 40 into the flange 28 will be described for the case where the additional protrusion 74 is expandable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. Before the frame 40 is inserted, the additional protrusion 74 provided on the flange 28 is contracted in the depth direction. From this state, the frame 40 is inserted while expanding the flange 28 in the depth direction using a jig. When the jig is removed after the frame 40 is fully inserted, the additional protrusion 74 contracts 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 42 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 44, respectively.

[0086] 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 54 and the second flange 62 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown).

[0087] However, even if the first flange 54 and the second flange 62 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 42 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 44, respectively, so the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured.

[0088] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit 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.

[0089] 8 and 9, the electrode chamber 4 includes an anode chamber 8 formed from a first material and a cathode chamber 10 formed from a second material. The anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 are connected via a clad plate 80. The clad plate 80 has a layer 80a of the first material and carbon steel 80b.

[0090] Regarding the first and second materials, when the electrolytic cell unit 2 is applied to electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution, for example, the first material may be titanium (Ti) and the second material may be nickel (Ni).

[0091] (1st bulkhead 82) 8, the first partition wall 82 is disposed at a distance from the anode 14 in the depth direction (Y direction). The first partition wall 82 has a main portion 82a (see FIG. 8) extending in the up-down direction (Z direction), and, at both sides in the width direction (X direction), side portion 82b (see FIG. 9) extending in the depth direction from the width direction end of the main portion 82a toward the anode 14, flange portion 82c (see FIG. 9) extending outward in the width direction from the tip of the side portion, and protrusion 82d (see FIG. 9) protruding in the depth direction from the outer end of the flange portion 82c toward the main portion 82a.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 8, the first partition wall 82 includes a bottom surface portion 82e extending in the depth direction from the lower end of the main portion 82a toward the anode 14, a flange portion 82f extending downward from the tip of the bottom surface portion 82e, and a protruding portion 82g protruding in the depth direction from the lower end of the flange portion 82f toward the main portion 82a.

[0093] 9 , 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 first partition wall 82, and a plurality of joining pieces 18b protruding in the width direction from an end of the main portion 18a on the first partition wall 82 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 82a of the first partition wall 82.

[0094] 8, a plurality of notches 18c are provided at intervals in the vertical direction at the end of the main portion 18a on the side of the first partition wall 82. 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.

[0095] (Second bulkhead 84) 8, the second partition wall 84 is disposed at a distance from the current collector 20 in the depth direction (Y direction). Similar to the first partition wall 82, the second partition wall 84 has a main portion 84a (see FIG. 8) extending in the up-down direction, and, at both widthwise side portions, side portion 84b (see FIG. 9) extending in the depth direction from the widthwise end portion of the main portion 84a toward the current collector 20, flange portion 84c (see FIG. 9) extending outward in the width direction from the tip of the side portion 84b, and protrusion portion 84d (see FIG. 9) protruding in the depth direction from the outer end portion of the flange portion 84c toward the main portion 84a.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 8, the second partition wall 84 has a bottom surface portion 84e extending in the depth direction from the lower end of the main portion 84a toward the current collector 20, a flange portion 84f extending downward from the tip of the bottom surface portion 84e, and a protruding portion 84g protruding in the depth direction from the lower end of the flange portion 84f toward the main portion 84a.

[0097] 9 , like the first ribs 18, multiple second ribs 22 are provided at intervals in the width direction and extend in the up-down direction. The multiple second ribs 22 are arranged at positions in the width direction corresponding to the positions of the multiple first ribs 18. The second ribs 22 have a main portion 22a extending in the depth direction from the current collector 20 toward the second partition wall 84, and multiple joint pieces 22b protruding in the width direction from an end of the main portion 22a on the second partition wall 84 side. An end of the main portion 22a on the current collector 20 side is joined to the current collector 20, and each joint piece 22b is joined to the main portion 84a of the second partition wall 84.

[0098] 8, a plurality of notches 22c are provided at intervals in the vertical direction at the end of the main portion 22a on the second partition wall 84 side. 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.

[0099] (Clad plate 80) A plurality of clad plates 80 are provided at intervals in the width direction and extend in the up-down direction. The clad plates 80 are disposed between the rear surfaces of the first partition wall 82 and the second partition wall 84, at positions corresponding to the joining pieces 18b of the first rib 18 and the joining pieces 22b of the second rib 22.

[0100] 8 and 9 is a plate material with a two-layer structure in which a layer 80a of a first material (e.g., a titanium layer) and a carbon steel layer 80b are bonded by explosive bonding. The layer 80a of the first material is bonded to the back surface of a first partition wall 82 made of the first material, and the carbon steel layer 80b is bonded to the back surface of a second partition wall 84 made of a second material.

[0101] 9 , the side flanges 30 extend in a pair in the vertical direction on both widthwise end portions of each of the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. In the fourth embodiment, the side flanges 30 are formed by a side surface portion 82b, a flange portion 82c, and a protruding portion 82d of the first partition wall 82, and a side surface portion 84b, a flange portion 84c, and a protruding portion 84d of the second partition wall 84.

[0102] 8 , the lower flange 32 extends in the width direction at the lower end portions of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. In the fourth embodiment, the lower flange 32 is formed by a bottom surface portion 82e, a flange portion 82f, and a protruding portion 82g of the first partition wall 82, and a bottom surface portion 84e, a flange portion 84f, and a protruding portion 84g of the second partition wall 84.

[0103] As shown in Figures 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 34. That is, both widthwise end portions 14b of the anode 14 are supported by the side protrusions 36 (see Figure 9), and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 is supported by the bottom protrusions 38 (see Figure 8). Therefore, even when pressure fluctuations occur in the electrolytic cell, the anode 14 is prevented from sagging 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 34. This also includes the case where the anode 14 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0104] 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 34. 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 34, as described above.

[0105] Furthermore, both widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of anode 14 may be supported by protrusions 34 with either or both of widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of anode 14 bent.

[0106] 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 34 over the entire area in the up-down and widthwise directions, respectively.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 8, the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 50 is formed by the upper end portion of the first partition wall 82 and a first flange 54 made of a first material.

[0108] The first flange 54 includes a top panel 56 extending in the depth direction from the upper end of the first partition wall 82, a side wall 58 extending downward from the tip of the top panel 56, and a partition plate 60 extending in the depth direction from the lower end of the side wall 58 toward the first partition wall 82. Although not shown, the base end of the top panel 56 (the end on the first partition wall 82 side) may be provided with a protruding piece that protrudes upward.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 8, the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 52 is formed by the upper end portion of the second partition wall 84 and a second flange 62 made of a second material.

[0110] The second flange 62 includes a top plate 64 extending in the Y direction from the upper end of the second partition wall 84, a side wall 66 extending downward from the tip of the top plate 64, and a partition plate 68 extending in the Y direction from the lower end of the side wall 66 toward the second partition wall 84. Although not shown, the base end of the top plate 64 (the end on the second partition wall 84 side) may be provided with a protruding piece that protrudes upward.

[0111] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In the fifth 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.

[0112] Partition wall 16 is disposed at a distance from anode 14 in the depth direction (Y direction) of electrolytic cell unit 2. Partition wall 16 has a main portion 16a extending in the up-down direction (Z direction) of electrolytic cell unit 2, side end portions 16b (see FIG. 11 ) 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. 10 ) bent from the bottom end of main portion 16a toward anode chamber 8. Furthermore, side end portion 16b and bottom end portion 16c of partition wall 16 may be bent toward cathode chamber 10.

[0113] The current collector 20 has a main portion 20a extending in the width direction (X direction) indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 11, side end portions 20b (see FIG. 11) including both side ends of the main portion 20a in the width direction (X direction), and a lower end portion 20c (see FIG. 10) including the lower end of the main portion 20a.

[0114] 10 and 11, the electrolytic cell unit 2 includes flanges 28 that define both widthwise end portions and the bottom end portion of the cathode chamber 10. The flanges 28 include side flanges 30 (see FIG. 11) that define both widthwise end portions of the cathode chamber 10, and a bottom flange 32 (see FIG. 10) that defines the bottom end portion of the cathode chamber 10. The flanges 28 are formed, for example, from nickel.

[0115] The flanges 28 preferably define both widthwise side edges and the bottom edge of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 .

[0116] 11 , both side wall portions 30a of the side flanges 30 are joined to both width direction end portions 16b of the partition wall 16 on the anode chamber 8 side. Although not shown, when the side end portions 16b of the partition wall 16 are bent toward the cathode chamber 10 side, both side wall portions 30a of the side flanges 30 are joined to both width direction end portions 16b of the partition wall 16 on the cathode chamber 10 side.

[0117] 10 , 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. Although not shown, when the lower end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 is bent toward the cathode chamber 10 side, both side wall portions 32a of the lower flange 32 are joined to the lower end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 on the cathode chamber 10 side.

[0118] 10 and 11, the flange 28 is provided with protrusions 34 that protrude toward the cathode chamber 10 and extend along the inner periphery of the flange 28. The protrusions 34 include side protrusions 36 (see FIG. 11) provided on the inner periphery of the side flange 30 and lower protrusions 38 (see FIG. 10) provided on the inner periphery of the lower flange 32.

[0119] 10 and 11 , in the fifth embodiment, both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 34. That is, both widthwise side edges 20b of the current collector 20 are supported by the side protrusions 36 (see FIG. 11 ), and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 is supported by the bottom protrusions 38 (see FIG. 10 ). 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 34. This also includes cases where the current collector 20 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0120] 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 34. 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 34, as described above.

[0121] 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 34 with either or both of the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 bent.

[0122] In order to ensure the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that both widthwise side edges 20b and bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 34 over the entire area in the vertical and width directions, respectively.

[0123] The protrusion 34 is preferably extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. When the protrusion 34 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 42 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 44, respectively.

[0124] A method of inserting the frame 40 into the flange 28 will be described for the case where the protrusion 34 is extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. Before the frame 40 is inserted, the protrusion 34 provided on the flange 28 is contracted in the depth direction. From this state, the frame 40 is inserted while expanding the flange 28 in the depth direction using a jig. When the jig is removed after the frame 40 is fully inserted, the protrusion 34 contracts 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 42 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 44, respectively.

[0125] 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 54 and the second flange 62 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown).

[0126] However, even if the first flange 54 and the second flange 62 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 42 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 44, respectively, so the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured.

[0127] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. In the sixth 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.

[0128] Partition wall 16 is arranged at a distance from anode 14 in the depth direction (Y direction) of electrolytic cell unit 2. Partition wall 16 has a main portion 16a extending in the up-down direction (Z direction) of electrolytic cell unit 2, side end portions 16b (see FIG. 13) bent from both sides in the width direction (X direction) of main portion 16a towards anode chamber 8, and a bottom end portion 16c (see FIG. 12) bent from the bottom end of main portion 16a towards anode chamber 8.

[0129] 12 and 13 , in the sixth embodiment, both widthwise end portions 14b and a lower end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by both widthwise end portions 16b and a lower end portion 16c of the partition wall 16. That is, both widthwise end portions 14b of the anode 14 are supported by both widthwise end portions 16b of the partition wall 16 (see FIG. 13 ), and the lower end portion 14c of the anode 14 is supported by the lower end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 (see FIG. 12 ). Here, being supported means that at least a part of the anode 14 is in contact with either the widthwise end portions 16b or the lower 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.

[0130] 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 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.

[0131] Both width direction side end portions 14b and a bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 are bent toward the partition wall 16 (see FIGS. 12 and 13). Alternatively, the side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 may be supported by the side end portions 16b and the bottom end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 without bending any or all of the side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14.

[0132] From the viewpoint of ensuring the flatness of the anode 14, it is preferable that both widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by the side end portions 16b and the bottom end portion 16c of the partition wall 16 over the entire area in the vertical and width directions, respectively.

[0133] In the sixth embodiment, even when a large pressure fluctuation occurs in the electrolytic cell, both widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by both widthwise side end portions 16b and the bottom end portion 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.

[0134] The current collector 20 has a main portion 20a extending in the width direction (X direction) indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 13, side end portions 20b (see FIG. 13) including both side ends of the main portion 20a in the width direction (X direction), and a lower end portion 20c (see FIG. 12) including the lower end of the main portion 20a.

[0135] 12 and 13, the electrolytic cell unit 2 includes flanges 28 that define both widthwise end portions and the bottom end portion of the cathode chamber 10. The flanges 28 include side flanges 30 (see FIG. 13) that define both widthwise end portions of the cathode chamber 10, and a bottom flange 32 (see FIG. 12) that defines the bottom end portion of the cathode chamber 10. The flanges 28 are formed, for example, from nickel.

[0136] The flanges 28 preferably define both widthwise side edges and the bottom edge of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 .

[0137] As shown in FIG. 13, both side wall portions 30a of the side flange 30 are joined to both widthwise end portions 16b of the partition wall 16 on the anode chamber 8 side.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 12, 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.

[0139] 12 and 13, the flange 28 is provided with protrusions 34 that protrude toward the cathode chamber 10 and extend along the inner periphery of the flange 28. The protrusions 34 include side protrusions 36 (see FIG. 13) provided on the inner periphery of the side flange 30 and lower protrusions 38 (see FIG. 12) provided on the inner periphery of the lower flange 32.

[0140] 12 and 13, in the sixth embodiment, both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 34. That is, both widthwise side edges 20b of the current collector 20 are supported by the side protrusions 36 (see FIG. 13), and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 is supported by the bottom protrusions 38 (see FIG. 12). 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 34. This also includes cases where the current collector 20 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0141] 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 34. 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 34, as described above.

[0142] 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 34 with either or both of the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 bent.

[0143] In order to ensure the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that both widthwise side edges 20b and bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 34 over the entire area in the vertical and widthwise directions, respectively.

[0144] The protrusion 34 is preferably extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. When the protrusion 34 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 42 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 44, respectively.

[0145] A method of inserting the frame 40 into the flange 28 will be described for the case where the protrusion 34 is extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. Before the frame 40 is inserted, the protrusion 34 provided on the flange 28 is contracted in the depth direction. From this state, the frame 40 is inserted while expanding the flange 28 in the depth direction using a jig. When the jig is removed after the frame 40 is fully inserted, the protrusion 34 contracts 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 42 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 44, respectively.

[0146] 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 54 and the second flange 62 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown).

[0147] However, even if the first flange 54 and the second flange 62 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 42 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 44, respectively, so the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured.

[0148] (Seventh embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment of the electrolytic cell unit of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. In the seventh 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.

[0149] The current collector 20 has a main portion 20a extending in the width direction (X direction) indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 15, side end portions 20b (see FIG. 15) including both side ends of the main portion 20a in the width direction (X direction), and a lower end portion 20c (see FIG. 14) including the lower end of the main portion 20a.

[0150] 14 and 15, the electrolytic cell unit 2 includes flanges 28 that define both widthwise end portions and the bottom end portion of the cathode chamber 10. The flanges 28 include side flanges 30 (see FIG. 15) that define both widthwise end portions of the cathode chamber 10, and a bottom flange 32 (see FIG. 14) that defines the bottom end portion of the cathode chamber 10. The flanges 28 are formed, for example, from nickel.

[0151] The flanges 28 preferably define both widthwise side edges and the bottom edge of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 .

[0152] As shown in FIG. 15, both side wall portions 30a of the side flange 30 are joined to both widthwise side end portions 16b of the partition wall 16 on the cathode chamber 10 side.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 14, 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 cathode chamber 10 side.

[0154] 14 and 15, the flange 28 is provided with protrusions 34 that protrude toward the cathode chamber 10 and extend along the inner periphery of the flange 28. The protrusions 34 include side protrusions 36 (see FIG. 15) provided on the inner periphery of the side flange 30 and lower protrusions 38 (see FIG. 14) provided on the inner periphery of the lower flange 32.

[0155] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, in the seventh embodiment, both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 34. That is, both widthwise side edges 20b of the current collector 20 are supported by the side protrusions 36 (see Figure 15), and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 is supported by the bottom protrusions 38 (see Figure 14). 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 34. This also includes cases where the current collector 20 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0156] 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 34. 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 34, as described above.

[0157] 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 34 with either or both of the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 bent.

[0158] In order to ensure the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that both widthwise side edges 20b and bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 34 over the entire area in the vertical and widthwise directions, respectively.

[0159] The protrusion 34 is preferably extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. When the protrusion 34 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 42 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 44, respectively.

[0160] A method of inserting the frame 40 into the flange 28 will be described for the case where the protrusion 34 is extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. Before the frame 40 is inserted, the protrusion 34 provided on the flange 28 is contracted in the depth direction. From this state, the frame 40 is inserted while expanding the flange 28 in the depth direction using a jig. When the jig is removed after the frame 40 is fully inserted, the protrusion 34 contracts 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 42 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 44, respectively.

[0161] 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 54 and the second flange 62 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown).

[0162] However, even if the first flange 54 and the second flange 62 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 42 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 44, respectively, so the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured.

[0163] (Additional protrusion 74) 14 and 15, the flange 28 is provided with additional protrusions 74 that protrude toward the anode chamber 8 and extend along the inner periphery of the flange 28. The additional protrusions 74 include side additional protrusions 76 (see FIG. 15) provided on the inner periphery of the side flange 30, and lower additional protrusions 78 (see FIG. 14) provided on the inner periphery of the lower flange 32.

[0164] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, in the seventh embodiment, both widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by the additional protrusions 74. That is, both widthwise side end portions 14b of the anode 14 are supported by the side additional protrusions 76 (see Figure 15), and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 is supported by the bottom additional protrusions 78 (see Figure 14). Therefore, even when pressure fluctuations occur in the electrolytic cell unit 2, the anode 14 is prevented from sagging 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 additional protrusions 74. This also includes cases where the anode 14 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0165] 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 additional protrusions 74. 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 additional protrusions 74, as described above.

[0166] In addition, both widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 may be supported by the additional protrusions 74 with either or both of the widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 bent.

[0167] 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 additional protrusions 74 over the entire area in the up-down and widthwise directions, respectively.

[0168] The additional protrusion 74 is preferably extendable in the depth direction of the anode chamber 8. When the additional protrusion 74 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 42 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 44, respectively.

[0169] A method of inserting the frame 40 into the flange 28 will be described below for the case where the additional protrusion 74 is expandable in the depth direction of the anode chamber 8. Before the frame 40 is inserted, the additional protrusion 74 provided on the flange 28 is contracted in the depth direction. From this state, the frame 40 is inserted while expanding the flange 28 in the depth direction using a jig. When the jig is removed after the frame 40 is fully inserted, the additional protrusion 74 contracts 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 42 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 44, respectively.

[0170] 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 54 and the second flange 62 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown).

[0171] However, even if the first flange 54 and the second flange 62 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 42 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 44, respectively, so the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured.

[0172] (Eighth embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment of an electrolytic cell unit of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. In the eighth 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.

[0173] 16 and 17, the electrode chamber 4 includes an anode chamber 8 formed from a first material and a cathode chamber 10 formed from a second material. The anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 are connected via a clad plate 80. The clad plate 80 has a layer 80a of the first material and carbon steel 80b.

[0174] Regarding the first and second materials, when the electrolytic cell unit 2 is applied to electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution, for example, the first material may be titanium (Ti) and the second material may be nickel (Ni).

[0175] 16, the first partition wall 82 is disposed at a distance from the anode 14 in the depth direction (Y direction). The first partition wall 82 has a main portion 82a (see FIG. 16) extending in the up-down direction (Z direction), and, at both sides in the width direction (X direction), side portion 82b (see FIG. 17) extending in the depth direction from the width direction end of the main portion 82a toward the anode 14, flange portion 82c (see FIG. 17) extending outward in the width direction from the tip of the side portion, and protrusion 82d (see FIG. 17) protruding in the depth direction from the outer end of the flange portion 82c toward the main portion 82a.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 16, the first partition wall 82 is provided with a bottom surface portion 82e extending in the depth direction from the lower end of the main portion 82a toward the anode 14, a flange portion 82f extending downward from the tip of the bottom surface portion 82e, and a protruding portion 82g protruding in the depth direction from the lower end of the flange portion 82f toward the main portion 82a.

[0177] 16 , 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 first partition wall 82, and a plurality of joining pieces 18b protruding in the width direction from an end of the main portion 18a on the first partition wall 82 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 82a of the first partition wall 82.

[0178] 17, a plurality of notches 18c are provided at intervals in the vertical direction at the end of the main portion 18a on the first partition wall 82 side. 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.

[0179] 16, the second partition wall 84 is disposed at a distance from the current collector 20 in the depth direction (Y direction). Similar to the first partition wall 82, the second partition wall 84 has a main portion 84a (see FIG. 16) extending in the up-down direction (Z direction), and, at both sides in the width direction (X direction), side portion 84b (see FIG. 17) extending in the depth direction from the width direction end portion of the main portion 84a toward the current collector 20, flange portion 84c (see FIG. 17) extending outward in the width direction from the tip of the side portion 84b, and protrusion portion 84d (see FIG. 17) protruding in the depth direction from the outer end portion of the flange portion 84c toward the main portion 84a.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 16, the second partition wall 84 has a bottom surface portion 84e extending in the depth direction from the lower end of the main portion 84a toward the current collector 20, a flange portion 84f extending downward from the tip of the bottom surface portion 84e, and a protrusion portion 84g protruding in the depth direction from the lower end of the flange portion 84f toward the main portion 84a.

[0181] 17 , like the first ribs 18, multiple second ribs 22 are provided at intervals in the width direction and extend in the up-down direction (Z direction). The multiple second ribs 22 are arranged at positions in the width direction corresponding to the positions of the multiple first ribs 18. The second ribs 22 have a main portion 22a extending in the depth direction from the current collector 20 toward the second partition wall 84, and multiple joint pieces 22b protruding in the width direction from an end of the main portion 22a on the second partition wall 84 side. An end of the main portion 22a on the current collector 20 side is joined to the current collector 20, and each joint piece 22b is joined to the main portion 84a of the second partition wall 84.

[0182] 16, a plurality of notches 22c are provided at intervals in the vertical direction at the end of the main portion 22a on the second partition wall 84 side. 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.

[0183] (Clad plate 80) A plurality of clad plates 80 are provided at intervals in the width direction and extend in the up-down direction. The clad plates 80 are disposed between the rear surfaces of the first partition wall 82 and the second partition wall 84, at positions corresponding to the joining pieces 18b of the first rib 18 and the joining pieces 22b of the second rib 22.

[0184] 16 and 17 is a plate material with a two-layer structure in which a layer 80a of a first material (e.g., a titanium layer) and a carbon steel layer 80b are bonded by explosive bonding. The layer 80a of the first material is bonded to the back surface of a first partition wall 82 made of the first material, and the carbon steel layer 80b is bonded to the back surface of a second partition wall 84 made of a second material.

[0185] 17 , the side flanges 30 extend in a pair in the vertical direction on both widthwise end portions of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. In the eighth embodiment, the side flanges 30 are formed by a side surface portion 82b, a flange portion 82c, and a protruding portion 82d of the first partition wall 82, and a side surface portion 84b, a flange portion 84c, and a protruding portion 84d of the second partition wall 84.

[0186] 16 , the lower flange 32 extends in the width direction at the lower end of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. In the eighth embodiment, the lower flange 32 is formed by a bottom surface portion 82e, a flange portion 82f, and a protruding portion 82g of the first partition wall 82, and a bottom surface portion 84e, a flange portion 84f, and a protruding portion 84g of the second partition wall 84.

[0187] 16 and 17, the flange 28 is provided with protrusions 34 that protrude toward the cathode chamber 10 and extend along the inner periphery of the flange 28. The protrusions 34 include side protrusions 36 (see FIG. 17) provided on the inner periphery of the side flange 30 and lower protrusions 38 (see FIG. 16) provided on the inner periphery of the lower flange 32.

[0188] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , in the eighth embodiment, both widthwise side edges 20 b and the bottom edge 20 c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 34. That is, both widthwise side edges 20 b of the current collector 20 are supported by the side protrusions 36 (see FIG. 17 ), and the bottom edge 20 c of the current collector 20 is supported by the bottom protrusions 38 (see FIG. 16 ). Therefore, even if pressure fluctuations occur in the electrolytic cell, 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 34. This also includes cases where the current collector 20 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0189] 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 34. 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 34, as described above.

[0190] 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 34 with either or both of the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 bent.

[0191] In order to ensure the flatness of the current collector 20, it is preferable that both widthwise side edges 20b and bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the protrusions 34 over the entire area in the vertical and width directions, respectively.

[0192] The protrusion 34 is preferably extendable and contractible in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. When the protrusion 34 is extendable and contractible in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10, the inner surface of the flange portion 84c of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 42 can be brought into tight contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 84f of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 44, respectively.

[0193] A method of inserting the frame 40 into the flange 28 will be described for the case where the protrusion 34 is extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. Before the frame 40 is inserted, the protrusion 34 provided on the flange 28 is contracted in the depth direction. From this state, the frame 40 is inserted while expanding the flange 28 in the depth direction using a jig. When the jig is removed after the frame 40 is fully inserted, the protrusion 34 contracts in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10, and the inner surface of the flange portion 84c of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 42 come into close contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 84f of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 44, respectively. Because of this state, when the protrusion 34 is extendable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10, the flatness of the side flanges 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured even 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.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 16, the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 50 is formed by the upper end portion of the first partition wall 82 and a first flange 54 made of a first material.

[0195] The first flange 54 includes a top plate 56 extending in the Y direction from the upper end of the first partition wall 82, a side wall 58 extending downward from the tip of the top plate 56, and a partition plate 60 extending in the Y direction from the lower end of the side wall 58 toward the first partition wall 82. Although not shown, the base end of the top plate 56 (the end on the first partition wall 82 side) may be provided with a protruding piece that protrudes upward.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 16, the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 52 is formed by the upper end portion of the second partition wall 84 and a second flange 62 made of a second material.

[0197] The second flange 62 includes a top plate 64 extending in the Y direction from the upper end of the second partition wall 84, a side wall 66 extending downward from the tip of the top plate 64, and a partition plate 68 extending in the Y direction from the lower end of the side wall 66 toward the second partition wall 84. Although not shown, the base end of the top plate 64 (the end on the second partition wall 84 side) may be provided with a protruding piece that protrudes upward.

[0198] (Ninth embodiment) Next, a ninth embodiment of an electrolytic cell unit of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. In the ninth 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.

[0199] 18 and 19, the electrode chamber 4 includes an anode chamber 8 formed from a first material and a cathode chamber 10 formed from a second material. The anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10 are connected via a clad plate 80. The clad plate 80 has a layer 80a of the first material and carbon steel 80b.

[0200] Regarding the first and second materials, when the electrolytic cell unit 2 is applied to electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution, for example, the first material may be titanium (Ti) and the second material may be nickel (Ni).

[0201] (1st bulkhead 82) 18, the first partition wall 82 is disposed at a distance from the anode 14 in the depth direction (Y direction). The first partition wall 82 has a main portion 82a (see FIG. 18) extending in the up-down direction (Z direction), and, at both sides in the width direction (X direction), side portion 82b (see FIG. 19) extending in the depth direction from the width direction end of the main portion 82a toward the anode 14, flange portion 82c (see FIG. 19) extending outward in the width direction from the tip of the side portion, and protrusion 82d (see FIG. 19) protruding in the depth direction from the outer end of the flange portion 82c toward the main portion 82a.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 18, the first partition wall 82 includes a bottom surface portion 82e extending in the depth direction from the lower end of the main portion 82a toward the anode 14, a flange portion 82f extending downward from the tip of the bottom surface portion 82e, and a protruding portion 82g protruding in the depth direction from the lower end of the flange portion 82f toward the main portion 82a.

[0203] 19 , 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 first partition wall 82, 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 82a of the first partition wall 82.

[0204] 18, a plurality of notches 18c are provided at intervals in the vertical direction at the end of the main portion 18a on the first partition wall 82 side. 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.

[0205] (Second bulkhead 84) 18, the second partition wall 84 is disposed at a distance from the current collector 20 in the depth direction (Y direction). Similar to the first partition wall 82, the second partition wall 84 has a main portion 84a (see FIG. 18) extending in the up-down direction, and, at both widthwise side portions, side portion 84b (see FIG. 19) extending in the depth direction from the widthwise end portion of the main portion 84a toward the current collector 20, flange portion 84c (see FIG. 19) extending outward in the width direction from the tip of the side portion 84b, and protrusion portion 84d (see FIG. 19) protruding in the depth direction from the outer end portion of the flange portion 84c toward the main portion 84a.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 18, the second partition wall 84 has a bottom surface portion 84e extending in the depth direction from the lower end of the main portion 84a toward the current collector 20, a flange portion 84f extending downward from the tip of the bottom surface portion 84e, and a protruding portion 84g protruding in the depth direction from the lower end of the flange portion 84f toward the main portion 84a.

[0207] 19 , like the first ribs 18, multiple second ribs 22 are provided at intervals in the width direction and extend in the up-down direction. The multiple second ribs 22 are arranged at positions in the width direction corresponding to the positions of the multiple first ribs 18. The second ribs 22 have a main portion 22a extending in the depth direction from the current collector 20 toward the second partition wall 84, and multiple joint pieces 22b protruding in the width direction from an end of the main portion 22a on the second partition wall 84 side. An end of the main portion 22a on the current collector 20 side is joined to the current collector 20, and each joint piece 22b is joined to the main portion 84a of the second partition wall 84.

[0208] 18, a plurality of notches 22c are provided at intervals in the vertical direction at the end of the main portion 22a on the second partition wall 84 side. 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.

[0209] (Clad plate 80) A plurality of clad plates 80 are provided at intervals in the width direction and extend in the up-down direction. The clad plates 80 are disposed between the rear surfaces of the first partition wall 82 and the second partition wall 84, at positions corresponding to the joining pieces 18b of the first rib 18 and the joining pieces 22b of the second rib 22.

[0210] 18 and 19 is a plate material with a two-layer structure in which a layer 80a of a first material (e.g., a titanium layer) and a carbon steel layer 80b are bonded by explosive bonding. The layer 80a of the first material is bonded to the back surface of a first partition wall 82 made of the first material, and the carbon steel layer 80b is bonded to the back surface of a second partition wall 84 made of a second material.

[0211] 19 , the side flanges 30 extend in a pair in the vertical direction on both widthwise end portions of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. In the ninth embodiment, the side flanges 30 are formed by a side surface portion 82b, a flange portion 82c, and a protruding portion 82d of the first partition wall 82, and a side surface portion 84b, a flange portion 84c, and a protruding portion 84d of the second partition wall 84.

[0212] 18 , the lower flange 32 extends in the width direction at the lower end of both the anode chamber 8 and the cathode chamber 10. In the ninth embodiment, the lower flange 32 is formed by a bottom surface portion 82e, a flange portion 82f, and a protruding portion 82g of the first partition wall 82, and a bottom surface portion 84e, a flange portion 84f, and a protruding portion 84g of the second partition wall 84.

[0213] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , in the ninth embodiment, both widthwise end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 are supported by the protrusions 34. That is, both widthwise end portions 14b of the anode 14 are supported by the side protrusions 36 (see FIG. 19 ), and the bottom end portion 14c of the anode 14 is supported by the bottom protrusions 38 (see FIG. 18 ). Therefore, even when pressure fluctuations occur in the electrolytic cell, the anode 14 is prevented from sagging 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 34. This also includes the case where the anode 14 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0214] 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 34. 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 34, as described above.

[0215] Furthermore, both widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of anode 14 may be supported by protrusions 34 with either or both of widthwise side end portions 14b and the bottom end portion 14c of anode 14 bent.

[0216] 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 34 over the entire area in the up-down and widthwise directions, respectively.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 18, the anode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 50 is formed by the upper end portion of the first partition wall 82 and a first flange 54 made of a first material.

[0218] The first flange 54 includes a top panel 56 extending in the depth direction from the upper end of the first partition wall 82, a side wall 58 extending downward from the tip of the top panel 56, and a partition plate 60 extending in the depth direction from the lower end of the side wall 58 toward the first partition wall 82. Although not shown, the base end of the top panel 56 (the end on the first partition wall 82 side) may be provided with a protruding piece that protrudes upward.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 18, the cathode-side gas-liquid separation chamber 52 is formed by the upper end portion of the second partition wall 84 and a second flange 62 made of a second material.

[0220] The second flange 62 includes a top plate 64 extending in the Y direction from the upper end of the second partition wall 84, a side wall 66 extending downward from the tip of the top plate 64, and a partition plate 68 extending in the Y direction from the lower end of the side wall 66 toward the second partition wall 84. Although not shown, the base end of the top plate 64 (the end on the second partition wall 84 side) may be provided with a protruding piece that protrudes upward.

[0221] (Additional protrusion 74) 18 and 19, the flange 28 is provided with additional protrusions 74 that protrude toward the cathode chamber 10 and extend along the inner periphery of the flange 28. The additional protrusions 74 include side additional protrusions 76 (see FIG. 19) provided on the inner periphery of the side flange 30, and lower additional protrusions 78 (see FIG. 18) provided on the inner periphery of the lower flange 32.

[0222] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, in the ninth embodiment, both widthwise side edges 20b and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 are supported by the additional projections 74. That is, both widthwise side edges 20b of the current collector 20 are supported by the side additional projections 76 (see Figure 19), and the bottom edge 20c of the current collector 20 is supported by the bottom additional projections 78 (see Figure 18). 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 additional projections 74. This also includes cases where the current collector 20 is fixed by means of welding, screwing, or the like.

[0223] 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 additional protrusions 74. 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 additional protrusions 74, as described above.

[0224] In addition, the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 may be supported by the additional protrusions 74 with either or all of the widthwise side end portions 20b and the lower end portion 20c of the current collector 20 bent.

[0225] 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 additional protrusions 74 over the entire area in the vertical and width directions, respectively.

[0226] The additional protrusion 74 is preferably extendable and contractible in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. When the additional protrusion 74 is extendable and contractible in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10, the inner surface of the flange portion 84c of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 42, and the inner surface of the flange portion 84f of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 44 can be brought into tight contact with each other.

[0227] A method of inserting the frame 40 into the flange 28 will be described for the case where the additional protrusion 74 is expandable in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10. Before the frame 40 is inserted, the additional protrusion 74 provided on the flange 28 is contracted in the depth direction. From this state, the frame 40 is inserted while expanding the flange 28 in the depth direction using a jig. When the jig is removed after the frame 40 is fully inserted, the additional protrusion 74 contracts in the depth direction of the cathode chamber 10, and the inner surface of the flange portion 84c of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 42 come into tight contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 84f of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 44, respectively.

[0228] 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 54 and the second flange 62 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown).

[0229] However, even if the first flange 54 and the second flange 62 are pressed against each other via a gasket (not shown), the inner surface of the flange portion 84c of the side flange 30 and the outer surface of the side frame 42 are in close contact with the inner surface of the flange portion 84f of the lower flange 32 and the outer surface of the lower frame 44, respectively, so the flatness of the side flange 30 and the lower flange 32 can be ensured. [Explanation of symbols]

[0230] 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: Flange 30: Side flange 32: Lower flange 34: Protrusion 36: Side protrusion 38: Lower protrusion 40: Frame 42: Side frame 44: Lower frame 46: First supply nozzle 48: Second supply nozzle 50: Anode side gas-liquid separation chamber 52: Cathode side gas-liquid separation chamber 54: First flange 56: Top plate 58: Side wall 60: Partition board 62: Second flange 64: Top plate 66: Side wall 68: Partition board 70: First discharge nozzle 72: Second discharge nozzle 74: Additional protrusion 76: Additional side protrusion 78: Lower additional protrusion 80: Clad plate 82:First bulkhead 84:Second bulkhead

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; flanges defining both widthwise end portions and a bottom end portion of the anode chamber; the flange is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the anode chamber and extends along an inner periphery of the flange, an electrolytic cell unit in which at least one of both widthwise side ends or a lower end of the anode is supported by the protrusion;

2. 2. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 1, wherein both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of the anode are supported by the projections.

3. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is extendable in a depth direction of the anode chamber.

4. 2. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the flanges define both widthwise side edges and bottom edges of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber.

5. both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the partition wall are bent toward the cathode chamber and joined to the flange, 5. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 4, 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.

6. the flange is provided with an additional protrusion that protrudes toward the cathode chamber and extends along the inner periphery of the flange, 5. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 4, wherein both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the current collector are supported by the additional projections.

7. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 6 , wherein the additional protrusion is extendable in a depth direction of the cathode chamber.

8. An electrolytic cell unit comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, an anode disposed in the anode chamber; a cathode disposed in the cathode chamber; a partition wall that separates the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; flanges defining both widthwise end portions and a lower end portion of the cathode chamber, the flange is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the cathode chamber and extends along an inner periphery of the flange, an electrolytic cell unit in which at least one of both widthwise side ends or a lower end of the current collector is supported by the protrusions;

9. 9. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 8, wherein both widthwise side edges and a lower edge of the current collector are supported by the protrusions.

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

11. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 8 , wherein the flanges define both widthwise side edges and bottom edges of both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber.

12. both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the partition wall are bent toward the anode chamber and joined to the flange, 12. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 11, 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.

13. the flange is provided with an additional protrusion that protrudes toward the anode chamber and extends along the inner periphery of the flange, 12. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 11, wherein both widthwise side ends and a lower end of the anode are supported by the additional projections.

14. The electrolytic cell unit according to claim 13 , wherein the additional protrusion is extendable in the depth direction of the anode chamber.

Images